The Way Of The WorkSample

## The Enemy The enemy is not human, but demonic. There are spirit beings—evil, unseen spirit beings called demons—who follow Satan in opposing God and God’s people in every possible way. These beings are powerful. Look at the four terms in verse 12: rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and spiritual forces of evil. These beings are invisible, yet real. They are vicious, venomous, unscrupulous, and diabolical. They don’t normally announce their presence and attack openly; they scheme and deceive, accuse and condemn. They come in disguise as something harmless and benign, and before we know it, they have us by the throat, ready to devour. Now, make no mistake: We need not fear Satan. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Jesus, who is in us, is greater than Satan, who is in the world. Satan and his demons are finite, limited beings who have been defeated by Jesus Christ. But they are not yet banished, and they still bluster and condemn, connive, and deceive. We take the battle seriously, but we are unafraid and not intimidated, for our strength is in Jesus Christ. Understand who the enemy is; then do battle. Wrestle in Christ’s strength.