Study the Enemy

This week I heard, “Why are you walking around fearing the devil? You should be fearing the one who brought you into existence. He's the one with the real power." I have held an opinion for a few years now that makes people tense up.

We should study the enemy.

Now I know that Paul encourages us to meditate on ‘whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy’, but in Ephesians 6:12 he also 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.” Is he being double minded in his school of thought? Absolutely not! He would be no more doubleminded than King Solomon when he wrote Ecclesiastes 3. It’s not doublemindedness family, it’s being prepared. War isn’t fun, I don’t think anyone truly likes it, but unfortunately it is a part of the world we live in. What would happen if an army went to war and never studied how the enemy operated? What if they never had a plan of counter action or retreat prepared before they went to war with that same enemy? Not only would it be extremely difficult, but the enemy will overtake them. If you study his war plan you will see that he doesn't have all that many tricks and he is lazy and uncreative as he uses the same ones repeatedly and he uses them on everyone. Including Jesus. He had the audacity to say to Jesus, if you follow me, I'll give you the world. That’s like a real-estate agent trying to sell you your own home, that you currently live in. That sounds ridiculous right? The next time you feel like the enemy is coming up against you, I want you to ponder something. Are you holding yourself captive with the enemy's tactics? The enemy is watching us destroy ourselves time and again and he only plants the seeds; we’re the ones who cultivate them.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1