enemies – La Vista Church of Christ

Becoming Your Enemy

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:25:27 +0000

by Micky Galloway

Paul wrote the Galatian letter to those who had been influenced by Judaizing teachers who had bound, as necessary to salvation, certain aspects of the Law of Moses. Paul indicted some of them, "Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the Law; ye are fallen away from grace" (Galatians 5:4). This was a serious charge. Earlier in his letter, Paul had written, "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse: for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law, to do them'" (Galatians 3:10).

The Judaizing teachers did not realize that justification under the Law of Moses was not possible unless they kept it perfectly. Paul pronounced God's anathema upon anyone who preached such a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:9). Evidently, from the text, the Judaizing teachers were causing many casualties. Though Paul had a very close relationship with the Galatian churches (cf. Galatians 4:15), he expressed fear that he had wasted his time, "I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain" (Galatians 4:11). He then asked them, "So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16). This question had far-reaching implications.

God's children need to be rebuked when they sin. In Acts 8, the text tells us that as Philip preached in Samaria, "Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed" (Acts 8:13). Yet, when Simon offered the apostles money to buy the ability to impart spiritual gifts, Peter rebuked him saying, "Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:20-22).

When Peter disassociated himself from the Gentile converts in Antioch, Paul rebuked him to the face because "he stood condemned" (Galatians 2:11). Peter's actions were hypocritical.

Paul instructed young Timothy to reprove elders who sin "in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear" (I Timothy 5:20).

The preaching of truth often makes enemies.

As Moses sought to free the children of Israel, Pharaoh threatened to kill him, "Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die" (Exodus 10:28).
Likewise, wicked Jezebel threatened Elijah: "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life" (I Kings 19:2-3).
Jezebel's husband, King Ahab of Israel, said of the prophet Micaiah, "I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (I Kings 22:8).

None of this is new, for men have always opposed truth. Jesus attempted to prepare the apostles for their work by telling them, "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22).

Some become enemies of the truth in ignorance. Paul is an example of this; he thought he was doing right in persecuting the church. He said, "I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this I also did ..." (Acts 26:9; cf. I Timothy 1:13).
Others are so blinded by prejudice that they cannot believe the truth (cf. John 12:39). These obviously do not love the truth (cf. II Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Still others knowingly and deliberately make themselves enemies of the truth. Jesus explained why in John 3:19-20, "men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved."
Truth, however, must be preached, even at the expense of making enemies. Paul charged Timothy to "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables" (II Timothy 4:1-4). As we have heard so many times before, "Just one untaught generation leads to apostasy."

Paul spoke of the Judaizing teachers among the Galatians as "false brethren ... who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour." Why did Paul take such a hard stand? He continued ... "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Galatians 2:4-5). Paul had no desire to please people. His only desire was to please God. "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). If Paul wanted to please men, he would never have stopped practicing Judaism. As a Jew, he had many things to his credit, but he was willing, for Christ's sake, to count it all loss, "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him ... " (Philippians 3:7-9).

Yes, preaching the truth makes enemies, but the consequences for failing to teach it are worse; souls are lost. Those who taught that the Gentiles had to be circumcised were "subverting their souls" (cf. Acts 15:24). The word used here for "subverting" is the Greek word "psuchas." It means to "turn away violently from a right state, to unsettle" (Thayer). Those who mislead the ones whom they are trying to teach will receive "heavier judgment," or greater condemnation (James 3:1; cf. Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47). There are eternal consequences for teaching that which is false. Therefore, let us "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season ..." That means, preach it right, when they like it and when they don't like it, but preach the word.

A Long Way to Go

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:42:26 +0000

by Chadwick Brewer

I have a long way to go.

Often, I am tempted and lulled into thinking that I am doing well in my attempts to be like Jesus. I pat myself on the back and congratulate myself on how far I have come. Then someone comes along and highlights an aspect of Jesus’s character that I have not considered, and it puts everything into sharp relief.

“Jesus loved in a way that no one knew it was Judas. He was welcomed at dinner, had his feet washed, and when Jesus said that his betrayer was at the table, no one knew it was Judas because Jesus treated him like any other.”

I have such a long way to go and so much to learn from the Teacher.

Love or Hate

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:27:41 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

If the Law said to "hate your enemies" (via Matthew 5:43), and Jesus was obligated to uphold the Law, then Jesus was obligated to hate His enemies, and He would have sinned if He did not hate his enemies. No! That will not work! Jesus does not contrast His own new moral standard with the Old Mosaic standard. Otherwise, He was obligated to do two conflicting things (love His enemies and hate them until He died on the cross). No! That does not work!

What Jesus is doing in the Sermon on the Mount is contrasting the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" (Matthew 5:20ff) with the true righteousness of the Law, which standard Jesus upheld perfectly. The law commanded that the Israelites "love your neighbor." The Pharisees tried to justify themselves by claiming that some people do not fit the "neighbor" part if they are your enemy. Thus, they could always justify their hatred for certain people by classifying them as their "enemy." When you define who your neighbor is and who your enemy is, then you are always doing right, no matter who you love or hate. No! The Law did not teach this ridiculous standard! It was the Pharisee's standard, and the real standard is to love your neighbor who is a friend or enemy.

You have people who make themselves your enemies because they are hateful, but your standard is to love them (hold goodwill for them, valuing their souls even if they are ignorant and foolish). You have enemies, not because you make them enemies, but because some people make themselves enemies. You still love their souls and hope they will change!

Mercy to Enemies

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:05:41 +0000

by Zeke Flores

"Ah, sword of Yahweh, how long will you not be quiet? Withdraw into your sheath; be at rest and stay still. How can it be quiet? Yahweh has given it a command; against Ashkelon and against the seacoast — there He has assigned it" (Jeremiah 47:6-7 LSB).

While God's judgment is certain on those who deny their accountability to Him, Jeremiah 46:6-7 seems like a cry for mercy toward them. Whether it’s the anguish of the Philistines upon whom the devastation was promised or Jeremiah’s concern for his national neighbors, it’s a helpful reminder to be intercessors for people doomed to condemnation.

We may not like the attitudes and actions of the ungodly surrounding us, but what are we doing about it? Here are two things we can do:

The first is easy: Pray for them. Instead of complaining and lamenting their way of life, lift them up to God in prayer, hoping they’ll turn to Him.

The second is a little more challenging. Give them the message they need to change their ways. Try to think of ways to help without being confrontational, to declare God’s will without being obnoxious.

Being condemned before God is the worst thing that can happen to a person; wouldn’t you rather see them saved?

On Enemies

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:45:10 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

They made up their mind not to like me for no good reason, but God loves me greatly for deep reasons. Who do I trust?
They undermine me, but God upholds me! Who matters to me the most?
They choose to keep me out, but God chooses to keep me near. Who has the greater hold on my heart?
They backstab me with their words to others, but God draws me in with gentle cords of love. Who wins in the battle for my emotional well-being?
They want to see me fail, but God wants to see me succeed. Who has my greater interest?

Jesus tells us that we cannot avoid having people choose to be our enemies. He had plenty! But once we accept that reality, He wants us to have goodwill (love) for them (Matthew 5:44-48) because despite their ignorance, there is a chance that by doing good to them we can win a few over from the dark side to the side of love and light! If we can see past their ignorance to their eternal value, we too can pray, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" Such a prayer makes you better and puts you in better charge of your emotions and actions towards others.

Wrongfully My Enemies

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 16 May 2019 18:46:22 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

Ever had people who seemed to hate you for no good reason? They made up their mind that they did not like you, but that was not enough. They worked behind your back to undermine you and sought to get rid of you or ruin you. David would say "welcome to the club." Jesus would say, "don't be surprised."

David spoke of experiencing this behavior from people he had been nothing but kind toward. He had no idea why people would behave this way, but he prayed that their efforts would be brought to justice before God. Psalms 35:11-28

"Fierce witnesses rise up; they ask me things that I do not know. They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother. But in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered together; attackers gathered against me, and I did not know it; they tore at me and did not cease; with ungodly mockers at feasts they gnashed at me with their teeth.

"Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, my precious life from the lions. I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies; nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause. For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful matters against the quiet ones in the land. They also opened their mouth wide against me, and said, "Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it."

"This You have seen, O Lord; do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me. Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, to my cause, my God and my Lord. Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. Let them not say in their hearts, "Ah, so we would have it!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up." Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me.

"Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long."

David put such matters in the hand of God and trusted God to handle it. People who wrongfully make themselves the enemies of good, decent people, will give account to God. He will bring this spirit to justice. We want to make sure we are not wrongfully making ourselves the enemies of others.

Psalms 22

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:08:04 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Psalms22.mp3

Text: Psalms 22

I. Life can get very difficult at times and we can easily get overwhelmed by the struggle. What do we do?

II. Why doesn’t God do something? - Psalms 22:1-5

A. We not only want a solution, we also have a time in mind that we want it solved by.

B. It might appear to us that God has forgotten about us and left us to our problems.

1. Jesus quote the first line of this psalm as he was dying on the cross - Matthew 27:46

2. In truth, this psalm is really about Jesus’ death

C. But the psalmist notes that God is Holy. He always does what is right.

1. Jesus knew that God was with him - John 8:28-29

2. God stated that He takes care of the well-being of His people - Isaiah 48:12-19

D. History also shows that God was there to deliver.

E. Still, it doesn’t make the trial any less severe. And for Jesus, both he and the Father knew that it was necessary, not only for him to suffer but to die in order that mankind might be saved. But it didn’t make the suffering and humiliation less painful.

III. Why must people make it worse? - Psalms 22:6-10

A. There is a tendency for people to kick the guy who is down

B. As Jesus suffered on the cross, people mocked him - Matthew 26:66-68; 27:39-40

C. But again the psalmist notes

1. God brought us into this world, so therefore He cares

2. God taught us to trust others, even from our infancy

3. Even when everyone else fails us, God is still our source of comfort

D. Jesus was the creator of the universe, but at this moment in time, he felt less than a man – a mere worm to be despised by others

IV. Encompassed by your enemies - Psalms 22:11-21

A. When it comes time to leave this earth, I think most want their family and friends at their side

B. But at Jesus’ death, he was surrounded by those who hated his very existence

1. The psalmist describes them as bulls, lions, and wild dogs

C. Yet when all others have abandoned us, God is there at our side, to save our life and to carry us home

D. But the fear is still there and the feeling of weakness and the inability to defend yourself

V. What can you do? Praise God! - Psalms 22:22-26

A. The answer contradicts every feeling that you possess at the time

1. It is looking at the outcome, instead of the momentary heartache - James 1:2-4

B. This passage is quoted in Hebrews 2:10-15.

1. Through Jesus’ death, God freed His children

2. But such a result could not be obtained until suffering was endured

C. It is only afterward, when the results are obtained that we can realize that God never did abandoned us - Psalms 22:24

D. Ultimately, the praise comes from God. That praise spreads from the one who suffered to all who benefitted.

VI. And the result? All will remember - Psalms 22:27-31

A. The impact of what Jesus did reached to the remotest places on earth.

1. Families in all nations worship the God who controls the nations.

2. The prosperous worship and the lowest of low bow before God

3. All of mankind who cannot save himself from death

B. The succeeding generations will pass on the remembrance of his deed - I Corinthians 11:26

VII. Nearly a thousand years before Jesus came to earth, David wrote this psalm

A. It records accurately Jesus being left to die a humiliating death.

1. It describes crucifixion before crucifixion was developed

2. It evens records what people said at the cross and the dividing of his clothing by lot

3. And even now, three thousand years later, it speaks of us remembering the impact that the death of this one man had upon the entire world.

B. More, it tells us of the suffering and the utter dependence on God who delivers.

1. It gives us insight into the feelings of Jesus who both suffered and triumphed

C. And it lays out the same path that we can take through the hardships of life because we serve the same God.