www.patstanton.org
Oct 15, 2019

Wake Up and Know Your Enemy - By Pat Stanton


Dear Friends, I encourage you to be bold as a lion and to recognize where many of your problems are coming from. Ephesians 6:12 states we are not fighting against people, but rather, here is the list:

Evil spirits which are organized and operate in groups and ranks such as:

1. Principalities - Chief rulers of the highest order

2. Power - Authorities under chief rulers to execute their will

3. Rulers of darkness of this world 

4. Wicked angels in the heavenlies

God's Good Word to You:

Remember the story from Luke 10:17-20, Jesus gave His apostles and disciples authority over all the power of the enemy. Since this is true and His power is greater than all satanic power, why do many Christians feel weak and helpless?

Here is the Good News:  Ephesians 6:11,13 states Christians are to put on the whole armour of God, so they can stand against the tricks of the devil. The armour is the presence of Christ filling and ruling your life.

This will only become operative as you receive the mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit (verse 10). Without this strength, you are limited in your awareness of the workings of Satan given in verse 12.

Take Three BIG Steps:

Here's why many Spirit-filled believers miss their victory. They do not consistently use the three big steps given in verses 17 and 18. Verse 17 says to take the helmet of deliverance and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (your Bible).

The helmet of deliverance (full salvation) is your protection over your mind. If you don't keep the spirit of the world out of your mind you will seldom win the big battles. 

Your mind will be so indoctrinated with fear, worry, sin, etc. your faith level will diminish. When you are up against big problems, verse 17 says to use your scripture verses as a sword and cut the life of the enemy to pieces.

1. By applying the Word to the problem

2. By praying the Word over the problem

3. By speaking the Word to God, to the devil and to yourself

Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 4:20-22, Joshua 1:8

The Bible states it is proper to remind God of His promises.

The last step in verse 18 is powerful, yet neglected by many. We are told to pray with all prayer in the Spirit. Develop our relationship with our Father God and take time to know the Lord in times and seasons of prayer. James 4:7 gives us a great word of instruction and hope, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

Please don't neglect the three BIG steps. Keep your mind and heart filled with the Word, so you will know God always wants you to win. Time spent in prayer with Him keeps your armour in place!