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On the Front Line (II) – Know the Enemy
Introduction: Understanding the Battle
In the first part of this series, we explored our identity as soldiers of Christ. But to fight effectively, we must also know our enemy. Unlike human conflicts, where enemies are often individuals or groups with opposing views, our true adversary is Satan—an invisible yet powerful force seeking to destroy our faith.
Paul reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). No physical weapon can defeat such an enemy; only the Spirit of God can equip us for this war.
The Identity of Our Enemy
Satan’s Nature: Pride and Fall
Satan was not always the enemy. Ezekiel 28:12–15 describes him as a being of perfection—wise, beautiful, and anointed. However, unlike other angels, who are defined by their duty rather than their appearance, Satan allowed his beauty and wisdom to fuel his pride.
Isaiah 14:12–14 reveals Satan’s rebellious thoughts:
- “I will ascend into heaven.”
- “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.”
- “I will be like the Most High.”
This excessive self-focus led to his downfall. Jesus testified to Satan’s swift fall from heaven, likening it to lightning (Lk 10:18). His story warns us that pride brings destruction quickly and often works from within, undetected—like a hidden disease that can kill before we even realize it.
Paul emphasized this danger when advising Timothy that a church leader should not be a new convert, lest he fall into the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6). Pride blinds us to our faults, making us numb to correction. Even Nebuchadnezzar, though warned by Daniel, still succumbed to arrogance and suffered the consequences (Daniel 4).
Thus, we must continually examine ourselves, removing even the smallest traces of pride. The more we know, the more cautious we must be. True spiritual growth produces humility, not arrogance. If we claim to be fruitful but our attitudes are self-exalting, we deceive ourselves.
The Enemy’s Strategies
Satan’s weapons are deception, manipulation, and pride. He seeks to twist truth, stir up arrogance, and blur the lines between right and wrong.
Weapon #1: Reinterpreting the Bible
Jesus called Satan the father of lies (John 8:44), and from the very beginning, he has been twisting God’s words. In the Garden of Eden, Satan subtly altered God’s command, leading Eve to question its true meaning. His lies are potent because they often sound reasonable and closely resemble the truth.
A modern example is the growing acceptance of homosexuality. Romans 1:26–32 clearly condemns same-sex relations as sinful, yet many argue that “a loving God would not reject those who love each other.” This reinterpretation distorts God’s justice and holiness, making believers hesitant to take a stand.
While God forgives sin, He does not redefine sin as righteousness. As soldiers of Christ, we must be prepared to take a firm stance on God’s truth, even when it is unpopular. We cannot let emotions or societal pressure dilute the gospel. Satan’s whispers may sound compassionate, but they lead to destruction.
Weapon #2: Leveraging Neutrality
“Has God indeed said…?” (Genesis 3:1)
Satan’s first recorded strategy was not an outright lie but a seemingly innocent question. By planting doubt, he weakened Eve’s certainty about God’s command.
Today, Satan uses neutrality as a weapon. Instead of outright denial, he tempts us to take a passive stance, making us hesitant to reject falsehoods. We may not actively support sin, but we fail to oppose it, thinking, “It’s not my place to judge.”
Satan also infiltrates the church by using influential voices—even well-intentioned ministers. This is why believers must test all teachings against Scripture. The truth must be our filter; otherwise, we risk spiritual deception.
Weapon #3: Stirring Pride
Satan’s own downfall was pride, and he uses the same tactic to destroy others.
“You will not surely die… you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen 3:4–5)
Eve was not just tempted by the fruit’s beauty—she was enticed by the promise of wisdom. Satan made her believe she could elevate herself to God’s level.
This is still one of Satan’s most effective tools. He convinces people that they are self-sufficient, that they deserve more recognition, or that they know better than God’s word. When pride takes root, obedience fades. This is why unchecked arrogance leads to spiritual ruin.
The moment we sense pride creeping into our hearts, we must eliminate it before it leads to sin. Just as pride cast Satan from heaven, it can separate us from God.
Countering the Enemy
Since Satan attacks from all angles, we must constantly guard ourselves.
- Guarding Our Hearts Against Pride
- Recognize that all wisdom, success, and knowledge come from God.
- Stay humble, acknowledging that pride is a constant threat.
- Regularly self-examine and correct any arrogance before it takes root.
- Protecting Our Minds with God’s Truth
- Pursue the mind of Christ(1 Corinthians 2:16).
- Test all teachings against Scripture (2 Timothy 1:13).
- Reject neutrality—stand firmly for biblical truth.
- Strengthening Our Spiritual Armor
- Stay vigilant in prayer.
- Deepen our knowledge of Scripture.
- Surround ourselves with faithful believers who encourage righteousness.
Satan is a master deceiver, and without spiritual vigilance, we will fall into his traps. However, by relying on God’s Spirit, staying rooted in His word, and guarding against pride, we can stand firm.
Conclusion: Soldiers on the Front Line
As soldiers of Christ, we are under constant attack. Satan uses deception, pride, and temptation to weaken us. If we are not careful, we may not only fall but also become instruments of his work.
However, we are not defenseless. By staying humble, discerning truth, and keeping our spiritual armor strong, we can resist the enemy. The war is real, and the final battle is approaching (Revelation 20:7–8). When that time comes, those who are unprepared will be deceived and lost.
We must be ready now—fighting with courage, standing for truth, and remaining faithful until the end.
Final Reflection Questions
- Do I recognize the subtle ways Satan tries to deceive me?
- Am I standing firmly in God’s truth, or am I tempted to remain “neutral”?
- Do I actively guard my heart against pride?
- Am I truly prepared to stand on the front line when the battle intensifies?
Let us arm ourselves with God’s truth and fight boldly for His kingdom. The victory belongs to those who endure.
Come join us for the Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue spiritual growth life at home, work, and beyond. Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org