Know Your Enemy

This is a throwback sermon series by Pastor Steve on Spiritual Warfare. Sermon outline to follow.

FCF: Behind all that we see is a spiritual war that we neglect to see.

Big Idea: Knowing is key to victory.

Understanding our enemy equips us to prepare for battle.

Satan uses the world, the flesh, and the devil (demonic).

1) The World - 1 John 2:15-17

refers to system; beliefs; mindset; perspective; worldview= fallen, broken, not what God made

if we stop, soften heart, & address all we see in the world (pain, suffering, tragedy, Hurricane Harvey, problems) we would grieve endlessly so instead we harden our hearts

   a. lust of the flesh = “it feels good”

   b. lust of the eyes = “it looks good”

   c. pride of life = “it’s about me, not us, it’s about me, not God”

*this world is only normal to those who do not belong to God

The pattern for Christians is what is true in the presence of our King

—> we should live Kingdom down, NOT world up (Rom. 12:2)

2) The Flesh - Galatians 5:19-21

   -internal disposition; fallen nature; corrupted self

The problem is not just out there (world), the problem is in here (flesh)

Thomas Brooks (Puritan) Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

 —> fishing analogy - diff fish like diff bait but fisherman don’t care- he just wants to catch fish

   Satan is a fisherman; my flesh is a hook; he baits me w/whatever we will nibble on

3) The Demonic - Revelation 12:7-9

Strategy=Isolate & exhaust—> Lone Ranger warning, stick together, stay rested, know limits

*You will get hit when u least expect it; when ur hungry, tired, isolated (Jesus in wilderness)

   he will attack w/temptations- comfort, pleasure, fun, & twist your mind w/excuses

Ways of demonic attack:

   - torment = tormented people torment people

   - counterfeit signs & wonders = 2 Thess. 2:9 he will attempt to deceive God’s elect

      “Spirituality” - is dangerous; there are good and evil spirits

      “what’s your sign” - astrology is dangerous

   - self-harm & death - cutting, suicide, those obsessed w/death/halloween

      “All who hate me love death” Proverbs

The enemy is a counterfeit.

Devil --> Jesus

Flesh --> Spirit

World --> Kingdom

God’s Rescue - Colossians 2:13-15

   Jesus is victorious! —> Our King Won!

PROP: Know your enemy and your King, then you will share in His victory.