The Bible has much to say about the concept of an “enemy within” – the inner struggles and temptations we face as followers of Christ. Though we may strive to live godly lives, we are constantly assaulted by our own sinful nature and by the schemes of the devil. This inner turmoil is a universal human experience, as even the apostle Paul lamented, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15).
In this article, we will explore the biblical teaching on the enemy within under three main headings:
Our Sinful Nature
Due to the Fall and the entrance of sin into the world, all people are born with a sinful nature that is inclined toward evil (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). Even after being saved, believers continue to struggle with indwelling sin, as our flesh wages war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17; 1 Peter 2:11). Sin so easily entangles us and leads us astray from God’s purposes (Hebrews 12:1). The sinful nature manifests itself in sins like sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and more (Galatians 5:19-21). This inner propensity toward sin is part of what the Bible calls “the flesh.” While our inner being delights in God’s law, the flesh serves the law of sin (Romans 7:22-23) and can hijack our thoughts and behaviors if we do not actively wage war against it.
How do we combat the sinful nature? We must daily put it to death (Colossians 3:5) and strive against it by the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-17). We must fill our minds with God’s truth (Psalm 119:11; Romans 12:2) and flee from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 2:22). We must also walk in the Spirit, displaying His fruit rather than the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). But in this life, the battle remains. Our sinful nature will not be eradicated until we receive our resurrection bodies that are no longer subject to the effects of sin.
The Schemes of the Devil
Not only do believers face temptation from within, but we also face spiritual attack from without – namely from Satan. The Bible reveals that there is a literal devil who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). His names include Satan, which means adversary, devil, meaning slanderer, and the tempter (Matthew 4:3). Though defeated by Christ, he still schemes against believers today.
The devil employs various tactics:
– Deception – From the beginning, he deceived Eve by contradicting God’s word (Genesis 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He continues to blind the minds of unbelievers and spread false teaching in the church (2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:13-15).
– Accusation – He is called the “accuser of our brothers and sisters” (Revelation 12:10) and likely brings charges against believers before God, as he did with Job (Job 1:9-11).
– Sowing seeds of doubt – He caused Eve to doubt God’s goodness and His word (Genesis 3:1-5) and tried the same tactic with Jesus, sowing seeds of doubt about God’s love and promises (Matthew 4:3, 6).
– Temptation – He tempts people to give in to their sinful desires and to distrust God (1 Thessalonians 3:5). No temptation is unique – all are common battles for believers (1 Corinthians 10:13).
– Promoting false religion – He disguises himself as an angel of light and his servants as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Many world religions and cults are influenced by demonic teachings (1 Timothy 4:1).
– Hindering ministry – He hindered Paul’s travels (1 Thessalonians 2:18) and promotes disunity and disputes among believers (Ephesians 4:26-27).
– Inflicting suffering – He tormented Job (Job 2:7) and Paul with his “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Believers today also face satanic oppression and attack.
How do we stand firm against the enemy? We must be alert, resist Him, stand firm in the faith, and dress ourselves in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). We overcome Him by the blood of the Lamb – Christ’s atoning work (Revelation 12:11). But we will not be free from his harassment until heaven, so we must remain vigilant.
The World System
The Bible also presents the world system or culture around us as an additional “enemy within” that can entice us away from God. John warns against loving the world or embracing its sinful desires, lusts, and pride (1 John 2:15-17). James rebukes those caught up in this system’s greed and pursuit of pleasure (James 4:4). Paul cautions against being conformed to this age and adopting its ungodly patterns of thinking (Romans 12:2). The world bombards us with temptations and philosophies opposed to God, pulling our hearts toward unbelief.
How do we stand firm amidst the world’s pull? We must develop a kingdom mindset that recognizes we are strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11). We must renew our thinking according to God’s word (Romans 12:2) and flee worldly passions that wage war against our souls (2 Timothy 2:22). We should desire heavenly, not earthly, treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). When we set our minds on Christ and the things above, the world’s hold is broken (Colossians 3:1-4). But until heaven, navigating the world while remaining uncompromised will require constant vigilance.
In summary, the primary “enemies within” that believers face include our inherent sinful nature, the schemes of the devil, and the allure of the world. But Scripture provides many spiritual strategies for waging war against these enemies and remaining steadfast in our faith. Though the battle is hard, the Holy Spirit empowers us for victory. Our inner being longs to serve God faithfully even while the flesh, the devil, and the world pull in opposition. By availing ourselves of God’s many provisions, we can overcome and stand firm as overcomers in Christ. The victory has already been won!
