The Enemy in the Camp Part 2

There often seems to be a misguided belief that we can go about the activities of this world and be perfectly fine in them. I say don’t be deceived; this is a common lie that is encouraged from this wicked world but is not supported in Scripture.

As a Christian, I am to be separate  from this world, and that separation should be evident in my manners, my speech, and my life. The worldly must and desperately needs to see the Savior Jesus Christ in the life of the Christian. They not only need to see Christ but see Him in a way that causes them to desire what the Christian has. 

Some wonder why the Christian should deny themselves the pleasures of the world. Allow me to expound on this for a moment: as we are told in Ephesians 6, we are battling evil forces and the evil forces find it easy through worldly pleasure to coerce and entice the weak, leading them to destruction.

We are told in Ephesians 5: 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

For the learned, that Scripture alone is sufficient, but most of us need more in-depth teaching. Even the learned need more knowledge and are always learning and seeking to learn. Paul elaborated this necessity in Philippians 3: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This shows the necessity of seeking more and more knowledge; always learning and maturing in this Christian walk. I have heard many say they have read the Bible, only to learn that they gained no understanding from it. The key, as we are told in scripture, is seeking. Seeking not only knowledge but wisdom in understanding.

Have we not read, “Seek and we shall find?” To seek God’s face? Many Bible scholars that I listen to have stated numerous times that they have read not only the Bible but the writings of other scholars many times over. One of the great mysteries of the Word of God is it will continually reveal its mysteries, wonders, and applications every time we read it as we have matured to a new level of understanding. 

There is Scripture that explains how the unfruitful works of darkness come into our gatherings. Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Let us revisit the opening words from 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober minded; be watchful. In our spiritual walk, we must remain sober minded in all ways, seeking to put forth the image of Christ Jesus and to, in all ways, follow the teaching of Scripture.

We must be aware of unclean spirits and their presence in every situation and place. Satan is super intelligent and his ways are cunning; his plans play out the long game because time means nothing to the eternal being.

As is indicated in Jude1:4, the evil one has groomed others for his purpose and workings. Just as Christ chose some for the perfecting of the Saints, Satan chose some for the destruction and temptation of the believers. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

It is not that the unclean spirits may come, it is that they are present everywhere and we need to be prepared and aware. 2 Timothy 3: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

I pray that this will give the reader desire to search their hearts and seek the Word of God!

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me!