There is a demon in the earth whose specific assignment is to attack (initiate opposition) toward men and women of God, in the area of covenant. When we begin to understand this demon's subtle approach and tactics, we will better discern and defeat what I have labeled, "The demon of adultery." What is the purpose for this attack? The hidden agendas for this particular attack are as follows:

1. To damage, or break, any God-recognized covenant.
2. To abort, or delay, the destiny of any potential leader.
3. To leave an open sin wound that invites spirits of shame and condemnation.
4. To separate the man or woman of God from the anointing.

Why is the man of God often the target? Because he is the head of the family. "But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man." 1 Cor 11:3(KJV) The man is the gatekeeper, or strong man. If he is successfully bound, he cannot defend his family, or possessions. "Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house." Matt. 12:29(KJV) What does the snare of this demon look like and how do I avoid it? Satan will send a person to attempt and destroy the family of God. The Word of God sheds light on the description of the trap.

Flattering words outside the presence of my spouse. "For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil." Prov 5:3(KJV) "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him." Prov 7:21(KJV)

Tries to gain attention, or entrance through the eye gate. When is eye contact considered a snare? When it could potentially create a wrong thought or image. Job understood this danger. "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. "Job 31:1(NIV) "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." Psalm 101:3(KJV)

Attempts to enter through the mouth gate. This gate is often left unguarded because it is not fully understood that what we declare out of our mouth, allows seed to be deposited into our spirit. "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee." Job 22:28a. KJV When we speak contrary to the Word of God, satan listens for wrong words to obtain the permission of man to attack. King David realized this. "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3 (KJV) "Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin..." Job 31:30a (KJV) "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good matters." 1Cor 15:33 (KJV).

The man of God must resist, "The Reply," in a wrong conversation. We learned this through Joseph in Gen. 39:10. "And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her."

Avoids conversation about the Word of God. This demon will speak through a person that will avoid agreement on the Word of God, and will make it obvious in changing the subject. This would be a very strong indicator that you may not be in the presence of a friend, but a cloaked enemy. How do I escape this demonic attack? King Solomon offers this advice, "And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her." Ecc. 7:26 (KJV)

What are my weapons of defense? There are 3 important keys:

1. The fear of the Lord. "There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee,because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Gen 39:9(KJV)

2. Integrity of heart. "And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel." 1 Kings 9:4-5(KJV)

3. Honor covenant. The child of God is married twice. Once to Jesus (spiritual) and then to a help meet, or a head. (natural) "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Eph 5:23(KJV) Something to keep in mind: The way you honor your natural covenant, is a reflection of the way you are honoring your spiritual covenant, always.

Russell Armstead is currently serving in the U. S. Army over in Kuwait. He is married to Pattie, with 2 children. Russell has a sincere heart for seeing the lost saved.