Join Pastor Scott Wiens in The Passion Project as he unpacks “The Enemy’s Playbook,” drawn from Nehemiah 6. Scott shows how Nehemiah, determined to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, confronts four key tactics the enemy still uses today: subtlety, frequency, attacks on integrity, and anxiety.

Scott begins by revealing how the enemy loves to mask destructive intentions as logical compromises. Nehemiah’s adversaries invite him to a meeting that appears harmless but is actually a setup, illustrating that our most dangerous temptations often come packaged in a cloak of reasonableness. Scott cites 2 Corinthians 11:14, where Satan is described as an angel of light, highlighting the importance of staying spiritually alert.

Next, he explains that the enemy’s persistence can wear us down. Much like Sanballat sending four identical messages to Nehemiah, modern temptations don’t always disappear after one refusal. Scott reminds us how vital it is to maintain our spiritual disciplines—prayer, studying Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with godly counsel—so we don’t cave in when the same lure returns at a weaker moment.

False accusations comprise the third tactic. Nehemiah faces unfounded rumors intended to tarnish his character and draw him away from his mission. Scott notes that in our daily lives, slander or misunderstandings can quickly consume us, distracting us from God’s priorities. However, Nehemiah simply denies the lies, identifies the motive, and goes right back to work—an inspiring example of trusting God to vindicate us rather than spending all our energy defending ourselves.

Finally, Scott addresses the crippling power of anxiety and fear. A hired prophet warns Nehemiah of a death threat, coaxing him to hide in the temple. Today, anxiety is rampant, and Satan capitalizes on our fears to keep us from pursuing God’s call wholeheartedly. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 promises a peace surpassing understanding when we pray with gratitude. Scott underscores that recognizing the enemy’s ploys allows us to stand firm, relying on God’s strength instead of our own.

Throughout The Passion Project, Scott keeps coming back to Nehemiah’s unwavering resolve. By studying these ancient tactics, we learn that the enemy’s playbook hasn’t changed, but our defense is strengthened by abiding in Christ. When we remain aware of subtle temptations, relentless pressure, unfair criticism, and anxious thoughts, we’re equipped to overcome each scheme and continue building the spiritual walls of our lives in God’s power.

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