Tag: The Invisible War

“And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him” –John 13:2

To be in the inner circle of the most famous Rabbi in history carries tremendous notoriety, risks, and even temptation. People are trying to get to Jesus to hear Him, and be healed by Him. They want to see a miracle, they want to be a part of a movement. Some want to take Jesus by force and make Him a King. Others are threatened by Jesus and want Him arrested because of their envy. They already have a plan in place and a price on His head… AUDIO | TEXT PDF

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” –Proverbs 4:23 NIV

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Lk 22:31–32)

What does it mean, ‘to sift as wheat’? To sift is to shake violently in order to separate what is desirable from undesirable. This is how wheat is separated from the chaff. Sifting wheat is a metaphor for Judgement. Satan wants to prove that at least some of the disciples will fail under sever testing through a crisis of fear.

Although Jesus knew the disciples would stumble, He also knew they would recover. This is why Jesus told Peter, “and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” During our current crisis of fear, we are also called to return to Jesus and strengthen one another. TEXT PDF | AUDIO

How to Detect and Defeat the Devices of the Devil

Series: THE INVISIBLE WAR. Nowhere but the Bible can we see a glimpse behind the veil into spiritual realm. Where we can see spiritual beings patrolling the earth, and reporting back to God (Zechariah 1:7–11). Where we can see the High Priest standing before the Lord on behalf of the people (Zechariah 3:1-2). Where we can see Satan standing at his right hand accusing him.

Not only does Satan use temptation, he also uses accusation. When Satan tempts us to sin he whispers, “you can get away with this.” But then after we sin, he shouts, “You’ll Never Get Away With This!” Thankfully, we have an Advocate who intercedes for His people (1 John 2:1). AUDIO | TEXT PDF

How to Detect and Defeat the Devices of the Devil

“The shamelessness of great pride: it lifts the crown from the cushion and places it upon its brow with its own hands.”

Dag Hammarskjold

Not only does the Bible reveal there is an Invisible War, it also reveals the tactics of the enemy. “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). In the Old Testament we see four examples and four devices used against God’s people. In this lesson we see how Satan incited David to number the people and the terrible aftermath of consequences. But we also learn that faith in God and His divine plan and protection is the victory against our enemy. AUDIO | TEXT PDF

CHART: Adapted – Warren Wiersbe, The Strategy of Satan, p.85, 1979

How to Detect and Defeat the Devises of Satan

Series: The Invisible War – Genesis 3:1-13. Scammers use different techniques to exploit weaknesses of human nature. They use lies to exploit INSECURITIES, FEAR of loss, DESIRE for success, GREED for money. They OFFER You Something You WANT––in order to TAKE Everything You HAVE! However, if you know the TRUTH––you have nothing to fear from their lies, because you already know the devices they use. Satan is a master manipulator––but “we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). The scriptures reveal the targets and tactics of the enemy so we can learn how to detect and defeat the devices of the devil. | AUDIO | TEXT PDF

CHART: Adapted – Warren Wiersbe, The Strategy of Satan, p.85, 1979