"A Handbook of Enemy Strategies" true spiritual warfare

I don't usually use other people's work, however I read this and was blown away by its simplicity, depth, and practicality. It's written by John Piper, one of my personal heroes who have encouraged me tremendously. This is especially for all those of you out there who have ever been interested in the concept of "Spiritual Warfare". THIS is TRUE spiritual warfare, and the way we fight it is through prayer, learning God's word (so that we will not sin against him), vigilance, zeal, and most importantly love.


A Handbook of Enemy Strategies
Teaching Notes

By John Piper February 12, 1984



A wartime mindset must include shrewd knowledge of enemy tactics: Ephesians 5:11, "Take no part in unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Christianity stands or falls with the reality of Satan and demons. Why? Because Jesus spent his whole ministry fighting them. If they are not real he is reduced to a comic figure.

What is Satan's aim and his strategies?

1. He is the Father of lies. John 8:44
His nature is falsehood! He only speaks the truth in order to deceive.

2. Therefore, his chief enemy is truth - he opposes God's word. Genesis 3:1-5

3. He casts doubt on God's goodness. Genesis 3:1-5
He destroys the obedience of faith.

4. He hinders missions strategy. 1 Thess. 2:18
He opposes the truth reaching and converting people.

5. He distorts and prevents effective Gospel ministry. Acts 13:8-9

6. He avoids inner need by removing external trouble. 1 John 3:12

7. He uses the fear of death to hold men in bondage. Hebrews 2:15
The fear of death doesn't lead them to God because it leads them to get as many kicks here as possible.

8. He causes people to stumble over bad Christian attitudes. 2 Tim. 2:24-26

9. He blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Cor. 4:4

10. He exploits a lack of understanding. Mt. 13:19

11. He suggests ways that don't involve suffering. Mt. 16:23; Mt. 4:1-11

12. He imitates religious roles. 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Mt.13:28,30; Rev. 2:9

13. He misuses Scripture. Mt. 4:6

14. He imitates signs and wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Mk. 13:22

15. He offers exotic occult alternatives. Rev. 2:19-24

16. He attacks faith. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 11:3

17. He brings persecution. Rev. 2:9; 1 Pt. 5:8; Lk. 22:31

18. He brings sickness. Job 1:11; 2:5; Lk. 13:16.

19. He causes dissension over doctrine and causes rifts. Rom. 16:17-20

20. He tempts saints with sexual allurements. 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 5:15

21. He takes advantage of unresolved anger. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27

22. He promotes pride. 1 Tim. 3:6

We began with liar and end with pride. Connection: the truth is that God is God and we are not. It is humbling. The only way to rebel against the lowliness of creaturehood is to be a liar. Therefore humility under God is the great devil resistance (James 4:6-7).

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Ask yourself today, how many of these are you a victim of? For me it's all too many of the above. Make a resolution and pray that you will recognise these stumbling blocks when you are presented with them in your life, and pray that God will give us the strength through the Spirit to overcome Satan's manipulation of our sinful nature.
Yours in Christ.