In an era where cultural confusion seems to reign supreme, where truth is constantly under assault, and where many Christians feel overwhelmed by the rapid moral decline around them, one question demands our attention: Do we truly understand who our enemy is?
The answer matters more than we might think. As we witness unprecedented challenges to biblical values, rising hostility toward Christian faith, and a cultural landscape that seems increasingly hostile to God's truth, we must ask ourselves: Are we fighting the right battle? Or have we been distracted by symptoms while ignoring the disease?
"We have an enemy. He is real. And Christ has already defeated him. Let's live in that victory."
The Deception of Misidentifying Our Enemy
One of Satan's greatest strategies is convincing Christians to fight the wrong enemy. Too often, we point fingers at political parties, cultural movements, or people who disagree with us. We rage against "the other side" while missing the spiritual reality behind our cultural moment.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us with crystal clarity: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
This isn't a call to ignore real-world challenges or remain silent on important issues. Rather, it's a wake-up call to recognize the spiritual dimension of our cultural battles. When we misidentify our enemy, we waste energy fighting symptoms rather than addressing root causes. We end up angry at people rather than interceding for them. We become warriors in the wrong war.
"When we misidentify our enemy, we waste energy fighting symptoms rather than addressing root causes."
The faith-based horror film Nefarious powerfully illustrates this reality by pulling back the curtain on demonic strategy. Through the chilling dialogue between a demon-possessed serial killer and a psychiatrist, the movie reveals how our enemy operates - not primarily through obvious evil, but through subtle deception, cultural manipulation, and the normalization of sin.
The Real Enemy: Satan's Character and Strategy
Scripture is abundantly clear about who our enemy is and how he operates. Satan is described as "the father of lies" (John 8:44), "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10), and one who "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
But perhaps his most dangerous characteristic is found in 2 Corinthians 11:14: "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." This is the key to understanding our current cultural moment. Our enemy doesn't always attack with obvious evil. Instead, he wraps destructive lies in appealing packages, disguises rebellion as enlightenment, and presents death as freedom.
Consider how this plays out in our world today:
- The redefinition of fundamental truths about human identity is presented as compassion and inclusivity
- The destruction of innocent life is framed as healthcare and women's rights
- The breakdown of the family is marketed as liberation and authenticity
- The silencing of Christian voices is justified as preventing harm and promoting tolerance
In each case, we see Satan's ancient strategy: questioning God's Word ("Did God really say...?"), promising enlightenment apart from God, and presenting evil as good and good as evil (Isaiah 5:20).
Why Spiritual Warfare Matters Now More Than Ever
Understanding spiritual warfare isn't about becoming paranoid or seeing demons behind every difficulty. Rather, it's about gaining biblical clarity that transforms how we engage our world.
When we recognize that our battle is spiritual, several things change:
- Our weapons change: We stop relying solely on political power, cultural influence, or human wisdom, and we embrace prayer, Scripture, worship, and the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
- Our attitude toward opponents changes: We see people not as enemies to be defeated but as captives to be freed. Our goal becomes rescue rather than conquest.
- Our confidence changes: We recognize that this is not a battle where the outcome is uncertain. Christ has already won the decisive victory through His death and resurrection. We fight from victory, not for victory.
- Our urgency changes: Understanding that real souls hang in the balance - that real people are being destroyed by real demonic deception - should drive us to our knees and into action.
James 4:7 offers us the battle plan: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Notice the order: submission comes before resistance. Our power in spiritual warfare flows from our relationship with God, not from our own strength or strategies.
Practical Steps for Spiritual Victory
So how do we live in light of this reality? How do we engage in spiritual warfare effectively?
First, put on the full armor of God daily. Ephesians 6:10-18 isn't just poetic imagery - it's practical instruction. Truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer aren't optional accessories. They're essential equipment for spiritual survival.
Second, develop discernment through God's Word. Hebrews 5:14 tells us that mature believers have "their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." We must be students of Scripture, not just casual readers. We must know truth so well that we can spot counterfeits.
Third, engage in persistent, strategic prayer. Prayer isn't our last resort when everything else fails - it's our first line of defense and our most powerful weapon. We must pray for our families, our churches, our communities, and our nation, recognizing that spiritual battles are won on our knees.
Fourth, live in community. Spiritual warfare is not a solo sport. We need the body of Christ - for accountability, encouragement, correction, and support. Isolated Christians are vulnerable Christians.
Living in Victory
Here's the glorious truth that should fill every believer with confidence: we serve a God who has already defeated our enemy. At the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Satan is a defeated foe, though he continues to fight.
This means we don't fight with fear or uncertainty. We fight with the confidence that comes from knowing our Commander has already won the war. Every battle we face is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ's victory and to participate in His ongoing work of redemption.
"Satan is a defeated foe, though he continues to fight."
The question before us is simple but profound: Will we live as defeated victims of circumstance, or as victorious children of God? Will we waste our energy fighting phantom enemies, or will we engage the real spiritual battle with biblical wisdom and supernatural power?
Know Thy Enemy: A Nefarious Bible Study, featuring Nefarious creator and Executive Producer, Steve Deace and Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, provides an invaluable resource for Christians who want to understand these realities more deeply. Through six powerful sessions, this study unpacks who our enemy really is and how we can live in Christ's victory. It's not about generating fear - it's about gaining the biblical clarity and spiritual confidence we need to navigate these challenging times.
The mission of Christian Thinkers Society has always been to teach pastors and Christians how to become thinkers and thinkers how to become Christians. Understanding spiritual warfare is essential to both goals. We cannot think clearly about our cultural moment without understanding its spiritual dimensions. And we cannot follow Christ faithfully without recognizing the real enemy we face.
In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, Christians need not be confused or afraid. We have been given everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We have been equipped with divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). We have been promised that the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
The question is: Will we live like we believe it?
Ready to dive deeper into understanding spiritual warfare and living in victory? Know Thy Enemy: A Nefarious Bible Study workbook is now available for individuals, small groups, and churches. Visit nefariousbiblestudy.com today to equip yourself and your community with the biblical tools needed to recognize our true enemy and walk in Christ's triumph.
The psychological thriller, Nefarious, is also available later this month on DailyWire+
Know Thy Enemy: A Nefarious Bible Study is produced by One Ten Pictures: www.onetenpictures.com
Christian Thinkers Society is dedicated to equipping believers with robust biblical thinking and defending the truth of Christianity in an increasingly skeptical age. Founded by Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, the organization produces numerous books, studies, and resources designed to strengthen faith and sharpen minds for the glory of God, fulfilling its mission to teach Christians how to become thinkers and thinkers how to become Christians.
