Recognizing Our Real Adversary

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Our world is radically divided. In fact, differences, difficulties, and separations are a part of what fills our news stations and most of our entertainment. Living in a world that promotes and celebrates divisions—be it racial, ethnic, political, religious, or ideological—it is all too easy to view our fellow humans as the enemy. That’s the real enemy’s best trick—to get us riled up about the puppets he is using to get us out of faith and into our flesh. Believers must recognize that behind the scenes of every human conflict and beyond the visible issue of human interactions, lies our real enemy, Satan.

The principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness operate in the shadows, manipulating humans against one another to sow seeds of discord. Those spiritual wicked forces blind humanity from the real problem of sin and the powers of darkness.

When that person at work offends you, remember that they are being used.

When that family member said something to bother you, remember who the real enemy is.

You and I do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the enemy.

When we recognize the real enemy, we can then engage in spiritual warfare with discernment, wisdom, and faith.

Do not fall prey to the narrative that the enemy is trying to play in your life. People are not the enemy, the devil is. Fight with faith.

Practical Application

Take time to pray for those who you feel are against you and those are attacking you. Pray that the enemy can no longer use them as puppets for his will. Pray that the eyes of their understanding be opened and that they see the truth of how they have been used. Pray they are released from the enemy’s hold.

Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 1:21

The Power of Obedience

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

What is real faith? We do not show our faith by our observance of traditions, our clothing, or what days we celebrate. It’s not even in our sacrifices of giving that shows our genuine faith in God. Our faith is shown simply in one word: obedience.

What has God said? Are we following His Word or His leading fully? That is the fullness of a life of faith. Obeying God is better than all the sacrifices you can give.

When we do the contrary and rebel against God’s Word and way, the Bible says that rebellion is just like witchcraft. It is against faith; it is worshipping self over worshipping God. Outward acts of devotion can camouflage a heart that is disconnected from God's will.

In 1 Samuel 15:22-23, God rejected Saul from kingship because, although he gave God sacrifices, his disobedience made every sacrifice pointless. God wants obedience, not just sacrifice. God wants a relationship, not just religious actions.

Are we, like Saul, living in a cycle of ritualistic faith without obeying God’s leading? Or are our lives characterized by a deep-seated commitment to hearken unto God's voice, no matter what the cost?

Practical Application

Where have you neglected obeying God recently? Forgiving someone? Holding onto what He has told you to give? Serving others in love? Ask the Holy Spirit today to search your heart and find areas you haven’t obeyed. Repent and decide to change.

Psalm 107:11; Numbers 14:9

Motives Matter

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Many Christians read this verse incorrectly and say that money is the root of all evil, decrying anyone who makes more than they. They want to throw out any preacher who shares the Biblical message about prosperity. 1 Timothy 6:10 is not talking about the physical cash or bank account balance someone has accrued. The issue is when money becomes the love of our lives. Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, is selfless and does not seek self-promotion or aggrandizement. The motivation behind our actions matters.

1 Timothy 6:10 warns against those who, driven by self-interest and a desire for self-promotion, lead others astray.

The Biblical principle of sowing and reaping is a circular dynamic that echoes throughout Scripture. It emphasizes that to receive, we must first give. The giving of love begets love, the giving of joy begets joy, and the giving of financial blessings begets prosperity. It's a divine circle where the motive behind our actions determines the nature of the return. However, it’s not just about the action, it must be about the motive.

Don’t play God like He’s the lotto or a slot machine. We must not play the game of “if I give this much, I’ll get this much back.”  That cannot be our motive. I had a friend in college who sowed his beat-up car to someone because he wanted to get a new one. God didn’t tell him to do it and he wasn’t motivated by love to do it. He wanted God to give him something. Guess what happened? He walked the rest of our time in college. Why? The power of God doesn’t work with the wrong motives. Motives are the compass of our actions. Even a seemingly benevolent act loses its power if it is driven by selfish intentions.

Practical Application

In the realm of giving, whether to ministries or individuals, your heart must be right. It must express love and come from a desire to bless others. As you give this week, check your heart, and make sure you focus on being a blessing and loving the people or ministries you are sowing into.

Mark 10:29-30; Luke 6:38