Categories: From the General Manager's DeskJoy Blog

We Have an Enemy

Spiritual Warfare, Spiritual Enemy

1 Peter 5:8 warns us that we have an enemy. He is described as “our adversary, the devil” who according to John 10:10 comes to “steal, kill and destroy.” Sun Tsu, one of the greatest military strategists of all time wrote these words in his book The Art of War:

“When we know ourselves and know our enemy, we need not fear a hundred battles.”

Let’s identify what our enemy can and can’t do.

The Powers of the Enemy

What He Can Do

He can manipulate the truth and sow confusion. He is the father of lies [John 8:44]. He leads people astray by disguising sin to appear attractive or by questioning God’s goodness and authority.
His tactics are to exploit human weakness. He actively tempts people to disobey God [Matthew 4:1-11]
He is the accuser of the brethren [Revelation 12:10]. His accusations work to bring guilt, shame and doubt all to hinder our relationship with God.
He blinds people to the truth of God’s word [2 Corinthians 4:4] Spiritual blindness prevents people from recognizing their need for a Savior.
He oppresses people [Mark 5:1-20] and can afflict people [Job 2:6-7].

The Limitations of the Enemy

What He Can't Do

He cannot change his destiny. Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the power of sin and death. Our enemy’s eternal judgment is described in Revelation 20:10.
He cannot alter his outcome.
He can’t be everywhere at once. He is a created being. His reach is not unlimited.
He cannot know everything.
He can’t read our thoughts nor foresee the future. He relies on observation and past patterns to influence human behavior.
He can’t force us to sin [James 1:14]. He can only tempt and deceive. Believers are equipped with the Holy Spirit and can resist the devil through faith [James 4:7].
He can’t take our salvation [John 10:28]. Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their salvation [Ephesians 1:13-14].
He can’t separate believers from the love of God [Romans 8:38-39].
He can’t override God’s sovereignty. God is in control [Romans 8:28].

Follow Your Commander

While the devil possesses significant influence, he is not all-powerful, all-knowing or everywhere present. He can cause temporary hardship, but he cannot achieve victory over believers [Matthew 16:18]. Believers are given spiritual armor [Ephesians 6:10-18].

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose spirit lives in us, proved over and over that He is greater than the god of this world [1 John 4:4]. The god of this world is no match for Jesus Christ [John 12:31], therefore he is no match for us who are in Christ.