The Enemy has been Identified

Have you ever heard someone say, “I do not have an enemy in the world”? Perhaps you are among those who cannot point to a single human enemy, but all of us have an enemy in the devil (1 Peter 5:8). He is described as a powerful and wicked enemy (Eph. 6:12).

In our world today we see conflict and strife all around us. The news media and political pundits have recently concluded that we live in a divided world. Really? Many have known that for decades but I am glad it is now being acknowledged.

We as Christians are taught to love our neighbor and pray for our enemy. Though others may make themselves our enemy, we know that our greatest enemy is evil itself, personified in the devil, that old serpent, the prince of darkness.

The Christian life is warfare but not in the physical sense, and not in the sense of conflict with each other. Our battle is a continuing struggle with evil and it begins within each of us. If you have not discovered this to be your own personal experience, it is possible that you have already been captured by the enemy and are a prisoner of war without being aware of it.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian Christians concerning the nature of their enemy and the character of the struggle they must put forth if they would live a victorious Christian life. He said, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:11, NIV)

Ephesians 6:10–20 (NRSV)

10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.

11  Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12  For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14  Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.

15  As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.

16  With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17  Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18  Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

19  Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we face a wicked enemy in the devil. The Bible says little about the devil’s origin and therefore many doubt if he is real, however, Jesus taught often about the devil. For those who hold the biblical teachings of Jesus supreme, the devil cannot be disregarded.

The Bible infers that the devil came into being as part of God’s good creation, an archangel of great beauty, power, and majesty. However, because he chose to allow himself to became offended, arrogant, and power hungry, he led a rebellion against God for which he was rightly cast out of heaven. So the devil is, by his own choosing, God’s foe first and foremost, and he is the enemy of all people because of his hatred of God. He seeks to bring about our defeat and destruction as individuals and as a human race by pitting us against God and each other.

But, it is not God’s will that his children be destroyed by evil. He offers us all that is necessary for victory, that is, the power of his spirit who comes to dwell within us at the moment of salvation. God has made a way to victory for us, but we must do our part, we much accept his gift and put on the whole armor of God.

So we have a daily choice to make. To fight against evil or to fight against God, our neighbors, and ultimately ourselves. Your success in the struggle with Satan will be dependent on whether or not you use the armor God has provided. There is no way by which you can be victorious otherwise. Though many will try every other way imaginable, all other methods will fail and in their life evil will prevail.