THE ENEMIES WE FACE
THE ENEMIES WE FACE
Ephesians 6:10–13 (AMP)
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
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.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
None of us are exempt from trials, tribulation or persecution from spiritual forces which are unseen from the human eye or logical reasoning that operate around us and through us. Spiritual things are discerned spiritually and logical reasoning alone can not discern things that are spiritual. The Word of God tells us to test every spirit and to know people in “the spirit”, not by the flesh. While natural symptoms, characteristics and observations are necessary they fall short of what is spiritual. There is a vast and decisive contrast to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) of The Lord and those that are not in the Spirit of The Lord (Gal. 5:19-21) . Notice that Ephesians 6:12 tell us that we are wrestling which is “physical” in nature. In Mark 3:27 Jesus tell us we must bind the “strongman”.
1 John 4:1 (AMP)
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
Galatians 5:22–23 (AMP)
22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
2 Corinthians 5:16 (AMP)
16 Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].
Galatians 5:19–21 (AMP)
19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,
20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),
21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Salvation and deliverance is only found through Jesus Christ, Christ crucified and Christ resurrected. I believe that while many people truly want to be right they are not thirsty for the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Needing to “be right” is not the same as abiding in the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Vindication is the Lord’s. Jesus told us that those who thirst for righteousness shall be filled. We must not separate Spirit, Truth and Righteousness for we worship the Lord is Spirit and Truth!
John 4:24 (AMP)
24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).
Matthew 5:6 (AMP)
6 Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! [Isa. 55:1, 2.]
Each of us is responsible for our own salvation and eternal destiny. We are called to edify and encourage the brethren but ultimately each of us is responsible for our obedience to the Lord Jesus. I have attached a four part video series courtesy of Derek Prince called “The Enemies We Face” which I believe will help to enlighten you, encourage you to be over comers through Christ Jesus.
Father I give you thanks and praise for your Beloved Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lord I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and loving me despite of myself and my fallen nature. Lord I thank you for your cleansing blood and the truth of your word which will stand forever. Lord I thank you and praise you that you never change which allows me to stand in the truth of your Word and Spirit. Lord continue to search me and cleanse me. Renewing, transforming and sanctifying me into your image and likeness. Amen.