What is spiritual warfare?

Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) 12 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.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

John 10:10 (NLT) 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

How does the enemy work against us?

• NOTE: 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT) 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Satan is called the, “Father of lies” because he is a deceiver and the originator of lies.

• John 8:44 (KJV) 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Satan is known as the “Serpent” because of his wicked and crafty character.

• 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT) 3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

Genesis 3:1 – 5 (KJV)

1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan is called, “accuser of the brethren” because he opposes believers before God.

• Rev.12:9 (KJV) 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

There are many misconceptions regarding the devil, including the following:

• Satan is not equal to God.
• Satan does reside in and rule over hell. No horns and a tail. (2 Cor.11:14 – “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”)
• Satan can NOT do whatever he pleases.
• Satan is NOT omnipresent. Contrary to Flip Wilson, “The devil can’t make you do it.”
• Satan is NOT omnipotent, nor can he read our minds.

Monday Morning Moment: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NLT)