The Enemy’s Schemes

 Ezra 4; Psalms 113, 127; Luke 9 

“When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord…they came to Zerubbabel…and said, ‘Let us help you build’…Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building…they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.”

Ezra 4:1, 2, 4, 6

When we give ourselves to the work of Christ’s mission and live for his glory, we will face opposition. The temple represented the presence of God in Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of God’s glory were costly. The enemies of Judah began by offering to help in the rebuilding. Their offer concealed hearts that were filled with malice and jealousy. When this was exposed, the enemies of Judah set out to discourage God’s people and sow fear among them. They accused God’s people of rebellion and appealed to the king of Persia. Today, not all offers of support for God’s kingdom are genuine. Satan is still sending his imposters to thwart God’s purposes and glory.

When we serve God, are we expecting spiritual warfare?

How will we respond?

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but the powers of darkness who work through human agent (Ephesians 6:12).

Will we humble ourselves and pray so the schemes of the enemy are exposed?

“Lord Jesus, you are my glory. Expose any schemes of the enemy to deceive, discourage, or defeat your purposes in my life, your church, or your mission.”