In what ways can we "prepare the ambushes" against spiritual attacks? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 51:12 “Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon! Fortify the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambushes! The LORD has both planned and performed what He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.” Seeing the Spiritual Parallel • Babylon represents the world system under Satan’s sway (Revelation 17–18). • God’s command to “prepare the ambushes” shows that victory involves deliberate, pre-planned action—not passive waiting. • In spiritual warfare the enemy is unseen, yet Scripture calls us to be just as intentional: “Be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8). Practical Ways to Prepare the Ambushes 1. Saturate the mind with truth – Daily Bible intake; memorize key verses (Psalm 119:11). – Replace lies immediately: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). 2. Stay armored up – Ephesians 6:10-18 lists each piece; put them on before the day begins. – Review the parts aloud: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit. 3. Establish a watchman network – Invite mature believers to speak into your life; give them permission to warn you. – Meet regularly in accountability pairs or small groups (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Lay prayer tripwires – Pray offensively over known weak spots instead of waiting for failure (Matthew 26:41). – Keep a list of people and situations you intercede for; update it often. 5. Guard the gates – Eye gate: set boundaries on media, images, and places (Job 31:1). – Ear gate: filter music, conversations, and teaching through Philippians 4:8. 6. Use strategic fasting – Fast periodically to heighten spiritual sensitivity and break stubborn strongholds (Matthew 17:21). 7. Speak Scripture out loud – Jesus repelled Satan with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). – Verbal declaration turns the Word into a sword swung, not just sheathed. Strengthening the Encampment • Prioritize corporate worship; God is enthroned on the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). • Serve actively in the local church—shared mission builds spiritual fortifications. • Keep short accounts with God and others; unresolved sin weakens walls (Psalm 66:18). Taking the Offensive • Share the gospel—light advances, darkness retreats (Romans 1:16). • Practice generosity; it breaks greed and forces the enemy to lose a foothold (Acts 20:35). • Celebrate testimonies; they remind the army whose side wins (Revelation 12:11). Walking in Confident Assurance “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). When the ambushes of truth, holiness, vigilance, and prayer are set, the adversary’s assaults are met with prepared resistance—and the victory the LORD has already planned becomes visible in daily life. |
    |