We are living in days with the fear of terrorism all around us. We have also seen because of drugs and a poor economy a great increase in break-ins and robberies in our own, previously safe, communities. Back in the fifties we left our keys in the car and we never locked the doors to our homes, or churches. But, we cannot live like this anymore in our changed world of today. Times have changed, and it has not been for the best in almost every way.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:6-10

However there are enemies that every Christian must face and they are dangerous. This is what I want to call your attention to in our Newsletter today. Too many Christians are being robbed of their rights by not paying attention to how Satan is ruining their lives.

Enemy #1 - The World

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1 John 5:19

If you don’t think the world lies in darkness just look at television or at almost any Hollywood movie today. Go to the public schools, and you’ll see even in the 2^nd and 3^rd grades the foulness and vulgar talk that is common among the children, “common” my friend. This is a horrible effect of one of Satan’s tools, attacking our children.

The world that is meant here is the world system. The world system is under the influence of Satan. Because Adam who was the first appointed ruler of the world disobeyed God, Satan took over and became the Prince of the Power of the air. Why do you think there are liquor stores selling products that affect the mind and lives of people? Why do you think there is a Planned Parent Organization that allows a woman to murder her own baby while still in her womb? But worse than this it is a law from our own Supreme Court that they can get away with this! Only Satan could concoct something so horrendous!

Yes, our government, and other governments throughout the world are all corrupt as they impose laws and restrictions upon people that God opposes. All of this happens as Satan constantly promotes his agenda, and spiritually blind people do not know it, or care. Is it no wonder why so many people have no time for God or Jesus Christ?

The world system offers the pleasures of life to people and the under lying influence is the deceiver of the world. The world even has many choices of religions and state that any belief is as good as the other. Whatever suits you will be acceptable they contend. Yet, with all of this, is TRUTH in God’s Word that most people ignore and willingly refuse to accept. The wisdom writer wrote;

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverb 14:12

 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17

Enemy # 2 – The Flesh

Our flesh is the second of our enemies I want to discuss. Did you know that? How did we get this problem? It all began with the first man Adam. Adam sinned and sin was imputed to him by God immediately. He had broken God’s law who said not to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam is the federal head of the human family and since we all came from Adam the first man’s sin has been imputed to us. The sin nature is then passed down to each person who is begotten by their father. We are all conceived in sin;

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Psalm 58:3

The Apostle Paul gives us a list of sins of the flesh to the church of Galatia;

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

So we see that our own flesh nature is an enemy to each of us to guard against as believer in Jesus Christ. As Christians we have been given the Holy Spirit so we can have victory of our sinful flesh nature.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9

As Christians we are to be wise enough to know how Satan is trying to deceive us. What I am afraid of is that in too many places we are not preaching and teaching effectively how a believer is to live. One of my greatest fears is people have no fear of God anymore. People seemed to have abandoned all concern for other people because of selfishness and greed. How desperately we need the love of Christ in the hearts of God’s people.

Enemy # 3 - The Devil

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9

Some people are so deceived they do not even believe there is a Devil. The Devil is a spirit being who is evil beyond imagination. There is not one iota of love in his wicked heart, nothing but hate and murder.

1 Peter 5:8 says;  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Jesus came to break the Devil’s power, and that he did by his death on the cross.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Hebrews 2:14

The Devil still has a lot of power because we are all living in his territory, and he is not willing to give up any of his followers. People do not realize they are serving his purposes. No one can even imagine, because they do not even entertain such an idea, that one day those who never accepted Jesus as their own personal savior will be right there in Hell with the Devil who deceived them? The Devil gets away with much, particularly because he has the ability to bless people. He gives them things to keep them occupied, and from hearing the gospel. That ole rascal is shrewd. He knows exactly what he’s doing and what a sucker for pleasure so many are.

But! Christians should know better. We need to be setting an example as to what the Lord has done for us. If we love our families, friends and co-workers we should be warning them of this dire enemy. If we love the Lord we will be doing this. Life is for real, folks! Every one of us no matter who we are will be living somewhere forever. As Christians, we need to watch our talk and walk the walk that pleases our Heavenly Father. If we do this, when we face the Lord we will hear Him say;

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25-23

In closing as you start this year 2017, be mindful of these common enemies we face every day of our lives as Christians. How well we deal with them will determine how Christ-like we become and how useful we will be as witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of salvation through your only begotten Son. How wonderful is your love and concern for all of us. Help us Father to be a blessing to other people and cause the unsaved to see the need for Christ as their savior, we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

“Loving the Savior” Preacher