My Truth: We are at war!
The enemy that we are up against is described for us in Ephesians: “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.” (Eph.6:12). Our enemy is therefore not other people, however, people are often used by satan to come against us.
In order to understand the origins of this war we have to go back to the fall of Adam and Eve after being tempted by the devil. This was God’s ruling following the sin of satan and man: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Gen.3:15). This war between man and satan is ongoing ever since.
Today, satan comes against us in various ways causing many to be trapped in darkness and sin. Many people are caught up by the vices of this world including idolatry, greed, corruption, bloodshed, sexual sin, pride and the like. Many have fully embraced satan’s kingdom and live in complete disregard of God and His commandments. Through sin they have become enslaved to satan and unable to see and enjoy the light of Christ. This ever increasing darkness and rebellion to God, is a victory to satan in this war. The Word states:
- “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1John 3:8)
- “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2Cor.4:4).
- “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (Jam.4:4).
Satan’s pursuit against the son of man continues and no one is excluded. “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1John 5:19). It was satan at work that caused the trials and tribulations experienced by Job (Job 1:6-7). Even Jesus was not exempt from affliction by satan. “And the tempter came and said to him (Jesus), “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matt.4:3). “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Mat.4:8-9). Jesus dealt brilliantly with satan’s attacks by using the Word, the sword of the spirit.
In order not to become a victim in this war, we have to understand that we are at war and know the enemy. Satan is a liar and a deceiver. This is how he operates:
- “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Pet.5:8).
- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
- “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders.” (2Thes.2:9)
- “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2Cor.11:14)
Let us therefore be sober-minded and watchful and guard against being blinded by satan’s schemes and false promises. His ultimate end will be in the lake of fire. Knowing that we are at war and repenting and staying away from sin will prevent us being caught up in his trap and suffering his fate.
My Prayer
Father AhaYah, thank you that through the atoning blood of Christ, we are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Col.1:13). Please be for us a shield and buckler against the attacks from the enemy. In Your mercy, please help those blinded by satan to come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will (2Tim.2:26). We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Aman.