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Enemy Strategy and Response

Words of Faith Final

Enemy Strategy and Response

Words of Faith 5-6-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Ephesians 6

[12] 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.

 

      What is the nature of this struggle?  Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, so it is doubtful that demonic forces physically attack us at least not directly.  The focus of spiritual warfare is in the spirit and this affects our thoughts and emotions.  And of course, all this can affect us physically.  The spiritual realm also affects others who may act to physically harm us.

      The primary battlefield is in our thoughts and emotions, which then affect our words and actions. Enemy operatives attack in the realm of fear, guilt, doubt, anxiety, suspicion, jealousy, lust, accusation, and unbelief.  Our thoughts shape our emotions.  Emotions are then expressed in words.  Words are translated into actions. It would be nice if the demonic activity stopped at this point.  Our actions become habits.  Habits form character. 

      So how do we guard against such attacks?  Paul taught a method for creating a garrison around our mind and heart.  It is found in Philippians 4:4-8 and involves four actions.

      1 -- Praise - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  The Enemy of God hates praise and worship directed toward God.  God inhabits the praises of His people.  The things that keep us from worship-- pride, fear, selfishness.

      2- Gentleness - Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Gentleness is the confidence that comes from knowing that the Lord is near.  Gentleness is strength under careful control.  There is no need to shout or scream in the face of the Enemy.

      3 -- Pray - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Turn any and every worry of the mind over to God-- and trust that He is God.  The result is that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

     4 -- Think - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  We must direct our thoughts.  A mind focused upon these eight things will manifest the victory of God.  These thoughts form the fortification of a mind in Christ.  Fear and Anxiety cannot get in.  Guilt and accusation are stopped. Suspicion and envy are stymied. Doubt and unbelief fall to the side.

      What are you doing to garrison your mind against the Enemy?  Worship?  Practicing gentleness?  Prayer?  Thinking about such things...?

 

      Father God, I resolve to praise You in my heart and with my mouth.  Give me the grace of Your presence and the fruit of Your Spirit that I may respond in gentleness.  I surrender to You those things that have caused me to fear.  I choose to focus my mind on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.  Garrison my heart and mind with Your peace.  In Jesus' Name.