Enemy Strategies

Proverbs 13:22a

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children"

I used this text last week when I spoke at our Grandparent's chapel. The application for us today is that we leave a lasting inheritance to our grandchildren…not of wealth or heirlooms, but of faith. We must realize the importance of preparing the generation of our children and grandchildren for the battle that will come.

The nation of Israel was unprepared for battle. The only weapons to be found were in the hands of Saul and Jonathan. The rest of the people had farm tools, but no weapons. They were totally unprepared for the battle that was to come upon them. Unprepared for the battle in one sense, but they were forced to rely upon the strength of the Lord. He didn't fail them! He will not fail us!

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, the sun was shining, the air was clean and crisp, it was what we call a picture perfect day…but it became a day of great destruction. December 7, 1941, 190 Japanese warplanes attacked Pearl Harbor. In a matter of minutes nine battleships and twelve other ships were sunk or damaged, 188 aircraft were destroyed, and 2,403 Americans lost their lives.

It was a beautiful Tuesday morning, the sun was shining, the air was clean and crisp, it was what we call a picture perfect day…but it became a day of great destruction. On September 11, 2001, four airliners in the hands of terrorists attacked our nation. In a matter of minutes the World Trade Center towers were destroyed, the Pentagon attacked, and over 3000 Americans lost their lives.

These two events, although separated by 60 years will always be compared. The reason? The unexpected attack of the enemy, and the unpreparedness of the nation for such a ruthless and cunning attack. Why bring up the past? Why stir up the painful memories of such dark times in our nation's history? Because as Winston Churchill said, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

As believers, we have an enemy that is no less ruthless or cunning. Every day, he executes carefully crafted plans aimed at our destruction. Throughout the centuries, he has launched countless attacks aimed at crippling the effectiveness of believers and destroying local churches. 2 Corinthians 2:11 states, "We are not ignorant of his devices." This morning, I want us to see four strategies that Satan employs in his attack against Christians. He seeks to…

Disarm us - to strip us of our power. Distract us - to lead us from our purpose. Disable us - to impair our productivity. Destroy us - to completely neutralize our potential.

I. To Disarm us: and strip us of our power

II. To Distract us: away from our real purpose

III. To Disable us - to impair our productivity

IV. To Destroy us - to neutralize our potential

If we are aware of how the enemy attacks, and we are consciously aware of his strategies…then we can avoid becoming tragic casualties.

This morning, if you have never placed your trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, I invite you to come now and receive Him as your Savior. We would love to take the Bible and pray with you that you might be saved today.

Christian, are we battle-worn? Struggling with the daily attacks of the enemy? Come today and place surrender…not to the enemy…but to the Savior. Jesus will enable and empower us to be victorious over sin in our lives.

Whatever the need…the invitation is for you to come today. Do not delay.