Enemies of Advancement, Triumph, Liberty, Joy, and Rest

Understanding the Concept of an Enemy

• An enemy is one opposed to your advancement and progress.
• Satan is only one of the enemies you face.
  • Many believe Satan is the principal enemy, but other significant factors also obstruct progress.
• Magnifying Satan beyond his proportion is one of his major devices.

The Real Enemies of Advancement

1. Ignorance

   • The Kingdom is knowledge-dependent.
   • Ignorance can alienate men from the potential of the life of God.
   • Reference: Acts 19:2 - "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."
   • Reference: Ephesians 4:18 - Ignorance leads to alienation from the life of God.
   • Reference: Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's ignorance.

2. Limiting Beliefs/Faulty Mentality

   • It's not ignorance but inaccurate or incomplete information.
   • Mentality defines destiny by influencing choices and decisions.

3. Procrastination

   • The act of delaying something requiring prompt action, despite knowing the negative consequences.
   • Reference: Proverbs 20:4 - "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest."
   • Reference: Proverbs 18:9 - "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
   • Delayed obedience can be equated to disobedience.
   • Reference: Psalm 119:60 - An urgency to keep commandments.

4. Inaction

   • Knowing what to do but being too lazy to execute it.
   • Reference: Proverbs 14:23 - "In all labor, there is profit, but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."
   • Action turns knowledge into profit.

5. Lack of Strategies

   • Efficiency and wisdom are critical for success.
   • Vision plus strategy equals manifestation.
   • Examples: Strategies that led to the fall of Jericho, the spread of the gospel.
   • Strategy is what turns prophecy into reality.
   • Reference: Ecclesiastes 10:10 - Wisdom is profitable to direct.

6. Exhaustion or Weariness

   • Emotional or spiritual exhaustion can impede progress.
   • Reference: Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not be weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."
   • Renewed strength comes from waiting upon the Lord.

7. Over-dependence on Men

   • Trust in God, not in the fallibility of men.
   • Reference: Isaiah 31:3 - "The Egyptians are men, and not God; their horses flesh, and not spirit."
   • Men can fail, but God is consistent and trustworthy.

8. Direct Demonic Assaults

   • Satan is an adversary who seeks to devour.
   • Reference: 1 Peter 5:8 - Be vigilant against the devil.
   • Reference: Ephesians 6:10-18 - Put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's strategies.

Conclusion

• Addressing these enemies requires prayer, diligence, and reliance on God.
• Strategies and specific guidance from God are essential for overcoming life's challenges.
• Trusting in God's provisions, promises, and guidance will ensure victory.

Key References:

• Acts 19:2
• Ephesians 4:18
• Luke 19:41-44
• Proverbs 20:4
• Proverbs 14:23
• Galatians 6:9
• Isaiah 31:3
• 1 Peter 5:8
• Ephesians 6:10-18

Prayer Points

• For grace to overcome ignorance and gain knowledge.
• To break free from limiting beliefs and faulty mentalities.
• Against procrastination and inaction.
• For wisdom to devise effective strategies.
• For renewed strength to combat exhaustion and weariness.
• To trust in God more than in people.
• For protection and victory over direct demonic assaults.