Ezekiel 45-46, 1 John 2 • Key Verses: 1 John 2:15-16

First John 2 contains a much-needed reminder about the three enemies who are constantly trying to defeat the Christian. The more conscious we are of their existence and activities, the more likely we will be to have victory over them. John clearly identifies them and in his direct way warns us that affection for these enemies is an indication that a person does not have the love of God in him.

The world is the present system that is under Satan’s control. Sadly, it seems that many churches have quit warning against worldliness. Loving this world is contrary to loving God.

The flesh is an enemy, not in the sense that the human body is evil but that it can be used for evil and it contains the desires that enable Satan to entice us to sin. We are not to hate our bodies but to recognize how they can be used for wrong.

The devil is the personal enemy of the believer. He is not just an influence but an individual who opposes God and the people of God. He is a fallen angel who should be respected for the damage that he can do but not feared because he was defeated at Calvary.

We need to be reminded of these enemies so we will be vigilant, keeping up our guard at all times. None of the three can be escaped, since our bodies are in this world. Escape is not the answer anyway. Victory is, and there is victory in Jesus!

Ask God to help you remember these enemies and to give you victory. Do not live a defeated life. Satan was defeated, not you. Remember that your strength is found in Jesus.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony beckett
www.backtothebible.in