What does it mean to be an enemy of God?

Response

An adversary is someone who dislikes or hates another person and seeks to harm, contradict, or fight against them. Therefore, an opponent of God is someone who goes against the presence and intentions of God in this world.

The Bible identifies Satan, also known as the devil, as the specific adversary of God (1 Timothy 5:14-15). Throughout history, as an adversary of God, Satan has tried to obstruct God’s plan, harm humans, and lead them away from God.

In addition to Satan, the Scriptures mention many other adversaries of God and His followers. Other terms used for an adversary of God in the Bible include opponent and foe. Anyone who disobeys the Lord’s commands is considered an adversary of God. Sin places us in opposition to God: “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” «And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled », (Colossians 1:21). The apostle Paul referred to unsaved sinners as adversaries of God: “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son” «For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. », (Romans 5:10, NLT).

Throughout Israel’s history, the people of God faced adversaries determined to destroy them. The Egyptians, the Canaanites, the Philistines, and the Babylonians are just a few of the many ruthless and oppressive enemy nations highlighted in the Old Testament. These nations, in opposition to God’s people, were considered enemies of God, and God fought on behalf of Israel (see 2 Kings 19).

Throughout His life, Jesus Christ faced opposition from both human and spiritual adversaries, as prophesied in Genesis 3:15. Herod the Great attempted, but failed, to have the infant Jesus killed (Matthew 2:13,16-20). Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness (Mark 1:12-13). At times, Satan opposed the Lord through His acquaintances and disciples (Matthew 16:22-23; 26:14-16; Luke 22:3; John 13:21-27). As foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures (Psalm 2:2; Isaiah 53:3), the Jewish leaders conspired to eliminate Jesus (Matthew 12:14; Matthew 27:1; Mark 3:6; John 5:18; John 7:1,19; 11:53).

Christ’s adversaries managed to crucify Him (Matthew 27:22; Acts 2:23), yet they could not thwart God’s divine plan. Jesus conquered every foe, including death, to liberate His followers through His triumph (Matthew 22:44; Philippians 2:9-11).

Jesus Christ emphasized that believers would encounter numerous adversaries due to their faith in Him: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12; see also John 15:18-19; 17:14).

Christ also set an example for Christians to emulate when facing God’s enemies and their intimidations: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

In an example that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24).

The Bible instructs believers to be cautious yet courageous when dealing with the enemies of God: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: “, (1 Peter 5:8, ESV).

The enemies of God are fighting a losing battle: “Surely your enemies, Lord, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered” “For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. “, (Psalm 92:9). The final enemy of God to be eradicated is death: “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26; see also 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 21:4).