How the enemy gains power

   The Bible says Jesus came to destroy the works of the evil one, that He stripped him of his power and made an open show of him.   If that be so, and it is, how does the enemy get power?  How does he do what he does?  It is simple; he gains power by lying. When we believe his lies, his power increases.  Most of his lies produce fear and fear is the opposite of faith, but works the same way.   Here are some ways he lies:

1. He lies about himself, his ability, his stature.  A lot of the church still believes the devil rules over hell, but that is not so.  Hell is a place God controls and it is reserved for the wicked, including the devil.  Jesus said we are not to fear him who could kill us but him who could kill us and cast us into hell. That is not the devil. That is God in final judgment.
2.  Lies by altered definitions:   Instead of outright lies, the devil cleverly lies by redefining terms, words and experiences from the Bible.  Holy Ghost baptism, which in the New Testament came with speaking in tongues and power is now just another doctrine to be studied and then put away. New birth is now church membership and sinners are just confused people.  The list of re-defined terms could go on forever.
3. Lies with ignorance:  Ignorance alienates us from the life of God (Eph. 4:18).  Just by keeping our eyes closed to understanding the rich inheritance purchased by the blood of Jesus the enemy robs us.  This is perhaps the best tool the enemy has against us.
4.  Lies with lying signs and wonders:  This one is working great for the enemy. These lying signs and wonders are not those of a cult, or magician. They are those intended to deceive the church and they will be connected with what we have come to accept as church.  There are many, many things going on in the church world that we are calling "God" that are impossible to support from the Bible. How many mega-churches do we "ooh" and "aah' over, that are too big for God, for the gifts of God, in which if the Holy Ghost manifested during the pastor's sermon, as happened to Peter (Acts 10), it would get the pastor fired and split the church.
5.  Lies by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils:  (1st Tim. 3:1). God only knows how far the modern church is from the powerful, anointed church seen in the New Testament.  Many, many among us no longer believe in the new birth, Holy Ghost baptism, speaking in tongues (a particular sign God put on us to seal or mark us), healing, deliverance, the speaking voice of God, joy unspeakable, praise, worship, etc.   How did this happen?  Seducing spirits spreading doctrines of devils.  Doctrines of devils are those that lead us away from the powerful Spirit-filled life we could have.

     So what is the answer to this?   Truth!   And, the Holy Ghost has come to lead us into all truth and away from lies.  The more full you are of the Holy Ghost, the closer your walk with Him, the greater protection you have from lies that seduce and curse.