As children of God, we often wonder why we face opposition, lies, and slander from the agents of darkness. The Bible provides insight into this spiritual warfare, revealing the enemy's tactics and God's perspective on these attacks.
Why the Enemy Attacks Godly People
The enemy, Satan, and his agents attack godly people for several reasons:
Jealousy and Resentment: Satan, once a beautiful angel, was cast out of heaven due to pride and rebellion (Ezekiel 28:14-17, Isaiah 14:12-15). He resents humanity's relationship with God and seeks to destroy it.
Fear of Loss: Satan knows his time is limited (Revelation 12:12), and he intensifies his attacks on God's people to prevent them from fulfilling their purpose.
Deception and Division: The enemy aims to deceive and divide God's people, causing them to doubt their faith, turn away from God, or engage in sinful behavior (2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:11-12).
Examples of the Enemy's Tactics
Job's Story: Satan accused Job of being self-righteous, seeking to destroy his relationship with God (Job 1-2). Despite Satan's attacks, Job remained faithful.
David and Goliath: Goliath mocked and taunted David, trying to intimidate him and undermine his faith (1 Samuel 17). David, empowered by God, defeated Goliath.
Jesus' Temptation: Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to distract Him from His mission (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13). Jesus resisted the temptation, quoting Scripture.
Peter's Denial: Satan asked to sift Peter like wheat, seeking to undermine his faith (Luke 22:31-34). Despite Peter's failure, Jesus prayed for him, and Peter repented.
Paul's Thorn: A messenger of Satan tormented Paul, trying to hinder his ministry (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul learned to rely on God's strength.
The Pharisees and Jesus: The Pharisees accused Jesus of being possessed by demons, trying to discredit Him (Matthew 12:22-32, Mark 3:22-30).
Cain and Abel: Cain's jealousy led him to murder Abel, illustrating the destructive power of Satan's influence (Genesis 4:1-16).
The Accuser of the Brethren: Satan accuses believers before God day and night, seeking to condemn and discourage them (Revelation 12:10, Job 1:6-12).
Why the Enemy Tries to Tempt Godly People
The enemy tempts godly people to:
Compromise Their Faith: By tempting them to sin or doubt, the enemy seeks to undermine their relationship with God.
Distract Them from Their Purpose: Temptation can divert believers from their mission, causing them to focus on worldly desires rather than God's plan.
Destroy Their Testimony: When believers succumb to temptation, they can lose their witness and credibility, harming others and the Body of Christ.
Conclusion
As children of God, we face spiritual warfare, but we are not left defenseless. By understanding the enemy's tactics and relying on God's strength, we can resist temptation and stand firm in our faith. Remember to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and trust in His power to overcome the enemy's attacks.
Scriptural Guidance
1 Peter 5:8-9: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Ephesians 6:10-18: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
