Spiritual War, 14of20

~ Spiritual War: Know Your Enemy ~ 

The Commander of the Opposing Army  ~  He is called Abaddon in Hebrew, Apollyon in Greek, or in English he is the destroyer.  Satan is the arch-enemy of mankind.  He is the supernatural enemy of God and of His people.  He will destroy all in his path unless they take refuge and strength in Jesus Christ as their Commander-In-Chief. 

Opposing Army  ~  The devil has a multitude of soldiers and they are all bent on our destruction of human beings along with obliteration of everything that has to do with Jesus Christ.  “Then He [Jesus Christ] will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:40).  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

What are the characteristics of our enemy?

Ruler of This World (during the present time)  ~  “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19).  Even our Lord was tempted by this temporary world ruler.  “Again, the devil took Him [Jesus Christ] up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me’” (Matthew 4:8-9). 

An Invisible Enemy  ~  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13). 

An Opportunist  ~  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

A Deceiver  ~  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

A Murderer  ~  “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him” (John 8:44a). …

A Liar  ~   …  “When he [the devil] speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44b).

Closing Comment  ~  the bad news:  Satan is constantly slandering each of us before God the Father.  the good news: God sees each person who has accepted Jesus Christ as clothed in the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ.  “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He [the Spirit of God] who is in you is greater than he [satan] who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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