Armor Up
- Ephesians 6:12-19
- Genesis 3:1
- 1 Peter 5:8
You see there are spirits that influence people or posses them, just as the Holy Spirit influences born again believers in Christ. Without the gift of discernment of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10), these people seem "normal." However, Satan and his kingdom does not want you to know this nor abide in the commandments of Christ. We must judge a tree by their fruits, a good tree will bring good fruit, and an evil one yields evil fruit.
With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are given power and authority over unclean spirits:
Luke 10:19-20 KJV - Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Christ Jesus is God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19), and His Holy blood that was shed on the cross is the only atonement covering for our sins. We are covered by His blood, in His grace and righteousness when we abide in His commandments, because His commandments are good and bring life.
Satan is the god of this fallen world (2 Corinthians 4:4), and he wants to steer you into death and destruction using your carnal desires, greed, lust, lies, envy, pride, and selfishness. These sins cause strife, division, cold hearts, and evil atrocities that leave people broken. Satan is a thief, a murderer, and a destroyer (John 10:10).
Sin may be fun for a season but they will leave you empty-handed and in ruins. A wake of destruction and grief will follow a sinful man.
When a believer truly understands the gospel of Salvation and believes it in the heart (Romans 10:9) and wants to live a Holy life in Christ Jesus and His commandments, then the devil will put you on his hit-list.
Yet, the attacks will come in many forms, and evil will postulate itself even as a friend, only to leave you shackled to sin and without mercy. The devil could send a bully to intimidate you, a seducer to entrap you, a liar to deceive you, a backstabber to backstab you, a mocker to mock you, a false Christian to whisper lies, heresies, and destruction. The evil may charm you with a form of godliness or a false showing, with charisma and flatterers.
It gets even more subtle than that, as evil lurks in muddied water, so it is hard to spot a snake in the water. One may find themselves with an overwhelming set of distractions to keep them from growing in Christ or to keep you from good works. An old girlfriend or coworker could call when you begin your Bible study, the dogs will go berserk when you begin praying, your car battery dies before going to church. It may seem that the whole "universe" is against you and keeping you away from living according to the will of God.
The devil will also try to keep you lukewarm, complacent with a comfy job and perks while going to a laodicean church that is full of compromise, sin, and worldliness. As soon as you begin to cry out to God and say, "I need more of you Lord! " the devil will encamp around about you, honing in on any one of your weaknesses and planning your demise.
1 Peter 4:12-16 KJV — Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
This can be a form of sifting that God allows, that shakes loose any chaff and exposes and leaves only the good wheat (Luke 22:31).
As you know, a Christian will not be glorified in this world especially if you're living Holy in Christ, the world will hate you as it has hated Him. Nevertheless, we must strengthen our roots in faith and purify our hearts in the trials and tribulations that come our way. Dig deep and set your house upon a rock, the saving work of Christ Jesus and His commandments.
Philippians 3:14 KJV — I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Luke 21:16-20 KJV — And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and His finished work on the cross, yet we are called to be His body on earth, to save souls, proclaim the gospel, and minister to those in need. To be a Holy nation, a faithful, sanctified, and spotless bride espoused to one husband - Jesus the Messiah (Isaiah 7:145, Isaiah 9:6).
Especially in these last days before the rapture (Revelation 3:10-11), Satans comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He will give you a bag of chips and then condemn you for being a glutton. He will send a married woman to flirt with you and then call you an adulterer. He will threaten your life and then call you a coward. He will take away your job and then call you a sluggard. He will use your nearest and dearest if they are not saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 5:8 KJV — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Revelation 12:10 KJV — And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren (Satan) is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
John 10:10 KJV — The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am (Jesus) come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
For more information about the demonic spirits, the Nephilim (Hybrid Giants), and the Book of Enoch, please see my article:
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