Satan's Strategic Warfare: A Christian's Guide to Spiritual Victories

 

As Christians, the concept of spiritual warfare is not new. We understand that we are in a battle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. However, what needs to be clarified is the strategic depth and cunning nature of the enemy's plans against us. Understanding these insidious schemes is crucial for Christians to stand firm in their faith and to thwart Satan’s intentions. We will explore the biblical wisdom that equips believers to recognize and resist the devil's designs, ensuring our spiritual protection and advancement.

The Subtlety of Satan

The enemy's first and perhaps most potent tactic is his subtlety. We encounter this in the book of Genesis with the serpent's deception of Eve. Satan’s approach is always deceptive, subtle, and often disguised as something good. He cloaks his lies in half-truths and manipulates our desires to turn us away from God. The subtlety of Satan is not in his absence but in his hiddenness, his craftiness in luring us into a false sense of security. As Christians, we must be vigilant, testing every spirit and holding fast to the Word of God as our surest defense.

Division Among the Flock

A house divided against itself cannot stand. The enemy knows this and seeks to sow division among the body of Christ. His strategy here is to stoke the fires of discord, jealousy, and pride. When Christians are at odds, their focus shifts from the mission to internal conflict, rendering them ineffective and vulnerable. Understanding this, we must stand guard over our relationships, ensuring that love and unity prevail. We must forgive, we must reconcile, and we must love one another deeply, knowing that it is by our love for one another that the world will recognize us as disciples of Jesus.

Distractions from God's Will

Modern life is teeming with distractions, many of which are deliberately orchestrated to steer us away from God's will. Satan is the ultimate distractor, inundating our senses and our minds with noise that drowns out the still, small voice of God. Social media, busy schedules, and the pursuit of wealth and status can become idols we unwittingly bow down to, leading us to neglect prayer, scripture, and quiet reflection. Recognizing these distractions is the first step in overcoming them. We must be intentional in our faith, prioritizing our relationship with God above all else.

Robbing Christians of Their Identity

One of Satan's favorite ploys is robbing Christians of their identity in Christ. The enemy attempts to strip believers of their confidence and authority by whispering lies of worthlessness, shame, and inadequacy. He is the accuser of the brethren, and he will use every mistake and sin to torment us if we let him. The truth, however, is that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. We are children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and we must fiercely guard our identity with the knowledge of who we are in Him.

Creating a Laxity in Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, bible study, and worship are the soul's sustenance. In recognizing this, Satan attempts to create a laxity in these disciplines, leading to a withered and malnourished spiritual life. His strategy is simple: if he can keep us from the source of our strength, he can keep us weak and vulnerable. Consistent spiritual practice is our best defense against this tactic. We must dedicate time each day to commune with God, to grow in the knowledge of His Word, and to develop a robust prayer life that anchors us in the storm.

Concealing the Power of the Cross

The Cross is the central symbol of Christianity, representing love, sacrifice, and victory over sin and death. Satan's desire is to conceal the true power and significance of the cross from believers. He sows seeds of doubt, whispers that the sacrifice of Christ was not enough, and encourages reliance on our own works rather than God's grace. The power of the cross is not in dispute but in its appropriation. We must remind ourselves daily of the cross's power and significance, knowing that we are healed by Christ's wounds and by His death that we have life.

Standing Against the Forces of Darkness

The battle we wage is not one to be underestimated, but neither are we to underestimate the power, wisdom, and protection available to us as children of God. By understanding the strategic warfare employed by Satan, we can more effectively resist his plans. We are called to put on the whole armor of God, to stand firm in the faith, and to encourage and support one another in our Christian walk. Let us commit to staying alert, standing against the devil's schemes, and being victorious in every spiritual battle.

Discover the Peace and Purpose of Living as a Christian

As a Christian, I can attest that believing in Christ is a wonderful new beginning. It brought a sense of hope and purpose to my life. However, I also know from personal experience that becoming a Christian isn't the end of pain or problems. In fact, it is the beginning of facing them. Living a Christian life takes hard work, dedicated study, and difficult decisions. 

But I can also assure you that the rewards are worth it. Through prayer, faith, and the support of fellow believers, navigating life's challenges in a way that brings us closer to God and, ultimately, brings us peace.

Christianity Involves More Than Just Outward Expressions of Faith

Many people today identify as Christians, but it's important to consider what that means. Being a Christian is more than just wearing a cross necklace or attending church on Sundays. It's about having a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ and striving to follow His teachings daily. 

Unfortunately, many who identify as Christians don't necessarily meet this criteria. They may have some knowledge of Christ, but they don't truly know Him personally. 

In a way, they're just fans of Christianity rather than authentic followers. While there's nothing wrong with being a fan per se, it's important to recognize that it's not the same thing as being a true believer.

Admitting the Truth (Video)

The thing about being a Christian is that it doesn't mean I'm perfect. It means admitting the truth: we are all in desperate need of Savior and will continuously pursue Him with our whole beings until His work on earth has been perfected--which is an endless quest!

Believer in Christ vs Follower of Christ (Video)

Many people falsely think that they are Christian by simply believing in Christ. Those who follow Him, however--the faithful followers of Jesus- know what it means to have their lives changed and pursued with an unrelenting passion from deep within themselves because He is worth everything they put down for him!

Qualifications to be a Christian (Video)

 Qualifications to be a Christian. You must be a sinner.

Believers and Not Doubters (Video)

 

In the name of Jesus, we are believers and not Doubters

Stop Being a Benchwarmer for God (Video)

I remember when I went to church early to clean, and when I finished, I went to the sanctuary and began to pray. I was deep in prayer when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Someone told me that the pastor had sat his garbage outside of his office door and that it needed to be emptied. Did I tell them "to wait a minute and let me get this prayer request in?" Of course not. I jumped up and emptied the garbage can. We are to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. There was a problem, and it needed to be solved, and I did it.

When You Love the Lord

 

When a person loves the Lord, they show it by being faithful, doing things for Him, and spending time with Him.

 

It’s just like when a man loves a woman. He’ll do things for her. Sometimes for no reason at all.

 

That’s how we should be with God.

God Will Honor Your Obedience

 

God will honor your obedience by giving you the love, ability, and lack of fear to do it. We will be uncertain at first, but then it will seem as if we were always doing it.

 

That’s how I felt when I started cleaning the church. Thoughts ran through my mind like,

“Am I cleaning everything?”

“Are we cleaning the pastor’s office this week?”

“Did I forget something?” 

“Did we get the children’s room or the finance room?” 

“Let me see if I can get someone else to clean the men’s room.”

 

But after a while, cleaning the church became second nature.  

Amongst the Sheep

 

Some in leadership are so good at hiding among the sheep that they could skip service, and the sheep do not even know they were not there. And often, even the shepherds don’t know the elders are not there.

 

I think about some people in leadership who scream and holler on Sunday morning, but they are nowhere to be found for bible study.

 

I remember when I worked the second shift, and I was always able to make it to church on Sundays, but I would crave the teachings and fellowship of bible study during the week. My manager usually gave me a day off in the middle of the week twice a month, and you better believe I was at church.

 

And that was when I was still, a visitor, long before I even became a member.

 

I noticed that then and I notice it now.

Are You an Eye Pleaser?

 

Some people place a higher honor on one office of ministry over another. 

It’s like no one wants to work behind the scenes with the children, but they wouldn’t mind being upfront ushering.

 

Churches sometimes have to beg people to help clean the church, but I bet if they said that needed someone to fill in for the pastor while he’s gone on vacation it’ll be a stampede.

Some people are just eye pleasers and don’t realize it (or they do and they do not care).

The Needs in the Ministry

 

Sometimes people will get a “drip” of the anointing, raise their hands to volunteer in the ministry, began having second thoughts and then back out.  

I remember when I volunteered to clean the church partly to stay busy while looking for another job, partly because there was a need in the church and partly because it was time for me to stop being a benchwarmer.

And it was the greatest decision that I ever made. I started receiving blessings from God and favors from man.

I also caught a glimpse of the needs in the ministry. It broke my heart at the gaps and made me realize that God's will and plans were being carried out by me being obedient, and I was apart of it.

Why Are Single Christians Turning To The World for a Mate?

Non-Christians will wonder why I seem to be putting you down in this article, but the truth is that I'm writing this for committed Christians, not those who have nothing to do with God or the Church.

So, I am going to ask the question, "Why are single Christians increasingly turning to non-Christians to seek relationships?" I will also deal with the consequences for the Christians themselves and the wider Church. Finally, I will ask what can be done from an individual perspective and what we can do for each other.

If you have been a single Christian for any length of time, you will know how hard it is (at times) to find suitable marriage partners. There are many reasons for this, not least that there are more women than men in the Church. This unhealthy balance leads to a feminization of Christian things when looked at from a male point of view.

Many men consider Christianity not to be the most masculine of religions, and the Church has its fair share of men dressed in long robes and not enough male role models. Make Church life for Christian men more masculine and active, and you will attract more men into the Church.

So with not enough men coming into the Church and the more masculine men being put off the Church, your average single Christian woman's choice is narrowed considerably. So what is she to do? Prayer is a good start, but without action, it is faith "without works," and faith "without works" doesn't work! So what next? This is where the natural tendency is to get discouraged and start looking outside the Church. This is the chief reason single Christians are going out into the non-Christian world looking for relationships. The result is that they are getting pregnant and marrying un-suitable people who don't share their faith or values. So long-term, this is the cause of many people leaving the Church.

So what can be done about this? My first response is to recommend that they start where they are in their Church and try to get to know everyone they don't yet know. After this, a broader body of local Churches may visit from time to time. Start to network with other people from these Churches who are in the same situation. Organize events, ring each other up, and encourage one another.

Finally, the Internet has enabled many to meet suitable people they would not have otherwise met. Please don't dismiss it. With faith and persistence, it really can work. Don't give up too quickly. Many people expect instant results with the Internet, and this is unrealistic. So take your time and get friends to support your activities prayerfully.

Want to know more? Order Inspiration for Christian Singles

Ever Read the Bible All of the Way Through?

That’s a great question! One that many Christians haven’t much thought about! In fact, the vast majority of Christians have never even considered it, let alone done it.

That’s about to change for many of them!

The reason is because of a new reading program called “Through the Bible . . . as It Happened!” It re-arranges the Bible material into a chronological format. That means the events are re-arranged, so the reader reads them in the order they occurred - much like a novel. The normal way the Bible is arranged is “themed.” That means the material is all put together according to the subject, not according the when it happened.

For example, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles all cover much of the same material. It is a theme: Israel's history from the time of the kings until the country’s dissolution. If read as they appear in the Bible, the reader reads about that history not once, not twice, but three times.  The chronological version puts all of them together seamlessly - so the reader reads that part of Israel’s history just once, and with the ability to compare the nuances of each of the three accountings. And they do differ in many of the details.

That’s just the start of it! Most of the prophets had their ministries during that part of Israel’s existence, but their books appear long after those books, way back in the Old Testament's end section.

The author of the program, David Shreve has put all of those prophetical writings where they belong, verse by verse. It completely changes a person’s understanding of the Bible! The same is true of Job, the Psalms, Proverbs, and the other books of the Old and New Testaments. Each is placed where they occurred. Imagine reading a psalm when the event which precipitated its writing occurred. That psalm just comes to life!

All of the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - has been re-arranged. It’s just fascinating!

And there’s more. The author has filled “Through the Bible . . . as It Happened” with over 1,200 pages of commentary notes, all written by himself. His education comes from Cedarville University, where he received a degree in Bible and in Greek. He has researched and taught the Bible for nearly 50 years, so he is certainly not a novice in this field. He would be described as an evangelical conservative.

This program began in 1974, when there were no chronological Bible reading systems in place, and has been continually revised since that time. Launched to the general public in 2018, it may become a standard in Christian circles.

It is available here.