“Strategies of the Enemy: Awareness, Armor, and Authenticity”

(Spiritual Warfare Session 13)

Objective:

To equip believers to recognize and resist the strategies and schemes of Satan by applying biblical truth, growing in discernment, and cultivating unity in the body of Christ.

Session Theme Verse:

“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
— Ephesians 6:11 (WEB)

Opening Prayer:

Invite the Holy Spirit to bring clarity, conviction, and spiritual protection during this study.

I. RECAP: Know Your Enemy

Discussion Starter:
What images come to mind when you hear the word “Satan”? What has shaped those ideas?

Review Key Names of the Enemy:

  • Satan (Adversary)

  • Devil (Slanderer)

  • Accuser

  • Beelzebul (Lord of decay)

  • Tempter

  • Prince of this world

Scripture Review:

  • John 10:10 – The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

  • Revelation 12:10 – The accuser of the brethren.

  • Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle not against flesh and blood.

II. STRATEGY ONE: Subtlety

Genesis 3:1–5
The serpent’s first tactic is to question God subtly.

Discussion Questions:

  • How has the enemy used subtlety in your life?

  • What are modern examples of subtle deception?

Illustration:
The James Webb Telescope story—How vastness created a subtle doubt in God’s personal care.

III. STRATEGY TWO: Traps

1 Timothy 3:7
"He must also have a good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Key Idea:
Satan sets strategic traps—especially for leaders.

Examples:

  • Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker scandals

  • The ripple effect of public Christian failure

Discussion:
What kinds of traps are common today for Christian leaders?

IV. STRATEGY THREE: Division

1 Corinthians 1:12–13
"I follow Paul… I follow Apollos…" Paul asks, "Is Christ divided?"

Historical Examples:

  • Peg vs. No Peg churches

  • Trespasses vs. Sins in the Lord’s Prayer

  • Doctrinal debates: Calvinist vs. Arminian

Modern Examples:

  • Fights over mask-wearing during COVID

  • Denominational silos

Discussion:
How can churches stand united without compromising core doctrine?

V. STRATEGY FOUR: Hypocrisy

Matthew 23:27–28
"Whitewashed tombs… full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Illustration:
LifeWay and unChristian study: 72% of unchurched Americans believe the church is full of hypocrites.

Discussion:
How can we model authentic Christian character in a skeptical world?

VI. APPLICATION: Armor and Alertness

Ephesians 6:10–18 – The Full Armor of God
Break into small groups to reflect on:

  • Which part of the armor do you need to strengthen most right now?

  • Where might Satan be trying subtle attacks in your life?

VII. MINISTRY MOMENT: Confession & Unity

James 5:16
“Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

Optional Activity:

  • Confession stations or paired prayer

  • Write down areas of subtle temptation or division and pray over them

Closing Prayer & Commissioning:

Pray for protection, unity, and discernment. Encourage participants to remain alert and encourage others this week.


آخر تعديل: السبت، 31 مايو 2025، 6:58 ص