Psalm. 121, Genesis.17.1-8, 1 Tim.6.11-19, John.11.17-27

Paul taught to fight for the cause of the faith (1 Timothy 6:12). If there is a battle in the life of faith, there will be enemies. The enemies of the faith are not spoken of other men, the devil, or any other demons. Since faith is and must be within us, the enemies of faith are also within us. Check it out here

1. Ignorance

The source of faith is the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Faith grows through the word of God. Ignorance of the Word can make us weak in faith. That is why the New Testament strongly teaches to remain in the doctrine (Sound Doctrine) (John 14:15,23; 15:10; 1 John 2:4; Titus 2:1-5).

2. Inferiority

The misconception that I am unworthy of divine blessings is an enemy of faith. We are unworthy, but God has made us worthy through Jesus. That is God’s grace. Our worthiness and righteousness are Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:5; Romans 8:33; Acts 10:15). God has made us a new creation through Jesus (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10). It is the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). The revelation to Peter was that what God cleansed should not be called unclean (Acts 10:15). The powers of the believer must also be recognized.

3. Substitute

Alternative belief systems are another enemy of faith. It may look like faith. But it will be a substitute for faith. Hope is an alternative to faith. Hope is good. But this is an idea that will happen sometime. Faith is not an idea. Faith is the present state. A wife says of her husband: “He is my husband”. This is faith. But of a man who is to be married, his fiancée says: “He shall be my husband”. This is the hope. Many people have hope in the name of faith. Faith is about the present. Hope is the future. Another alternative is disbelief. Disbelief without faith. So says the father of the sick young man described in the Bible. “I believe; Help me in my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). This was the faith of Thomas. “If I see, I will believe” (John 20:24,25). But Jesus called this “unbeliever” (John 20:27). We have to grow out of this stage. Another alternative is to believe first and then fall away. It is in this condition that Peter is on the Sea of ​​Galilee. Jesus called this “little faith” (Matthew 14:31). Thus, hope, scepticism, and Thomas’s unbelief are alternative systems of faith. This is not faith.

4. Wavering

Paul likens faith to experience in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:6). A winded attitude is not faith. Decisiveness is believing first, then thinking intellectually and following after human understanding (James 1:6-8). This is a return from the battlefield. Faith is sure in any decision that God’s voice and word of God are understood.

5. Double Mindedness

It is a state of faith and doubt. This is a great danger and an enemy of faith. God hates double-minded people. Because such people are always unstable in their ways (James 1:8). James also teaches the double-minded to repent (James 4:8). We have strong beliefs about certain issues. At the same time, there is parallel doubt. That is why Jesus said: “If you have faith without doubting” (Mark 11:22-24). It is a mixed experience of fear, worry, anxiety and worry along with faith. They are believers. At the same time, they also have this kind of negative mentality. This is double-mindedness. That is why we are taught to pray with thanksgiving without worryingand anxiety (Matthew 6:25; Phil. 4:6,7). It is important to remember that Jesus asked why are you afraid (Matthew 8:24-26). Double-mindedness is thus a mixed state of doubt and faith. This is not biblical faith.

6. Human Reasoning

Our logical assumptions sometimes challenge faith. It is good to think and analyse everything logically. But God’s work goes beyond that. That is why Proverbs teaches us to rely on God instead of relying on our own wisdom (Proverbs 3:5,6).

7. Will Power

Self-confidence and self-will are good for faith, but neither is biblical faith. The faith that the Bible teaches is not faith in self-power. It is a dedication to God’s grace and God’s power. We must not be satisfied with our own will but trust in God’s ultimate grace (2 Cor 12:7-9).

Prayer

Gracious Father,

As we conclude our time together reflecting on the enemies of faith, we thank You for Your Word that enlightens our hearts and minds. We acknowledge, Lord, that the battle for faith is real and often fought within ourselves. Help us to be vigilant and strong in our resolve to stand firm in the face of doubt, fear, and distraction. Lord, we pray for each person here today, that You would strengthen their faith like never before. Give us the courage to resist the temptations that seek to weaken our trust in You. May we always remember the words of Paul to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. We pray for those among us who may be struggling in their faith journey. May they find renewed hope and strength in Your promises. Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in obedience and to live lives that honour You in every way. Father, we surrender our weaknesses and insecurities to You. Help us to replace them with faith that is steadfast and unwavering. May our lives be a testimony to Your faithfulness and grace. In the powerful name of Jesus, our Saviour, we pray.

Amen.