The Enemy is a Predator

A silent predator lurks.

Like a lion preparing for its attack, it patiently waits for the perfect time to strike. Its appetite is insatiable; its thirst is unquenchable. It lurks around, loitering with lust. It watches from afar, stalking its prey. And, that prey is you.

You may be sitting in solitude in the comfort of your home, watching television or surfing the internet. Suddenly, temptation springs into action. Sin curls its claws around the doorway and licks its lips with anticipation. It slithers and snakes its way across the room and wraps itself around your body and your mind and your heart. You make your decision. The predator squeezes tighter. And, what you initially thought was a comforting hug of pleasure reveals itself to be a suffocating noose of death.

The Harbinger of Death

This predator is no enemy to shrug at. He is a relentless schemer and a constant attacker. He is a stalwart jailer, finding satisfaction in wrapping chains around the destitute and incarcerating the unsuspecting. Even more, he is the worst type of criminal. He not only seeks to break the law but encourages everyone to follow his example.

According to John 10:10, he is a thief whose mission is only “to steal and kill and destroy.” Spiritual violence is his aim, and his sadistic “joy” is contingent upon it. For the enemy, there is never enough destruction. And, unfortunately, he doesn’t have an “off” button. He is unwavering in his resolve.

To be clear, the enemy is a monster, constantly sharpening his fangs. And, he takes pride in devouring the believer. Stripping a follower of Christ of his or her joy is one of his favorite hobbies. Attempting to stop the work of one of the Kingdom’s warriors is always on his mind. For he knows all too well that the most unhappy people in the world are believers that have a strained relationship with the Father of Lights.

And, how does he go about his attacks? He is a brilliant tactician. He won’t necessarily be explicit and in your face with temptation and sin. Instead, he sings a sweet lullaby and draws the victim in like the Sirens. From a distance, the oasis in the desert seems so attractive. Then, once you are nestled into a feeling of comfort, the oasis disappears like an apparition and destruction ensues.

When it is too late, the sinner figures out that the enemy is a shady salesman marketing a broken product—overpromising and under-delivering. The sinner has been dragged away by his or her own evil desire and immediately sees the terrible cycle that unfolds. As James 1:15 describes it: “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Giving into temptation is just the beginning. Sin and death lurk below the surface—the consequences for our actions. This trifecta is the real “basket of deplorables.”

A War for the Soul

The gravity of sin is all too often minimized. I think we can all be guilty of being non-consequentialists, but we can’t afford to be. Sin has left our world broken since the events in Eden. We are so far removed (temporally) from the original sinful act and have only known a sinful world that we may accept things for how they are. But, how hopeless is that?

The consequences for our sins are terrible. Physical death is more recognizable, but spiritual death is far more appalling. A fractured relationship with your spouse or child is hurtful, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of how awful disunity with God is. We only get a tasting on earth of the magnitude of the consequences for our sins. And, believe me, there’s no sweet hint of vanilla after sipping from the cup.

Eternity. It is a word we recognize but not a concept we can every truly grasp. Apprehension, not comprehension. The enduring effects of sin are infinite and everlasting, and we have to understand that. We have the option to recognize our need for a Savior in the person of Jesus Christ, enjoying eternity in perfect unity with God, or continuing to pursue our sinful ways, wallowing in our filth for eternity apart from God.

God and the devil know what’s at stake for each person. God wants you to have an eternal perspective. The devil wants you to be short-sighted. In fact, you aren’t even the person of interest for the devil. You’re not the focus. Satan is.

It is reasonable to conclude that believers, being made in God’s image and ultimately redeemed through Christ, will reign with Jesus, sharing in His authority. Such authority will include judgment of the fallen angels, including Satan. Mere humans will exercise authority over Satan, a created being blinded by jealousy. This is a detestable and unacceptable concept to the devil. As a result, part of Satan’s goal is to “win” as many people to his wicked side so that as few humans will exercise judgment over him in the end times.

So, if you thought he cared about you and your happiness, get real. It’s not about you. It’s never been about you. It was about him when he rose against God in his arrogance. And, it’s about him now in preventing your unity with God.

Preparing for Battle

It’s important to understand your enemy before engaging in battle, and it’s a battle we can’t avoid. Pacifism isn’t an option. Our enemy is deceitful and unrelenting, and we must remain ever-vigilant. Just as Potiphar’s wife pursued and tempted Joseph “day after day,” temptation will follow us and pursue us all the days of our lives.

However, with a proper strategy, believers can be prepared for the spiritual road ahead. We must know our weaknesses. We must equip ourselves with the full armor of God. We must be in constant prayer and communion with God. We must train with the sword, sharpening our minds with the Word of God. We must rely on our brothers and sisters.

Temptation and sin do not need to win the day. The Lord has already defeated sin.

Choose victory. Choose life. Choose Jesus.

Z. Montgomery