Christians and The Enemy

Did you know Christians have an enemy? And it’s not “each other”. To some, this might be plain as day; to others, this may be something they’ve not heard before.

The thought that God is in control leaves many questions as to God’s goodness in the midst of all the bad in the world. As we’ll see from the Bible, God has an enemy … and so do we.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
— John 10:10

The “thief” here is referring to the devil, Satan. And his goal is to steal, to kill and to destroy. This is one reason why prayer is important. We have an enemy who would love nothing more than to steal from us (our joy, our love, our life), kill us and/or destroy us.

We are not powerless or alone though.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
— 1 John 4:4

Just let that settle in for a bit: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”. Despite the very real threat of our enemy, Satan, we are greater because of the one who is in us, Christ Jesus.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
— Ephesians 6:12

God spells out a reality of our warfare that contradicts what so many of us find our minds running to — other people as the “enemy”. God is saying that’s not the case (not against flesh and blood) and then says where and with whom our battle is against: spiritual rulers, spiritual authorities, spiritual powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil.

We will constantly be facing the attacks of the enemy, so it’s a good idea to get aware of what the devil does and how he works. As with warfare, we need to know our enemy.

in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
— 2 Corinthians 2:11

Are you “aware” of the devil’s schemes in your life? Do you know what his attacks are and when they are coming? Are you being outwitted?

Take time to consciously inventory your life and see areas where you are struggling, areas where you are failing, areas of defeat, areas of fear — these are the attacks of the devil on your life. And then bring Jesus Christ to them.

Let Christ, who is in us, be greater than him who is in the world in these areas of life. And find “life to the full”. With Christ as our foundation, we can put on the full armor of God and STAND.

Whew! God has made a way for us!