Synopsis "Are You Ready For Battle?" by : Apostle Valerie Hooks
Spiritual WarfareThere is a Spiritual War being waged in the spiritual realm more devastating than all the battles of all the nations throughout history. Our enemy Satan seeks to conquer and destroy the souls, spirits, and bodies of human beings. We are living in troubled and trying times evil is ever before us. Seldom do you read or hear anything good? We are in a constant battle.For us to annihilate Satan, his imps, it is imperative that you have a dedicated prayer life, equipping yourself with the Word of God, that you may endure the fiery darts and circumstances of life.For it is written: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 (NKJV)Be sober means to be self-disciplined, to think rationally, and not foolishly. One must remain vigilant, alert to the spiritual pitfalls of life, taking appropriate steps to make sure that you do not stumble. Your adversary Satan is your avowed enemy. He never ceases from being hostile toward us; he is always accusing us before God.Job 1:6-9;V6. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. V7. And the LORD said unto Satan, whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. V8. And the LORD said unto Satan, hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? V9. Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught?Satan was originally an angel of God but became corrupt through his own pride. Satan has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3:8). Satan is God's enemy. He tries to hinder God's work in people, but he is limited by God's power and can do only what he is permitted to do. Luke 22:31, 32; And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. About Satan, the "you" in verse 31 is plural; Satan wanted to have all the disciples to sift them. All of them would forsake Him and flee, and Peter would deny Jesus three times, yet Jesus prayed, especially for Peter that he would encourage the other disciples.Satan is called the Adversary or Accuser because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation (1 Peter 5:8, 9) and because he wants to make people hate God. He does this through lies and deception (Genesis 3:1-6). Job, a righteous man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Any person who is committed to God can expect Satan's attacks. Satan, who hates God, hates God's people as well. From this conversation, we learn a great deal about Satan. 1. He is accountable to God. All angelic beings, good and evil, are compelled to give an account of themselves before God. 2. His thoughts are open to God. God knew Satan was intent on attacking Job. 3. Satan can only be at one place at a time. His demons aid him in his work, but as a created being he is limited. 4. Satan cannot see into our minds or foretell the future. If he could, he would have known that Job would not break under pressure. 5. Because Satan can do nothing without God's permission, God's people can overcome his attacks through God's power (Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them). 6. God always puts limitations on what Satan can do.
