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We discussed the reality of spiritual warfare and how it affects our lives in our previous sermon. Today, we continue our discussion of "Unmasking the Hidden Enemy: Recognising Spiritual Warfare in Our Midst" by addressing the threat of hidden enemies. Just like the story I shared about the tenant, sometimes we fail to recognise the true intentions of those around us. These hidden enemies can hinder our progress, cause division, and disrupt peace. As we navigate the spiritual battles that surround us, it is critical that we be cautious and discerning in our relationships.
Ephesians 6:12 (AMP):
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
The true nature of spiritual warfare is emphasised in Ephesians 6:12. This scripture reminds us that our battle is not just against humans but also against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. As a result, the hidden enemies we encounter are not always visible or easily identified. They could be working behind the scenes, using deception and manipulation to stymie our progress, sow discord, and disrupt peace. Understanding this truth encourages us to be cautious and discerning in our relationships, knowing that our battles are not limited to flesh and blood.
Dear Christian brothers and sisters, As our second topic in "Unmasking the Hidden Enemy: Recognising Spiritual Warfare in Our Midst," we address the danger of hidden enemies today.
Topic 2. The Danger of Hidden Enemies:
Let us look at the dangers of hidden enemies in two parts.
1. Part 1: The Dangers of Hidden Enemies:
a. Hidden Enemies Obstruct Progress:
Hidden enemies frequently work behind the scenes to undermine your efforts and impede your progress. They may appear friendly and supportive, but their true intentions are to hold us back, just like the tenant in the story. In the book of Nehemiah, we see how Sanballat and Tobiah were hidden enemies who sought to hinder the progress of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They mocked and ridiculed the builders in an attempt to discourage them from finishing the job (Nehemiah 4:1–3, AMP).
b. Hidden Enemies Cause Division:
Hidden adversaries thrive on sowing discord and division. They manipulate situations and relationships, causing strife and conflicts within your lives and communities. We read about a hidden foe named Alexander the coppersmith in the book of Acts. He opposed Paul's teachings and caused division within the church by spreading false and harmful accusations against believers (2 Timothy 4:14–15, AMP).
c. Hidden Enemies Disrupt Peace:
These unseen adversaries disrupt the peace that God desires for us. They bring chaos, confusion, and turmoil, making it difficult for you to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. In the book of Esther, we see Haman as a hidden enemy who sought to disrupt the Jewish people's peace. He devised a plan to destroy them, instilling fear and distress in the community (Esther 3:8–9, AMP).
To address the dangers of the hidden enemy. As Christians, you must be cautious and discernible, as we will see in Part 2.
2. Part 2. Being Cautious and Discerning:
a. Recognising the Signs and symptoms:
You must be on the lookout for indicators of hidden enemies. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies, negative patterns, and the results of their actions. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to see beyond the surface. Christ Jesus warns his disciples in the book of Matthew about false prophets who appear as sheep but are actually ravenous wolves. He tells them to identify these hidden enemies by their fruits, because a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:15–20, AMP).
b. Safeguarding Our Hearts:
Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from them. Allowing people into your inner circle requires caution and discernment about their intentions and character. Solomon advises his son in Proverbs to guard his heart above all else because it determines the course of his life. He cautions against allowing deceitful and wicked people into his inner circle, emphasising the importance of discernment and heart protection (Proverbs 4:23–27, AMP).
c. Seeking Wisdom from God:
You must seek God's wisdom in all of your relationships and interactions. In order to navigate the complexities of spiritual warfare, pray for discernment and guidance and rely on God's Word. When faced with trials and temptations, as believers, we are encouraged in the book of James to seek God's wisdom. You are reminded that if you lack wisdom, you should seek it from God, who gives generously to all without discrimination (James 1:5–6, AMP). Therefore, Seeking wisdom from God in discerning hidden enemies and navigating spiritual battles is part of this.
Finally, keep in mind that we all have hidden enemies in our lives and communities. They can hinder our progress, cause division, and disrupt peace. However, in Christ Jesus, we have the power and authority to expose these hidden enemies and defeat their schemes. In our relationships, let us be cautious and discerning, always seeking God's wisdom and guidance. May we be strong in the face of spiritual warfare, knowing that God is with us and fighting for us. Let us all pray.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the revelation of hidden enemies and the dangers they pose in our lives. I pray for discernment and wisdom to recognise their presence and intentions. Help me to guard my heart and be cautious in my relationships. Empower me to overcome their schemes and walk in the victory that Christ Jesus has already won for us. In Christ Jesus' mighty name, I have prayed, Amen.
You have been Church-Built and healed. Please voluntarily and sincerely give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love in all circumstances. This is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pray, tithe, and sow healing seeds to Him, who can do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine. Act in faith and obedience, and be doers of the word, not just hearers.
Yours in Christ,
Apostle Jude Noah Wakibi
Apostle for Church Building and Healing.
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