Know Your Enemy; Warning, The Devil Isn’t Your Worst!

Did you know your enemy was YOU? As a matter of fact my friend, you are your worst enemy. That is because your flesh is one of the enemies that you battle. In fact, Paul, in Romans 7, makes it clear that he was at war with his flesh, i.e., evil; “sin living in me”. In order to get a better understanding and know your enemy, continue to read this Bible study.

Know Your Enemy: Summary

Most pastors and bible teachers focus on the devil but fail to note that our other enemies include the flesh and the world (the global system). Any of the three could cause us to sin. Contrary to common belief, among the three, the FLESH, or human nature, is our greatest enemy. The Devil and the World go through the FLESH. Therefore, if we control or tame the FLESH, neither the Devil nor the World will have a method by which to make us sin.

At one time you were dead in your sins and evil actions, 2 living your lives according to the ways of the world, under the control of the devil*, whose spirit is at work in those who disobey God. 3 All of us were once like that, our behavior determined by the desires of our sinful human nature [the flesh] and our evil way of thinking. Like everyone else, in our nature, we were children of anger. Ephesians 2:1-3 (FBV)

* 2:2. Literally, “the ruler of the power of the air.”

The Spirit and Human Nature

So I tell you: Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves** want. 17 Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit. The Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other. So you must not do just what you please. Galatians 5:16-17 (ICB)

** ‘sinful selves’ refers to the flesh, our human or sinful nature.

Think about this:

It is a bad thing that we are naturally opposed to God. But it is even worse that we have at least two other influences to do wrong. So it is most important that we learn to control our flesh and stay strong in faith. And then we stand the best chance of winning by doing all we can to know your enemy and its ways.

Key Points:

1. Your Flesh

   Because the carnal mind [the mind of the flesh] is enmity [hostile; fights] against [at war with] God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 Those who are under the power of their desires can’t please God. Romans 8:7 (KJV) and 8:8 (RAD).

2. The Devil

   Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy (KJV: adversary^G476), the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (CEV)

3. The World

   Jesus said “The world has no reason to hate you, but it does hate me because I make it clear that its ways are evil. John 7:7 (FBV)

What is an enemy or adversary?

To begin, the term enemy occurs 107 times in the KJV; 7 different Hebrew and 1 Greek word are found in the KJV. In like manner, adversary appears 22 times; 4 different Hebrew and 2 Greek terms in the KJV.

Enemy/adversary defined

You should know your enemy is someone who wishes to injure you out of hatred. In fact, a foe also violates the beliefs, causes, and interests of their opponents. Last but not least, they wish to destroy, harm, or damage those they oppose.

G476 antidikos adversary

G476 ἀντίδικος antidikos (an-tiy’-d̮iy-kos) n. (specially) Satan (Adversary-Accuser), as the arch-enemy; universally, an adversary, enemy.
[from G473 and G1349] KJV: adversary

Skip to the end.

Know Your Enemy: Your Flesh

For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh^G4561 [my human nature], for the desire to do good is present in my heart, but the ability to carry it out [consistently] is not. Romans 7:18 (AUV)

G4561 sarx flesh

G4561 σάρξ sarx (sarx’) n.

1. (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions).

2. (sarks) is generally negative, referring to making decisions (actions) according to self – i.e. done apart from faith (independent from God’s inworking). Thus what is “of the flesh (carnal)” is by definition displeasing to the Lord – even things that seem “respectable!” In short, flesh generally relates to unaided human effort, i.e. decisions (actions) that originate from self or are empowered by self. This is carnal (“of the flesh”) and proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us – i.e. what is not transformed by God.

3. the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.

[probably from the base of G4563] KJV: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly)

You are your worst enemy

God’s Word, OT, Gospel, and NT, reminds us of this fact: we are the source of our sin. You’ll see that there is no talk of the role of the world or the devil having any influence over the wants or acts. For instance,

1. The Lord said ‘I will never again curse the ground because of humans, even though from birth their hearts are set on nothing but evil.‘ [Genesis 8:21 (GW)].

And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Genesis 8:21 (KJV)

2. Christ mentions 13 sins that come ‘from within, out of a person’s heart‘ [Mark 7:21-23 (NLT)].

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7:21-23 (KJV)

3. And Paul continues what Christ began, referring to 6 “desires”: ‘do not obey your flesh and its desires‘ [Romans 13:13-14 (ISV)].

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:13-14 (KJV)

Colossians 1:21 (Easy)

As for you, you were far away from God at one time. You thought bad things and you did bad things. As a result, you were God’s enemies.

We are God’s enemy when we follow our fleshly desires. But also we are a foe to ourselves as well. Here are a few examples of how we do things against ourselves.

• Via self-destructive behaviors, e.g., suicide, smoking, over-eating, and drunkenness to name a few.

• We must also understand that when we speak of the flesh as an enemy, it means people are foes to other people.

• That means people harm other people, for example, they murder, rape, and slander each other. Make no mistake the flesh is our worst enemy.

Romans 7:5 (AUV)

For when we were in the flesh*** [i.e., before conversion], our sinful desires, aroused by [the restrictions of] the law of Moses, worked in our bodies to produce activity that led to [spiritual] death.

*** It is probable for the flesh to commit sins if it is only a physical being without the Holy Spirit. That is because people are born with a sinful nature as stated earlier.

The sinful self

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:4 (KJV)

“who walk not after the flesh” – Those who do not live following their sinful selves [their own desires, the flesh, the power of sin]. But live following the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (KJV)

“to be carnally minded” = people whose thoughts are controlled by their sinful self [their desires, the flesh, the power of sin], there is spiritual death.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7 (KJV)

“the carnal mind” = anyone whose thinking is controlled by their sinful self [human nature, desires, the flesh, the power of sin] is against or not a friend of God.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 (KJV)

“in the flesh” – Those who are ruled by their sinful selves [those who follow their desires, the flesh, the power of sin, we] cannot please God.

Romans 13:11-14

Now this [is another reason for observing the law of love]: You should know that it is about time to wake up out of your [spiritual] sleep, because [the day of our final] salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed [in Christ]. 12 The night is almost over and the day is near. So, we should stop doing the deeds of darkness [i.e., sinful things] and we should arm ourselves with the weapons of light [i.e., virtues for right living].

13 We should be living properly, as in the daytime [i.e., when people normally behave themselves], not engaging in orgies and drunkenness; not practicing sexual immorality and indecent vices; not quarrelsome and jealous. 14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].

What makes us do wrong things?

James 1:13-15 (PEV)

Whenever you feel like you want to do something that is wrong, don’t blame God and say that he is pushing you to do something wrong. No way. God never pushes anybody to do wrong things, and nobody can trick God to make him do something wrong. 14-15 We do it to ourselves. Whenever we think about things we want for ourselves, and we don’t think about things God wants us to do, we just trick ourselves. Then we go ahead and do wrong things. You know, if we keep on doing those bad things, we will die.

Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Know Your Enemy: The Devil

[Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field, 25 but while his workers were asleep his enemy came and scattered weed seeds throughout his wheat field and then left.

38 and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. 39 The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil^G1228; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels. Matthew 13:24-25 and 38-39 (AUV)

G1228 diabolos devil

G1228 διάβολος diabolos (d̮iy-a’-ɓo-los) adj. the devil, (especially) Satan (is the devil’s name).
[from G1225] KJV: false accuser, devil, slanderer.

Satan the prince of the demons, the author of evil, persecuting good men, estranging mankind from God and enticing them to sin, afflicting them with diseases by means of demons who take possession of their bodies at his bidding. from lexiconcordance.com

You should know your enemy and its capabilities

Satan has caused physical suffering with divine permission, Job is an example. But it is important to know that, except for Paul, I could not find any record of him physically harming a born-again believer:

A Spirit of Infirmity – “Satan has held her for 18 years” (ERV)

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” Luke 13:11 and 16 (NKJV)

Paul’s physical problem – “thorn in the flesh”

2 Corinthians 12:7 – “So a painful problem was given to me” (ICB); “a recurring problem” (GW). It seems to have been his eyes ref. Galatians 4:15 and 6:11.

So that I would not become too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me [or because of these extraordinary revelations; this phrase may be part of the previous sentence], a painful [recurring] physical problem [thorn in the flesh; a handicap] was given to me. This problem was a messenger from Satan, sent to beat [torment; harrass; trouble] me and keep me from being too proud. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (EXB)

Evil spirits and demons

They do exist!

Jesus acknowledges this fact. Mark 3:20-27 (23) “He said, “Satan will not force his own demons out of people.” (ERV)

A Canaanite Woman’s Faith

In Mark 7:24-30 (25-26) a “little girl was possessed by a demon. She had heard about Jesus” (TLB). Because of the woman’s faith and persistance, Jesus healed her daughter. So, when she arrived home, the demon was gone.

Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, 26 and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Mark 7:25-26 (NLT)

An epileptic boy is healed

The KJV called the boy a lunatic, whose seizures caused him to fall into the fire and water. Jesus cast out the demon to heal the boy.

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and is very ill: for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Matthew 17:15 and 18 (KJ2000)

Jesus throws a demon out

Suddenly, there in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed, 25 “Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” 26 The unclean spirit shook (convulsing) him and screamed, then it came out. Mark 1:23 and 25-26 (CEB)

The devil plays mind games

1 Corinthians 7:5 (CEV)

So don’t refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer. Then Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 (Easy)

When people speak against God’s true message, teach them carefully. Help them to understand what is right. Maybe God will change how they think so that they believe the true message. 26 Their minds will start to think clearly. It is the Devil who has made them believe wrong things. He has made them do what he wants. Now they can get free from his power.

Bible Reader’s Companion: Satan’s influence blinds the lost to the Gospel and holds them captive.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NIRV)

The coming of the man of sin will fit how Satan works. The man of sin will show his power through all kinds of signs and wonders. These signs and wonders will lead people astray. 10 So people who are dying will be fooled by this evil. These people are dying because they refuse to love the truth. The truth would save them.

FYI

AMG’s Complete Word Study Bible Notes: Miracle working is not necessarily evidence of God’s power .

Exodus 7:22 (TLB) – The Egyptian magicians did the same as Moses

But then the magicians of Egypt used their secret arts and they, too, turned water into blood; so Pharaoh’s heart remained hard and stubborn, and he wouldn’t listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted,

Acts 19:13-14 (ICB) – The Sons of Sceva

But some Jews also were traveling around and making evil spirits go out of people. The seven sons of Sceva were doing this. (Sceva was a leading Jewish priest.) These Jews tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to force the evil spirits out. They would say, “By the same Jesus that Paul talks about, I order you to come out!”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Paul employed three terms to describe the supernatural power this man will demonstrate. Miracles (dynamei) emphasizes the inherent power behind the works he will perform. Signs (sēmeiois) refers to the fact that they will have significance. Wonders (terasin) indicates the attitude of awe that they will evoke when people behold them.

Satan doesn’t want people to know the Word

The hard path where some of the seeds fell represents the heart of a person who hears the Good News about the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it; then Satan comes and snatches away the seeds from his heart. Matthew 13:19 (TLB)

Disciple’s Study Bible: Even Satan understands that the fate of the kingdom of God resides in the understanding of the Word in the human heart. Satan seeks to make us ignore or not listen to God’s Word. He wants to divert us from God’s message of salvation.

That is why we need to master the Word because it is our weapon. In other words, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the only listed offensive weapon that we have; see Ephesians 6:14-17. So Satan wants to take it before we learn to use it against him.

Point of interest

I want to be very clear about this. The Word is the only thing Satan can steal without having God’s permission. That is because the person has not become a child of God and does not have his protection. So he takes the Word because:

• • Without the Word, people will unlikely learn to believe in God (Romans 10:17).
  • If they do not believe they will not become a child of God (Ephesians 2:8).
  • And if they are not a child of God, as mentioned, they are not protected by God (1 Peter 1:3-5 and 1 John 5:18).

The Pulpit Commentary:

Our Lord in his conflict with Satan, and also with the scribes and Pharisees, has taught us how this weapon is to be used, and with what wonderful effect. Paul, too, reasoning from the Scriptures and proving from them “that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is the Christ.” Or (going back to the Old Testament) the author of the hundred and nineteenth psalm, showing us how the soul is to be fed, quickened, strengthened, and comforted out of God”s Law. Indicates the manifold use of the sword, and shows how earnestly we should study and practice this sword exercise, for our own good and the good of others.

Did you know your enemy can blind minds?

The devil who rules this world [god of this age] has blinded the minds of those who do not believe [unbelievers]. […So that] They cannot see the light of the Good News—the Good News about [that reveals] the glory of Christ, who is exactly like [the image of] God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (EXB)

Submit [surrender] yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee [run away] from you. James 4:7 (KJV)

Jesus destroys the works of Satan and keeps us safe

[But] the person who continues to live a sinful life belongs to the devil, because the devil has continued to sin since the beginning [See Gen. 3]. For this is the reason that the Son of God came [into the world]; it was to destroy the works [i.e., the influence of] the devil [in people’s lives]. 9 No one who has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God continues to live a sinful life, because God’s seed [i.e., His word, See Luke 8:11] continues to live in his heart, so he cannot [continue a life of] sin, because he has been conceived by God. 1 John 3:8-9 (AUV)

1 John 5:18 (WE)

We know that any child of God does not do wrong things. The Son of God keeps him safe and the devil cannot touch him [any child of God].

Know Your Enemy: The World

In this Bible study the phrase “the world” refers to a life that is sinful and filled with desires and pleasures (sinful people) that are against God’s plan. In other words, it is a deep love and craving for things and habits that soothe one’s own needs while neglecting what God wants. Second, it is a value system, created by people, that does not respect God or follow his teachings.

1 John 2:15-16 (EXB)

Do not love the {godless} world or the things {i.e., the materialistic values} in [associated with] the world. If you love the world {you become God’s enemy}, the love of [or for] the Father is not in you [James 4:4]. 16 [For] These are the ways of [all that is in/associated with] the world:

1. wanting to please our sinful selves [the desire/lust of the flesh],

2. wanting the sinful things we see [the desire/lust of the eyes],

3. and being too proud of what we have [the pride of life/possessions].

None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world.

G2889 kosmos ‘the world’

G2889 κόσμος kosmos (koz’-mos) n.
1. World affairs, the aggregate of things earthly the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc., which, although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.
2. The world is a system opposed to God.
[Probably from the base of G2865] KJV: adorning, world.

You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy^G2190? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. James 4:4 (AMP)

Clearly, with this knowledge, it is not a good idea to make the world anything but your enemy. Of course, when we compare the imagery of a Christ-like life to that of the rich and famous, the flesh would desire the bling. That is the reason your flesh is your worst enemy.

I go to prepare a place for you

John 14:2-4 (Easy)

There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I will go now so that I can prepare a place for you there. If it was not true, I would not have told you this. 3 After I have prepared a place for you, I will return. Then I will take you so that you will be with me. You will be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I will go.’

You know your enemy will tempt you

• Don’t feed the lust of flesh and eye: think before you watch movies or tv shows that flaunt the lifestyles of the famous or wealthy. Do what Jesus did, when undesired thoughts present themself use your weapon, the Word, to chase them away. First of all, be patient, he’s getting a place ready for YOU! Plus:

Psalms 119:37 (FBV)

Don’t let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.

Psalm 101:3 (NIRV)

I won’t look at anything that is evil {worthless} and call it good. {Because} I hate the acts of people who aren’t faithful to you. {So} I won’t have anything to do with those things.

• Avoid making idols of celebrities or religious people who have lavish or exotic lifestyles including pastors, televangelists, etc. Remember, the Earth IS NOT YOUR HOME (John 17:16), do not seek elegant or plush living here.

Psalms 139:24 (FBV)

Please show me if I’m following any kind of idol, and lead me along the path of eternal life.

• You will be modest when you use self-control. In fact, you will live a simple life so that you might help someone else with the money you save. For example, it is selfish to own/drive a vehicle that cost 6-figures. That is an item that will pimp you, in other words, it will take your money in registration fees, insurance, cost to maintain it, etc.

Titus 2:11-13 (CEB)

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world. 13 At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.

• Do not make the Lord feel like what he is doing is not good enough or is taking too long. Wait on the Lord and appreciate what he is doing!

G2190 echthros enemy

G2190 ἐχθρός echthros (ech-thros’) adj.
1. hateful.
2. (passively) odious; very unpleasant.
3. (actively) hostile, hating, and opposing another

    • used of men as at enmity with God by their sin

    • opposing (God) in the mind

    • a man that is hostile

    • a certain enemy

    • the hostile one

    • the devil who is the most bitter enemy of the divine government

4. (usually as a noun) an enemy (especially Satan).
[from a primary echtho “to hate”] KJV: enemy, foe.

Overcome by faith in the Lord

For whoever is [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God will overcome [the evil influence of] the world. And this is [how] that victory can be gained over the world: [It is through] our faith [in the Lord]. 5 And who is the person who can overcome [the evil influence of] the world? [It is] the one who [truly] believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 (AUV)

The world without God puts us to the test on a regular basis to live by its standards. They try to convince us to join the revolt and reject God. But in order to win, we must keep our hope, continue to have faith in the Lord, and endure.

John 16:33 (AMPC)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

False teachers are part of the world

[But], you people are [followers] of God, little children [i.e., dear ones], and you have overcome them [i.e., these false teachers] because He who is in your lives [i.e., the Holy Spirit, see 1 John 3:24] is greater [i.e., more powerful] than he who is in [i.e., dominates] the world [i.e., Satan]. 5 These [false teachers] are part of the world, so [naturally] they speak [a message endorsed] by the world and the world listens to them. 1 John 4:4-5 (AUV)

Know and appreciate your help

You see, nobody knows what another person is thinking. Only that person’s own spirit knows, nobody else. Well, it is like that with God, too. Only God’s spirit knows what God is thinking. 12 And remember this, God didn’t get us to think the way the people of this world think [he did not give us this world’s spirit]. No. God gave us his spirit [our helper], and his spirit helps us, so we can understand all the good things God gave us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 (PEV)

‘Jesus died to save us from all the bad things of this world [once again, help from the Lord]. He did that to change us into his own special people like he properly cleaned us inside, and now we don’t want to do anything bad, but we only want to do good things.’ Titus 2:14 (PEV)

Know Your Foe: The Close

The Lord saw that the human beings on the earth were very wicked [evil] and that everything they thought about [every inclination of their mind/heart] was evil [wicked]. 6 He was sorry [regretted] he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy [wipe/blot out; exterminate] all human beings that I made [created; Genesis 1:1] on the earth. And I will destroy every animal and everything that crawls [creeps] on the earth and the birds of the air [sky; heavens], because I am sorry [regret] I have made them.” Genesis 6:5-7 (EXB)

• • There are two elements about people that God pointed out. As stated before, notice he did not mention the devil or the world (other people). So what was done, was a choice made by the person alone.
    1. Human beings on the earth were very wicked [evil].
    2. Everything they thought about [every inclination of their mind/heart] was evil.
  • Those elements are still part of humans today. In fact, they are given in more detail by Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:2-5 (RAD). There will be terrible times in the last days:

People will:

1. Be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, braggers, proud, abusive, and disobedient to their parents.

2. Tell lies about other people.

3. Turn against their friends, and act without thinking. They’ll believe they’re better than others, and they’ll love pleasure instead of loving God.

4. Pretend that they’re serving God, but they won’t believe that God has any power.

People won’t:

1. Be thankful or holy.

2. Love or forgive others.

3. Have any self-control, so they’ll be wild, hate what is good,

Our worst enemy

The devil is usually the focus of our attention because most of us have been taught that we only have one enemy. However, we also have two additional foes that can surprise us: our own flesh and the world or world system. Recognize that our body, the flesh, serves as a vehicle for the devil and the world (or world system), so it is our worst enemy. When we concentrate only on one opponent, the other two are left free to cause harm without restraint.

A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. 7 You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path. 8 So it is clear that God takes no pleasure in those who live oriented to the flesh. Romans 8:6-8 (Voice)

This is why you are your worst enemy

1. The devil knows he is doomed^† so he wants to ruin your relationship with God. Of course the world (sinful people) has no choice either, their fate is fixed^††.
2. So, when you treat other people badly, it is a sin! It is your choice, you decide to do it and God will punish you for it. No excuses, “the devil made me do it” won’t work!
3. If and when you do not obey God, it is a sin! Even if it was the devil or the world that influenced you, God will punish you.
4. When you decide to not believe in God, this too is a sin! And yes, you know the drill, you will be punished!

† “the Devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur” see Revelation 20:10. †† “Anyone whose name wasn’t written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” see Revelation 20:15.

The bottom line is you are responsible for your decisions, the devil is not your worst enemy, YOU ARE! I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible study. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Outline for Know Your Enemy

Note: parenthesis (#) enclose the key verses.

Know your enemy: Summary

• Ephesians 2:1-10 (1-3) and Galatians 5:16-21 (17)

• Key Points: Romans 8:1-11 (7-8); 1 Peter 5:5-11 (8-9); and John 7:1-9 (7)

Know Your Enemy: Your Flesh

• Romans 7:1-6 (5) and 7:15-24 (18).

• The sinful self: Romans 8:1-11 (4 and 6-8) and 13:11-14 (14).

• What makes us do wrong things?: James 1:12-18 (13-15) and Ephesians 4:17-24 (21-24).

Know Your Enemy: The Devil

• Matthew 13:24-43 (24-25 and 38-39)

• Know your enemy and its capabilities: Luke 13:10-17 (11 and 16) and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (7).

• Evil spirits and demons: Mark 1:21-28 (23 and 25-26), 3:20-27 (23), and 7:24-30 (25-26); Matthew 17:14-21 (15 and 18).

• He plays mind games: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (5); 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (9-10). Acts 19:11-20 [Exodus 7:14-25 (22)] and 2 Timothy 2:14-26 (25-26).

• Satan doesn’t want people to know the Word: Matthew 13:18-23 (19); Ephesians 2:1-9 (8) and 6:10-20 (14-17). Romans 10:14-21 (17); 1 Peter 1:3-12 (3-5); and 1 John 5:18-21 (18).

• Did you know your enemy can blind minds?: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (4); James 4:7-10 (7). 1 John 3:4-9 (8-9) and 5:18-21 (18).

Know Your Enemy: The World

• 1 John 2:15-17 (15-16) and James 4:1-6 (4).

• I go to prepare a place for you: Psalms 101:3-4 (3), 119:33-40 (37), and 139:23-24 (24); Titus 2:11-15 (11-13).

• Overcome by faith in the Lord: 1 John 3:24, 4:1-6 (4-5), and 5:1-5 (4-5); John 16:25-33 (33). 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (12).

Know Your Foe: The Close

• Genesis 6:5-8 (5-7); 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (2-5)

• Our worst enemy: Romans 8:1-11 (6-8) and Revelation 20:7-15 (10 and 15)

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

What They Teach Is Better Than What God Said? – an estimated 5-minute read.

Graphic Word: 5 Free Quick Treats Crafted For You! – an estimated 3-minute read.

The Word of God, Spiritual Food For Spirit-filled People – an estimated 7-minute read.

Can the Devil Steal One Thing From God’s Children? – an estimated 13-minute read.

STM Spiritual Appetizers.

♥ Question for “Know Your Enemy”: Are you winning the war against your enemy?

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.