By Don Rogers
“In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Cor 2:11
THOUGHTS – Evil spirits have the ability to plant or transmit thoughts or suggestions into our consciousness. These are the seeds of IDEAS seeking to find fertile ground. They come to a person like their own thoughts and are received as such. One of the most destructive attacks is that of negative selfthoughts. (“I am not good.” “I am just a failure.” “I am so stupid. I can’t do anything right.” I will never succeed in anything.” “God cannot use me.” “No one cares for me.”)
CONSIDERATION – Satan’s plan is for us to allow the “idea” to remain and REFLECT on the pros and cons of its value. The more we consider it, the more we RATIONALIZE its merit. Any consideration of a lie without testing it against God’s truth and standing against it becomes a sin claim that the enemy can use to strengthen his power against us. Having a thought or idea appear in our thinking is not sin until we accept it.
ATTITUDES – As we accept an idea, FEELINGS begin to emerge to support and confirm the idea. Subtlely ATTITUDES are formed on the basis of the Confirmation of the feelings.
ACTIONS – Often actions are a natural RESPONSE to the growing intensity of thoughts and feelings. The actions are “knee-jerk reactions” to the influence of the lies in our life.
HABITS – When we allow our actions or reactions to continue unchecked in our lives, they become habits. The lies have now become established not only in the thoughts and feelings but in the subconscious as well.
BONDAGE – This is a stronghold that has gone in to place as the enemy has secured more influence and control through the yielding to sin. One becomes obsessive in thoughts and feelings and often compulsive in actions.
Above are the steps which the enemy has been using for centuries with great success. The apostle Paul gives us good advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension [lie] that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”
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