There are two types of enemies, though both might want you dead! One type is the obvious and openly hateful person who emanates contempt and ill will for you. The other type of enemy is actually more dangerous than the former. He is the enemy in disguise. He appears to be a trusted friend or even neutral, but that is far from reality. He is a deceiver and hiding his hateful heart.
There are also two types of enemies in disguise! One enemy is intent on hurting you physically, financially, socially or some other temporal way. The other type of enemy in disguise has the ability, intentionally or unintentionally, to hurt or destroy you spiritually, as a so-called “friend” or family member might. Since the worst way to hurt a person is spiritually, the worst of the worst kind of enemy in disguise will resemble the devil in that way, one who tempts into sin. He will lead you into sin, and into hell with him, if you are not careful, guarded and stand firm.
Solomon’s Wives Were Enemies in Disguise
A perfect example of the worst type of enemy in disguise is Solomon’s pagan wives, who he loved dearly:
King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter–Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites…. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. (1 Ki 11:1,4,5)
Since Solomon was hurt spiritually through idolatry, he was hurt much worst than if they had killed him! Imagine that! The ones he loved, hurt him the worst – in a spiritual way. His heart turned from God through their wicked influence. They didn’t appear to be obvious enemies, but definitely were! Solomon must have looked on them as a type of treasure and harmless, but that is far from reality. The Bible teaches that bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:33). Solomon’s apostasy, through those he loved, is a prime example of how wicked people (even a family member) can bring a godly person down! Solomon was previously very godly before his heart turned to idolatry! What an important truth, especially for all Christian singles. That is also related to what Jesus said:
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (Mat 10:36,37)
Jesus was speaking of an enemy in disguise, that is, one from a Christian’s own family, which can be very loving just like Solomon’s pagan wives were to him. The Lord Jesus said we must love him (which means obey and please him) more than our blood relatives, to be worthy of him. If not, we are unworthy of Jesus! To be unworthy of Jesus is to be unworthy of eternal life, since Jesus is eternal life. Hence, unlike Solomon who had exceptional wisdom, you must act differently. If your loving spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. is ungodly and hurting you spiritually, you must love God first and above him or her, even if it causes a serious strain in your relationship. To do otherwise is to invite spiritual death and damnation in the lake of fire. Don’t risk it. Your relationship with God is most important. Your SOUL is your most valuable possession.
False Teachers are Enemies in Disguise
People who teach falsely regarding an aspect of salvation are VERY DANGEROUS. Such people are false teachers, even though they may be right about many other doctrinal issues. The worst type of false teacher is a trusted and unrecognized false teacher – one in disguise. Though it sounds extreme, a false teacher like that who is popular, is worse than a trusted quack medical doctor, who brings many to an early death! Such a false teacher is a prime example of an enemy in disguise. In fact, a popular false teacher like that is much more dangerous than Solomon’s wives and stumble many more people spiritually. Remember this: The devil, who can come as a angel of light, has doctrines of demons and his servants can appear as ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15) — all designed to deceive and destroy you. You must be on guard. Jesus said:
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Rev 3:11)
Don’t let anyone take your crown – enemy in disguise or not! You are battling for eternity.
