Enmity
Enmity is a word we seldom use and when we do, we use it in watered down fashion. It doesn’t simply mean dislike or conflict. It is bigger and deeper. It is deep-rooted hatred manifest in open and sustained conflict. It is all consuming antagonism, with a single mindedness against the foe.
There is enmity between satan and mankind. When we befriend the fallen world, we take on enmity to God (James 4:4).
But, regardless of the enmity that satan has for us and for God, he has no direct power or control over either. Satan cannot keep us from God. Satan cannot prevent God from anything.
It reminds me of some of the haunted house things we would do at halloween. Characters would be dressed up and jump out at unexpected times, using darkness and distraction and surprise. The characters would take on the dress and image of our fears, but they couldn’t harm us. They couldn’t prevent us from completing the journey. They couldn’t really “do” anything to us. The only things were in how we responded to them.
Satan, despite his overwhelming enmity, is just as powerless. We can become paralyzed in our fear. We may in fact, falter and decide to join with the ranks of the characters, but these are our choices and not because we are locked into it by the devil. And, even in these situations, God is less than a whisper away – honoring our decision to join in the weak forces that hate Him, while willing to take us back into His arms and carry us to protection and full restoration (like the prodigal son).
My Answers:
12.
The woman – then went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring – those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus
13.
a.
enmity between satan and the woman and between your offsping and hers. Men who follow the Lord and keep God’s commands have always been despised and attacked (enmity between) those who choose evil and follow wicked ways (the serpents children)
b.
sin entered the world through Adam and, as a result, death – All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But, Jesus’ gift is greater. By taking on the sin of all, by accepting the penalty of death for a life lived without sin, and then defeating death, Jesus.
14.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God – nothing, never, nowhere
Thanks