07/21/2025
WE DON’T BATTLE AGAINST PEOPLE
We don’t battle again flesh and blood but against demonic powers and evil spirits.
However, it can occasionally look like people are being addressed when demonic forces are working through the person.
For example, it appears as though Jesus was rebuking Peter on one occasion but it was the devil the Lord was dealing with.
“But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”” - Matthew 16:23 NKJV
Later Peter understood the nature of our battle when he said, ““Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” (Acts 5:3)
And this example showing Paul understood the true source of evil:
“Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
Acts 13:6-12 NKJV
Don't be afraid of man. The fear of man is a snare and a trap. This includes the fear of upsetting or offending people. If we are afraid of offending someone then we have become enslaved to that person's feelings.
Have courage and obey the Lord. Do what He tells you to do and say what He tells you to say. He knows all hearts.