The Apocalypse of the Canon of How to Deal with an Arch-Enemy

 Introduction To An Arch Emeny

Not all enemies are arch. when we say an arch enemy we are basically talking about a chief enemy. These are people or entities that the Ultimate Arch Emeny(Satan) uses to sabotage the manifestation of the will of God in our lives.

            Dealing with an enemy can be a whole Pandora box of problems because we're instructed by our Lord Jesus not to curse but rather love and pray for them(Matthew 5:44) and we  are also not expected to support evil by blessings them. Not to worry, though, the approach of our Lord Jesus on how He dealt with His enemies (even Satan) is really most accepted, effective and helpful as children of God– even if, as normally is the case in today’s society, it needs a complete turn-around.

A wild posture against an arch-devil

  Identity Of An Arch Emeny 

From a Biblical perspective, the primary arch-enemy is Satan, also known as the Devil. Here's how the Bible identifies him and anyone or entities that identify with his qualities in our lives assumes his disposition:

Arch enemies from Apostle Paul experience are basically people or entities who don't just do  people evil but much evil with below traits of Satan:

The Adversary: The very name "Satan" (Hebrew: שָׂטָן - satan) means "adversary" or "accuser." He is consistently presented as the one who opposes God and God's people.

 * The Tempter: He is identified as the one who tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and continues to tempt humanity to sin and disobedience.

 * The Deceiver: Scripture calls him "the father of lies" (John 8:44) and highlights his deceptive tactics to lead people astray. He even disguises himself as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

 * The Accuser: Revelation 12:10 refers to him as "the accuser of our brothers and sisters," who accuses them before God day and night.

 * The Ruler of Darkness: Ephesians 6:12 speaks of spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, with Satan often seen as the ultimate authority behind them.

 * The Enemy of the Salvation of humanity: He is described as one who blinds people from seeing the Glory of Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The Mission Of An Arch Emeny

The summation of the mission statement of an arch enemy is found in John 10:10

[10]The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Alright folks, let's talk plain and simple about figuring out what makes our human arch-enemies tick, from a Bible-based viewpoint. We know the big boss enemy is Satan, but sometimes we face people who seem set on making our lives tough, right? Here's how we can try to understand their "mission statement" based on what the Bible teaches us.

Think of it like this: just like Satan has his goals, people who are really against us likely have their own driving forces. The Bible gives us some clues on what those might be:

 * Are they trying to pull you away from God? This is a big one. If someone's actions or words constantly try to make you doubt your faith, disobey God's commands, or turn your back on church and fellow believers, that could be a key part of their "mission." Just like Satan tries to separate us from God, these folks might be doing the same in their own way.

 * Are they constantly lying or twisting the truth about you? The Bible tells us Satan is the father of lies. If someone is always spreading false stories, trying to make you look bad, or can't be trusted to tell the truth about you, their "mission" might involve damaging your reputation and causing trouble through deceit.

 * Are they trying to tempt you to do wrong? Remember how Satan tempted Eve? People who are our enemies might try to pressure us into doing things we know are wrong, things that go against what the Bible teaches. Their "mission" could be to lead you down a bad path.

 * Are they always finding fault and accusing you? The Bible says Satan is the accuser. Some people seem to thrive on pointing out everything you do wrong, never offering encouragement, and always making you feel guilty. Their "mission" might be to tear you down and make you feel worthless.

 * Are they actively trying to stop you from doing good or helping others? If you're trying to follow God's way and do good in the world, and someone is constantly putting obstacles in your path or discouraging you, their "mission" might be to hinder God's work through you.

Important Point: We need to be careful here. Not everyone who disagrees with us or makes a mistake is our arch-enemy. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, even those who are difficult.

So, how do we figure out their "mission statement"?

 * Watch their actions over time: One isolated incident might not tell the whole story. Look for patterns in how they treat you and others.

 * Listen to their words carefully: Do their words build up or tear down? Are they honest and truthful?

 * Consider the impact of their actions: Are their actions consistently leading to negative outcomes for you and potentially for your relationship with God?

 * Pray for discernment: Ask God to give you wisdom to understand the situation and the people involved.

Thinking about our human arch-enemies in this way helps us understand the kind of spiritual battle we might be facing. It reminds us that just like we need to be aware of Satan's tactics, we also need to be wise about the negative forces that might be working through people around us. Our goal isn't to hate them, but to understand the challenges they present and to stand firm in our faith, relying on God for strength 

and guidance.

The Wisdom Of An Arch Emeny

Sometimes, those folks who are really against us – our "arch-enemies" in human form – can seem surprisingly clever in their negativity. From a straightforward Bible viewpoint, what kind of "wisdom" do they often show? It's not the good kind of wisdom that comes from God, but a sneaky, self-serving kind.

Think of it like this: they become experts in things that hurt and hinder. Here's a simple breakdown of their often-twisted "wisdom":

 * They're sharp at spotting weaknesses: Just like someone looking for a crack in a wall, our enemies can be very good at finding our vulnerabilities – our insecurities, our past mistakes, the things that easily upset us. They then use this knowledge to their advantage, knowing exactly where to poke to get a reaction. It's a sad kind of "wisdom" – knowing how to wound.

 * They're clever at twisting words: Remember how the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trap Jesus with their questions? Our enemies can also be skilled at taking what we say out of context, misrepresenting our intentions, and spreading rumors. They have a knack for making things sound bad, even if they aren't. It's a "wisdom" built on deceit.

 * They understand how to create division: Just like Satan tries to divide us from God and from each other, our human enemies often know how to stir up trouble between people. They might spread gossip, play favorites, or create misunderstandings to isolate us and weaken our support. Their "wisdom" lies in sowing discord.

 * They're often masters of manipulation: They can be good at playing on our emotions, using guilt, fear, or even false flattery to get what they want or to control us. It's a cunning "wisdom" focused on self-gain at our expense.

 * They can be strategic in their attacks: They might not always come at us directly. Sometimes they'll work behind the scenes, influencing others or creating situations that make things difficult for us. This shows a certain calculated "wisdom" in how to cause harm indirectly.

Important Note: This "wisdom" isn't something to admire. It's a twisted, earthly kind of cleverness that the Bible often warns against. It's focused on selfish desires and causing harm, not on what is right or good.

So, when you see this kind of sneaky smartness in your enemies, remember it's not true wisdom from God. It's a tool they use to try and get ahead or to bring you down. Recognizing their tactics doesn't mean we should become like them, but it helps us to be aware of their schemes and to rely on God's true wisdom to navigate these challenges. We need God's wisdom to see through their tricks and to respond in ways that honor Him, even when facing their twisted "wisdom."

Dealing with An Arch Emeny 

Rather than seeking vengeance or sinking the enemy's ship, we see Him reaching out with words of love, mercy and dedication toward His mission even when achieving it was most difficult. Here are a few of those aspects that work best:    

 * Compassion and love: To plotters and to those who vilified Him, Jesus was – most of the time – kind. Just remember the soldiers by the cross or the famous statement He uttered on it – “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). That was not an overly romantic feeling. Rather, it was a feeling of a wish willing something to happen, His friends even to the point of deliverance.  

 Wise and authoritative Speaking of Truth: He spoke the uncomfortable words with wisdom and discernment and without any rationalization. Remember His with the pharises and Saducees. Rather than debating petty details, He stuck to the issue so bazically that the conflict was resolved and used parables to shed light on deeper truths.

Focus on His Mission: The Lord Jesus remained steadfastly focused on His purpose: to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God and ultimately to offer Himself as a sacrifice for humanity. He didn't get sidetracked by the constant opposition but used it as a backdrop against which His love and truth shone even brighter. When faced with threats or attempts to derail Him, He often redirected the focus back to His divine assignment.

 * Prayer and Dependence on God: Throughout His ministry, the Lord Jesus frequently withdrew to pray. This highlights His dependence on God for strength, wisdom, and guidance in dealing with His enemies. His power wasn't derived from earthly means but from His relationship with the Father.

 * Patience and Forbearance: Jesus endured immense hostility and betrayal with remarkable patience. He didn't lash out in anger or seek immediate revenge. He understood the long-term implications and trusted in God's timing and justice.

 * Sacrificial Love as the Ultimate Response: The ultimate expression of the Lord Jesus' approach to His enemies was His willingness to lay down His life for all, including those who hated Him. This act of sacrificial love was not a defeat but a profound victory, demonstrating the power of love to overcome even the greatest animosity.

Applying these principles doesn't mean we become passive or allow ourselves to be harmed. It calls for a transformative approach that prioritizes love, truth, and a commitment to a higher purpose. In practical terms, this might involve:

 * Praying for those we consider enemies: This shifts our focus and opens the door for compassion.

 * Speaking truthfully but with grace: Addressing issues directly without resorting to personal attacks.

 * Setting healthy boundaries: Protecting ourselves without seeking to harm the other person.

 * Focusing on our own integrity and purpose: Not allowing the actions of others to derail our values or goals.

 * Seeking reconciliation where possible: Being open to dialogue and understanding, even if full reconciliation isn't immediately achievable.

Dealing with "arch-enemies" in a way that reflects Jesus' example is a challenging but ultimately transformative journey. It requires a deep commitment to love, truth, and a perspective that transcends immediate conflict, focusing on the potential for redemption and the ultimate triumph of love.

Some Strategic Prayers Against An Arch Emeny

The Lord Jesus know's that in this world, you will face opposition. Just as they persecuted Him, they will also trouble you. You will encounter those who stand against you, who seek to harm you, both in spirit and in body. These arch enemies can be a source of great pain and challenge.

But remember the Lord's words: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This is not a passive command, but a powerful strategy. Our battle is not ultimately against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness that often work through human hearts (Ephesians 6:12).

Therefore, let your prayers against your human arch-enemies be rooted in love and focused on spiritual transformation, rather than vengeance. Here are some strategic prayers you can offer:

1. Prayers for Their Eyes to Be Opened:

 * "Father, just as You opened the eyes of Saul on the road to Damascus, I pray that You would open the eyes of [Name of enemy] to the truth of Your love and Your will. Remove any blindness that prevents them from seeing their actions and the hurt they cause."

 * "Lord, I ask that the scales fall from their eyes, that they may see the world and themselves as You see them. Grant them a revelation of Your grace and mercy."

2. Prayers for Their Hearts to Be Softened:

 * "Merciful Father, I lift up the heart of [Name of enemy] to You. Where there is hardness, I pray for softness. Where there is anger, I pray for peace. Where there is hatred, I pray for love to take root."

 * "Lord, break down any walls of bitterness or resentment in their heart. Fill the void within them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may find true fulfillment in You, not in opposing me or others."

3. Prayers for Their Steps to Be Redirected:

 * "Sovereign God, I pray that You would redirect the path of [Name of enemy]. If they are walking in darkness, guide them towards Your light. If their actions are leading to destruction, turn them towards Your way of life."

 * "Lord, place godly influences in their path. Surround them with people who will speak truth and love into their lives. Hinder any plans that are rooted in malice and harm."

4. Prayers for Your Own Strength and Protection:

 * "Father, grant me Your strength to respond with love and grace in the face of opposition from [Name of enemy]. Do not let my heart be filled with bitterness or retaliation."

 * "Lord, shield me from any harm they may intend. Protect my spirit, my mind, and my body. Give me wisdom in how to navigate this challenging relationship, always seeking to honor You."

 * "Holy Spirit, fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, so that I may not be overcome by fear or anxiety."

5. Prayers for Forgiveness and Release:

 * "Father, help me to forgive [Name of enemy] as You have forgiven me. Release me from any bitterness or resentment I may hold in my heart. Grant me a spirit of compassion."

 * "Lord, I pray for release – release for me from the pain they have caused, and release for them from the bondage of hatred and negativity that drives their actions."

6. Prayers against their weapons:

Pray against the wisdom of their counsel that it should not perform to their enterprises according as King David's prayer against the counsel of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 15:31:

And it was told David, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." And David said, "O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."

This verse clearly shows David's direct prayer to the Lord, asking that Ahithophel's strategic and often highly effective advice would be made ineffective in the context of Absalom's rebellion.

7. Enforce their reward: We enforce the reward of an arch enemy by praying like what Apostle did against Alexander the Copper Smith: 2 Timothy 4:14

[14]Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.

The Lord often repay our arch enemies by rebuke or punishment that humble them for repentance if and only they yield to essence of it has in the case of the Apostle Paul at the Damascus encounter with the Lord Jesus(Act 9:3-6)!

Remember, prayer is a powerful weapon, but it is wielded with love and humility. Your aim is not to destroy your enemy, but to see them transformed by the love of God.

The Bane Of An Arch Emeny

Think about those folks who just seem to have it out for you. The ones who consistently cause trouble, spread rumors, or try to make your life miserable. From a straightforward Bible perspective, what really gets under their skin? What's the one thing that truly torments them?

It boils down to this: your connection with God and the good things that flow from it.

Think about it. What did the bad guys in the Bible always go after? They targeted God's people, tried to stop God's work, and hated when God's will was being done.

Here's why your relationship with God is like kryptonite to your enemies:

 * Your Peace: When you trust in God, you can have a peace that those who are driven by negativity and conflict simply don't understand. This inner calm can be infuriating to someone who thrives on chaos.

 * Your Joy: True joy comes from God, not from worldly things. When you find contentment and happiness in your faith, it can be a stark contrast to the unhappiness that might fuel your enemy's actions. Your joy can expose their lack of true fulfillment.

 * Your Love and Forgiveness: The Bible calls us to love our enemies and forgive those who wrong us. This kind of response can completely disarm someone who expects anger and retaliation. Your love can shine a light on their bitterness.

 * Your Integrity: When you live according to God's principles, you stand for truth and righteousness. This can be a direct challenge to those who operate in deceit and manipulation. Your honesty can make their dishonesty stand out.

 * Your Hope: Knowing that you have a future with God gives you a hope that worldly troubles can't extinguish. This unwavering hope can be baffling to those who are focused only on the here and now and perhaps driven by despair.

 * God's Blessing on Your Life: When you honor God, He often blesses you in various ways. This favor can be a source of envy and resentment for your enemies.

So, what truly bugs those who are set against you from a biblical standpoint? It's not your possessions, your popularity, or even your mistakes in the long run. It's your unwavering connection to God and the positive qualities that blossom from that relationship.

Your faith, your peace, your joy, your love, your integrity, and the blessings God pours into your life are the things that can truly be a "bane" – a source of irritation and frustration – to those who stand against you and God's ways.

Therefore, the best "revenge" isn't retaliation, but to grow deeper in your faith and live a life that reflects God's goodness. This is the one thing your enemies truly cannot stand.

                            By Francis Ofei Aidoo