The temptation in the garden was the catalyst for the battle we are in daily, that is, saying no to the enemy and yes to Jesus. An important part of winning the battle is knowing the enemy.
The enemy is:
- Shrewd and crafty (Genesis 3:1)
- The tempter (Matthew 4:3)
- A murderer, liar and father of lies (John 8:44)
- A thief who steals, kills and destroys (John 10:10)
- The one who masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
- The ruler of the Kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2)
- The one who prowls around like a roaring lion who seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
- The sinful one, who sinned from the beginning (1 John 3:8)
- The Accuser (Revelation 12:10)
The enemy’s strategy is:
- To prevent humility by promoting self-sufficiency
- To prevent unity by creating division
- To prevent joy by causing discouragement
- To prevent peace (and closeness with God) with busyness.
- To prevent commitment by encouraging complacency.
For a more thorough content on these five tactics read this post.
3. Discern Your Level of Intensity and Engagement
There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. (C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters)
If we lean into spiritual warfare with excessive focus, we can experience unnecessary worries and fears, and create battles that don’t exist.
If we lean into spiritual warfare with a casual dismissiveness, the enemy makes more progress than we do.
Our best leadership objective is to become acutely aware of Satan’s methods, but not be preoccupied with them. In short, don’t look for the battle, but don’t run from it.
Keep in mind that spiritual battle is often found in the smaller and more subtle temptations. It’s easier to say no to the obvious and major sins, but if the enemy can get us saying yes to the little temptations, or caving in to smaller pressures, we can more easily fall the bigger ones.
4. Focus Your Energy Toward Dependence and Intimacy With God
Your love for God, worship, and consistent prayer life is your best investment for the spiritual battles that may come your way.
In fact, your love of God is a direct assault on the enemy, and the closer your relationship with God the more He can fight your battles with you.
The idea is to head off the battles we can, be prepared for battle if need be, but not to go looking for a fight. God goes before us. You may not embrace this approach, but I hope it serves you well as something worthy of your consideration.
When it comes to spiritual warfare, we do not fight for victory, we fight from victory. Jesus is our Victor!
Our tools and weapons for spiritual battle are numerous.
Here are a few of the most common and effective:
- Prayer
- Faith
- Worship
- Amor of God
- Scripture
- Fasting
- Spiritual gifts
- Community
- Obedience
You may be a little like me, I’m a practical leader. I don’t focus on spiritual warfare, but I’m deeply aware of its reality and not only pray accordingly, but stand on guard.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.Â
