What does the Bible say about the enemy?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that the enemy is ultimately Satan, a deceiver who opposes God’s people, yet he is a defeated foe under Christ’s sovereign rule, and believers are called to resist him by faith rather than fear. First Peter 5:8 urges watchfulness, while James 4:7 promises that the devil will flee as we submit to God. Revelation 12:9 identifies Satan as the ancient serpent who deceives the world, and 1 John 4:1-3 calls Christians to test spiritual claims by the truth of Christ. Jesus also teaches His disciples not to repay personal evil in kind (Matthew 5:38-39) and not to rejoice when an enemy falls (Proverbs 24:17). God equips His people through Scripture for faithful endurance (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- John 10:10
The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- John 14:1
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
- 1 John 4:1-3
[1] Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, [3] and every spirit who doesn't confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.
- Proverbs 24:17
Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
[16] Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- James 4:7
Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- Matthew 5:38-39
[38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- Revelation 12:9
The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
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