RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-04-28	Spiritual Attack
		Spiritual Attack Many Christians face spiritual struggles as they attempt to grow in the Lord. One of the many tools of the enemy is to deceive a person (Re.12:9). He does this by getting people to assume the struggle is a natural battle, and not spiritual. When we assume the struggle is natural we seek natural remedies. Thus, we look in the wrong directions. Beneath the surface something more complex is taking place. Paul taught that we are aware of Satan's devices (2Co.2:11). 2Co 2:11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. The Bible tells us that the devil has various plots and schemes he uses against human beings. Understand Satan is not stupid. He has been around a long time and he is aware of human behavior. He knows how to tempt people! Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. He is not omnipresent. But he has his minions who push the right buttons at the right time. We must walk in the Spirit (Ep.5:18) to be aware of the spiritual implication. How can you identify a spiritual attack? 1. You lack spiritual passion. The enemy steals your tenacity for the things of God. You feel as though you are just going through the motions. Your spiritual life has stalled! 2. Confusion about your purpose. You are not sure about your spiritual direction. We begin to question the direction and call that was once so clear. He releases confusion, shame, intimidation and a variety of vile schemes to create a cloud of uncertainty. Satan's goal is to get you out of the will of the Father. The result is shear confusion! 3. You lack peace in your life. The enemy bombards your mind with various thoughts to bring mental fatigue. The mind becomes irritated and exhausted. 4. You have a strong urge to quit. God has created each believer with a unique purpose. He has given spiritual gifts to fulfill His plan. It is Satan's desire for us to abandon our posts! He gives us “reasons” to give up from what God has called us to do. This is why we see so many exhortations in Scripture to “keep going” in our spiritual walk. 1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Once you recognize the attack begin to rise up in the faith. The Bible provides encouragement from the above attacks: 1. Break it with FAITH: Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 2. Break it with PRAYER: Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints 3. Break it with RESISTANCE: Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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