All members of the Lord’s body are involved in a spiritual war. The reality of this daily war between God and Satan is undeniable. Satan’s forces attack us daily. We should be on the offensive rather than awaiting the bullets and “fiery darts” of the great deceiver (Ephesians 6:16; John 8:44).
In this spiritual war, we fight an enemy without a face (Ephesians 6:12). Satan does not wear dog tags or a uniform. He fights in disguise so his enemies cannot see him coming (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
The face we see of Satan and his forces will appear friendly and safe. By using our friends, family, work associates, heroes, role models and neighbors against us, he destroys billions of souls. The manner in which we determine the identity of the enemy will be one of the most important determinants in whether we will survive the war and enter heaven (Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:25).
We must have allies in the war against evil. They are encouragers as we see them remain faithful against great odds (Hebrews 10:25). They assist us daily in our struggles.
How do we determine these allies? People often use faulty standards that lead them away from truth. First, if we have a strong relationship with someone we often see him or her as an ally. Their words and guidance are seen as wise and righteous and we adhere to their standards of truth and morality. Second, we see the extensive use of Scripture as indicative of someone fighting in the Lord's army. Third, someone’s good works lead many to secure them a place in the forces of God. Fourth, if someone is active in church, most perceive them to be Christians.
Scripture, though, paints a much different picture. We are told to “test the spirits” to determine whether they are false teachers (1 John 4:1). Satan quotes Scripture (Luke 4:10-11), attends worship (2 Corinthians 11:12-15), if that is required to win the war. So these criterion cannot be the standards that we employ.
If someone is a Christian, by God’s standards, they live by, proclaim the truth, and bear fruits of righteousness. Otherwise, they are fighting for Satan, whether they realize it or not.
In this spiritual war, we fight an enemy without a face (Ephesians 6:12). Satan does not wear dog tags or a uniform. He fights in disguise so his enemies cannot see him coming (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
The face we see of Satan and his forces will appear friendly and safe. By using our friends, family, work associates, heroes, role models and neighbors against us, he destroys billions of souls. The manner in which we determine the identity of the enemy will be one of the most important determinants in whether we will survive the war and enter heaven (Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:25).
We must have allies in the war against evil. They are encouragers as we see them remain faithful against great odds (Hebrews 10:25). They assist us daily in our struggles.
How do we determine these allies? People often use faulty standards that lead them away from truth. First, if we have a strong relationship with someone we often see him or her as an ally. Their words and guidance are seen as wise and righteous and we adhere to their standards of truth and morality. Second, we see the extensive use of Scripture as indicative of someone fighting in the Lord's army. Third, someone’s good works lead many to secure them a place in the forces of God. Fourth, if someone is active in church, most perceive them to be Christians.
Scripture, though, paints a much different picture. We are told to “test the spirits” to determine whether they are false teachers (1 John 4:1). Satan quotes Scripture (Luke 4:10-11), attends worship (2 Corinthians 11:12-15), if that is required to win the war. So these criterion cannot be the standards that we employ.
If someone is a Christian, by God’s standards, they live by, proclaim the truth, and bear fruits of righteousness. Otherwise, they are fighting for Satan, whether they realize it or not.