"They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occured; in this way, they have turned some people away from that faith." 2 Timothy 2:18(NLT)

Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 2:9-19

INTRODUCTION
Faith in the existence of God, God's word and the person of Jesus Christ are sacrosanct to christianity. Faith in God is the anchor of our soul in the face of crisis, the hope for tomorrow, the basis of our engagement with God and other spiritual realities. Anything that erodes, undermines or works against what we believe as Christians is an enemy of the faith.
The devil and his cohorts, human agents, worldly lust and certain circumstances of life often stand against the entrance, deposit, establishment and application of God's word in our lives. We are to steadfastly resist anyone or anything that wars against our faith (Ephesians 6:11)

INDENTIFYING THE ENEMIES OF FAITH
1. Satan - Genesis 3:1-5, Mattt 13:18-19

2. False teachers/prophets - 2 Timothy 2:16-18, Acts 13:6-8

3. Worldly passion and cares of life - Matthew 13:22, James 1:13-15

4. Life's challenges - Romans 4:19-20, Job 2:9-10

5. Doubt and unbelief - Mark 11:23, James 1:6-8

6. Fear - Mark 5:36, Mark 4:40

7. Trusting in self - John 15:5, Proverbs 3:5

8. Inaction - James 2:26, 2 Corinthians 4:13

CONCLUSION: "And the lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" - Luke 22:31