29 September 2014 RECOGNIZING THE SCHEMES OF THE ENEMY Memory Verse: In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2Cor 2:11) And: John 13:2: 2: The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Message Paul boldly declares as a fact, that as believers, we are not to be unaware of the schemes of the enemy. The word, scheme, is from the Greek word, methodeia, which is synonymous with the English word, ‘method’. This means, as believers, it is our responsibility and duty to always be informed on the methods that the devil uses to attack us. Subtle as his methods might be, they should never go undetected by a believer. To be caught unaware of the enemy’s devices is an indication to you as a believer that you are not doing your part. Since we ought to be aware of his schemes, it means that any influence by devil in our lives, is a result of our own ignorance (which is deliberately choosing to ignore what we ought to know). The devil prompted Judas first before his act of betraying Jesus. The words “devil prompted Judas first” means that the devil had already dropped an idea in the mind of Judas, which he then entertained until it gave birth to sin (James 1:14). By the Word we already know that one of the methods of the devil is to incite disobedience to God through suggestions to our minds. Judas was ignorant of this scheme of the enemy and his ignorance was fatal in that it led to his death. Action Point We are not unaware of the schemes of the devil because his modus operandi (method of operation), never changes. The devil does not come in the flesh with horns and a long fork at hand as the movies portray, instead, he comes as a subtle thought. He prompts you to do something that is contrary to the Word of God and His principles. As a follower of Christ, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are knowledgeable of this trick and stand against it in the name Jesus. I pray for you that you will always be alert to recognize and defeat the enemy in every method that he tries to use against you. @ Prophet Shepherd Bushiri
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:07:39 +0000