The Art of Spiritual Warfare Part 2: The Strategy of the Saints

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The Art of Spiritual Warfare: Part 2: The Strategy of the Saints

The Strategy is an Offensive One

“… and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

• Our job is not to sit back and wait, it is to look for opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God
• The Advance
• Gates cannot attack
• The implication is that you will “storm” the gates and they will not stand against you
• This is an offensive strategy

Never attack when you will have no chance of victory

Sometimes attack when you have a chance of victory

Always attack when you are guaranteed a victory

The Art of War states that “to win 100 victories in 100 battles is not the pinnacle of skill.  To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.”

• The cause of Christ is right. However, the “right” will not be accepted if it is not demonstrated in love.
• Also, fighting many battles will wear you out. Choose your battles!

How do we know when we are guaranteed victory?

Four points in which victory may be predicted

From The Art of War

1. He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.
2. He who understands how to fight in accordance with the strength of antagonistic forces will be victorious.
3. He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.
4. He who is well prepared and lies in wait for an enemy who is not well prepared will be victorious.

• When To Fight
  1. Do not try to do battle before you are ready
  2. The Holy Bible, King James Version
     2 Timothy 2:15
     ¹⁵Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
• How To Fight
  1. You must understand the strength of the enemy as well as the strength of your God
  2. The Holy Bible, King James Version
     Romans 12:3
     ³For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
• Why To Fight
  1. We must be united in purpose.
     1. To lift up the Name of the Lord
  2. The Holy Bible, King James Version

Matthew 12:25
²⁵And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

• Prepared To Fight
  1. The enemy knows your weaknesses, so when you come to the enemy in the power of God, your weaknesses are gone and the enemy will not be prepared for it.
  2. The Holy Bible, King James Version
     Matthew 17:21
     ²¹Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.