The Bible: The Believer's Scouting Report - Part Two
“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” - Ephesians 6:11 (KJV, emphasis mine)
In my last blog, I began discussing five different strategies that are used by the Flesh, the World and Satan (FWS) to sink and seduce us. As a review these strategies include:
To invoke our instincts
To intensify its influence
To invigorating our intemperance
To incite intimidation
To instigate your insurgence
In this week’s blog, we will consider satanic strategies numbers two and three: intensifying his influence and invigorating our intemperance.
Strategy #2: Intensifying Its Influence
Influence is defined as “the power to affect decisions.” Our three-headed opponent (FWS) powerfully exerts its evil influence enslaving and eviscerating the hearts of man by encouraging envy, strife, mayhem and destruction on the pillars that make up a sound society. These pillars are Family, Government andChurch. FWS is satanically suspending our society in lawlessness and wickedness.
“[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19 (KJV)
In chapter five of the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul expresses a cogent and clear characterization of how one of the heads of FWS (Flesh) influences in our lives.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
The most lethal and effective Power that we have to defeat Satan is the Holy Spirit and His word! It is foolish to believe that the scorching flames of Satan can be extinguished by your Super-Soaker of self-sufficiency or be rejected by your rationale. This behemoth of a foe will not go with your BB gun of ego. In order to be victorious, we must employ eternal weapons not earthly weapons.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)
According to Galatians 6:17-18, the Word of God is an offensive weapon that is effectively wielded through faith. By believing and applying its truth, the Word of God becomes living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Strategy #3: Invigorating our Intemperance
The third strategy that the bully will try to employ is to invigorate our intemperance .To put it another way, FWS will energize our lack of self-control in various aspects of our lives; especially in the arena of appetites, affections, activities and attitude. To illustrate, an undisciplined mouth will bring misfortune. A deficiency of discipline in what we entertain and embrace encourages error inescapable judgement. If one cannot master his or her attitude and emotions it is inevitable that he or she will be vulnerable to the bully’s aversive advances!
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” - Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)
We live in an impetuous culture. There is little or zero consideration of consequences for lawlessness. The following statements epitomize the depth of delusional descent of intemperance.
"All the things I really like to do are either illegal, immoral, or fattening." Alexander Woollcott
"I seek the utmost pleasure and the least pain." Plautus
The Scouting Report mandates a mortification of our fleshly passions in order to maintain a majestic position with God. Paul points us to a persistent practice which is an essential part of the life of a Christian.
“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” - Galatians 5:24 (KJV)
Knowing your enemy is essential in eviscerating his influence and lies. Join me next time as we conclude our study by focusing on the last two strategies of FWS.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR