Bible Foundations: Lesson 27 Subject: “Locating the Enemy”

 

Bible Foundations: Lesson 27 Subject: “Locating the Enemy”

Our first need is to be “Born Again” - - to be delivered from darkness into God's light, and transformed from spiritual death into God's everlasting Life.

Our second need is to please God, by obeying His Word and living according to His will. There is a growth process in the Christian life. We discover that there are “problems” (or enemies) that would prevent us from being everything that God desires for us to be IN Him.

Colossians 2:6-7  Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and be overflowing with thankfulness.

There are other enemies besides the devil, and God has provided His armor to protect us. His Holy Spirit is in us and will HELP US in ALL areas of our life.

1. Our first enemy is - - THE MIND:

There is a need to discipline our thoughts.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:22-23 Now is the time to put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Roman 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

2. Our second enemy is THE FLESH:

Jesus has provided HIS Righteousness to us in order to protect us from the “Flesh.”

James 1:12-13 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,”

Romans 13:14 Make no provision for the flesh to rule - - But you are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

3. Our third enemy is THE WORLD with it's culture and it's system.

We need our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace and to be alert and “watching.”

1 John 5:4  For all that have been begotten of God have the victory over the world; and this is, our faith.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. But he who does the will of God abides forever.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

4. The fourth enemy we consider today is the DEVIL.

We should use the Word of God on the Devil by speaking scriptures with our voice.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 

There are Enemies of the “Church:” consider; Spirits of Jealousy, Selfishness, Fear, Gossip, Pride, Ego.

There are good Friends of the Church: Love, Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, Strength and Boldness. Being full of the Word, and full of Faith. Always standing for Truth and Right. Study and be informed using our intelligence. (Common sense goes a long way) – And always Hold up the shield of the Word of Faith.

Christ Jesus has defeated the Devil. The Devil is NOT our biggest foe.

SELF is our biggest enemy. Rebellion and a desire to always have our own way is - - “SELF”

So again, we see the need to MAKE A DECISION: Let us choose to allow Jesus to be Lord of our life and to permit Him to have the “SAY” in our lives. (His will.) When we do this, He will reveal those things in our “Soul Nature,” that needs correction, and He will also provide the strength to do it.

His pathway is best, and his path is always illuminated by the WORD of God. May we walk in the Light as He is in the Light.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Yes, it is true we do have enemies, but God is greater and by His Holy Spirit, he will enable us to overcome and to be triumphant in Christ Jesus.