Winning The Invisible War Part I

References from this entry are from Ephesians 6: 10-20, NIV Life Application Study Bible and Ps Timothy's sermon. As a reminder, the notes I upload here are subject to my interpretation. If any questions should arise, please feel free to leave a comment. I missed this sermon by Ps Timothy, so this entry is made possible by Edwina's notes. Thanks Ed!

The first part encompasses the structure of methods that the enemy engages to overcome us, the second part deals with the networks that work under Satan's flagship. I hope the reading of this entry is as serious as the constant tapping my fingers are on the keyboard, as vigorous as how my mind is working, and as convicted as how the Holy Spirit is stirring my heart. Any light-mindedness, I urge to be extinguished for a while, lest the Word of God is looked upon with contempt. Spiritual warfare is real, and it's taking place every minute of the day. Let's start taking notice of its significance.

As a martial artist is taught of delivering deadly blows, evasive defence movements, increased efficacy of kicking styles, so is the demon schooled in elaborate methods to deceive and entrap us. Yes, it is not up to us to look for the devil; a hungry, blood-thirsty predator does not wait for its prey, rather it stalks its prey, waiting for the right moment to strike. It knows our shames, our guilt, and intends to use them to its advantage. When the moment is right, it switches mode from being an observer to being an invader of our life, because we have unconsciously allowed it to. Our shambles, when not submitted to The Forgiver of Sins, are exploited by the evil one. That is where, instead of battling against the evil one, we find ourselves already enslaved by it.

The devil masters in 5 techniques of trap setting. Let's run this down point by point.

1. Devour. This is perhaps the main objective of the evil one. It wishes to destroy us. It wishes to run us over, to trample us like a mass of stampede whilst we lay helplessly on the ground. It wishes to devour our soul and spirit. And it does not stop until it has achieved its goal. It is, again, up to us to set a resistance against it. Be self-controlled and alert. We all have our weaknesses. None of our wall of defence is complete; there are weak points, cracks on it. The evil one is cunning, it strikes at our weak points. The Word of God asks for us to resist when there are times like these (1Peter 5: 8-9).

2. Wiles (Ephesians 6: 11). "The enemy watches, takes down notes, waits patiently, slowly but surely. His schemes are systematic, well thought out procedures and plans to entrap us". While we wile away our free time with idleness, the enemy is thinking of ways to expand its blackening, darkening territory within our faintly lighted body. We must not wait for it to strike. As the devil is under Satan's tutelage, we are under God's protection. The contours of our great foundation in Christ must not be upheaved. Daily devotions, prayers, fellowship with our brothers and sisters- these are vital steps towards creating a impervious lattice against contamination and corruption.

3. Devices (2 Corinthians 2: 11). Are we not aware of the enemy's schemes? Therefore, be vigilant. Honesty never fails. Compromise leads to lies. When we sit on the fence with our back facing the devil, it shall gag us, chain us up and blindfold us when we least expect it, and like a kidnapper, pulls us down to the abyss that we may never see light at the end of it. Unlike a kidnapper, it demands no ransom. It wants our soul and spirit. Are we focusing at the wrong goals? Take a moment to reflect. The armour of God consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the footgear of readiness to spread His word, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of God (the Word of God). Put on the pieces of armour God has forged for us.

4. Foothold (Ephesians 4: 26-27). A foothold for the evil one is like an open door of a rich home to a burglar. The level of difficulty for the breach of our defences depends on how strong the resistance we put up. When we compromise, we have already faltered. When we put our trust in God, and heed his words, we are strong and unyielding to the enemy's attacks. If the enemy has set up camp within your territory, burn it with the Holy Spirit, lay siege upon it, flood and drown its occupants with the Word of God.

5. Opportune time (Luke 4: 13). Before you wave your flag of victory, take a step back and re-examine your losses. Yes, this time you have conquered the devil in His mighty name. It does not stop there. As long as we are alive, as long as we have breath in us, spiritual warfare does not end. As God does not give up on us, so will the devil continue his endless tirade towards destroying the bridge that connects us with God.

Let us continue the steadfast and faithful relationship with our Heavenly Father. Persistence and Patience.