by esther phinias | 16 January 2020 08:46 pm01
When you are born again or decide to serve God wholeheartedly, it is crucial to understand the kinds of enemies you will encounter—those who will try to undermine your faith in one way or another. Awareness of these enemies strengthens your spiritual resolve and prevents discouragement when trials arise. The apostle Paul reminds us: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).
1. Satan and His Demons
Luke 22:31-32 (ESV):
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
Satan’s goal is to destroy faith and prevent spiritual growth. When he sees a believer fully surrendered to God, he may orchestrate trials—illness, sudden misfortunes, relational strife, or financial loss. These attacks aim to provoke doubt, despair, or even blasphemy. Just as Job was tested (Job 1–2), God allows trials for refinement and strengthening of faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Theological insight: Satan can only operate within God’s permission. Trials are not punishment but spiritual purification: “Count it all joy…whenever you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3, ESV).
2. Your Own Family
Matthew 10:36-38 (NIV):
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Even your closest relatives may oppose your walk with God. Spiritual commitment may lead to misunderstanding, ridicule, or rejection. Jesus Himself faced family skepticism (John 7:5) and was called “out of His mind” (Mark 3:21).
Theological insight: Following Christ may require sacrificial loyalty above natural relationships. God calls believers to a higher allegiance to Him (Luke 14:26-27). Trials from family test faith and dependence on God rather than human approval.
3. Fellow Believers: Close Companions
Even trusted spiritual companions can become adversaries if pride, envy, or worldly desires influence them.
Psalm 41:9 (KJV):
Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Example: Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for personal gain (John 12:6). Such betrayals, although painful, test discernment and reliance on God’s guidance.
Theological insight: Close relationships in ministry require prayerful discernment. Believers are called to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV). Spiritual maturity comes from navigating both external and internal opposition.
4. False Prophets and Teachers
Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV):
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
False teachers deliberately mislead through twisted doctrines or personal gain. They may distort Scripture to deceive or manipulate, seeking either to profit spiritually or materially.
Theological insight: God warns believers to discern teachings carefully: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, ESV). Encounters with false teachers serve to sharpen discernment and spiritual vigilance.
5. Fellow Servants of God
Even genuine, faithful believers can unintentionally hinder your progress if they misinterpret God’s purpose in your life.
Example: Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—were well-intentioned but misapplied Scripture, accusing Job wrongly (Job 4–21). Their counsel caused emotional and spiritual distress.
Theological insight: God allows such situations to develop patience, humility, and reliance on His wisdom: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1, NIV). Pray for understanding and maintain grace for those who oppose you unintentionally.
6. Leaders of False Religions or Opposing Authorities
Influential religious or political leaders who oppose God’s truth can become formidable adversaries.
Matthew 10:17-18 (ESV):
Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
Historically, the Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4), and many apostles faced persecution from political and religious authorities (Acts 4–5). Even today, adversaries may attempt to silence those preaching God’s truth.
Theological insight: God equips believers with strength to endure persecution: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV). Trials from authorities refine faith and testify to God’s glory.
Standing Firm in Faith
Despite opposition, God promises never to abandon His children:
Luke 6:22-23 (NIV):
Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
Pray for those who oppose you, even unknowingly, following Christ’s teaching (Matthew 5:44-45; Romans 14:12). Enduring trials faithfully ensures spiritual reward and prepares you for God’s calling.
Theological insight: Trials reveal spiritual maturity and demonstrate reliance on God, producing eternal fruit (James 1:2-4). Every enemy, trial, or betrayal serves a divine purpose in shaping your character and testimony.
Final Encouragement
Your journey of salvation will face opposition from multiple directions: Satan, family, fellow believers, false teachers, and worldly authorities. Yet, God promises strength, wisdom, and ultimate reward for perseverance. Stand firm, trust His presence, and remember that your crown is secure in heaven.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/01/16/55211/
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