Mark 14:1 ESV

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him.

They wanted to arrest Him secretly.

Stealth comes from an Old English word related to steal. Now we must understand that no thief steals openly.

Stealth means secretive, secrecy sneakiness, slyness, camouflage, clandestine.

I am sure you have all heard about the stealth bomber? This aircraft was designed in accordance with technology that makes detection by radar or sonar difficult.

This is the modus operandi of the enemy. His primary way to attack us – steal from us and hinder us – is to hide from us! He seek to blend in, make his moves undetected.

The scripture calls him a thief – John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But he does none of this openly. Matthew 24:43 says to – Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a thief was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.

A secondary way the enemy steals, kills and destroys is by falsehood. The scripture says, When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar (falsifier) and the father of lies.  John 8:44. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says – But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning (sly, tricky, sneaky, scheming, deceptive) your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

A third way the enemy steals, kills and destroys is by deception. Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 – No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:15 –Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

For these reasons, the Bible urges us to remain sober, vigilant,  alert and discerning.  Because we can not afford to be ignorant to the schemes of the devil.

Nominal
If you’re still living like a normal or let me say nominal christian life – chances are the enemy is flying right beneath your spiritual radar.

Pushing my buttons

The enemy knows how and what buttons to push in your life to get you rattled. If you don’t understand that he will use whoever it is the closest to you – he is flying right beneath your spiritual radar

Spiritual Pride
If you no one can correct you, if you are refusing every suggestion and healthy critique, chances are the enemy is flying beneath your spiritual radar undetected – pride goes before the fall.

False Comforts
If you’re warming yourself by the fire of false comforts – entertainment, substance abuse, too much booze – chances are the enemy is flying right beneath your spiritual radar.

Us against them
If you mesmerized by every sensational claim out there about COVID-19, end-times;  if you’re obsessed with the subjects of – conspiracy theories, fake news, political arguments – chances are the enemy is flying way below your spiritual radar.

Spiritual heaviness
If you have lost all desire to worship, pray and study the word – chances are the enemy either has you distracted or is using excessive sorrow to sap away any spiritual apatite. He is flying below your spiritual radar.

Fall away on Account of others.
If you are stressing over the fall of a respected leader and have allowed the let down to overwhelm you with excessive sorrow or anger… or maybe you are being tempted to fall away on account of their failure – there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below you spiritual radar.

Overwhelming burden
If you find yourself carrying an overwhelming and sometimes unnecessary burden, there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

Un-forgiveness – If you are walking in un-forgiveness or if there is any bitter root in you, there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

Strife – If there is constant strife, diversion,  fights and quarrel in your life and relationship, that could be an indication that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

What you don’t know can hurt you! Friends – don’t let the fiery darts of the evil one sneak up on you. Don’t let him attack you before you can realize it.

God doesn’t want us to remain ignorant to the devil’s schemes,  so He provided the sound ways to detect and destroy  flaming darts (stealth bombers) of the evil one.

The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20

Self-control/ Sober Minded
1 Peter 4:7

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Holy Spirit Discernment
Ephesians 5:14-21

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The divine nature
2 Peter 1:3-10

Submission to God – Resist the devil
James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Conclusion:

The days we are living in calls for a razor sharp focus. This is not something we get when we come out of COVID-19 – this is something we get right now. It is for your taking… you have to bring yourself under it. You can’t come under it by:

1. Wishful thinking the enemy away… that’s call wishful thinking.

2. Ignoring him… that’s stupidity

3. Giving him the glory for everything that goes wrong in your life… he doesn’t deserve that much credit… I’m talking to those who see a devil under every rock and behind every bush. Is there any room in your spiritual understanding that sometimes things just happen to break. We live in a fallen world – sometimes things break. You know what the devil loves? He loves to see God’s people fight imaginary spiritual battles.

There are two things the enemy respect:

1. Power or Authority – And you got it! The weapon of our warfare are not carnal… but mighty in the pulling Dow of strongholds. All authority and power has been given unto you. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father – Please give us with razor sharp focus in these days, Holy Spirit discernment and spiritual alertness… In Jesus Name!