OUR ADVERSARY

An "adversary" is, according to Webster's Dictionary, "One who is turned against another with a design to oppose or resist him; a member of an opposing or hostile party; an enemy or a foe."  The Bible lists several "adversaries":  God acting on Israel's behalf (Ex. 23:22); the Angel of the LORD acting against Balaam (Num. 22:22); Peninnah against Hannah (1 Sam. 1:6); David as potential adversary against the Philistines (1 Sam. 29:4); Haman against the Jews (Est. 7:6); those surrounding Jerusalem (Amos 3:11); etc.  Solomon, at one time, had no adversaries, and it was during that time he built the Temple (1 Kg. 5:4).  However, because he was guilty of idolatry, God stirred Hadad and Rezon to be his adversaries (1 Kg. 11:14, 23, 25).  God Himself, for a time, has been an adversary to Israel (Lam. 2:4; 4:12; Amos 3:11).

In the New Testament, the word "adversary" occurs only five times.  In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells of a widow appealing to the town judge for justice to prevail between her and her adversary.  We are not told the identity of her adversary, but one could make a case for the fact the judge, by ignoring her plea, was complicit in the situation. 

Two of the references are clearly referring to Satan.  In 1 Peter 5:8, we read, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  Paul concurs as to the identity of our adversary:  "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  For some are already turned aside after Satan" (1 Tim. 5:14-15).

The last two are usually understood to be referring to a person whom you have offended (Mt. 5:23-26; Lk. 12:57-59).  My Pastor spoke on this Sunday, and he pointed out something I have never heard anyone say; he said the "adversary" in these passages was referring to Satan!  Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and when he goes before God with his accusations, he knows better than lie, but he uses "every little piece of dirt" he can to get God to discipline us, His children (Heb. 12:5-11).  Brian said that because Satan uses our sins against us, when we "agree with our adversary," we are, in effect, acknowledging our sin.  In so doing, we repent, and are made right before The Judge (1 Jn. 1:9)!

The only time we need to agree with Satan, is when he is right about us!