We Christians have three enemies in this life: the flesh, the world and Satan. These three enemies all work together to discourage our faith. The flesh is the enemy inside us that lusts for things that we don’t have. For example, we envy our neighbor who has a new car or we are jealous of a pretty woman and wish we looked like her. When we try to get those things, we become unsatisfied and we argue with other Christians.
The second enemy is the world. The world attacks from outside of us. The world is the people and the things those people do when they try to be happy without Jesus Christ. This could be things such as organized sports, music, politics, religion or entertainment. The world tries to fill our lives without God, but the Spirit of God would not lead a believer to be friends with a world that hates Jesus.
Our third enemy is the devil. Satan attacks us with lies about God and the Bible. He can make you doubt your salvation or the goodness of God. Resist him with the Word of God. Draw near to God: Read the Bible, pray, think about what you read, and obey it. If you do not obey, you will need to humble yourself and confess your sin. Then Jesus will lift you up and forgive you so you can enjoy God as your friend again.
Sometimes we make plans as if nothing could stop us. But we do not know what might happen tomorrow. The Lord Jesus might have other plans for us. It is good for us to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall live and do this or that.”
1. You are an enemy of whom if you are friends with the world? __________ James 4:___
2. Resist means to be strong against or oppose someone. Whom does God resist? __________ James 4:___
3. Who will flee from us when we resist his lies and temptations? __________ James 4:___
4. What do you need to do before the Lord will lift you up? __________ James 4:___
5. What should we say when we are making plans for the future? __________ James 4:___