THE ENEMIES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE ENEMIES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  Acts 13:10 (KJV)
“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?”

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:13, Isaiah 5:20, Philippians 3:18-19, Matthew 23:13, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION:
Righteousness is the nature of God and His standard for living. It is not just about outward actions but a heart aligned with God’s truth, justice, and holiness. The believer is called to walk in righteousness, live righteously, and bear the fruits of righteousness in all areas of life.

However, righteousness faces opposition. The enemies of righteousness are agents — visible and invisible — that work actively to corrupt, oppose, and destroy righteous living. These enemies attempt to pervert the truth, weaken the moral fabric of society, and derail the believer from the path of holiness.

In this sermon, we will expose these enemies so we can guard our hearts, fight the good fight of faith, and maintain purity in a crooked generation. Righteousness exalts a nation, a family, and a destiny — but it must be defended from its enemies.

1. SATAN – THE ARCH ENEMY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The devil's mission is to destroy the righteous seed of God in mankind.

a) Satan attacks righteousness through lies
He is the father of lies and works to deceive believers into compromise (John 8:44).

b) He accuses the righteous before God
He constantly seeks to condemn and bring guilt (Revelation 12:10).

c) Satan tempts believers to sin
Just like he tempted Eve, he subtly offers alternatives to God’s way (Genesis 3:1-6).

d) He sows tares among the righteous
Satan plants evil people and ideologies to corrupt righteous environments (Matthew 13:24-25).

Biblical Example: Job – Satan tried to destroy his righteousness through affliction and accusation (Job 1:8-12)

2. THE FLESH – A CONSTANT INTERNAL ENEMY
Our carnal nature opposes the will of God and resists righteousness.

a) The flesh lusts against the Spirit
The desires of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

b) It seeks gratification over holiness
The flesh prefers comfort, pleasure, and sin over sacrifice and purity (Romans 8:5-8).

c) It resists spiritual discipline
Prayer, fasting, and study are hindered by fleshly laziness and excuses (Matthew 26:41).

d) It opens the door for corruption
Unchecked fleshly desires give rise to moral decay (James 1:14-15).

Biblical Example: Samson – His lustful desires led to the fall of his righteousness (Judges 16:1-21)

3. THE WORLD SYSTEM – A CULTURE AGAINST GOD’S STANDARD
The world promotes values that are directly opposed to righteousness.

a) The world calls evil good and good evil
Isaiah 5:20 warns of those who twist moral values.

b) It glorifies sin and mocks holiness
Today’s entertainment and culture often celebrate rebellion and sensuality.

c) It pressures believers to conform
Romans 12:2 commands us not to be conformed to this world.

d) It offers temporary pleasure in exchange for eternal value
Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Biblical Example: Lot – Though righteous, he was tormented by the sins of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-8)

4. FALSE TEACHERS AND DECEIVERS
They twist scriptures and mislead many into unrighteousness.

a) They preach a powerless form of godliness
2 Timothy 3:5 describes those who have a form of godliness but deny its power.

b) They promote grace without holiness
Turning grace into a license to sin (Jude 1:4).

c) They lead others into error
Jesus warned of blind leaders leading the blind (Matthew 15:14).

d) They hinder true repentance and obedience
False doctrines weaken conviction and promote compromise.

Biblical Example: Elymas the sorcerer – Paul called him the enemy of all righteousness (Acts 13:8-11)

CONCLUSION:
Righteousness is under constant attack — from Satan, the flesh, the world system, and false teachers. These enemies seek to hinder our walk with God and destroy our witness. We must stand guard, equipped with the armour of God, walking in truth and living in holiness.

God is raising a remnant of people who will love righteousness and hate iniquity. Choose to be among them. Hate what God hates and love what He loves. Stand for truth even when it’s unpopular. The crown of righteousness awaits those who finish strong.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, open my eyes to the subtle enemies of righteousness in my life.
2. Lord, deliver me from every influence of the world that corrupts holiness.
3. I crucify the flesh and its lusts in the name of Jesus.
4. Every deception of Satan targeted at my righteousness, be exposed.
5. Lord, help me to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
6. Let every false doctrine in my heart be uprooted by Your truth.
7. I receive strength to stand for righteousness in a perverse generation.
8. I resist every compromise and lukewarmness in my walk with God.
9. Lord, surround me with godly influences and kingdom-minded friends.
10. Make me a vessel of righteousness that reflects Your glory.