Think Again!

162 • Think Again: Transformation That Yields a Return on God’s Investment

True Enemies Paul also dismisses any notion that people are our enemies. We don’t wrestle with flesh and blood. The true source of attacks against includes rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, spiritual forces of evil. The image is of unseen, constant schemes directed at us from every direction. Every problem has a cosmic origin, not a human one. Schemes We are to withstand these schemes, having done all to stand firm. We must not be dispossessed, conned by Satan’s schemes. Scripture points to several references about the adversary’s tactics: deceit, doubt, intimidation, alternative solutions, division, harassment, confusion, surprise. Eve was tempted to distrust God through deceit and doubt . “God is withholding good from you, so take matters in your own hands.” The tragic result was that humanity was dispossessed of paradise. Job was tempted to “curse God to His face” through intimidation . The enemy sought to frighten Job through the death of loved ones, financial losses, and health problems – all made worse by unhelpful friends. Jesus was tempted by schemes to disrupt God’s plan through alternative solutions . The enemy offered Jesus a shortcut to achieve the Father’s goals. First, Jesus was offered immediate gratification (turning stone to bread). But Jesus resisted, showing his trust in the Father for his needs. Next, he was offered influence and authority over all the kingdoms of the world. But Jesus refused the shortcut to the Father’s path to greatness (which would be through the humiliation of the cross). Finally, Jesus was offered