The Christian's Enemies

by G. Jarvie | Category: General | Jul 1952

"We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8.37).

The Christian has enemies, and he must know who they are, if he is to overcome them and be victorious. It is evident from the Scriptures that God desires us to be victorious Christians, not defeated Christians. Nearly every believer knows this, but very many do not live the victorious life. They are all too conscious of frequent defeat and weakness. Abundant life (John 10. 10), and "more than conquerors", sound very good, but is it possible for us to enjoy this experience? Let us take courage; this is the will of God for us.

Let us think about these enemies of ours, and as we think about them, let us remember the greatness of the power that is available to us, to enable us to be overcomers. True, it is a fight, but it is a good one! It is a constant warfare, but it is good warfare! If the Lord saves us in our youth, then we should engage in this warfare at once. Only by so doing and continuing can we become men and women of God.

Without doubt, the nearest and most troublesome enemy is in ourselves. It is our old nature, called in the Scriptures, "the old man" (Colossians 3.9), or "the flesh" (Romans 8.4). Sometimes we hear it spoken of as "self". This has been spoken and written about so often, that we are apt to treat it lightly. But "the flesh" will not treat us lightly, it will slay "the new man" if it can! Therefore we must deal drastically with it if we are to live. It is a life or death struggle, and we must realize this if we are to be victorious.

"The works of the flesh are manifest" (Galatians 5.19-21). How thankful we are that it is so! They can never be confused with the fruit of the Spirit. Like soldiers in opposing armies, each wear their own "uniform" so that we can easily discern our enemies in this conflict.

"Fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness." These are deadly foes, and we cannot very well fight against them, the only thing to do is to flee from them. Remember what Joseph did (Genesis 39.12). May the Lord save you, young disciple, in the hour of temptation! He will if you will flee. Do not stay to talk about it. Flee! run away! and on your knees seek cleansing from the unclean thought and grace to overcome. If you do this you will be victorious, and your life will be saved for the Lord's service. Guard against unclean books. Some books which profess to make you wise about these things are enemies in disguise. Burn them, lest any one else should read them. "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 5.10). Seek the all-powerful aid of the Holy Spirit to overcome, for you cannot prevail in your own strength. Present your body to God (Romans 12.1), and walk day by day by faith, and then you cannot be overcome. You will grow in grace, and rejoice in the power of God in your life.

"Idolatry and sorcery." The disciple of the Lord is not likely to be affected by these. They are the manifestations of the flesh in lands where the word of God is little known. They are common in lands like Africa and Burma. In lands where the word of God is better known they are seen in Romanism and Spiritism. But let us remember that "covetousness is idolatry", a sin into which any of us may fall.

"Enmities, strife, jealousy." Are our hearts clear of these? If they lurk in secret in our hearts then we shall be defeated by them. If only we could always see them as enemies! True, they are different from the former; but they are just as deep seated and deadly. Humiliation and confession will be needed to defeat them. Victory is impossible unless they are overcome. Let us guard against criticism of others or a secret grudge. Criticism destroys the critic, and a grudge in secret is sin. When we see faults in others let us pray for them, and then speak to them faithfully and kindly. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27.6). Let all that we do be done in love, as the Lord's warriors (1 Corinthians 16.13-14). Let us also guard against bad-temper, for this also is a manifestation of the flesh. It is a humbling process to overcome in these things, but if the conflict is great, so also will the peace be afterwards, and much fruit will be the result in our lives.

There are other manifestations of the old nature which will show themselves, and we must "buffet" our bodies. We must never deal lightly with ourselves. It is a fight to the death-the death of this old nature, the flesh. We cannot do this of ourselves, but the Spirit of God will overcome in us, if we permit Him to have His way.

"Have Thine own way, lord, have Thine own way,

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay,

Make me and mould me after Thy will

While I am waiting, yielded and still"

We ought ever to remember that our "old man" was crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be done away, reckoning ourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6.6, 11).

God willing, we may have a talk later about other enemies, but things first! Let us prevail in ourselves, and then by divine grace we shall be able to prevail against greater foes.

G. Jarvie | Jul 1952
General