The Enemy's Battle Plans

August 9, 2020 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: For every point in the devil’s battle plan, Jesus gives us a way to victory!

Focus Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-11

Supplemental Passage: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Introduction: “The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.” So begins The Art of War, a meditation on the rules of war that was first published in China. For 1500 years, it was the definitive plan of battle for China. Common examples can also be found in English use, such as verse 18 in Chapter 1: All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. This has been abbreviated to its most basic form and condensed into the English modern proverb: All warfare is based on deception. (Wikipedia)

I. Deception (worth, intentions of others hearts, )

a. "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44 NASB)

b. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)

c. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (John 10:27 NASB)

d. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalms 119:9-11 NLT)

II. Distraction (temptations, busy work, leisure time)

a. Another of the disciples said to Him, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." (Matthew 8:21)

b. But Jesus *said to him, "Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead." (Matthew 8:22 NASB)

c. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:40-42 NASB)

III. Division (taking sides, quarrels & disagreements)

a. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:11-13 NASB)

b. …"In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 1:18-19 NASB)

c. Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Romans 16:17-18 NASB)

d. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)

IV. Discouragement (looking at self, not looking at God)