Tactical Spiritual Warfare - Tactics of the Enemy

Are you ready for this Christian soldier? Buckle up the belt of Truth. We're gonna get into some good tactics here. Regardless if we like it or not, we're in the midst of spiritual warfare. The main battlefront of this war is our mind and the winner wins the soul. It's time to get tactical and understand the tactics of the enemy in this spiritual war. I pray this lesson from God will help us all fight the good fight. First and foremost, let us get our armor on.

Armor

We will take a good look at the armor first. First and foremost, we must believe (be in-Christ). If not, then please begin here: http://serious-things.com/inherit-eternal-life. After this section, we will take a look at tactical spiritual warfare and tactics of the enemy. As well as counter-tactics with intelligence from the Word. The fight is on. In Jesus name, I pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take (take it, a free gift) the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Prayingalways with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The strength and power in this fight is His strength and power. We, in the flesh, cannot do this. This is why -

Romans 8:5-10 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind (flesh) is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

We (flesh) may think (deception) that we can take action ourselves (works). We are deceived by the flesh. This is what happens in my member: The spirit wants to do what God says and the spirit lights up. Instead of praying and seeking His strength and power, my weak flesh takes over and does works -

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (See Ephesians 6:18 above)

In many cases, it will appear (deception) that we (flesh) have overcome. If it is a repetitive thing in our lives that keeps coming back, we have guidance as to why. It is written that -

Luke 11:23-26 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth (See Romans 8:5-10 above). When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to himseven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

This give us a good understanding as to why we must be in-Christ. When we are in Him, we receive His power and His might.

Loins girt about with Truth: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Breastplate of Righteousness: Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 1 Corinthians 1:29-30 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Gospel of Peace: Psalms 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Shield of Faith: Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Helmet of Salvation: John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Sword of the Spirit - Word of God: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Praying always, being watchful: This is where things are going to start getting real good. Fiery darts are constant. Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Why? 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

STAND: If we look back at our main verse, we will see that if we are in-Christ, we are able to just stand and smile. The war is won at the cross in Christ Jesus.

IMPORTANT: Take heed! This does not mean we are to be unwise. We have an enemy, and he does not sleep. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 as well as 1 Peter 5:8 above)

IMPORTANT #2: Paul has repeatedly given us this example to stand in-Christ within this war. But.. Paul has given us 2 areas where he did not say stand.. but he said to flee! Run away from! Escape! 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. When it comes to sexual immorality, I'm telling the readers straight up. If you have a thought of "I'm with the Lord, I'm strong. I can go and be in __ situation with the opposite sex." This is a fiery dart. Re-read the 2 previous important items. I have fallen 100% of the time that I accepted the evil one's fiery dart. 10/10 times that I have thought this, I have fallen. Even when I was walking with the Lord. Straight up - The chemicals that release in the body when lust stirs up are VERY powerful. 10/10 times that I heard the Lord say "Stop" I didn't. 10/10 times when I thought I was strong, I wasn't. 10/10 times that I saw the Lord giving me my "way out" and I knew it was the Lord, I didn't take it. Listen to Paul, listen to the Word.. RUN.

Tactical Spiritual Warfare

Ready Christian? FIGHT!!!

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (may I say eternal things are in high places?)

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Where on earth will we find something that is unseen? Think about it. Remember earlier, the mention of the mind being the battlefront? The mind is where the war is being waged. I'm not saying that we do not have warring angels and principalities of darkness warring out there in heavenly places, but that's where we pray and they do the work. What we are talking about here is us, you, me and war. The war inside the mind -

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
THINK

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

There are literally hundreds of verses relating to the heart and thoughts of man. Relating to the mind. Once our heart is on God (Faith in Christ Jesus), that's when the war starts. Look at it this way.. Before I came to Christ, Satan had my soul. There was no need to pay that much attention to me. I was lost, I was his. Ah, but the Christians that are trying to drop seeds, watering, and provide food.. They are surely under attack.

So lastly, let us look at these attacks (fiery darts) and use tactics against them. It's actually quiet easy. Keep it Simple Servant.
Fiery Darts

Fiery darts are thoughts. The evil one may try to deceive us into thinking that some outward object and/or person is the cause of us losing a battle. Remember, we war not against flesh and blood, but principalities of darkness in high places.

This is the best example I can give -

The first part is what the "Fiery Dart" says. The second part is what the "Armor of God" says:

It's raining outside, what a nasty day.
God created, and He saw that it was good. Thank you Lord for watering the earth.

Oh no! How will I ever afford these bills?!
I got your back. Don't worry and be anxious for nothing. Thank you Lord for being our provider.

Ugh, I can't take this stress!
Count it all joy in trials and tribulations! Thank you for molding me to be like your Son.

I can't..
You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you. Thank you Lord, I can do this.

It's ok if I cheat a little on my taxes, no one will see or know.
You shall not steal.

This slow driver is going to make me late!
All things work together for the good for those that love you. I love you Lord. Thank you for whatever you have planned.

Ugh, I'm sick!
By His stripes we are healed. Pick up your mat and walk!

___ situation is terrible!
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Lord, you have a plan and purpose for my life. Thank you. Help me see it Lord.

Basically, what is going on out there is that we have fiery darts (thoughts) trying to influence us to obey them. The battle of the mind is the Tactical Spiritual Warfare that I'm speaking about. If we are in-Christ (the Word), we have righteousness, truth, faith, salvation, peace, prayer, and the Sword as our armor and offensive weapons. We also have the Ultimate Battle Warrior at our side, the Holy Spirit.

This is why Jesus said to be watchful, so that we will not fall into temptation. When we are watchful and walking with God, we will see the fiery darts coming into our thought processes. Then, what did Jesus say? Pray. The examples above (on the right side) are both the Word of God and praying. In all things give thanks! Pray without ceasing!

This is how it works - We are watchful and examine ourselves. We see the fiery dart. We pull out the armor of God and prayerfully use it as a direct response. We can smile in the joy of the Lord and watch the fiery darts get quenched. The enemy only affects us if we allow the thoughts to materialize, which usually happens when we do not have our armor on.

In summary, I'll leave with a verse. Remember, we will be whatever we set our mind on. Set the mind on things above, and we will have things of God. Set the mind on things below, and will have things of the world. We must be watchful (eyes of the Spirit) and look at all things through the eyes of God. Then, when such trials, tribulations, and/or temptation from the enemy comes upon us, we will be able to discern what is good, and what is evil. If we remain steadfast in Him, we will over come. If we take a 2nd look at the temptation, we will most likely fall.

Lastly, quench the fiery darts. When I fall into sin, it is because I quenched the Word of God in the mind/heart - No armor. We should stand in-Christ, do a 180, and quench the principalities of darkness instead. In Jesus name, I pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive. Amen.

James 1:12-25 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.