Tactics for Overcoming

1. SUBJECTION:

“In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another” (1 Peter 5:5b).

Satan’s tactic is to create rebellion and independence. By maintaining subjection to others of responsibility, authority, or bonded relationships, we maintain an objectivity in our faith and are able to see this device of the enemy and stand against it. The input of others assures us of a clearer viewpoint of our walk.

We need to be cautious that we don’t mistake satanic domination for Godly authority when others submit to us. Peter teaches that we should not act as “lords over God’s heritage, but as examples to the flock” (vs. 5:3). For the most part, the authority given us is in the realm of the Spirit which constitutes dominion.

2. HUMILITY:

“Be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the might hand of God” (vss. 5:5c, 6a).

Satan is the essence of pride. Victory over him must be prefaced by Godly humility. Here Peter’s command that we “humble ourselves” is in the passive voice meaning we are made humble by the acts of God. Anything else is false. There is a false humility whereby a person acts lowly but thinks highly of himself. True humility unleashes the powerful grace of God in our behalf against all our enemies.

3. RELEASE:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (vs. 7).

The enemy thrives in our circumstances and self-esteem when we become self-conscious and self-reliant. Anything that has to do with self, provides him with the grounds to be active. We cannot cling to a ball and throw it at the same time. The word used for “casting,” means to throw. To throw requires that we begin a motion which directs an object toward a target, impels that object, and finally release it. We cannot cling to our cares and concerns and release them at the same time. A choice is required.

4. SOBERNESS:

“Be sober” (vs 8). Soberness in this sense has nothing to do with the potential for intoxication but, rather, to be clearheaded, self-controlled, and sound-minded. Satan is the author of confusion, doubt, and deceit. Victory requires that we be sound-minded. Part of the spiritual package that has been given us is the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16b).

“God has not given us the spirit of [intimidation], but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The days in which we live are truly “demonic” (2 Timothy 3:1) and require a sound mind.

4. VIGILANCE:

to be vigilant is to be alert or awake; to be on guard. In vs. 8, Peter is particularly admonishing us to be on guard because the devil is stalking about searching for those who are not alert that he may “overwhelm or consume” them. To be vigilant, we need to know what his strategisms are and to know what our resources are so we may insure our victory.

5. RESISTANCE:

“Whom (the devil) resist steadfast in the faith” (vs.9).

This means to “withstand” or to “stand against.” Paul uses the same word in the same context when he said:

“Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13).

This does not have the idea of passive resistance but an aggressive offensive using the weaponry of warfare and protected by the armor listed by Paul (Ephesians 6:14-18).

We are to resist “steadfast in the faith” (vs. 9a). The word “steadfast” means firm, sure, strong. The definite article “the” meaning the one and only and in connection with faith means “the true foundation of faith:” i.e., truth. Stand unswerving in the truth. Satan cannot stand in the face of truth.

7. KNOWLEDGE:

“Knowing the same affliction are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (vs. 9b).

We are to be fully aware of the risks we face and not be taken by surprise when they come.

Peter says earlier, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Paul warned of satanic stratagies, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Satan never misses an opportunity to afflict us but we are not to fear, for God is in charge, working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

To participate in the victory of Jesus requires faithful and active involvement with Him in his final conquest of the enemy. It is a mistake and a tragedy to be fearful or intimidated when faced with the enemy and his tactics. We have been called to be aggressive, not passive, in this struggle.

Jeff