“Know your enemy.”
(The Art of War)
The enemy moves in a snakelike slither masked in many ways.
Doubt
“Did God really say?”
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NIV
Lies
[The Devil] He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 44:8b NIV
A Prowling Adversary
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV
Devour : Strong’s Concordance Greek 2666 - Destroy. Consume. Gulp entire.
Accuses Day and Night
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. Revelation 12:10 NIV
Purposed to Steal, Kill, Destroy
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
Schemes
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
Pride
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.
Isaiah 14:12-15 NIV
He does not work alone.
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9 NIV
Masquerades
Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14b NIV
Confusion.
Fear.
Anxiety.
Hatred.
Shame.
Division.
Dissension.
Judgement.
Bitterness.
Unforgiveness.
Violence.
Deceit.
Evil intent.
Rage.
Selfish gain.
Physical maladies.
Continuous strife.
Repeated offense.
The enemy works through these things and more.
He is the opposite of everything good, disguising himself as an angel of light.
Be alert! Keep in mind, our battle is not against flesh and blood.
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. Ephesians 6:12 NIV
When such things come upon you, slithering in to place, look beyond the deception of the mask. Take a stand. Expose the schemes of the evil one. In Christ, put an end to the torment of the venomous viper. Unmask the assignment against you. Keep keen. Know the enemy. Recognize the hiss of the serpent.
Above all - Know Your God - and your God given authority - walk in it!
Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Luke 10:19 AMP
Today, take a stand, declaring the masquerade is over!
…be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Romans 19b-20 NIV
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Recognize it! Expose it! Silence it! Crush it! Amen.
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