Know Thine Enemy 2

My Pastor, Kent McBay, provided most of the scriptures that will appear in this article. He also provided or inspired the thoughts that will appear here.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15: But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Satan, who hates God and us, wants to control us directly or indirectly through demons, our flesh or the world. He does not want us in the control of God who loves us. Often his method will be to try to convince us that he and his representatives are apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan would like to hide the gospel from us and blind our minds to it.

Matthew 6:13s: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: . . .

He would like to lead us into temptation and deliver us TO evil, but we can pray to be delivered as Jesus instructed us.

Job 1:6-12: Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:1-3: Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

Satan would like to destroy us, our integrity and our very lives.

Revelation 12:10: And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

He will accuse us until he is thrown out of Heaven.

Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

He wants us to be unforgiving.

James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

He wants us to be angry. We can and must have God*s help to control our anger.

Care to discuss Know Thine Enemy 2 with Ron?

He'd also like to hear your prayer requests