The Three Big Enemies

One Year Bible
New Testamet passage for Monday, November 19, 2012: James 2:18-3:18

¹⁵ This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  James 3:15-18 (NASB)

We have three enemies that seek to pull us down.  They are the WORLD, the FLESH, and the DEVIL.  We find them in vs. 15.  There is a way -- a kind of wisdom -- that seems so very right, but it just leads to destruction.  It sounds good, but it ends bad. 

The "world" is that system that organizes itself apart from God.  It will promise you wealth and pleasure, but it cannot guarantee anything.  The world needs Jesus, but it wants YOU.  It wants to mold you in its own image.  When it is done, it will discard you.  That's the way the world operates.

The "flesh" is that sensual, carnal side of you that manufactures new needs and desires every day, every hour.  It cries out for gratification, whether that be comfort, possessions, pleasure, or experiences.  Your flesh is your carnal nature.  Some might call it your "sin nature."

The "devil" is a real being that has a bad plan for your life.  Too often we think our only enemy is the devil.  We disregard the other two.  But, the devil actually uses them as well as his own unique tools.  I believe  that there is a literal devil that seeks to kill or destroy all humans.  He wants to do this because we are created in God's image.  He can't assault heaven so he aims at the thing on earth that looks most like Almight God.

If you life is in DISORDER -- if you are plagued by a series of misfortunes and mishaps, perhaps you should ask God for wisdom.  We can never win the battle is we don't know where the battlefield is.  We need DISCERNMENT to know how and where to fight.

God wants to bring you into PEACE.  His wisdom will never confuse you or condemn you.  Wisdom is far more than just good advice.  It is the ability to maneuver through difficult waters.  He will give you wisdom to not only survive hard times, but to PREVAIL.  Peace is your promise from God.