Sunday Worship 11.00 am and 6.30 pm Minister: Dr William (Bill) J M Parker
2. Know Your Enemy! – 1 Pet 5:8 (Eph 6:10-13)
Spiritual Warfare
Sermon Date: 14 January 2018 (am)
Know Your Enemy! - Ephesians 6:10-13 & 1 Peter 5:8
Main Teaching Point:
The devil is our great enemy
In our continuous wrestle in spiritual warfare we must know our enemy in order to engage with him successfully. Who is our enemy? The devil and fallen angels, of which he is leader.
The Origin of the Enemy
He is created. God created the spiritual and material world. After creation (Genesis 1:31), but before the events of Genesis 3, evil appeared. Rebellion in the angelic realm resulted in the devil, and other angels, turning against their Creator.
The Rebellion of the Enemy
Two New Testament passages speak of this. 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6. Two Old Testament passages seem
to refer to the devil’s rebellion (Ezekiel 28:12-15; Isaiah 14:12-15).
The Goal of the Enemy
To oppose and destroy the work of God, and work evil in the world. For reasons only known to God He allows the devil freedom to pursue this goal for a time (Revelation 12:12; Deuteronomy 29:29). How does the devil seek to achieve his aim? His various names suggest his methods:
- Devil. Slanderer. Reputation damager (Job 1:9-11).
- Serpent. Crafty (Genesis 3:1-5).
Before you sin he says You'll get away with it!
- Satan. Adversary/Accuser.
After you sin he says You'll never get away with it!
- Destroyer. (Rev 9:11)
- Tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5; Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:3)
- Father of Lies
(John 8:44). His biggest lie is that he says he does not exist!
- Angel of Light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He charmingly propagates evil as good.
- Roaring Lion (1 Peter 5:8)
- God of this age, cf. (2 Corinthians 4:4). He presides over people’s ungodly lifestyles
- Strong man (Luke 11:21)
- Evil One (Matthew 6:13).
Limitations of the Enemy
- He is created
(Colossians 1:16)
- He is not omniscient. He does not know everything.
- He is not omnipresent. He can only attack by himself in one place at a time, or attack through another demon. The Bible mentions only 6 people tempted by the devil himself: Eve, Job, Jesus, Judas, Peter, Ananias.
- He is not omnipotent. He is powerful, not all powerful (Job 1:11-12)
Avoiding Two Extremes
- Giving the devil too much attention. A person who sneezes is not likely to have a demon of sneezing!
- Giving the devil too little attention. He
is at work in ordinary situations: disagreements, mood swings, discouragement, depression.
The devil is a personal, supernatural being with the ability to influence people for evil. He is not a cartoon character in a red suit with a tail, brandishing a trident. Such caricature is based on Medieval Church representations when, because it was believed he was vulnerable to pride, he was mockingly illustrated.
Conclusion – Closer to God? Be Ready to Fight!
The story of the Reformer, Martin Luther, throwing an ink pot at the devil because he felt his evil presence may not be true. What is true is that Luther walked with God … and the devil attacked! The closer anyone gets to God the more attention the devil pays you! Part of the victory in spiritual warfare is taking your stand against him so he will flee from you (James 4:7).
© Dr Bill Parker 2018