BATTLEPLAN (KNOW THE ENEMY)
When warriors step unto the battleground, they need to go as a united force, saved in the blood of Christ, armed with the Word of God and in the power, authority, and discernment of the Holy Spirit.
This article is Part 6 of a series and will focus on the importance of Knowing the Enemy. Part 1 focused on the Word from God that Warriors must arise. Part 2, 3 and 4 focused on a battleplan with reference to God’s Army, Salvation, Godly Power, Authority, Identity, Knowing God’s Word, and Using God’s Word. Part 5, focused on Discernment, Keeping the Focus and Uniting as warriors in Christ. If you missed Parts 1 – 5, please click here to read it now.
Who is the Enemy? Now that we, as Warriors in Christ, know who we are and that we have authority over all the powers of the enemy (Luke 10:19), let us make sure that we also know the enemy and his schemes. When we know our enemy, we can be proactive and successful in the execution of our strategies.
Ephesians 6:12 says: ““For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”” You see, your president, the political parties in your country, husband/wife, colleagues, employees, friends, and children, are not your enemies. They are sometimes used by satan who wants you to see them as the enemy, instead of him.
The devil comes in many disguises and uses people to bring down people. However, this can only happen when people are lost in this world. When people are not in a personal relationship with Jesus, hence not using their God given authority, satan comes along, deceives them, owns them, and use them. The devil has no power other than that, which has been given to him. He has no future and is not a creator.
We read in the Bible that he is the devil an accuser (Revelations 12:10), ruler of the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2), prince of this world (John 12:31), father of lies (John 8:44), thief (John 10:10), tempter (Matthew 4:3), prince of demons (Matthew 12:24) and he even masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Revelations 12:9 says: “The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” Let us see the real enemy, for who and what he is.
Aim of the Enemy. Satan lost! We read it throughout the Bible. He hates love, joy and peace and hence wants to break down anything or anyone who stands for Jesus. John 10:10 tells us that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Remember, he also wants to divide us, and we already discussed in Part 5, that when we are divided, we will have difficulty to stand against the enemy (Matthew 12:25).
Weapons of the Enemy. The devil has many weapons, but one stands out for me, namely fear! Amongst others, there are also lies, unforgiveness, love for money, idols, manipulation, hatred, pride, doubt, judgement, sexual immorality, addiction, low self-esteem, sickness, failures, uncertainties, and division. He uses our pasts, the things we struggle with now and even tell us that because of our sin, we have no future. He comes to people with a half-truth and once deceived, he pulls them into his web with the aim to use and abuse them.
Good News. Although it all sounds dark and gloomy, as soon as a person is saved in Christ and they take up their identity and authority in Christ, satan has no more hold on them. The blood of Jesus forgives (1 John 1:9), heals (Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 103:3, 1 Peter 2:24) and sets free (Romans 8:2). The good news is that Perfect Love (Christ) drives out fear (1 John 4:18).
Warrior in Christ take courage today in the words of Jesus Christ Himself: ““I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”” (John 16:33). In Christ, you are chosen, saved, forgiven, set free, have a purpose and a future. You have authority over all the power of the enemy! So yes, know your enemy; but never fear him nor give him any place in your life.
Love in Christ!, Princess K
**If you are not saved in Christ, please click here now!