Enemies

Good Morning,

1 John 2:16  “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 

Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” 

I wanted to remind us all of the verses above to alert us to the idea that drugs and liquor are not the only things that ruin us. A summary might be, the world, the flesh, and the devil: they are our enemies.

When we talk about the world, we do not refer to the dirt we walk on, we refer to the world system, the stuff, the prosperity, the “rat race” (as some used to call it). I do not have to work more hours; I do not have to get more things; and I do not have to have toys to compare with the neighbor, but I do have to face God (and so will my children). The philosophy of the world is not helpful when it comes to pleasing God.

Not only is the world our enemy, but so is our flesh. This body we live in is not spiritual: it would rather sleep than get up, eat than fast, or watch television than pray. This body is not going to help us to be better Christians. 1 Corinthians 9:27 reminds us to “… keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” We have to keep this body under control much like we need to keep our cars under control while we drive. The car is a great tool, but if we are not careful, it will kill us and others. Our bodies are no more spiritual than our cars, but as living organisms, our bodies are far more dangerous than a car.   

The world is our enemy; the flesh is our enemy; and of course, the devil is our enemy. 1 Peter 5 reminds us that the devil is a roaring lion that walks about seeking whom he may devour.  The devil does not have our good in mind. When he tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, she thought he was saying good and proper things, but he was trying to bring ruin to the whole human race. Any idea that comes from the mind of Satan is a lie, and it will bring death and destruction. We need to resist the devil and seek godly thinking.

The world, the flesh, and the devil are upon us 24/7. There is no safe place where we cannot be drawn away by the cares of this world, the worries of this world, or the lust and desires of this world. There is nowhere we can hide that our flesh will not try to get us to fear, to covet, or to lust.  Satan desires to move us to self-destruct in countless ways.

Satan can use the desires of the flesh and the pride of life to get a Christian foolishly involved with someone or something that would limit or prohibit them from accomplishing the will of God in the future. Be on guard! It could also be a tempting financial opportunity; there is simply no end to the ways Satan can attack us. 

Our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil.  We are to be sober and vigilant to work for God, to care for family, and to help build our church ministries; but we also need to stay guarded because Satan is looking for that moment when you are discouraged or when long hours make you weary.

Do not despair! We have the “shield of faith” that will quench all the fiery darts of the devil. You can do well, stand firm, and finish your race while honoring God.  (Ephesians 6:16)   

Stay sharp and keep that shield up and ready.

Pastor