GOING ON THE OFFENSE
(This is blog10 in the series “Names of Satan.”)
We’ve been talking about having victory over the lies of the enemy. They say the best defense is a good offense. That is certainly true in our battle with Satan. The armor of God in Ephesians 6 shows this.
All the pieces of equipment in Ephesians 6 are defensive, except one. We can protect ourselves with them, but we can’t have victory. We need an offensive weapon to go on the attack and defeat our enemy. That is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). With their short, double-edged sword the Romans conquered the known world. There was no protection for their back so they couldn’t turn and run, they had to move ahead against their enemies, and that is what we must do as well.
This sword of the Spirit refers to the Word of God – it is so important we get this right that Paul says so (Ephesians 6:17). Jesus quoted the Bible when tempted (Matthew 4:1-11). Read Scripture. Memorize Scripture. Quote Scripture. Pray Scripture. Think Scripture. It is the only way we can drive away temptation, lies and attacks of the enemy.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
How well do you know the Bible? How skilled are you at using this weapon to attain victory when attacked? How strong is your prayer life? What do you need to do to have better communication with God? Spend some time now reading your Bible and praying.
BIBLE MEMORY VERSES
GOD’S LOVE & ACCEPTANCE The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8
THE BIBLE, GOD’S WORD The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
GOD’S TRUTH FREES “If you hold to my teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
LIVE IN HOLINESS Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
SUBMIT TO GOD, RESIST SATAN God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:6
GOD IS GREATER THAN SATAN The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
GOD WILL MEET ALL OUR NEEDS My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
RENEW YOUR MIND WITH CHRIST Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
PRAYER The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS Jesus replied: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:18-19
RESISTING SATAN Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23
SIN AS OPENINGS TO DEMONIZING Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
CURSES Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13
ANCESTRAL & CHILDHOOD OPENINGS Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
OCCULT OPENINGS Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31
NEW AGE OPENINGS Such men (who preach a Jesus other than the Jesus I preached) are false prophets, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
DELIVERANCE FROM DEMONIZING Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God … This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. I John 4:1-2
DELAYED DELIVERANCE The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
CONTINUING VICTORY Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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