My prayer Strategy work sheet.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Knowing the Enemy, the Battlefield, and the Victory
1. Understand Your Opponent
A good general studies his opponent. He knows how the enemy thinks and how he operates. However, this does not mean we study what Satan has written or immerse ourselves in deception. You do not learn truth by reading lies. The Word of God already tells us everything we need to know about our enemy and his tactics.
A word of caution: do not let this step become your focus. Studying the enemy beyond what Scripture reveals can become counterproductive. Jesus Christ must always be our focus, not Satan.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV)
Scripture teaches us how to test what we hear and discern truth from deception.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, KJV)
We test the spirits by comparing what is said with the Word of God. If it contradicts Scripture in any way, it is not from God.
Jesus plainly described the enemy:
“He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth… for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44, KJV)
Satan’s Tactics
Satan deceives. He lies, slanders, and uses gossip to discourage, distract, and depress God’s people so they are hindered in their walk with God. This is why it is important to live a life that leaves no room for reproach. Even if lies are spoken, others will recognize them as lies.
He is persistent. He nags, harasses, and wears people down. He attempted this with Jesus in the wilderness, twisting Scripture, but Jesus responded by standing firmly on the Word of God. Samson failed when he gave in. We must not compromise.
He discourages through mockery and attacks against health, joy, finances, and peace.
He uses fear. Fear immobilizes. He attacks identity, self-worth, and confidence in God. These lies can come through family, friends, churches, media, or culture. Discernment comes from knowing God’s Word and listening to His voice in prayer and worship.
He uses offenses, lies about your future, lies about your worth, and lies about God Himself. Believe what God says about you, not what the enemy says.
“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, KJV)
He attacks through people, relationships, entertainment, music, and media in order to lead us into sin or distrust of God.
Understanding Human Nature
Jesus understood human nature. Scripture tells us that the heart of man is deceitful and sinful. (Romans 3:10) People are easily led by popularity, status, and sensation rather than truth. Even friends, family, and churches will fail us at times because they are human.
Knowing this prepares us. When betrayal or disappointment happens, we are less shaken and more able to forgive.
Discernment Through Prayer
Paul prayed that believers would grow in wisdom, knowledge, discernment, and love (Philippians 1:9–10). Love without discernment can lead us astray. We must grow in both.
Pray for wisdom. Listen for God’s voice. Wait for peace. God’s purpose for your life is far greater than you realize. You have a calling that no one else can fulfill. Satan is after that calling, but no weapon formed against you shall prosper.
Be careful what you allow into your life. Compromise weakens spiritual strength and hinders closeness with God.
Slander and Accusation
Satan means “accuser” and “slanderer.” He slandered God, Jesus, the church, and he will slander you. When this happens, seek God first. Speak truth when necessary, as Nehemiah did, but leave vengeance to God.
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, KJV)
Slander is meant to discourage, distract, divide, and take focus off God. Live a clean life, speak truth, and trust God to handle the rest.
False Teachers and Intimidation
We are commanded to test teachings by their fruit. Are they aligned with Scripture? Do they pressure you into sin? False prophets often appear righteous but lead people astray.
“By their fruit ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15–16)
We must know God’s Word so we can recognize deception no matter who is speaking.
Know Who You Are in Christ
Your identity is not found in money, relationships, or success. It is found in Christ.
You are an overcomer.
You are healed by the stripes of Jesus.
You can do all things through Christ.
You are a child of the King.
God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Psychological Warfare and Fear
Fear, anxiety, discouragement, and worry are tools of the enemy. Fear immobilizes believers and keeps them from stepping into their calling. Worry chokes out the Word of God.
Fear leads to sin, loss of faith, and spiritual ineffectiveness. It must be defeated through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
When fear comes: pray, stand on God’s Word, and worship.
Attacks After Victory and Through Compromise
Satan often attacks immediately after victory, when our guard is down. He also attacks through compromise. Small compromises spread quickly and weaken spiritual authority.
Do not compromise on anything that contradicts God’s Word.
2. Know Your Battleground
Identify your weaknesses. Where do you struggle most? Write them down. Narrow them to the primary battle you are facing right now.
Study the battlefield through Scripture. Know where the potholes and hidden traps are. God’s Word is your guide.
3. Determine the Enemy’s Strategy Against You
Talk with a trusted friend. They may see patterns you miss. Write down what you believe the enemy’s strategy is against you so you can recognize it when it appears.
4. Get a Plan of Action
This comes through prayer. For every worry, have a Scripture ready. Praise and worship when anxiety rises. Know how you will respond before the attack comes.
5. Write Out Your Strategy
Clearly define:
The enemy’s tactics
Your battlefield
His strategy against you
Your plan for victory using Scripture, prayer, and obedience
6. Worship
In Scripture, worship often went ahead of the battle. Worship confuses the enemy and brings victory through God’s power, not our own.
If you stop at strategy and never reach worship, your focus will remain on the enemy instead of Christ.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” (Psalm 121:1–2)
Victory comes when our eyes stay on Jesus. He alerts us when battle is coming and empowers us through the Holy Spirit to walk in victory.
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