THE NATURE OF OUR ADVERSARY

 

Sunday, April 23, 2023

 

THE NATURE OF OUR ADVERSARY

 

John 10:9-10

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. KJV

 

Eph 6:12 Amplified

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

 

1 Peter 5:8

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

          Don’t be misled. Those with whom you contend may unwittingly oppose you at the behest of Satan. Consider this. Does your opponent wish for a better outcome or simply for your downfall? Do you know? Moreover, does he or she know? Have either of you asked the question?

 

          Consider the consequences of capitulation. Will a better outcome result because you have finally come to your senses and listened to reason or will it result in loss, and destruction? Satan has not come to negotiate for a better set of circumstances. If that were so it would be reasonable to align ourselves with his plans. No, he comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy.

 

          We understand that it is sometimes necessary for reasonable men to compromise for the greater good, but pure evil does not desire a greater good. The word “devour”, in 1 Peter 5:8 is katapino which means to “gulp down.”

 

2 Thess 3:1-2

3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable (actively malicious) and wicked men: for all men have not faith (neither are they held by it).

 

Lord let me be thoughtful and reasonable, always willing to work cooperatively for a better outcome even though the plans for such an outcome are not my own. Let me also be wary and cautious for all men are not held by and do not exercise the faith they claim to own. AMEN