Know Your Enemy, Know Your Weakness
Scripture
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)
Devotion
This weeks sermon emphasized two crucial realities:
Scripture describes Satan as a murderer, liar, deceiver, crafty, and even “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel’s description). He doesn’t always show up as obvious evil; he often comes disguised as what you want to hear, what looks attractive, or what feels easier than obedience.
At the same time, every believer has “kryptonite”—weak points the enemy loves to target. Samson had lust. David had moments of pride and sexual sin. Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” that God allowed to keep him dependent.
Pastor Darren was honest: we all have something that can pull us away from God—lust, anger, depression, pride, addiction, people-pleasing, you name it. Pretending you have no weakness only makes you more vulnerable. But here’s the hope: your weakness doesn’t disqualify you; it can actually drive you into deeper dependence on God. “My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
To “make it,” you must both take the enemy seriously and take your weakness seriously—without despair. Know your enemy so you’re not naïve. Know your weakness so you’re not proud. Then run to God, whose grace is sufficient right in the middle of your struggle.
Reflection
Prayer
Lord, Your Word warns me to be sober and vigilant because I have a real enemy. Open my eyes to his schemes and patterns in my life. At the same time, I confess my own weaknesses—my “kryptonite.” I bring them to You and ask that Your strength be made perfect in my weakness. Don’t let my weakness be my downfall; let it be the place where Your grace shines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)
Devotion
This weeks sermon emphasized two crucial realities:
- You have a real enemy.
- You have real weaknesses.
Scripture describes Satan as a murderer, liar, deceiver, crafty, and even “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel’s description). He doesn’t always show up as obvious evil; he often comes disguised as what you want to hear, what looks attractive, or what feels easier than obedience.
At the same time, every believer has “kryptonite”—weak points the enemy loves to target. Samson had lust. David had moments of pride and sexual sin. Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” that God allowed to keep him dependent.
Pastor Darren was honest: we all have something that can pull us away from God—lust, anger, depression, pride, addiction, people-pleasing, you name it. Pretending you have no weakness only makes you more vulnerable. But here’s the hope: your weakness doesn’t disqualify you; it can actually drive you into deeper dependence on God. “My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
To “make it,” you must both take the enemy seriously and take your weakness seriously—without despair. Know your enemy so you’re not naïve. Know your weakness so you’re not proud. Then run to God, whose grace is sufficient right in the middle of your struggle.
Reflection
- Where do you see the enemy’s patterns in your life—how he tends to tempt, accuse, or discourage you?
- What are your “kryptonite” areas—situations or patterns where you’re especially vulnerable to sin or discouragement?
- How might you bring those weaknesses to God honestly this week, instead of hiding them?
Prayer
Lord, Your Word warns me to be sober and vigilant because I have a real enemy. Open my eyes to his schemes and patterns in my life. At the same time, I confess my own weaknesses—my “kryptonite.” I bring them to You and ask that Your strength be made perfect in my weakness. Don’t let my weakness be my downfall; let it be the place where Your grace shines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.