WEEKLY WORD – KNOW THY ENEMY (2/2/21)

I was thinking today… I am sure you have all heard the saying – “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The bible says to “know thy enemy.” As Christians we know that satan is our true enemy. Yes, we can be hurt by people here on earth, but when we think with an eternal perspective (which is most important), then we know that it is satan, not people, who is the one that can destroy our souls and is our true enemy.

That’s why we need to be focused on God and Jesus at all times. It is easy when we are angry, upset and/or extremely challenged in life to be led astray, and for our thoughts to lead to actions that are not God-honoring. But in those times I don’t think that we should be focused on satan and his power, because God has the ultimate power to defeat satan.

We do, however, need to be aware of and to know about satan and how he works in order to be prepared to defeat him. For example, we have to be able to stop and notice how fast we can go from being mad at someone, to yelling hurtful things to them, to wanting harm to come to them, then to be able to stop ourselves and take a breath and recognize those thoughts and actions are not God-honoring. There is a better way to handle things, a better way to walk through life and have a better life here and in eternity with Jesus as our guide.

(2 Corinthians 10:5) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

(Ephesians 6: 10-12) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.

Armor of God

  • Belt of Truth
  • Breastplate of Righteousness
  • Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace
  • Shield of Faith
  • Helmet of Salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God

To God be the Glory,

Lynn Manucci Warrick