10月30日

標　　題：屬靈的敵人

經　　節：因我們並不是與屬血氣的爭戰，乃是與那些執政的、掌權的、管轄這幽暗世界的，以及天空屬靈氣的惡魔爭戰。（以弗所書六章12節）

在戰場上，認出敵人是非常重要的事。如果你不曉得攻擊的方位，你很難防守自己。保羅有許多敵人。有些人厭惡他，其他一些人憎恨他，還有一些人想殺他。有些人本來該與他站在同一陣線，卻想要傷害他和他的事工(使徒行傳九：23；腓立比書一：17；提摩太后書一：15，四：14；提摩太前書一：20)。雖然，他面對許多迫害，保羅從未忘掉他真正的敵人。保羅小心謹慎地防禦撒但。當人們攻擊他的時候，他知道他們並不是自己真正的敵人，他們只是不知不覺地成為屬靈黑暗勢力的工具。

當你的信心遭遇敵對勢力的時候，第一個反應可能是憤怒。這個反應可能使你對衝突背後更深的屬靈層面，分散了注意力。你的敵手可能無助地被罪捆綁。你應該誠摯地立即為此人代禱，而不是報復此人。你對手的敵對行為是一張邀請函，邀請你加入救贖之工，把他或她由屬靈的捆綁中釋放出來。

要警醒注意你身邊的屬靈戰爭。這場戰爭是真實存在的，它可能會摧毀你及你所關心的人。認識你真正的敵人，可以保護你不致心懷苦毒及不饒恕。你的希望是根源於一個真理：[那在你裡面的比那在世界上的更大。](約翰一書四：4)不要將自己的希望寄託於人性，要堅決地相信至高者已經完全擊敗你的仇敵。

Spiritual Enemies

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

In a battle, it is imperative to identify your enemy. If you are not aware of the point of your attack, you are vulnerable. Paul had many enemies. Some resented him, others hated him, and others wanted to kill him. Some, who were supposedly on his side, sought to harm him and his ministry (Acts 9:23; Phil. 1:17; 2 Tim. 1:15;_1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14). In spite of the persecution he faced, Paul never lost sight of his real enemy. Paul was wary of Satan. When people attacked him, he knew they were not his real opponents. They were simply unwitting instruments of the spiritual forces of darkness.

When you meet opposition to your faith, your first reaction may be anger toward your antagonist. This may divert your attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of your conflict. Your adversary may be hopelessly in to sin. Rather than retaliating, you should immediately and earnestly intercede for that person. Your opponent’s hostility is your invitation to become involved in God’s redemptive work to free him or her from spiritual .

Be alert to the spiritual warfare around you. It is real and potentially destructive to you and those you care about. Knowing your real foe will protect you from bitterness and unforgiveness. Your hope lies in the reality that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Do not place your hope in humanity, but steadfastly trust in the One who has already defeated your enemy.