The Real Enemy: Not People, but Powers
- The Chapel Ministry
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
In a world that feels more divided by the day, it’s easy to believe that the people who disagree with us are our enemies. But Pastor Jeremy Eastman reminds us that Scripture paints a different picture: our true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against unseen spiritual forces.
When we forget that truth, we misidentify the real enemy. We turn on neighbors, coworkers, even fellow believers—when in reality, they are not the enemy at all. Instead, they are people deeply loved by God, often caught in the same cultural storms and spiritual struggles we face.
💡 Last week, we explored what it means to be marked by love and obedience. This week, we’re learning where the real fight lies—and how to stand firm without losing compassion.
Remembering Who the Enemy Really Is
Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12:
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Your neighbor who votes differently? Not your enemy.
That family member who mocks your faith? Not your enemy.
The person online who argues endlessly? Not your enemy.
👉 The real enemy is spiritual—Satan and the forces that stir up division, fear, and hatred.
Recognizing this frees us from misdirected anger and opens the door for mercy, prayer, and love.
Called to Love, Not Retaliate
Jesus was clear in Matthew 22:39:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
That includes neighbors who look, think, or live differently than us. The early church grew not because Christians fought culture wars, but because they loved radically—even in the face of persecution.
As Romans 12:20 reminds us:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
✨ Love disarms hate. Mercy disrupts division. Forgiveness breaks strongholds.
Learning from Elisha’s Example
In 2 Kings 6, the prophet Elisha finds himself surrounded by an enemy army. God blinds the soldiers, and Elisha leads them straight into the city where they could have been destroyed.
But instead of ordering their death, he orders a feast. He feeds them and sends them home.
“Mercy became the weapon. Love became the victory. And peace followed.”
This is the posture we’re called to in Christ: to respond in ways the world doesn’t expect, showing mercy where revenge feels justified, choosing prayer where anger wants to rule.
Rhythms for Living in the Battle
How do we put this into practice? Here are some rhythms to keep us grounded:
Unhurried Scripture – Read Ephesians 6. Each day, meditate on one piece of the armor of God.
Prayer First, Not Last – Before reacting in anger, stop and pray: “Lord, help me see the real enemy.”
Mercy in Action – Respond to insults or disagreements with kindness. Send encouragement where criticism is expected.
Community Matters – Link arms with other believers for accountability. Alone we are vulnerable; together we are strong.
Guard Your Heart – Limit time in online arguments and news cycles that fuel division. Fill your mind with God’s truth.
Practice Reconciliation – If conflict arises in the body of Christ, choose open communication and forgiveness over silent resentment.
Takeaways for This Week
👉 Pray daily for God’s strength and focus in spiritual battles.
👉 Link arms with another believer in accountability.
👉 Read Ephesians 6 and meditate on one piece of armor each day.
👉 Show kindness this week to someone who disagrees with you.
👉 Ask God to help you see people as neighbors, not enemies.
A Prayer for Us
Jesus, open my eyes to the real battle. Help me see people not as enemies, but as neighbors You’ve called me to love. Guard my heart from anger, fill my mouth with grace, and steady my spirit in prayer. Make us, as Your church, a people of mercy, unity, and truth. Amen.
Our Next Step—Together
Let’s be a people who stop fighting each other and start standing together in Christ.
A people who pray first, love boldly, and fight the real battle on our knees.
📺 Missed the message?
Watch Pastor Jeremy’s full sermon on YouTube.
🙌 Talk about it with your small group this week, and share this blog with someone who needs encouragement today.
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