“The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, kill and destroy.” John 10:10 (ASV)
In this narrative Jesus teaches us the predictability of the enemy. He illustrates how the enemy is like a thief and what his intentions are (to steal, kill and destroy). Having knowledge and understanding about the enemy’s strategy, helps prepare us for battle. A lack of this wisdom can lead one to death on the battlefront.
Spiritual warfare is made up of two fighting positions, the offense and defense. What Paul describes to the church in Ephesus when he talks about the whole amour of God, is all used in defense except for one, which is the word of God. The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon we can use to counter the enemy’s strategy as illustrated by Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness.
2 Corinthians 10:4 states that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, by mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. This means none of our fights are physical. Another version says, “Our tools (weapons) are to demolish the massively corrupt culture, for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God and fitting every loose thought and emotions and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” Culture, philosophies, barriers and thoughts are intangible, and although they can be seen or expressed, they are in their very nature spiritual.
Here are four predictable strategies you need to know always:
The enemy’s strategy is to silence you
The enemy is out to shift your focus to self
The enemy will always offer the opposite of what God has already done or give
The enemy will do everything in his power to isolate you during spiritual warfare
Enemy’s strategy number 1: To silence you
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 MSG
One once said, you cannot fight a devil you do not know. The enemy is very predictable, and his mandate is to steal, kill and destroy. He can do either of the two, lead you to speak works that kill or stop you from speaking words of life. His goal is for you to profess what is contrary to Go’s word about your life.
Never allow the enemy to silence you. The greatest weapon of our warfare is the sword of the Holy Ghost- the Word of God. It is His words that are life (John 6:63), not ours! However, the outcome is in our hands, or should I say hearts. We make the decision. Learn to pray and speak His Word.
Enemy’s strategy number 2: To shift your focus from we to me
“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your [willing and humble] slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].”” Matthew 20:26-28 AMP
Ever noticed how every sin listed in the bible centers around ‘me’. Greed, gluttony, envy, pride, lust, sloth, sexual immorality and wrath. It’s all about ‘me’. The devil knows that too and therefore he will creep in so that we shift the focus to ‘me’. Notice how even when you fight with someone you love, you always try to have your way? Even the fighting is centered on self. But Jesus says, for you to win the argument, be first and be great, you should serve first.
When you find yourself concerned about just you, know that the enemy is starting to move in on your family and relationships. Don’t let him leverage on your vulnerabilities. Choose to forgive even when it’s hard to, choose to love the unlovable and choose to extend the same measure of grace that Jesus Christ has showed you. Jesus himself exemplified that and exhorts us to imitate him. It was because of His service that we were set free from sin. Selflessness has power over sin. Choose ‘we’ over ‘me’.
Enemy’s strategy number 3: He deceives
Here is what you have to know about the enemy you are fighting, he is a deceiver. He doesn’t come up with anything new. He takes what’s existing and alters it. The enemy is very predictable so take note of his devices and how he operates. Jesus here tells us that he(the devil) is the father of lies. He is the best at lying and give birth to lies.
Everything about him is a mirage of what God has already given us.“You are the children of your father, the Devil, and you want to follow your father’s desires. From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” John 8:44 GNB
Enemy’s strategy number 4: To ISOLATE you
Be careful when you do not ‘feel’ like being in the presence of other believers or going to church. I’m not talking about a season where God may be shifting you, or where God may be pulling you out of the crowd for His work. I’m talking about feelings. Here is the thing, our souls are made up of our mind, will and emotions. And being born again our souls are not changed, but we are admonished to deliberately and continuously renew our minds [with the Word of God] so that we may know His will.
Take control of your emotions. Because once your emotions control you, the enemy will plant thoughts that discredit Gods ability and character. When you are in a state of vulnerability, with your back against wall, it’s imperative to seek help. God is an ever present help, when u have no one there to stand by you. REFUSE to let the enemy isolate you, because like any predator would easily devour its prey when in isolation, the devil will do exactly that.
If you are unsure about where and how to start, here are some free prayer points to keep you way ahead of the enemy.
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