Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8,9)
Military commanders use the IPB (Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield) process in planning strategy against the enemy. They recognize the importance of knowing the enemy — who he is, what his forces are, how he plans to fight, etc. — as being key for victory.
Spiritual warfare is no different. We must recognize that people and nations are not really our enemy. The real enemy is Satan along with his demonic forces who oppose God and anyone who tries to follow God’s ways. His strategy can be lethal. It may come as a surprise to many, but Satan uses his own IPB process in warring against our souls. If you look around at our world today, it’s obvious that he is being very successful.
Your life is important. Don’t let the enemy outmaneuver you. Know your spiritual opponent. By knowing your enemy and using the right strategy, the Bible assures us that we can defeat the “enemy of our souls.”
