The Enemy

Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States, 
he served as a major general in the Tennessee militia.  During the War of 1812 
his troops reached an all-time low in morale.  As a result they began arguing, bickering, and fighting among themselves.  It is reported that Old Hickory called 
them all together on one occasion when tensions were at their worst and said, "Gentlemen!  Let's remember, the enemy is over there." *

Confusion exists as to the identity of our TRUE enemy.  It is often the case that people who should be fighting on the same side against the real enemy are often found fighting each other instead.

For clarification purposes, let us ask ourselves, “Who is our real enemy?”

The Bible answers: “Satan.”  The Apostle Peter warns: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Our adversary the devil is a formidable opponent; a master at deception (Ephesians 6:11).  “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”  Beware of his schemes:

• Distraction: Satan seeks to distract us by getting us to focus our attention on the material instead of the spiritual.  See 1 John 2:15-17.
  
  

• Discouragement: This is one of Satan’s most potent weapons.  He wants us to get so discouraged that we will want to give up living for what’s right and good, i.e. for God. Consider Elijah’s battle with discouragement (1 Kings 19)
  
  

• Discontentment:  Satan longs to have us focus on what we do NOT have rather than upon the blessings that we DO have.  His desire is that our discontentment will lead to other sins such as covetousness, stealing, and the like.
  
  

• Discord: Satan knows there is strength in communion and weakness in solitude.  Satan likes to isolate people through discord and division -- just like predators separate their prey from the herd thereby weakening it and easily killing and devouring it.
  

In the war of Good vs. Evil, the decisive battle has been fought and won by Jesus Christ.  When Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died on the cross, Satan thought he had defeated Christ.  But through His death on the cross, Jesus accomplished God’s great plan of redemption: that through the death of Jesus as payment for the sins of the world, salvation was made available to all (Ephesians 1:7).  

You and I may receive the benefits of Christ’s atoning and align ourselves 
on the Victor’s side by: placing our faith in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin through repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  
He will keep those who continue to serve Him faithfully (2 Timothy 2:4).

Remember, our REAL enemy is Satan!

Make sure that he is the one that YOU are fighting.  And, make sure that you are fighting on the side of the Victor: JESUS CHRIST.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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