Understanding Spiritual Warfare 2: Know Your Enemy

I. Introduction

I don't think you would argue with me if I said that most Christian don't know their enemy very well. When I say their enemy, I mean satan. It seems, the attitude we take about satan is one of unbelief and of unconcern.

Hopefully, through this study we can help build your understanding through the scriptures, so we can all become effective soldiers for the Lord.

We are called to be in the army of the Lord. Today, however, most of our ranks are mal-equipped and mal-nourished. We are not prepared to enter into battle with the adversary.

Some seem to think that we don't have to go into battle because the Lord has already given us the victory. Although, the Lord has already given us the victory, we must still fight the war. Let's examine these areas together.

A. What this Book is About

This book is not about glamorizing satan. We must never become obsessed with knowing about satan. Some people get caught up in the instant power and gratification that they can receive from satan. First, we must realize that satan is a real being and that he does have a limited amount of power. But, foremost in our minds should be the fact that his limited power comes from the one true and living God. Our God, through his Son Jesus Christ, has given us complete power over the devil.

ST LUKE 10:
     19. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

No matter what satan has to offer (ST MATTHEW 4:8-10), his gifts do not even begin to compare with what we have through Christ.

This book is not about a fear of satan; because, through our trust in God, we have perfect peace.

1 JOHN 4:
     18. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

     I am not trying to make you skeptical of every person that you encounter or every situation that doesn't feel right: I am trying to assist you in knowing what to be aware of and how to deal with some situations. In other words: WHENEVER YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANYTHING, PRAY (FAST IF LED TO DO SO), AND SEEK GOD FOR AN ANSWER. THEN, WAIT ON HIM. NEVER BECOME PARANOID ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE GOD IS GREATER THAN EVERYTHING. SIMPLY TRUST IN HIM.

     This book is about knowing how satan attacks us and being able to defend against his attacks. Let me pose one question: IF WE DON'T KNOW SATAN AND HIS CHARACTERISTICS, HOW CAN WE FIGHT EFFECTIVELY AGAINST HIM?

     This book is also about helping others. Jesus was able to help people and deliver them from the devil because he was able to discern his presence and then cast him out. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach the kingdom of God and to help those in trouble. Today, it seems that counseling is our first tool and prayer and warfare are always our last choices. Many times we try to rationalize and naturally handle many situations that can only be handled spiritually (prayer and warfare).

     God wants us to help people as well as save them from the destruction of being lost.

ST LUKE 4:
     18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon him, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set an liberty them that are bruised,
     19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

ST LUKE 9:
     1. Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
     2. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

ST MARK 16:
     15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
     16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
     17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
     18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

B. Organization of Thoughts

This book is based on two sets of standards: scriptures and personal experience. I will try to clearly differentiate between the two. The reason I have chosen to rely on personal experience along with scripture is because it is the best way to portray some ideas. I will attempt to show you logically and scripturally how we are under attack from satan. I will try to awaken ideas that you may have been faced with, but never stopped to really examine.

I'm sure that some of the ideas that I will present are ideas that you will readily recognize through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do you remember the times you felt you shouldn't do certain things but never knew why. Hopefully, this book will shed insight into these and many other areas of your life.

II. Definitions of Satanism

In order to understand satanism, we must understand the terms that are associated with it. Surprisingly to most,the majority of these words are used throughout your bible. You will also find that some of these terms could just as aptly apply to God as they do to satan: an example is the word divine. Remember, God is a supernatural being who uses supernatural powers. Satan is also a supernatural being created by God who uses supernatural powers to fight against God. While reading these definitions, focus on this thought:

IT IS NOT THE SUPERNATURAL POWER THAT WE ARE FOCUSED ON, IT IS THE SOURCE OF THAT POWER THAT WE ARE TO BE CONCERNED WITH. IF IT IS FROM GOD, IT IS GOOD!!!!! IF IT IS FROM SATAN, IT IS BAD!!!!! THE WAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO DISCERN THE DIFFERENCE IS TO MEASURE IT AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD.

The following definitions were taken from these two sources:
     1. The New American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1981.
     2. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary    Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1983.

1ALCHEMY (pg 30) 2. Any seemingly magical power or process of transmuting ( to change from one form , nature, substance, or state into another; transform.)

[NOTE: Moses and the magicians changed their rods into serpents (ALCHEMY). Today magician do this by changing rods into flowers or handkerchiefs into rabbits.]

1ASTROLOGY (pg 81) The study of the positions and aspects of heavenly bodies with a view to predicting their influence on the course of human affairs.

[NOTE: This is were horoscopes are derived from. They using the positions of stars to tell people what to expect in their life.]

1BLACK MAGIC (pg 138) Magic as practiced in league with the Devil; witchcraft. Also called "Black art."

2CHARM (pg 228) n 1 a: the chanting or reciting of a magic spell: INCANTATION b: an act or expression believed to have magic power 2: something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune: AMULET vt 1 a: to affect by or as if by magic: COMPEL 2: to endow with supernatural powers by means of charms; also: to protect by spells, charms, or supernatural influences. vi 1: to practice magic and enchantment

[NOTE: Today, this is were we get good luck charms from and our many superstitions: i.e., not walking under a ladder, rabbit's foot, etc.....]

2CHARMER (pg 228) n 1: ENCHANTER, MAGICIAN

1CULT (pg 320) 1. a system or community of religious worship and ritual, especially one focusing upon a single deity or spirit. 2.a. Obsessive devotion or veneration for a person, principle, or idea. 2.b. the object of such devotion. 3. an exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric (intended for or understood by only a small group, difficult to understand) interest.

1DIVINATION (pg 385) -- 1. the art of foretelling future events or revealing occult knowledge by means of augury or alleged supernatural agency.

1DIVINE (2) 1. to foretell or reveal through the art of divination. 2.a. to know by inspiration, intuition, or reflection: 3. to locate (water) with a diving rod. 3.1. to practice divination.

[NOTE: We as christians get divine knowledge and revelations from God. Satan also gives this power to his people. Satan's people also use it to predict the future: i.e., fortune tellers, palm readers, crystal ball users, channelers, etc......]

2DEFILE : to make unclean or impure a: to corrupt the purity or perfection of: DEBASE c: to make physically unclean esp. with something unpleasant or contaminating.

2ENCHANT (pg 409) vt 1: to influence by charms and incantation: BEWITCH

2ENCHANTER (pg 409) n : one that enchants; esp: SORCERER

2ENCHANTMENT (pg 409) n 1 a: the act of enchanting b: the quality or state of being enchanted

2ENCHANTRESS (pg 409) n 1: a woman who practices magic: SORCERESS

2FAMILIAR (pg 447) n 3: a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person adj :closely acquainted: INTIMATE

2IDOLATRY (pg 598) 1: the worship of a physical object as a god 2: immoderate attachment or devotion to something

2INCANTATION (pg 608): a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as part of a ritual of magic; also: a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect.

1MAGIC (pg 783) 1. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural. 2. The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or to control events in nature. 3. The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment; the use of premeditated deception or concealed equipment to produce baffling effects. -adj. 1. Pertaining to the supernatural; having to do with magic and its practices.

1MAGICIAN (pg 783) 1. a sorcerer; wizard. 2. a person who performs magic for entertainment or diversion. 3. one whose skill or art seems to be magical.

[NOTE: Moses confronted the Egyptian magicians in the bible.]

1NECROMANCY (pg 878) 1. The art that professes to conjure up the spirits of the dead and commune with them in order to predict the future. 2. black magic; sorcery. 3. magical qualities.

1OCCULT (pg 908) 1. of, pertaining to, dealing with, or knowledgeable in supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena. 2. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; mysterious; inscrutable. 3. available only to the initiate: not divulged; secret: 4. Rare. Hidden from view; concealed.

1OCCULTISM (pg 908) 1. the study of the supernatural. 2. a belief in occult powers and the possibility of bringing them under human control.

2SOOTHSAY (pg 1125) vi: to practice soothsaying --- soothsayer n

2SOOTHSAYING n 1: the act of foretelling events 2: PREDICTION, PROPHECY

1SORCERER (pg 1232) One who practices sorcery; a wizard; enchanter (note, caster of lots)

1SORCERESS (pg 1232) a female sorcerer.

2SPIRIT (pg 1137) n 1:an animating or vial principle held to give life to physical organisms 2: a supernatural being or essence: as a: HOLY SPIRIT b: SOUL c: An often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible: spedif: GHOST d: a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being malevolent (having, showing, or arising from intense often viscous ill will, spite, or hatred; productive form of hatred or evil]

1VOODOO (pg 1437) 1. A religious cult of African origin practiced in the Western Hemisphere mainly by the Negroes of Haiti and characterized by a belief in sorcery and fetishes and rituals in which participants communicate by trance with ancestors, saints, or animistic deities. 2. a charm, fetish, spell, or curse believed by adherents of this cult to hold magic power. 3. One who performs rites at a meeting of adherents of this cult.

1VOODOOISM (PG 1437) 1. the view of life and death embodied in the voodoo cult. 2. the practice of voodoo.

1WITCHCRAFT (pg 1470) black magic; sorcery. 2. a magical or irresistible influence, attraction, or charm.

1WITCH (pg 1470) a woman who practices sorcery or is believed to have dealings with the devil.

1WITCH DOCTOR (pg 1470) A medicine man or shaman among primitive peoples.

1WIZARD (pg 1471) 1. a male witch; a sorcerer or magician.

The following information on Magic, Divination, and Sorcery was extracted from this source: Grant, Fredrick C. and Rowley, H. H. Dictionary of the Bible. Ed by James Hastings. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1963.

Magic, Divination, and Sorcery (pg 607 - 611)

"Magic, divination, sorcery, and witchcraft are all connected with belief in superhuman powers, and are methods whereby men endeavour to obtain from these powers knowledge of the future, or assistance in the affairs of life." pg. 607

"Among the Arabs the priest was originally also the soothsayer; the Hebrew Kohen, 'priest,' is cognate with the Arabic kahin, 'soothsayer'; the primitive priest had charge of the shrine of the god, and both offered sacrifices and gave responses. In this manner classes of professional diviners and magicians arose, as in Egypt (Gn 41:8, Ex 7:11), in Babylon (Dn 2:2), in connection with Baal (1 K 18:19), and even among the Israelites in the rank of professional prophets. Such officials were set apart for their office by some rite specially connecting them with the god, as the eating of a particular food, or the wearing of a sacred dress (cf 2 K 1:8, Zec 13:4). The animism, in which magical arts had their root, soon passed beyond the simple belief that Nature was peopled with spirits, and began to distinguish between good and evil spirits." pg 608

This analysis and these definitions will give you a good idea of what satanism is all about. Notice that I've highlighted the word SORCERY throughout the definitions. MEMORIZE THE DEFINITION FOR SORCERY FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL BENEFIT. Now, let's see what God's word has to say about this:

REVELATIONS 22:
     14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
     15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

III. A Principle of Warfare: Know Your Enemy

2 CORINTHIANS 2:
     10. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
     11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

ST MATTHEW 24:
     24. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:
     13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
     14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
     15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

     I pray that these scriptures have pointed you to the fact that we shall be faced with some very deceiving workers of satan. They pose as false christs, apostles, ministers, and teachers. Jesus points out that they would be so good that if it were possible, they would fool the very elect of heaven. He also points out that we should not be ignorant of satan's devices. If we are not to be ignorant of his devices, then we should know them. Satan tries to get us to hate, steal, kill, lie, and many other things by appealing to the lusts of our flesh. If we can recognize and defend against these attacks, then we will be much more effective in warfare.

     Let's now take a look at our military.

     It should not amaze you that almost every military principle was taken from God's word. Remember how Joshua sent spies into the city of Ai before going in and fighting. He gained a knowledge of the defenses of the city and rescued one person for God in the process, Rahab (JOSHUA 6:23, 7:1-3).

     In the military, we spend a significant time studying Russia and China because they are our greatest adversaries. Before sending troops into battle, they brief them and tell them all about their surroundings and about the characteristics of their enemy. They even stage fake operations so that their troops will have the opportunity to practice combat against their enemy. They are trained to know his tactics in a given situation. They are also kept abreast of all the changes and advancements of their enemy and given the latest equipment. Much money is spent on modernization so their own equipment will always be more effective than their enemy. Finally, they are lead into the battle field. Our government recognizes that highly prepared and efficiently equipped troops are necessary to keep our nation free and stable.

     Imagine the outcome if we were to set our troops in the middle of the desert and tell them to go to war without telling them who the enemy is, what he looks like, the color and design of his flag, his capabilities and limitations, or any other pertinent details. Imagine if this group of troops were recently formed, had poor equipment, and lacked training. The enemy would be able to come up, befriend them, and subdue them before they realized what happened. Why?? Because they were not able to identify him. He could boldly display his flag on his uniform and his vehicles and drive right into the middle of the camp without being detected. They wouldn't even know what he looks like. Once he becomes their friend, he could learn all their weaknesses and strengths just by talking to them.

     In other words, they are mal-equipped. As pointed out in verse 11 above, if we don't know satan and his devices, he will be able to take advantage of us (HOSEA 4:6). We need to sharpen ourselves through the knowledge of the word of God (HEBREWS 4:12) so that we would not be deceived through his false prophets or defeated by the many attacks that satan sends against us. Remember, these prophets are going to be so good, that if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect of heaven.

     Let us look at this idea of being led by the Spirit of God. For more ideas concerning the Holy Spirit read the following chapters: ROMANS 8, ST JOHN 14, 15 & 16, 1 CORINTHIANS 3, and GALATIANS 5.

     God has promised to teach us by the power and guidance of his Holy Spirit (Ghost).

1 John 2:
     26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you [NOTICE THE FALSE PROPHETS WERE ALREADY AT WORK IN THE CHURCH].
     27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

ST JOHN 14:
     26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
     27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

HEBREWS 10:
     25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

     Jesus tells us in the 26th verse of ST JOHN, that the Holy Ghost would teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. John continues this thought in 1 JOHN and tells the church, the same anointing will teach us of all things. The scripture in 1 JOHN is not telling us to study alone. Neither is it telling us that there is no need to attend bible studies or church. What it is telling us is that if we run into a seductive teaching (false teacher), God's Holy Spirit will not allow us to be fooled into following the wrong doctrine if we follow God's guidance. Sometimes you may have to make a mental stand against people that you have a high respect for. Let the Holy Spirit be your strength and guide, and walk in peace with all men. NOTE: If people had been listening to the Holy Spirit instead of Jim Jones, they would not have been led to their death in Jonestown. We don't know who the next Jim Jones will be; so, we must rely on the Holy Spirit and pray for our leaders to continue in the truth.

     LET ME MAKE THIS STATEMENT FOR CLARIFICATION. FOLLOW YOUR LEADERS AS LONG AS THEY ARE RIGHT. IF THEY DO THINGS THAT DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOUR SPIRIT, THEN PRAY FOR THEM AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE THINGS THAT YOU KNOW ARE RIGHT TO DO. BEGIN PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO OPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING IN THAT AREA, AND ALSO PRAY FOR GUIDANCE. DON'T RUN FROM YOUR FEELINGS AND DON'T LEAVE THAT PARTICULAR CHURCH/MINISTRY UNLESS THE HOLY SPIRIT SHOWS YOU THE NEED TO DO THIS AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED OF THE SPIRIT'S GUIDANCE IN THIS AREA. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO SUBMIT YOURSELF TO THEIR AUTHORITY AS GOD REQUIRES AND AT THE SAME TIME PROTECTS YOU FROM WHAT I'LL CALL THE JIM JONES SYNDROME.

     God will lead you through the Holy Ghost/Spirit. He wants to guide you. All you have to do is trust him (PROVERBS 3:5-6). It's just that simple (ROMANS 8th Chapter).

     God has called us to PEACE. He DOES NOT want us to be PARANOID or FRIGHTENED. He DOES NOT want us to be AFRAID. As you walk in FAITH, satan nor his spirits can get through to you. This is the SHIELD that we will emphasize later. Remember to walk continually with your trust in God and let his peace rule in your mind.

B. The Voice of God (Holy Spirit)

ST JOHN 10:
     1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
     2. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
     3. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
     4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
     5. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
     6. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
     7. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
     8. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
     9. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
     10. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
     27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know then, and they follow me:

     Jesus points out that his sheep know his voice. If we are his disciples, then we must learn to hear and recognize his voice. Let's put this into practical terms. When we listen to the voice within us that tells us to love and do right instead of the voice that tells us to hate and do evil, then we are hearing and following the voice of the Lord.

     Let's expand on this point. Have you ever felt a sudden urge or prompting to give someone a call or do something special but ignored the feeling (voice). Later on, you found out that the person it was directed at was in a great need at the same time that you received the prompting. Or, have you felt a prompting to travel a different highway or path but ignored the feeling only to end up in trouble or in an accident. Many times, if we would stop and analyze it, we would readily recognize that the Holy Spirit was trying to lead us, but we were ignoring Him. Finally, have you felt like God wanted you to preach or exercise one of His spiritual gifts and you keep denying it only to find your peace of mind slipping away from you. Then, when you accepted and did what God was telling you to do, it felt like weights were lifted off your body (soul). It felt as though you cound fly away to heaven. Your peace of mind was finally restored. [I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A STUDY OF ACTS TO SEE HOW GOD, THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, GUIDED THE ORIGINAL CHURCH.]

     These experiences teach us to distinguish the voice of God. He speaks in our innermost man and guides us.

JOB 32:
     6. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old: wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
     7. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
     8. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
     9. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgement.

     This young man found out that true wisdom comes from God. He reveals it by inspiring us to think great thoughts. These great thoughts originate with God, not man. We hear these thoughts in our mind as we meditate on God and his word. His Spirit speaks these thoughts into our spirit.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:
      23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ROMANS 8:
     16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

     Verse 23 shows us that man exists as a triune being. God molded us out of the earth (BODY), and breathed into us the breath of life (SPIRIT) and we became a living SOUL. God communicates with us through our spirit. Notice in verse 16 that the first time spirit is used, it is capitalized. When spirit is capitalized in the bible, it is a reference to the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are two different names used to refer to God's Spirit. See how his Spirit communicates with our spirit. This is one of the ways that we know we are the children of God.

     As you walk patiently and ask God to guide you, you will come to known the voice of God in a very personal way. God is a real God and He does speak, if only we would listen.

     Once we learn his voice, then we will automatically know the voice of satan when he tries to mislead us. This will play a big part in discerning spirits.

V. Compare Everything Against the Word of God

     There is only one doctrine of God. God says that if anyone else preaches anything other than what is revealed in God's word, let him be cursed. Even if an angel appears to you and says great words and shows you signs and wonders, IF IT DOESN'T AGREE WITH THE WORD OF GOD, DO NOT ACCEPT IT!!!!!!! Paul is very direct on this point. He assured them that the gospel that he was preaching was not after man or taught by man, but that he received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. As we pointed out before, the Holy Spirit will do this same thing for you. His anointing will teach you not after the things of man, but after the things of God.

REVELATIONS 2:
     14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
     15. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
     16. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

     Jesus, in dictating the letter to the church at Pergamos, points out to them that he was not pleased because they allowed false doctrines in the church. He tells them to repent. He says that he hates these false doctrines.