Know Your Enemy!

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6: 10-14; Isaiah 14: 12-14
Memory Verses: 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5

This week's journey of knowing who our enemy is must begin by getting a revelation of where he comes from, and where he resides. And in order to do this, I must employ the research of Dr. Cindy Trimm, author of The Rules of Engagement and Binding the Strongman. According to this woman of God, the kingdom of darkness that we are fighting against is not a physical one, but it IS real. It consists of a highly- organized form of government with Lucifer, the fallen angel, as the head, and his lieutenants of demonic forces who succumbed to his scheme of rebellion against the Most High God Himself.

The kingdom of darkness, although not a literal place, is referred to as "any territory or domain where there is an absence of God, revelation, divine purpose and destiny... It is accessible to both spirit beings and human beings who either visit or make their abode there" (Cindy Trimm, Binding the Strongman pp. 16-17). Although it is not a kingdom that can be seen with the natural eye, it manifests itself in the physical realm through the systems of the world: social, entertainment, environmental, economic, governmental, educational, technological, and religious (p. 10).

How does the enemy, who does not even have the authority to walk or wield power on this earth, seem to be in such control here? He uses his principalities (demons who are first in rank and order) who influence the affairs of humanity at a national level, mostly embodying world leaders who yield themselves completely to their control (eg. Hitler). Next, he uses the powers, or delegated authority, which affect and infect structures such as the five pillars of our societies: marriage, family, government, education, and church. He then uses the rulers of the darkness of this world: spirits which are responsible for blinding the minds of people to truth, and for facilitating sin, wickedness and iniquity within the nations. They also keep people in a state of darkness, affecting their thoughts,feelings and perceptions through mass media, music, movies, fashion, sports, philosophies and religious ideologies(pp. 20-23).

Next, he uses spiritual wickedness in high or lofty places, not just in the air but also in the minds of humanity. It operates in anything that is perverted, depraved, warped, or corrupt. Witchcraft, mind control and the occult are in operation here. In addition,the foo soldiers or demons are used to truly seduce mankind through the love of money, having been given the ability to distribute wealth. If you ever doubted the existence of any of these things, look around you: the kingdom of righteousness seems to be losing the popularity contest as people choose evil on a greater level daily. But there is still a remnant who have not bowed, and will not bow our knee to him. And not only that, but we will walk in holiness and righteousness, serving our Lord Jesus in total devotion, which ensures his defeat. If you don't know exactly who your enemy is, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal him to you, and never leave home without your armor again.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for saving me and allowing me access into the kingdom of light, where the enemy neither dwells nor has authority. May we as your people arise in our authority, defeating him by the way we love and live for you every day. And may Your name forever be exalted as his kingdom is destroyed. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.