Spiritual Warfare Series — Devotional #1
Relational Viruses: How the Enemy Uses Strife to Derail God’s People
Over the next couple of months, we are setting out to answer this critical question:
How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting, and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?
As we survey Pauline literature, we will discover fourteen tactical strategies the enemy uses against God’s people—along with specific biblical antidotes to counter them. (See the introduction to this series for an overview.)
Tactic 1: Relational Viruses / Relational Strife
“Suspicion is like a cankerworm that slowly eats away at relationships.”
— Gary Rohrmayer
Text: Romans 16:17–20 (NIV)
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
The Problem
“Satan upsets Christians’ inner life attitudes, taking away peace due to divisions in the church.”
— J. Robert Clinton
Division, suspicion, and relational tension are key tactics of the enemy. They weaken the body of Christ, distract from mission, and rob God’s people of peace.
The Antidote
“Strive for unity and maintain inward peace, as God works through your relationships. Learn to speak the truth in love. Look behind the divisions. Surround yourself with people of spiritual wisdom and discernment.”
— J. Robert Clinton
Pursue unity as a top priority.
Cultivate peace through truth-speaking and humility.
Guard your heart against suspicion and bitterness.
Lean on wise, discerning counsel.
Reflection Questions
Who in your church are you harboring negative thoughts about—members, leaders, staff?
Are these thoughts based on reality, rumor, bias, or cultural prejudice?
Could these thoughts stem from your own insecurities?
What specific steps can you take today to replace negative thoughts with peace-filled, Christ-honoring ones?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Grant me strength and courage to fight for the unity of your church. Help me guard my heart against suspicion and bitterness. Teach me to live securely in Christ, who is greater than my insecurities. May I admit when I’m wrong, speak the truth in love, and pursue peace—even at personal cost. Strengthen my relationships with my spouse, children, gospel partners, and church family.
Father of peace, we rejoice in your victory over the father of lies.
Amen.
