Seeing the Field Clearly: What Jesus Taught About the Enemy's Tactics

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to gather together in our mission discussions, or perhaps as we are out in the field sharing the gospel with sincere investigators, it’s easy to get bogged down in the weeds of daily life. We focus so much on the good seed—the truth of the gospel, the covenants, the plan of salvation—that sometimes the subtle, persistent work of the adversary can feel overwhelming.

I was recently studying some material, and it brought to mind how profoundly Christ taught His disciples about the nature of opposition. It’s not just about outright sin; it’s about a strategic, persistent effort to obscure the light. If you’re feeling weary in the work, or if you’re trying to understand the tough questions an investigator might ask, I highly recommend taking a look at this message. It’s a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare we are in, but more importantly, a testament to the power of the Savior.

The Enemy's Strategy: A Deeper Look

What struck me most while reviewing this was how Christ didn't just condemn the enemy; He taught *about* him. He gave us specific insights into his tactics. When we study the parable of the weeds, we see the enemy planting his influence right alongside the wheat of the Kingdom. It’s a picture of infiltration, isn't it?

This isn't meant to cause fear, dear disciples, but rather to build discernment. To know what the adversary *is*—the enemy, the evil one, the adversary—is the first step toward knowing how to withstand him. As returned missionaries, we learn to see the subtle difference between genuine doubt and calculated opposition. As lifelong disciples, we learn to live in the knowledge that while the world may lie in his power, the Spirit of the Lord is our shield.

A Skill for the Field: Discernment

Here’s a small piece of mission-prep skill I want to pass along today. When you feel confused or overwhelmed by a challenging question, remember that the Lord has already given us the tools. If you’re struggling to articulate a doctrinal answer, don't try to pull it from sheer memory. Instead, guide the investigator back to the Spirit and to scripture. Point them to a passage, or better yet, invite them to use the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook together. That shared act of discovery is far more powerful than any prepared answer.

The Savior taught that He could find no shame in Him. That’s the core of our confidence! We rely not on our eloquence, but on the Atonement and the power of the gospel we have been given.

Keep Learning Together

This understanding of spiritual warfare is something we need to keep building together. If you’ve been wanting to deepen your study of these principles, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of Abraham Gesner or another Iron Rod author on the concept of spiritual warfare. You can find some excellent recommendations through the Book Club feature in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to study doctrine with your local brethren.

For those of you who are actively preparing for missions, or who just want a solid refresher on how to handle difficult questions, I encourage you to join one of our free weekly Disciple Challenges! It’s a low-stakes, high-reward way to sharpen your testimonies and your answers.

Remember, the goal isn't to fight the battle with our own strength, but to live so openly and joyfully that the Spirit testifies of the truth, and the enemy's efforts fall flat. We are disciples everywhere, all the time!