Introductory Thoughts
The fact that the Bible describes the Christian life as the good “fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) reveals that the believer’s warfare is spiritual and never fleshly. In like manner, the enemy lives within the spiritual realm and this battle cannot be seen with the eyes of flesh. The enemy does not simply reside in a country on the other side of the world. In fact, it is no person or people group on this earth. Believers are told that they do not wrestle “against flesh and blood.” Ultimately, the saints’ enemy is the Devil, but his minions include principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. This means that the saints should never look to flesh and blood (mere mortals) for the source of their frustrations or victories. The fight is one of faith; the enemy, the Devil and the Lord our spiritual Captain (Hebrews 2:10).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Bible is very clear that the Devil is our archenemy (Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8). It is also very clear that through prayer and doing what God says, we have the power to do right (James 4:7). Whether to do right or wrong remains the choice of each individual.
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(For everyone): Why is knowing that our enemy is truly spiritual such an important biblical truth? How can identifying the true enemy keep us from expressing our frustrations upon the people that we love?
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Who should be the object of our hate when things go wrong? Who is ultimately the enemy that seeks to destroy us and our testimonies?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you realize that your enemy is the Devil.
- Ask the Lord to use this teaching to make you a better Christian.
Song
Sound the Battle Cry
