Are you experiencing a broken relationship with family members? Are you arguing with neighbors? Are you struggling to get along with your employer? Do you feel like non-Christians are out to get you? Is a particular political party the cause of all the problems our nation is facing? Are Muslims the bad guys? Are Communists the enemy? How do you feel about ISIL (ISIS) or the Taliban?
Family members, neighbors, employers, non-Christians, a particular political party, Muslims, Communists, ISIL, or the Taliban may be perceived as the enemy. In reality, these are not the enemy. Scripture tells us that the real enemy is Satan and his demons.
The real enemy.
… we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
… the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. (Ephesians 2:2 NLT)
Satan, who is the god of this world… (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT)
… the world around us is under the control of the evil one. (1 John 5:19 NLT)
This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world— (Revelation 12:9 NLT)
Equip yourself for the real battle. Put on the full armor of God.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT)
Know the enemy. Act accordingly.
(More details about the armor of God in a future post).
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