Have you ever heard the phrase “know your enemy?” The phrase serves as a reminder to us that if we are engaging in a battle, we have to know our opponent. After all, it is only when we know our opponent that we can understand their tactics against us and be prepared to fight against them. We have seen in our Bible study this week that because we follow Christ, we have an enemy, the devil. He is seeking to destroy us, but he is no match for the power of our God.
It is clear that Satan, our enemy, is constantly attacking us. He certainly does not want God's best for us. In fact, he steals, kills, and destroys (John 10:10). Because of this, we need to be ready to stand against him and fight against his attacks when they come. When we expect them, we will be prepared to fight well when they come. Peter teaches about the importance of being prepared for the attacks of the enemy in 1 Peter 5. He wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” (verses 8-9). If we want to be effective in fighting against temptation, we have to take the enemy and his schemes seriously. We have to be ready.
The question we have to answer today is, “How do I prepare for the enemy’s temptation?” We stand firm in our faith. We do this by praying consistently, reading and memorizing Scripture, and spending time with other followers of Christ who can encourage us. The enemy and his tactics are real, but we are not helpless against them. Our God is infinitely more powerful, and if we are prepared and stand firm in our faith, God will help us overcome the temptations thrown at us.
Write out a prayer of praise to God, knowing that nothing can stand against His power. In this prayer, praise God for power and strength. Praise Him that He is stronger than the enemy and that in the end, the enemy will be defeated once and for all by God. Let this prayer give you strength and courage throughout the spiritual battles taking place around you.
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
