COUNTER STRATEGIES: PREVENTING TRANSFERENCE OF AN EVIL SPIRIT

COUNTER STRATEGIES: PREVENTING TRANSFERENCE OF AN EVIL SPIRIT

God has given spiritual counter strategies to prevent the transference of an evil spirit:

CONTROL YOUR OWN SPIRIT:

Control your own spirit. Be sure you do not develop a wrong spirit which you can transfer to others:

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

...therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. (Malachi 2:16)

GUARD YOUR TONGUE:

As you have learned, the tongue can be used to create a breach in the spirit and provide access to the enemy. Watch what you say!

GUARD YOUR AFFECTIONS:

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

Guard your affections. Do not give your respect and love to just everyone. You open yourself up emotionally to those you love and respect and this makes you receptive to their spirit.

CAREFULLY SELECT YOUR ASSOCIATES:

The book of Proverbs warns repeatedly of the danger of association with those who have wrong spirits. For examples read Proverbs 1:10-19 and 2:11-22. We are warned:

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go;

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25)

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14-15)

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:7)

Be not among winebibbers (drunkards)...(Proverbs 23:20)

Whoso is a partner with a thief hateth his own soul... (Proverbs 29:24)

If you walk with wise men their spirits will be transferred to you:

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

Choose your close associates carefully. If you are a parent, carefully monitor the associates of your children.

GUARD YOUR PHYSICAL SENSES:

You will remember from the study of the flesh that your physical senses are important. Protect your hearing from reports of gossip, accusations, slander, and criticism. They can cause you to develop a wrong spirit. Guard your eyes from violent and pornographic movies or reading materials which can transfer spirits of adultery, lust, and violence.

USE CAUTION IN "LAYING ON OF HANDS":

The "laying on of hands" is one of the foundations of the Christian faith spoken of by Paul in Hebrews 6:1-3. It has important spiritual purposes which are covered in detail in another Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Foundations Of Faith."

What is important to recognize here is that, as demonstrated in the story of Moses and the seventy elders, a spirit can be transferred by the "laying on of hands." If a good spirit can be transferred by the laying on of hands, it is probable that an evil spirit can be also. Be careful about who you allow to "lay hands" on you for the purpose of spiritual impartation.

1. Study further the transference of a good spirit: The prophet Elisha asked for the "mantle" of Elijah to fall upon him at the time of Elijah's death. This "mantle" symbolized the spirit of God which was upon Elijah. Elisha asked for a "double portion" of the good spirit which rested on Elijah. Read the story in II Kings 2.

2. Study further the transference of an evil spirit: Read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. This is an example of a husband who transferred a spirit of deception to his wife.

3. Study the following references. They reveal the many ways your spirit can be affected with certain attitudes and emotional responses, both right and wrong. Your spirit can be:

Jealous: Numbers 5:14 Hardened: Deuteronomy 2;30 In Anguish: Exodus 6:9 Good: Nehemiah 9:20 Guileless: Psalms 32:2 Right: Psalms 51:10 Broken: Psalms 51:17 Overwhelmed: Psalms 77:3; 142:3; 143:4 Diligent and searching: Psalms 77:6 Steadfast: Psalms 78:8 Failing within: Psalms 143:7 Faithful: Proverbs 11:13; II Corinthians 4:13 Hasty: Proverbs 14:29; Ecclesiastes 7:9 Haughty: Proverbs 16:18 Humble: Proverbs 16:19 Wounded: Proverbs 18:14 Vexed: Ecclesiastes 1:14 Patient: Ecclesiastes 7:8 Proud: Ecclesiastes 7:8 Seeking: Isaiah 26:9 Judgmental: Isaiah 28:6 In error: Isaiah 29:24 Humble and contrite: Isaiah 57:15 Poor and contrite: Isaiah 66:2 Quieted: Zechariah 6:8 Excellent: Daniel 5:12; 6:3 Grieved: Daniel 7:15 Wise: Exodus 28:3 Strong: Luke 2:40 Wrong: Luke 9:55 Worshipful: John 4:23-24; Philippians 3:3

Troubled: Genesis 41:8; Daniel 2:3; John 13:21; II Thessalonians 2:2 Persuasive: Acts 6:10 Stirred: Ezra 1:1; Haggai 1:14; Acts 7:16 Pressed: Acts 18:5 Fervent: Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11 Bound: Acts 20:22 Serving: Romans 1:9 Circumcised: Romans 2:29 New: Ezekiel 11:19;18:31; 36:26; Romans 7:6 In bondage: Romans 8:15 Bear witness with God's spirit: Romans 8:16 Slumbering: Romans 11:8 Meek: Galatians 6:1 Meek and quiet: I Peter 3:4 Prayerful: I Corinthians 14:14; One with God: I Corinthians 6:17 Glorifying God: I Corinthians 6:20 Singing: I Corinthians 14:15 Refreshed: I Corinthians 16:18; II Corinthians 7:13 Restless: II Corinthians 2:13 Filthy: II Corinthians 7:1 United with other believers: II Corinthians 12:18; Philippians 1:27 Preserved: I Thessalonians 5:23 An example of the believers: I Timothy 4:12 Fearful: II Timothy 1:7 Lustful: James 4:5 Willing: Exodus 35:21; Matthew 26:41 Poor: Matthew 5:3 Perceptive: Mark 2:8 Ready: Mark 14:38 Sorrowful: I Samuel 1:15 Sad: I Kings 21:5 Rejoicing: Luke 1:47 Sighing: Mark 8:12

4. Do you feel you have been affected by the transference of an evil spirit? Who do you believe influenced your spirit? What were the results of this negative influence? If you have been affected by the transference of an evil spirit and to defend against being affected by such, follow the counter strategies given in this chapter:

• Control your own spirit. • Guard your tongue. • Guard your affections. • Carefully select your associates. • Guard your physical senses.

• Use caution in "the laying on of hands."

5. There is a special gift of the Holy Spirit called "discerning of spirits." It enables believers to recognize whether a spirit is good or evil. You can study more about this gift in the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit."

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY IN FINANCES

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY IN FINANCES

Satan can attack the finances and material possessions of believers through no fault of their own. You read about this in the example of Job. But remember, Satan did not touch the finances or possessions of Job without the permission of God. This was an attack permitted by God to try Job's faith. Because Job was faithful, God blessed him with more than he had in the beginning.

When you experience financial difficulties through no fault of your own, you can be assured it is an attack launched by the enemy. If faith in God is maintained and you continue to govern their financial affairs according to Scriptural principles, God's blessing of restoration will follow this temporary trial:

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning...

 (Job 42:12)

If you are experiencing financial difficulties because of the violation of Scriptural principles then you must repent and correct the violation. You must dissolve partnerships with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18). You must correct dishonesty (Proverbs 16:8, Acts 5:3-4) and violation of government laws (Romans 13:6-7). To counteract the strategies of Satan you must refrain from fraud (James 5:3-4), unfair wages (Jeremiah 22:13), greed (Proverbs 28:22), intemperance (Proverbs 23:21), and laziness (Proverbs 20:13).

You should remove yourself from business and financial transactions which entangle and prevent you from being a good spiritual warrior (II Timothy 2:4). You should refuse "get-rich-quick" schemes (Proverbs 20:21; 28:22) which are motivated by the love of money (I Timothy 6:10). You must trust in God rather than wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18-19; Psalms 49:6). You should refuse to co-sign debts for others (Proverbs 6:1-2) and get out of debt yourself (Romans 13:8; Proverbs 3:27-28).

If you are withholding offerings and tithes, you must correct this omission (Proverbs 11:24; Malachi 3:1-12). If you are in positions where you receive offerings, you must not use them for personal gain or regard them lightly (I Samuel 2:29). When you give to God, you must give your tithes and offerings:

• Willingly: Exodus 35:5; I Chronicles 29:9 • With A Perfect Heart: I Chronicles 29:9 • Freely: Matthew 6:38 • Secretly: Matthew 6:3 • Regularly: I Corinthians 16:2 • Cheerfully: II Corinthians 9:7 • With Simplicity: Romans 12:8 • According To Your Income: Matthew 5:42 • According To Your Ability: Ezra 2:69 • By Percentage Of Income: Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30; II Chronicles 31:5;  Malachi 3:10

It is only by correcting these Scriptural violations that you can overcome the attacks of Satan in the area

1. Read the book of Job. Job was attacked in the physical, material, and family realms. He was also attacked through human personalities. Behind each of these circumstances and areas of attack there was a spiritual reason. See Job.1:6-12; 2:1-6; 42:5. REMEMBER: There is a spiritual reason behind every circumstance and problem which you face in life.

2. For further discussion of sickness and divine healing of the body, obtain the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Battle For The Body." Because sickness and divine healing are covered in detail in the "Battle For The Body" manual, the material is not repeated in this course. It is important that you study further in this area, however, as Satanic attacks the body are a major tactic of the enemy.

3. Are you being attacked physically or financially? How does your attitude and practice of giving line up with what you were taught in this lesson. Do you give...

• Willingly: Exodus 35:5; I Chronicles 29:9 • With A Perfect Heart: I Chronicles 29:9 • Freely: Matthew 6:38 • Secretly: Matthew 6:3 • Regularly: I Corinthians 16:2 • Cheerfully: II Corinthians 9:7 • With Simplicity: Romans 12:8 • According To Your Income: Matthew 5:42 • According To Your Ability: Ezra 2:69 • By Percentage Of Income: Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30

SATAN'S STRATEGY: TRANSFERENCE OF AN EVIL SPIRIT

Satan is an imitator, not an originator. He uses the pattern established by God for transferring a good spirit to transfer wrong spirits between men. One example of this is the story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to spy out the land promised by God to Israel. Read the account in Numbers 13:17-14:39.

Ten of these spies returned with a negative report. They told of the great walled cities and the powerful enemy forces in the land. They transferred a spirit of fear and unbelief to God's people:

...We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (Numbers 13:31, 33)

But two of the twelve spies had a different spirit:

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Numbers 14:24)

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes;

And they spake unto the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (Numbers 14:6-8)

Here were two contrary spirits seeking to control the people. One was the spirit of unbelief. The

other was the spirit of belief:

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. (Numbers 13:30)

Look how the negative spirit of the ten spies affected the people:

And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would God we had died in this wilderness!

And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. (Numbers 14:1-4)

There were spirits of despair, murmuring, and rebellion transferred by the ten spies to God's people. Israel was not kept out of the Promised Land because of an inferior army. They were kept out because of a wrong spirit.

Why were the people affected by the evil spirit instead of the good? Because of the basic sin nature people tend to immediately accept and believe an evil report. There is also a tendency to "follow the crowd" and accept the decision of the majority as the will of God. Also, if Israel had accepted the positive report, it would have meant putting their lives on the line. They would have to expose themselves to great danger. Our human nature always wants to take the easy way out.

This powerful strategy of transference of spirits accounts for many of the spiritual battles fought by believers today. It accounts for the abrupt changes from positive to negative behavior which we witness in those around us. It explains why two children, raised in the same home, who receive the same Christian training, can turn out so differently. It is the reason behind divisions in homes, friendships, and church fellowships. When you maintain close association with or come under the influence of a person with a spirit more powerful than yours, you are open to the transference of that spirit to your own spirit. You are influenced by that spirit and it is transferred to you.

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY OVER HUMAN PERSONALITIES

In a previous chapter on transference of spirits the importance of carefully selecting friends and associates was stressed. This is an important counter strategy in gaining victory over attacks of Satan launched through others. Choosing close associates carefully will eliminate much deception, desertion, disagreement, wrong counsel, and hindering of spiritual progress. But two

other important counter strategies bring victory over human personalities.

First: Obey God rather than man.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)

Second: Follow others only as they follow God.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1) Be ye therefore followers of God... (Ephesians 5:1)

Do not accept counsel or prophecies from anyone when they do not agree with God's written Word. Do not admire or follow the leadership of those whose lives do not line up with God's Word. Recognize you will only be successful as long as you follow God's plan for your life. You will not be successful in emulating others. You must not be diverted by those around you. You must rely on revelation, not imitation.

Although those around you may manipulate circumstances that affect you, remember that God is still in control. Although Joseph experienced such an attack through human personalities, God turned it for his good:

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God... (Genesis 45:8)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: ATTACKS ON THE FAMILY

The family is the basic unit of society established by God in the beginning of the world when He first created man. God has always emphasized the family. He raised up a nation of chosen people from the family of one man, Abraham. He selected the physical union of a man and his wife to describe the spiritual union between Christ and the church. Throughout the Scriptures, God stressed the importance of the family in His plan of the ages.

The family is the basic structure from which all other structures stem. Government and religious leaders are raised in families. Communities and nations consist of many families grouped together. Because of the importance of this basic unit of society, the family is a target for attack by Satan.

Satan attacks the union between a man and his wife. He tries to cause improper sexual relationships which will result in sin (I Corinthians 7:5). He leads men and women into the sin of adultery (Galatians 5:19). He tries to get one partner to influence the other to turn away from God (Job 2). Satan promotes division in the home. This can range from arguments through divorce. Satan tries to bring division because he knows....

...Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

If Satan can bring division and destroy the homes of a nation, he can eventually destroy the nation itself.

God established a chain of command in the home. The man is to be the head of the home and love his wife. The wife is to follow his leadership and the children are to be in submission to their parents (I Corinthians 7; Ephesians 5:1-6:1). Satan targets the man of the home and tempts him to act in unloving ways. This results in a loss of respect and obedience from the wife and children. Satan tempts the wife to act in rebellion against the husband. Satan targets the children in a home. He creates an atmosphere of lack of discipline which results in rebellion. Read the story of Eli's sons in I Samuel 2 and of David's son, Absalom, in II Samuel 13-19. Jesus warned of the attacks of the enemy in the home:

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:52-53)

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY IN THE FAMILY

Many problems in the family unit can be avoided if believers choose their mate properly. The Bible warns that believers are not to marry unbelievers:

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14)

When a family unit is composed of believers and unbelievers, spiritual division exists. This division is not a conflict between flesh and blood. It is a spiritual conflict. It cannot be won by harsh words or through debate and argument.

Satan fights the unity of the family because it is a natural parallel of the unity between Christ and the church. Believers must recognize this and declare:

...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

As heir of the promise of Abraham, you can also claim the promise "In thee shall all the families

of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Because you are a spiritual heir of Abraham, your family will be blessed.

To protect against attacks of Satan, the family must grow together spiritually. Prayer and study of God's Word will bind the family together:

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

The family must be in proper order before you assume leadership in ministry. New Testament requirements for leadership are that the home of leaders be in order. (See Titus l and I Timothy 3). Wrong emphasis on ministry has resulted in division in many Christian homes. To defeat Satan's strategy in this area, the home must be in scriptural order before a believer engages in ministry leadership positions.

Parents have a responsibility to discipline their children. The home problems of Eli and David resulted because of lack of discipline. The Bible instructs believers regarding this responsibility:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (early). (Proverbs 13:24)

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: FINANCIAL ATTACKS

Finances and material possessions of believers are another area Satan targets for attack. His attacks are launched in two major areas:

One: Financial loss through no fault of the believer. This is a direct attack of Satan on the finances or material possessions of believers.

Two: Attacks on finances or material possessions through violation of Scriptural guidelines.

The first type of attack is illustrated by the example of Job in chapters l and 2. Satan attacked Job's finances by destroying his herds (which was his business) and his home. The roof literally fell in! The Bible declares Job was a righteous man, so we know he was not in violation of Scriptural principles.

The second type of attack is illustrated by any violation of Scriptural guidelines. Satan knows if he can lead believers to violate Biblical principles, their finances will not be blessed. Without material possessions and finances they will not be able to support the spread of the Gospel to the nations of the world.

Study the following references to discover how Satan attacks in our finances:

• Improper business partnerships with unbelievers: II Corinthians 6:14-18 (This verse is often only applied to the marriage relationship, when in fact it is applicable to any union of believers with non-believers). • Debt: Romans 13:8 • Co-signing for debts of others: Proverbs 6:1-2 • Withholding payment when funds are readily available: Proverbs 3:27-28 • Withholding tithes and offerings: Malachi 3:1-12; Proverbs 11:24 • Dishonesty: Proverbs 16:8; Acts 5:3-4 • Fraud: James 5:3-4 • Unfair wages: Jeremiah 22:13 • Greed: Proverbs 28:22 • Intemperance: Proverbs 23:21 • Violation of government laws regarding money: Romans 13:6-7 • Laziness which results in poverty: Proverbs 20:13 • "Get-rich-quick" schemes: Proverbs 20:21; 28:22 • Love of money: I Timothy 6:10 • Business and financial situations creating "weights": II Timothy 2:4. • Regarding offerings lightly and receiving inordinate funds for personal gain: I Samuel 2:29

THE BATTLE OVER THE WALLS

KEY VERSE FROM THE ARTICLES OF WAR:

Then answered I them, and said unto them, the God of Heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:20)

The book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament relates the story of a battle to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem which had been destroyed by an enemy. Walls were an important defense in cities in ancient Israel. They protected against enemy invasion. The natural walls of Jerusalem are symbolic of our spiritual walls:

...thou shalt call thy walls Salvation and thy gates Praise. (Isaiah 60:18)

The natural gates of Jerusalem mentioned in Nehemiah 3 each have symbolic meaning which apply to your spiritual walls:

The Sheep Gate represents the work of the cross in your life, the foundation of spiritual construction: 3:1; John 10:11

The Fish Gate represents Christian witness: 3:3; Matthew 4:19

The Old Gate represents the old nature changing to the new: 3:6; Romans 6:1-23

The Valley Gate speaks of suffering and testing: 3:13; II Corinthians 1:3-5

The Dung Gate represents the works of the flesh which must be eliminated: 3:14; Galatians 5:16-21

The Fountain Gate represents the work of the Holy Spirit: 3:15; John 7:37-39

The Water Gate represents the Word of God: 3:26; John 4:10-14

The Horse Gate represents the believer's warfare: 3:28; Ephesians 6:10-17

The Eastern Gate speaks of the believer's hope in the return of Jesus: 3:29; Ezekiel 43:1-2

The Miphkad Gate speaks of self-examination and the judgment seat of Jesus: 3:31; I Corinthians 3:9-15; II Corinthians 5:10

So your spiritual walls include: • Walls of salvation, gates of praise • Work of the cross in your life • Christian witness • The old nature changed to the new nature • Suffering and testing • Elimination of works of the flesh • Work of the Holy Spirit • The Word of God • Spiritual warfare

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• The hope of the return of Jesus • Self-examination

These are the spiritual walls Satan has targeted to destroy in your life. He wants to destroy your praise and Christian witness. He wants to destroy the work of the cross, suffering, and the Holy Spirit in your life. He tries to keep you from studying God's Word and acting upon its truths. Satan wants to defeat you in spiritual warfare, prevent self-examination, and entrap you in the works of the flesh and the old sinful nature. He wants to destroy your hope in the return of Jesus. These are your spiritual walls, and Satan attacks them with strategies identical to those used in the battle over the walls in Jerusalem. This chapter focuses on the battle over the walls of your spiritual life. It uses the story of Nehemiah to draw powerful parallels of spiritual warfare.

THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM

Nehemiah recognized the walls had been destroyed and the city was in its present condition because of sin. (Nehemiah 1:5-7) When your spiritual walls are in ruin it is also because of sin. Nehemiah felt an intense burden from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to provide protection for the inhabitants. His preparation and plan are described in chapters l and 2. He and his workers were determined to "arise and build" the walls (Nehemiah 2:18).

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: THE BATTLE OVER THE WALLS

When Nehemiah determined to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he met powerful opposition from his enemies. When you determine to rebuild spiritual walls, you will face similar opposition from your enemy, Satan. The strategies of the enemies of Nehemiah are identical to the strategies Satan uses to attack spiritual walls. The attacks are divided into two main categories: External attacks and internal attacks.

EXTERNAL ATTACKS:

These are attacks the enemy launches from without through others who are not part of the body of Christ. Such attacks include:

1. Direct criticism: Nehemiah 2:19

The enemies criticized, "What do you think you are doing?" They were against the reconstruction project and tried in every way to prevent it.

2. Mocking and scorn: Nehemiah 4:1-3

Nehemiah became a "target for tongues." The enemy tried to defeat him through the mocking and scorn of others. Satan will use the tongue of others to discourage and defeat you.

3. False accusations: Nehemiah 6:5-7

The enemy attacked Nehemiah personally with false accusations. They accused him of being a rebel. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren." He will use others to accuse you as well as putting accusing thoughts in your mind.

4. Diversion: Nehemiah 6:2

The enemy tried to get Nehemiah to join them for a meeting. This meeting was a diversion tactic to call Nehemiah away from the work of rebuilding the wall. Diversion from the things of God and the work He has given you to do is still a chief strategy of Satan.

5. Popular influence: Nehemiah 6:2

The enemy said let "us" meet together, trying to influence Nehemiah with popular opinion. Popular opinion said Nehemiah was a rebel and the wall could not be built. Trying to get believers to conform to popular opinion, majority rule, and the principles of the world is a key strategy of Satan. A false prophet claiming to be of God was even used by the enemy to attack Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:10-13). Popular opinion would say to listen to a "prophet of God." We are warned of false prophets who would divert us from God.

6. Compromise: Nehemiah 5:14-19 Nehemiah refused to compromise. He did not conform to wrong life styles and principles around him. His motto was, "So did not I, because of the fear of God" (Nehemiah 5:15). Satan promotes compromise. He tries to convince believers that something is all right because others are doing it or that such things really are not wrong.

7. Threats and fear: Nehemiah 6:5-9

The enemy made fearful threats against Nehemiah and his workers. Satan knows that fear paralyzes but faith energizes believers to be effective for God. When Nehemiah was offered a way to escape from the enemy, he refused to be fearful and retreat (Nehemiah 6:10-13). He did not take the easy way out. Satan tries to make believers flee in the face of opposition. When you are running you are retreating, and when you retreat you do not gain or hold spiritual ground. When you walk by faith you will encounter opposition of those who walk by sight.

8. Fighting and hindering: Nehemiah 4:8

Open tactics of fighting and hindering were also used. The enemy is not always subtle in his attacks. Sometimes he comes right out in the open to fight and hinder.

9. Conspiracy: Nehemiah 4:8; 6:2

A conspiracy or plot was made against Nehemiah by the enemy. The enemy plots against your life also:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy... (John 10:10)

10. Attacks at vulnerable times: Nehemiah 4:6

The greatest attack of the enemy came when the wall was half finished because this was a strategic (important) time. The enemy invades at strategic times when you are vulnerable (most open and affected by his attacks).

• The Prophet Jonah became despondent after the greatest revival ever experienced (Jonah 3-4). • David fell into sin at a time of great victory in his life. Up until that time he had not known military defeat. • Samson fell into sin when he "began" to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

When you are being effective for God, you are vulnerable to enemy attack. Satan is concerned most with those who are advancing in the spirit world.

INTERNAL ATTACKS:

Internal attacks of Satan are those made from within the Body of Christ. They include:

1. Discouragement: Nehemiah 4:10-11

The workers became discouraged which resulted in: • Loss of strength. • Loss of vision because of "too much rubbish." • Loss of confidence

2. Dissension: Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah 5 opens with dissension among God's people. If Satan divides the Body of Christ,

he makes us ineffective. We are busy battling each other instead of building. Wrong motives are always behind dissension. In Nehemiah chapter 5 the wrong motive was greed.

3. Weak believers: Nehemiah 4:12

The enemy used weak workers (symbolic of weak believers in the Body of Christ) to try to defeat the construction project.

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY AT THE WALL

The following strategies were used by Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. You can use the same strategies to assure victory at your spiritual walls:

EXAMINE THE WALLS:

As Nehemiah did in the natural world, examine the walls of your spiritual life. (Nehemiah 2) Has the enemy crept into your personal life, your home, church fellowship, business, etc.?

But let a man examine himself... (I Corinthians 11:28)

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves... (II Corinthians 13:5)

Remember that self-examination is one of the symbolic gates of your wall in the spirit world. Satan will try to prevent you from self-examination because it will result in recognition of areas in your life where you have let him destroy the walls and invade.

CONFESS YOUR SIN:

As Nehemiah, recognize that the reason walls are destroyed is because of sin. Then like he did (Nehemiah 1:5-7), confess your sin and ask forgiveness:

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)

RECOGNIZE THAT YOU CANNOT BUILD ALONE:

When Nehemiah's workers said, "We ourselves are unable to build the wall," it was a true statement. By themselves they were unable. They needed the power of God to equip them for the task...So will you!

ARISE AND BUILD:

As Nehemiah, determine to rise and rebuild your spiritual walls:

Then answered I them, and said unto them, the God of Heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:20)

Be prepared...You will face opposition from the enemy.

DO NOT BE DIVERTED:

Nehemiah refused to be diverted by enemy tactics (Nehemiah 6:2-3). Do not let the enemy divert or distract you from rebuilding your spiritual walls.

DO NOT BE SWAYED BY "POPULAR OPINION":

Popular opinion was that Nehemiah was a rebel (Nehemiah 2:19). Popular opinion held that the walls could not be properly rebuilt (Nehemiah 4:3). Nehemiah was not swayed by popular opinion. Rather than conform to popular opinion, Nehemiah set an example. He said, "So did not I, because of the fear of God" (Nehemiah 5:14-19. Become an example in spiritual warfare. Do not become part of the crowd that says victory is impossible.

IDENTIFY THE ENEMY AND HIS STRATEGIES:

Nehemiah identified the enemy and his strategies. He discovered that the enemy planned a surprise attack (Nehemiah 4:8 and 11). You must identify your spiritual enemy and his strategies in order to be effective in spiritual warfare. This will help you be prepared for surprise attacks. Recognize that the enemy has conspired against you to kill, steal, and destroy but realize God has greater power and wants to give you life more abundantly (John 10:10).

DEVELOP SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES:

Nehemiah developed a counter strategy when he heard the enemy planned to attack. He set some workers as a guard to watch for the enemy. Every worker built the wall but also had his sword and was prepared to fight (Nehemiah 4:13-18). A signal was arranged (a trumpet blast) to alert the warriors of an invasion. Because they were prepared to fight and knew the strategy of the enemy, they prevented an invasion. They knew if they had to war with the enemy, God would fight for them:

...our God shall fight for us. (Nehemiah 4:20)

If you develop proper spiritual counter strategies, you can prevent many invasions of the enemy into your life. When Satan does break through and invade, be assured that God will fight for you!

FACE THE ENEMY:

When Nehemiah was offered refuge from the enemy, he refused. He said, "Should such a man as I flee?" (Nehemiah 6:11). Nehemiah faced the enemy in God's power. When the enemy threatens you, do not flee or take the easy way out or your spiritual walls will never be secure. When internal dissension and discouragement arose and the enemy worked through weak believers, Nehemiah did not ignore the attacks. He confronted and conquered them.

PROTECT YOUR WALL AT VULNERABLE TIMES:

In the story of Nehemiah, the greatest attack of the enemy came when the wall was half finished. When you start building in the spirit world, when you enter the arena of effective spiritual warfare, be prepared. It is a vulnerable time. You are a target for an attacks of Satan.

BUILD THE WALL:

Nehemiah's response to direct criticism, mocking, scorn, false accusations, threats, and fear, was simply to continue building the wall:

So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. (Nehemiah 4:21)

Nehemiah stayed with the task. He did not stop building:

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month of Elul, in fifty and two days. (Nehemiah 6:15)

Nehemiah did in a short time what the enemy said could not be done.

If the walls are down around your life, the enemy may tell you the task is hopeless. But, with God's help, you can rebuild the wall. With His strength you do not have to take a long time to do so:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

When the enemy attacks your spiritual reconstruction project do not quit! Just keep building your spiritual walls.

SET A WATCH:

When Nehemiah completed rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem, he set a guard to watch over the walls and gates of the city (Nehemiah 7:1-3). Set a watch over your spiritual walls. Always be alert for attacks of the enemy.

1. Are there spiritual walls in your life which have been destroyed by the enemy? Examine your "spiritual walls" which include... • Walls of salvation, gates of praise • Work of the cross in your life • Christian witness • The old nature changed to the new nature • Suffering and testing • Elimination of works of the flesh • Work of the Holy Spirit • The Word of God • Spiritual warfare • The hope of the return of Jesus • Self-examination

2. Believers are often defeated in spiritual warfare because of lack of proper spiritual preparation. Study how Nehemiah prepared himself before rebuilding the wall and confronting the enemy:

• He saw conditions as they were: Chapter l-2 • He recognized the root problem as sin and confessed his part in it: Nehemiah 1:5- 7 • He fasted, wept, mourned, and prayed: Nehemiah 1:4 • He prepared properly before starting the task and facing the enemy: Chapters l and 2 • He had a strategy for rebuilding: Chapter 3

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3. Ready to rebuild your spiritual walls? Review and apply the strategies learned in this lesson.

BATTLES OVER STRATEGIC TERRITORY

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: PHYSICAL ATTACKS

Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

Because your body is the temple of God's Spirit, it will be attacked by Satan through:

SICKNESS:

Sickness is in the world because of the original sin of Adam and Eve. Although all sickness is in the world because of sin, it does not mean everyone who is suffering is sick because of their own sin.

The Bible reveals various reasons for sickness. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is illness caused by Satan. Satan attempts to afflict the body just as he attempts to afflict the soul and spirit. Your body is no more immune to his attacks than your spirit is to discouragement, condemnation, etc. But illness can also be used as chastisement to deal with sin. For an example see the story of Miriam in Numbers 12.

In one healing Jesus performed during His earthly ministry He said to the recipient:

...Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:14)

The illness of this man was apparently a result of sin. In another case, Jesus made it clear that the illness was not the result of sin but for the glory of God:

And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth.

And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John 9:1-3)

An illness for the glory of God is one caused by Satan but which God uses for His glory when

physical healing comes through prayer. This type of illness is a direct physical attack by Satan. When counter strategies for victory are applied, this physical attack can actually bring glory to God.

All illness is not caused by sin or Satan or as chastisement. Illness may result from the breaking of natural laws. For example, you may become ill because you do not eat properly or you probably will break your leg if you jump from the top of a coconut tree. Tempting you to break natural laws is an indirect attack of Satan on your body. He tempts you to eat improperly and not take care of your body because he knows that it can result in an illness which will hinder your effectiveness for God.

EXHAUSTION:

Satan also attacks the body through exhaustion which results from being too busy or working too hard. When you are extremely tired physically, Satan takes advantage and launches spiritual attacks. Satan came to Jesus when He was exhausted from 40 days of fasting (Matthew 4:2). When Elijah was tired from great spiritual exploits he became so discouraged that he wanted to die (I Kings 19:4).

DEATH:

Although physical death must come to all men until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, Satan attempts to cause premature death. He will tempt people to commit suicide. He will also make you fearful of illness or accidents which could result in death.

ABUSE:

Satan also tempts people to abuse their physical bodies by putting toxic substances into them such as drugs and alcoholic beverages. He knows such toxic substances can result in illness, mental damage, and death.

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES: VICTORY OVER PHYSICAL ATTACKS

When you are ill, seek the Lord to determine the cause of your illness. Have you violated a natural law which resulted in your illness? For example, have you been eating improperly or drinking bad water? Have you been abusing your body by putting toxic substances such as cigarette smoke into your system?

If you have violated natural laws, God can still heal you. But you should use more wisdom in the future. Remember that your body is the temple of God's Holy Spirit. Stop breaking natural laws and take better care of your body. This is also important to remember in case of exhaustion. Jesus called His disciples to rest when they were exhausted from their busy ministry (Mark

6:31).

When Elijah was tired and depressed he rested under a tree and God sent an angel to him with physical food. Elijah waited until he received a new touch from God and his physical strength had been renewed before going on to new challenges of ministry (I Kings 19:4-8).

When illness results as chastisement for sin it is not caused by Satan and binding the power of the enemy will do no good. Only repentance and return to God will bring relief:

Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten and he will bind us up. (Hosea 6:1)

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds... (Jeremiah 30:17)

...If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26)

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. (Psalms 103:3)

In regards to physical attacks caused by Satan it is important to remember that as a believer, God is in control of your life. Satan cannot touch you physically nor take your life without the knowledge of God. Read Job chapters one and two which verify these facts. The power of God is greater than that of Satan. The God who made the human body has the power to heal that body. Claim these promises for healing when you experience physical attacks from Satan:

But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings... (Malachi 4:2)

Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. (I Peter 2:24)

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (III John 1:2)

When Satan attacks you physically, call for the prayers of other believers, including elders in the church and those with the spiritual gift of healing:

...to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:9)

And God hath set some in the church...then gifts of healings... (I Corinthians 12:28)

Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14-15)

Physical death is part of the process of life until the end of time as we know it. It should not be feared by believers, for we have the promise of eternal life:

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (I Corinthians 15:55)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:8)

Satan cannot take the life of a believer before the set time for his death, as illustrated by the story of Job. God does not overrule the human will, however. If a person is tempted by Satan to commit suicide and yields to that temptation, God will not overrule the act of his will.

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: ATTACKS THROUGH HUMAN PERSONALITIES

Another way Satan attacks you is through human personalities. Satan can use people around you to attack you spiritually. The attack may come from family, friends, enemies, business associates, or even strangers. Human personalities can be disguised as "angels of light," apostles, and ministers of righteousness. But Satan is actually working through them:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-16)

The strategy of transference of spirits has already been covered in a previous chapter. But Satan also has other ways of using human personalities. Satan will use people to give you wrong

counsel. Read the book of Job and note the wrong counsel given by his friends and his wife. Prophecy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but Satan also has his prophets. Personal prophecies through human personalities are not always God-inspired. Study the tragic example of this in I Kings 13. Attacks of Satan will come through trusted friends as well as enemies or unbelievers:

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it; neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him;

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. (Psalms 55:12-14)

Satan uses human personalities to exalt you and tempt you to take God's glory for yourself:

And the people gave a shout, saying, it is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. (Acts 12:22-23)

People are used by Satan to get you to stray from the plan of God for your life. Read how Peter was used of Satan to attack Jesus in this way (Mark 8:31-33). Satan will try to get your eyes on others instead of God. Peter was distracted from God's plan by concern with what He had planned for John (John 21:20-23).

Satan will tempt you to "emulation" which is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Emulations is trying to imitate, equal, or excel others, to copy, rival, or compete with them. As long as you are busy doing this, you will not follow the pattern of ministry God has for your own life.

Satan will use people to deceive you. Read how this happened to Joshua (Joshua 9). People will desert you (II Timothy 4:16-17; Acts 15:37- 38; John 6:66). Satan will try to hinder your spiritual objectives in relation to others (I Thessalonians 2:18), and will cause confusion and disharmony (I Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16). Satan also will use others to affect the circumstances in your life Read how this happened to Joseph in Genesis chapters 37 and 39.

THE BATTLE WITH THE TONGUE

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE TONGUE

Before you examine Satan's strategies for control of the tongue, read what the Bible says about the tongue in James 3:1-13. These verses reveal that although the tongue is a little member of your body, it is very powerful. Through the tongue the whole body can be defiled. The tongue can never be tamed by man. Only when you yield your tongue to God can control be maintained over it. But even then, it will never be tamed. You can never relax your guard over the tongue believing you have totally conquered it.

The Bible compares the tongue to: A fire: James 3:5 A burning fire: Proverbs 16:27 A world of iniquity: James 3:6 A beast that needs taming: James 3:7-8 A fountain of either fresh or bitter water: James 3:11 A tree bearing either good or evil fruit: James 3:12 An unruly evil: James 3:8 Deadly poison: James 3:8 A sharp razor: Psalms 52:2 A sharp sword: Psalms 57:4; 59:7 A poisonous serpent: Psalms 140:3

A deep pit: Proverbs 22:14

The Bible says the tongue is powerful because of the effect it has on others. The tongue actually has the power to bring death or life:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue... (Proverbs 18:21)

The tongue is powerful because of the effect it has on you. You can snare yourself with your own words:

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2)

The tongue is powerful because your words can separate you from God:

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (Psalms 12:4)

STRATEGIES OF SATAN: THE BATTLE FOR THE TONGUE

Your tongue is closely related to your heart, body, soul, and spirit. For example, if Satan has control of your heart, he has control of your tongue:

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies;

These are the things which defile a man...(Matthew 15:18-20)

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45)

Satan uses the things you say to cause a breach (opening) into your spirit:

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)

By evil communication you create a breach through which Satan enters to war against your

spirit. Satan also uses your lips to affect your soul:

A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. (Proverbs 18:7)

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)

Through the tongue, Satan affects your whole body:

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell. (James 3:6)

Your tongue affects your whole life:

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)

Satan seeks control of your tongue by tempting you to speak:

COVETOUS WORDS:

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

IDOL WORDS:

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)

FOOLISH WORDS:

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (Proverbs 15:14)

UNPROFITABLE WORDS:

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. (II Timothy 2:14)

FABLES AND COMMANDMENTS OF MEN:

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. (Titus 1:14)

EVIL ABOUT THINGS YOU DO NOT KNOW:

But these speak evil of those things which they know not... (Jude 10) But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. (II Peter 2:12)

FLATTERING WORDS:

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness. (I Thessalonians 2:5)

ENTICING WORDS:

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (Colossians 2:4)

MURMURING, COMPLAINING, AND BOASTING WORDS:

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 16)

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. (II Peter 2:18)

VAIN WORDS:

They speak vanity every one with his neighbor..(Psalms 12:2)

PROUD WORDS:

...with their mouth they speak proudly. (Psalms 17:10)

BOASTFUL WORDS:

How long shall they utter and speak hard things? And all the workers of

iniquity boast themselves. (Psalms 94:4)

WORDS WHICH TAKE GOD'S NAME IN VAIN:

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)

CURSING AND BITTER WORDS:

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. (Romans 3:14)

LIES:

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. (Psalms 58:3)

Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. (Psalms 31:18)

SLANDERING WORDS:

Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. (Psalms 50:20)

MALICIOUS WORDS AGAINST OTHERS:

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deed which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words...(III John 10)

WHISPERING WORDS (GOSSIP):

A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (Proverbs 16:28)

TALEBEARING WORDS:

A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (Proverbs 11:13)

BACKBITING WORDS:

He that backbiteth not with his tongue..(Psalms 15:3)

DISSEMBLING WORDS:

Dissembling words cause division:

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him. (Proverbs 26:4)

CONTENTIOUS WORDS:

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. (Proverbs 18:6)

WORDS OF STRIFE:

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. (Psalms 31:20)

WORDS OF DISCORD:

...he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:19)

DEVOURING WORDS:

Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. (Psalms 52:4)

FROWARD AND PERVERSE WORDS:

Put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips put far from thee. (Proverbs 4:24)

EVIL AND DECEITFUL WORDS:

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. (Psalms 50:19)

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth...(Psalms 140:11)

MISCHIEVOUS WORDS:

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. (Psalms 38:12)

FILTHY WORDS:

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

SPIRITUAL COUNTER STRATEGIES VICTORY OVER THE TONGUE

When David realized the great battle with the tongue, he cried out:

What shall be given unto thee? Or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? (Psalms 120:3)

The only way to win the battle with the tongue is by application of spiritual counter strategies given in God's Word.

GET YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD:

The first step in gaining victory over the tongue is to get your heart right with God:

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies;

These are the things which defile a man...(Matthew 15:18-20)

Your mouth will speak what is in your heart. If your heart is not right, your tongue will reveal it. Use your tongue to get your heart right with God:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

RECOGNIZE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY:

Recognize you will be held responsible for the words that come out of your mouth:

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant... (Luke 19:22)

REALIZE YOUR WORDS REFLECT ON THE GOSPEL:

As long as you believe your tongue is not important, you will not gain control of it. You must realize your conversation reflects on the Gospel of Jesus:

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ... (Philippians 1:27)

Because of this, you should set a good example by your conversation:

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12)

What comes out of your mouth is noted by the heathen:

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. (Psalms 126:2)

You can actually win others to the Lord Jesus Christ by your conversation:

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (I Peter 3:1-2)

KEEP YOUR WORDS FEW AND SIMPLE:

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:37)

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK:

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear; slow to

speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. (Proverbs 30:32)

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28)

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:28)

SEPARATE YOURSELF:

Separate Yourself from those who can not control their tongue:

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:7)

LEARN THE POWER OF PEACEFUL WORDS:

Peaceful words are more powerful than words of anger:

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (Proverbs 25:15)

RECOGNIZE YOUR TONGUE IS A WEAPON:

Your tongue is a weapon you can use to overcome the enemy instead of being defeated by him:

And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11)

If you control your tongue, it will put to shame those who falsely accuse you:

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (I Peter 3:16)

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TONGUE:

With God's help, you can control the tongue. But YOU must take action to control your own tongue. The following verses indicate action from YOU:

For he that will love life, and see good days, LET HIM refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. (I Peter 3:10)

...SPEAK evil of no man...(Titus 3:2)

SPEAK NOT EVIL one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (James 4:11-12)

LET YOUR conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have... (Hebrews 13:5)

Only LET YOUR conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ... (Philippians 1:27)

That YE PUT OFF concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that YE PUT ON the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore PUTTING AWAY lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor...(Ephesians 4:22-25)

But now YE also PUT OFF...filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

LET no corrupt communication proceed out of YOUR mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

LET all...evil speaking be put away from YOU...(Ephesians 4:31) ...BE YE holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, BE ye holy; for I am holy. (I Peter 1:15-16)

PUT AWAY from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (Proverbs 4:24)

KEEP thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. (Psalms 34:13)

I said, I WILL TAKE HEED to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

 (Psalms 39:1)

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me; and to HIM THAT ORDERETH his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. (Psalms 50:23)

THOU shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)

THOU shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)

PATTERN YOUR CONVERSATION AFTER JESUS:

Jesus spoke gracious words:

And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth, And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? (Luke 4:22)

He spoke words of authority about God:

And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)

There was no guile (sinful speaking) found in His mouth:

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth; Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to him that judgeth righteously. (I Peter 2:22-23)

USE YOUR TONGUE FOR GOOD:

Speak words of wisdom and kindness:

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (Proverbs 31:26)

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. (Psalms 49:3)

Talk about God:

I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. (Psalms 145:5)

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day...

 (Psalms 71:15)

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long... (Psalms 71:24)

Speak of God's Word:

My tongue shall speak of thy Word; for all thy commandments are righteousness. (Psalms 119:172)

With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. (Psalms 119:13)

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. (Psalms 119:46)

Speak words of comfort from God's Word:

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:18)

Speak of the Kingdom of God:

They shall speak of the glory of thy Kingdom, and talk of thy power. (Psalms 145:11)

Let your lips be filled with praise to God:

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever. (Psalms 145:21)

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. (Psalms 149:6)

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. (Psalms 89:1)

I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise Him among the multitude. (Psalms 109:30)

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. (Psalms 119:171)

Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (Psalms 63:3)

...and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. (Psalms 63:5)

I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. (Psalms 66:17)

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day. (Psalms 71:8)

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. (Psalms 71:23)

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1)

BEFORE YOU SPEAK, ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

1. Will what I am about to say bring glory to God? And whatsoever ye do in WORD or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Colossians 3:17) 2. Is it the truth? 3. Is it fair to all concerned? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 5. Will it edify others (result in good will and better friendships)? 6. If you are talking about another person, have you said the same thing to him or her? 7. Do you know that what you are saying is a fact or have you arrived at your own conclusions after hearing rumors? 8. If you have something against your brother or sister, have you attempted to be reconciled to them before discussing it with others? 9. Is it absolutely necessary that you say this?

REMEMBER THESE VERSES:

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. (Psalms 139:4)

...the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. (Proverbs 16:21)

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. (Proverbs 16:23)

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23)

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Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. (II Peter 3:11)

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)

CLAIM THESE PROMISES:

Hear; For I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. (Proverbs 8:6-8)

PRAY THESE PRAYERS:

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. (Psalms 141:3)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)

ESTABLISH THIS PURPOSE:

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou has tried me, and shalt find nothing: I AM PURPOSED THAT MY MOUTH SHALL NOT TRANSGRESS. (Psalms 17:3)

3. Read the books of Psalms and Proverbs and do the following:

A. Make a list of all the verses that refer to wrong use of the tongue. Make your list according to the following pattern:

Reference Wrong use of tongue Psalms 5:9 Flattery Psalms 10:7 Cursing and deceit (continue this list)

B. Make another list showing the proper use of the tongue. Make your list according to the following pattern:

Reference Proper use of tongue Psalms 19:14 Acceptable words Psalms 34:1 Blessing and praising God continually

4. "Thou shalt not raise a false report" (Exodus 23:1). The word "raise" in this verse means receive or utter. We are not to listen to or spread false reports. Philippians 4:8 indicates we are to think on only good reports. Here are some ways to recognize if someone is bringing you an evil report.

AN EVIL REPORT WILL...

• Raise questions about the motives or actions of other brothers and sisters in the Lord. • Discredit spiritual leadership. • Cause division and strife. When we are busy fighting between ourselves, we cannot aggressively fight the true enemy, Satan. • Always focus on the negative.

AN EVIL REPORT ARISES FROM MOTIVES OF... • Pride: To exalt themselves, a person puts down someone else. • Envy and covetousness: A person secretly desires what others have so criticizes them. • Guilt: A person transfers his guilt to others. He feels guilty about his own sins and failures so point out those of others. • Rebellion: The rebellious spirit targets leadership. Read the story of Absalom in the Bible. (II Samuel 15) One way to recognize an evil report motivated by rebellion is by the statement used by Absalom: "If I were the leader I would....." • Bitterness: A person has been hurt, so they hurt others with their words.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN EVIL REPORT...

• The person may test you first. They may ask "How do you feel about__________?" They are testing your feelings before proceeding with the evil report. • The person will create curiosity. They may say "You won't believe what I heard about_____"or "Did you hear the latest about_______". They are trying to motivate your curiosity to ask what they know. • They will claim to know the true story or have access to secret, inside information. This appeals to your pride. You want to become part of this select group with such knowledge. • They may disguise it as a request for counsel. "I need your opinion on a matter....", and then proceed to share an evil report under the guise of seeking spiritual counsel. • An evil report can even be shared through a prayer request. "We really need to pray for ________because_____" and they proceed to share what is actually gossip about the     individual. • An evil report is often shared under the guise of concern. The person begins by saying "I am deeply concerned about ________". This serves as an introduction to

the evil report which follows.

HOW TO STOP AN EVIL REPORT...

Ask the person bringing you the report the following questions:

• "Why are you telling ME this?" • "Where did you get this information?" (A person giving an evil report usually will not want to tell you their source.) • "Have you gone to the person you are talking about according to the principles of Matthew 18:15-17"? • "Have you checked the facts, or are you just repeating the story?" • "Can I quote you when I check out the facts on this?" • "Do you think this qualifies as that which we are to focus on according to Philippians 4:8?" Or you may just simply say... • "I really do not want to hear this."