DON'T BE FRIENDS WITH THE ENEMY!!!

James 4:4-10

 

Introduction

The Story of Hannibal of Carthage

1. His Father was Hamilcar Barca, A King, ruler and brilliant military strategist.

2. His son would take a simple oath that would be well known 2000 years later

3.(238 years before Christ) The Oath wasn't grand and glorious just simply this " I will not be friends with the enemy"

4. The Enemy in this oath was the Romans the boy's name was Hannibal of Carthage

5. This oath would be the catalist to one of the greatest military efforts ever recorded in History. " Hannibal at the gates"

6. The quest to conquer Rome began 20 years later with 50,000 infantry, 9000 calvary, and 60 elephants.

7. After crossing the Alps Hannibal was left with 20,000 infantry, 6000 calvary and 37 elephants.

8. Even with his depleted forces he drove strait into the heart of the Italian pennisula to the door step of Rome " Hannibal is at the gates!"

9. Hannibal did not kill or capture the Italian people he always let them go beacause he new the were not the enemy the Romans were.

10. This great military campaign was not driven by greed, or hatred but by a simple oath he made to his father 20 years earlier " I will not be friends with the Romans" 

 

Our Enemy is this world, the flesh and the devil.

My question is, Have you made friends with it?

or are you willing to take the oath

"I will not be friends with the Enemy!!!"

 

I.  The World. ( Lifts up evil)

1.It doesn't take being saved long to realize that this world is in open rebelion against God and is the sworn enemy of God. James 4:4

A. Socially

B. Politically

C. Entertainment

(Roman 12:2)

II. The Flesh vs 5-6 (Consumes with Lust, and Pride)

A. Even Paul was at war with the flesh (Romans 7:18-25)

B. No good thing in the flesh

C. Law in the members.

III.The Devil (Perverts God's Truth)

A. Acts 13:10

B. Garden of Eden Eve

IV. How to Combat

Be Sober and vigilant ( 1 Peter 5:8)

Submit and Resist (James 4:7)

Draw nigh to God (James 4:8)

Be Afflicted (James 4:9)

Humble Yourself (James 4:10)

Conclusion

You have to chioces in war.  Lose ground or Gain Ground

Being friends with the enemey is losing ground because I assure you the enemy will not treat you as a friend.

So lets make this oath to our heavenly Father today

" I will no longer be friends with the enemies of God"