TOPIC : “ KNOW THE REAL ENEMY (Satan Is Your True Adversary)”

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-13 GNB

 “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.”

 MESSAGE.

“Father, I bind that woman who gave me a wicked look at the grocery store today, in Jesus’ Name,” Barbara declared loudly. “Hey, Barb!” Simon exclaimed, having heard her outburst, “You don’t pray like that against people.” “Well, I don’t like the way she looked at me; I think there’s something evil about her,” she tried to explain. “She’s only human and she can’t of herself do you any harm; it’s satan who’s the real enemy, ok?” Simon enlightened her. It’s common to find Christians praying against perceived human “enemies,” thinking they’re the reason for the troubles in their lives.

This is an error borne of ignorance of God’s Word. The opening scripture says “… We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces…,” meaning that the real adversary, therefore, couldn’t be any human. Someone may hate and despise you, but he’s not your enemy. Your real adversary is the devil and his cohorts—“principalities,” “powers,” “rulers of the darkness of this world,” and “spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12); these are not flesh and blood! Satan tricks people into thinking that other people are their enemies to divert attention from himself. So, while they’re busy “at war,” he runs rampage and causes havoc all around them. But you’re smarter than that! You’re aware of his crafty schemes and tricks (2 Corinthians 2:11). So what do you do? You “…resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). You don’t resist people; rather, you’re to love them and do them good (Matthew 5:44). Why? Because they’re not the enemy! The arch-enemy of the Christian is satan. He’s the accuser of the brethren, but he’s a defeated foe (Revelation 12:10), and he’s under our feet!

GO DEEPER

1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:11

PRAY

Dear heavenly Father, I give you thanks for the opportunity to be blessed by your precious Word today. I’m not ignorant of satan’s devices and refuse to fall prey to them. I keep satan and the cohorts of hell under my feet, where they belong, in Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen.

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

Acts 13:13-52, Nehemiah 9-10

TWO YEAR BIBLE READING

Luke 5:1-11, Deuteronomy 26

The Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo is written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. This devotional is designed for teenagers to inspire, encourage and strengthen them by providing answer-from the perspective of God’s Word-to questions of critical concern…