Spiritual Warfare
RECOGNIZE: Recognizing you’re in a war is a big part of victory, because knowing the enemy’s tactics is to be in the light – and the devil works in darkness. The devil takes advantage of our ignorance, but when there’s light, he can’t do what he planned.
The Bible teaches us to be alert, which means “to watch.” We must keep our eyes on Jesus at all times – but also on the devil. The Bible says we must not be ignorant but instead, “stand firm against the devil’s schemes.” The enemies we face are not “bad vibes,” or “negative energies in the universe,” or the “dark side of the force.” They are personalities who think, talk, listen, observe, and plan strategies. (II Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11)
If we watch, we’ll recognize the strategies of the enemy in our lives as well as in society. Do you see a pattern of hurt and rejection in your life? Or perhaps you’re bothered by suicidal thoughts, or by the slow deadly escape of dope and booze. Does something always seem to happen to keep your family or church in strife? Look for the enemy’s strategies and recognize the patterns – then go to the second “R.”
REFUSE: Refusing Satan is passive warfare. Once you recognize what he is up to, ignore it and avoid it. Turn away and begin to worship the Lord and lift Him up. Refuse to be hurt. Refuse to get angry. Just let it go by. That’s warfare. Nothing defeats the devil faster than ignoring what he’s trying to stir up.
RESIST: This is active warfare! We’re told to “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” God won’t resist him – you have to. Speak to him and say, “Devil, I cut off this strategy in Jesus’ Name. You’ve been doing this to me for 15 years, but I’m on to you and IT’S OVER!” He may try it six more times, but when you’ve convinced him that you’re convinced of your spiritual authority he will stop (Jas. 4:7; I Pet 5:9)
