Conflicts. I haven’t found anyone who truly enjoys them. I, for one, will do anything possible to avoid conflicts. For I desire and strive to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Genesis 3:15 is about hostility and animosity. In this verse, God declares that He will cause enmity between Satan and Eve. Why would God deliberately create enmity between the two?
Satan had succeeded in getting Adam and Eve to disobey God (Genesis 3:1-7). But he couldn’t get their allegiance, because God intervened. God’s judgment, a curse on Satan, is tinged with hope and provides a blessing for us today. It’s God’s first gracious and merciful act immediately after the fall. God caused the hostility between the devil and Eve (Genesis 3:15) in order to prevent Eve from giving her full allegiance to Satan.
The devil wants us to think of him as a friend (2 Corinthians 11:14). In setting up hostility between Satan and Eve, God reminds us that Satan is no friend. He’s our great enemy! The apostle Peter, writing from his own painful failure (Luke 22:31-34,56-62). warns us to “stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Genesis 3:15 speaks of Eve’s offspring (seed NKJV). Many theologians believe the seed of the woman foreshadows the virgin birth of Christ. For in nature, the seed is in the male, not the female. So it appears that the promise of the Savior was first announced in the Garden of Eden—immediately after Adam and Eve had sinned.
At that early time—the grace of God was revealed that allows us to be set free from the curse and conflict that came with sin.
More:
• Romans 16:20
• Galatians 3:16
• Hebrews 2:14
Next:
How have you been oblivious to the subtle temptations of the evil one? What will you do to create some healthy conflict between you and Satan?
lindagma on December 14, 2010 at 8:22 am
And isn’t it just like satan to encourage…sew the seeds of conflict within our fellowships. It’s how he thwarts what we might accomplish for the salvation of others. Who wants to be a part of a bickering and complaining group who is more like the world than Jesus. And how can we do His work, exercise our talents, if we are at odds with each other. It takes much grace and a complete focus on Jesus to overcome our “humanness” and become more like Him.
Brianbenyosef on December 14, 2010 at 8:55 am
Well said lindagma. Satan, or “Nasatan”,(Hebrew) Is the great deceiver. Butt… If he walks around like a roaring lion, he is announcing himself by the roaring. So as Christians we can see his deceptions and lies. And if we are vigilant can avoid them with GODs help!
GrowinginChrist on December 14, 2010 at 9:01 am
I am thinking that the conflicts that we encounter in life are there to make us stronger. That we must realize that they are tests that we must strive to not stress over, and not panic. As lindagma says, it takes much grace and a complete focus on Jesus to help us overcome our humanness to become more like Jesus. To my friends at ODJ I need to ask for prayer. I am being put down a condemed for my faith by my husband. I know the Lord is in control, but some days are harder than others. I know the Lord will prevail and that his way is best. Whether we reconcile our marriage or not. I will stay rooted and grounded in the word of God. I just pray for my husbands mind and soul, and ask if you would do the same. That the Lord will touch him to let him know that He is Lord.
Thank You
Aganos on December 14, 2010 at 10:45 am
Dear Growinginchrist, i understand what u feel. One weapon that satan uses against us is discouragement. He makes us feel helpless and hopeless… like we’ve reached the end. But Roms16:20 tells us that God has crushed him under our feet! Prayer is the best response to spiritual opposition (mat5:44). I was reading the inspiring ODB of 11th dec 2010 ( pls read it) and i was realy encouraged to know that people may mock our message but they are helpless to our prayers! God bless u as u continue to pray for him.
mprez2006 on December 14, 2010 at 1:17 pm
i speak the blessings of God over you all…I was truly inspired by each testimony and comment. I love the revelation Brianbenyosef got about the roaring lion…truly helpful!!! also, i have prayed for God’s child and growing in Christ. God’s will will be done….HOLD ON!! be blessed!
mprez2006 on December 14, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@ God’s child and growing in Christ 1 Peter 4:14,15
mprez2006 on December 14, 2010 at 1:21 pm
1 Peter 4:14-16
AManofGod on December 14, 2010 at 2:44 pm
The Lord knows all that we want and desire and He also knows all that we truly NEED. Sometimes we get into conflicts because we forget the difference.
Just today one of my fiends from my seminary days died. He left two young daughters and a devoted loving wife. When I think of him and his family I realize that so many of the petty things that bring hostility and confusion are so unimportant. Sometimes we humans are like “fleas” fighting over which of us owns the “dog” and that is silly.
The responses today show a broad mix of people struggling with “curses and conflicts.” I pray that all of you find a way that brings you happiness and peace with God. [Just remember to seek Him first!]
Whatever you do remember that YOU have ownership of all your actions…..so don’t let Satan or anyone else steal your joy!
AManofGod
GrowinginChrist on December 14, 2010 at 7:18 pm
To all of my ODJ friends. I thank God for all of your inspiring words of encouragement. I have read the scriptures suggested and will continue to stay in the word and stay in prayer. I will continue to speak God’s word over myself and bind Satan in the name of Jesus. I will also keep all of you in prayer. May the grace of God keep you and bless you all.