Identifying the Real Enemy

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We have a real enemy.  Oftentimes, we live like our family member is an enemy.  Maybe it is a co-worker out to get us.  It could be that friend that stabbed us in the back.

Those people might be your enemy.  But in reality, there is an enemy greater than those who really has your destruction in mind.  If you feel like you are in a battle today, you need to identify who the real enemy is.

Our culture has made the devil a comical costumed figure, but he is not an adversary that should be neglected or underestimated.

  • Satan is called the ruler of this world (John 16:11).
  • He is described as the ruler of the power of the air leading people to walk in the way of this world (Eph. 2:2).
  • Unbelievers are characterized by being held in the domain of darkness (Col. 1:13) by the power of Satan (Acts 26:18) as he blinds their eyes so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:3-4).
  • He is the deceiver of the whole world (Rev. 12:9) as it currently lies in his power (1 John 5:19).
  • Satan searches for an opportune time (Eph. 4:27) to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
  • He approaches God in order to make accusations against us (Rev. 12:10).
  • His original temptation caused Adam and Eve to doubt God’s Word (Gen. 3:1).
  • He is bold enough to afflict righteous Job (Job 1:9-11), ask for Peter (Luke 22:31), torment Paul (2 Cor. 12:7), and tempt Jesus himself (Luke 4:1, 13).

If Satan is brave enough to tempt the saints before us and even Jesus himself, do you think he is remotely intimidated to engage you in battle?

In the Book of Revelation, Satan’s demise is promised.  Look how it is described:

12:7 Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, 8 but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was thrown out—the ancient serpent,who is called the Devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah have now come, because the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, for the Devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows he has a short time.

How does Satan try to deceive people today?  In the same way he deceived Adam and Eve.  “Are you sure that’s what God said?  Maybe back then but not today.  That was for a different time.  Let’s just bend God’s Word a little bit.”

Do you see that playing out today?  I sure do.

What would Satan use to accuse you before God?  Satan stands as an accuser.  He is the biggest tattle tale in history.  “God, how can Travis be here?  Don’t you know all he has done?”

In reality, most of those accusations will probably be accurate.  The deceiver can actually be truthful on those issues.  But the difference is, if I am a believer, God doesn’t recognize my sins anymore.  I overcome the deceiver by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (v. 12).  That means I don’t have to worry about the enemy’s mouth anymore because Jesus’ blood cleanses me and my testimony can vouch for that!

In your prayer time today, praise Jesus for his blood which silences the accusations of the Deceiver.  Remind those in the heavenly realms of God’s wisdom concerning how he redeemed the Church (Eph. 3:10).  Your testimony of God’s grace in your life sends the enemy packing!

When Satan reminds you of what you have done, remind him of what Christ has done!

Spend some time thanking Jesus for salvation and praying against the enemy’s lying, scheming, deceiving ways in your life and the lives of those around you.