The Rules of Engagement

Weapons of Mass Destruction

of His followers because they had false expectations of Him. David overcame this weapon by placing his expectations upon the Lord. (See Psalm 62:5.) F alse I mpressions The mind is a very powerful thing. The enemy, knowing its capabilities, super imposes erroneous perceptions of reality upon it. This is the weapon that was used against both Paul and Jesus by causing people to falsely perceive them. (See Luke 11:14–19.) F amily E ccentricities and I diosyncrasies Sometimes Satan will attempt to short-circuit complete deliverance by telling us that there are certain peculiarities in our lives that give us a distinction from other individuals, such as particular actions, perceptions, and behav iors that are characteristic of our family. It could be shyness or a tendency to lie or fight. It is postulated that since certain hereditary characteristics are passed down through our DNA, spirits of inheritance (demonic spirits) can attach themselves to the DNA and be passed down generationally. An example of this is Abraham and his descendants, Isaac and Jacob. They all had the proclivity to lie under pressure. (See Exodus 20:5; 34:7.) F ear Fear is a powerful weapon the enemy uses against the saints. This was one of the weapons used to penetrate Job’s hedge of protection (Job 3:25). It is actually used to perforate and penetrate our faith. Fear has a diversity of expressions, but 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” F iery D arts During biblical days, fiery darts were pointed missiles lit with fire and thrown at a target. Using this as a metaphor, Paul speaks of this weapon in Ephesians 6:16. Today, these spiritual fiery darts can be enflamed by anger, jealousy, bitterness, and rage, and faith is required to counteract their effect and to protect us.

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