“Know Your Enemy”
Pastor David Moore
Old Testament reading: Daniel 10:7‐20
I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. When I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.
But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty‐one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.”
While he was speaking these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless. Then one in human form touched my lips, and I opened my mouth to speak and said to the one who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength. How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For I am exhausted; no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
Again one in human form touched me and strengthened me. He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved; you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I am through with him, the prince of Greece will come.”
Summary of what has been covered: real Christianity involves following Christ and that will involve a fight. We are at peace with God and know we will be engaged in a new war with those fighting against God. The battlefield is the world with a human fight against evil (the devil.)
New Testament reading: Ephesians 6:10‐13
Finally, be strong in the Lord in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Who we really are, is who we are and what we do when no one is watching. ~D. Moore
Psychologically, when something has power over us, the largest part of the power, according to research, is denial that we are under its power. The first step away from the power is to admit we are not in control. We do not belong to ourselves. ~D. Moore
We need to be aware of the schemes of the enemy (the devil.) ~D. Moore
The Devil is mighty, wily, and vulnerable.
2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to held for judgment.
Two kingdoms one with God and one without. ~D. Moore
What is the functional master of their heart? What is it that they trust? What is their goal? What do you live for? What do you worship?
Too many of us now tend to worship self indulgence and consumption. ~Jimmy Carter
The devil is sneaky. “Schemes” is methodeia, the root word for “methodic.” Satan plans and is willing to wait years to trap someone.
II Timothy 2:25‐26: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
The devil is vulnerable:
‐ Mark 3 – Jesus came to send the strong man and break his power.
‐ Colossians 2:15: He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.– Jesus made a public spectacle of the power and authorities, triumphing over them on the cross.
‐ I Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
As you think about the power of this world, reread the scriptures today to see how we are to fight against the evil (Satan) in this world. Look at yourself and take stock of your relationship with Christ. Put on God’s armor and protect yourself from the influences of evil in your life.
God bless, have a good week!