S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In Latin, an enemy was an "inimicus." From that word we get enmity, which we use as a synonym for animosity or hatred. Hostility and ill will are often signs of enmity.The Bible speaks of enmity in...

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January 10 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the definition of enmity?

Enmity is a deep-seated, often mutual feeling of intense hatred, ill will, or active hostility toward someone or something. It represents a state of being enemies, frequently used to describe long-lasting, deep-rooted antagonism between individuals, groups, or countries. It is often used in contexts such as "personal enmities," "Cold War," or Biblical instances of "enmity between you and the woman".

Ro 8:7, 8 ESV: 7 "...because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: 8 and they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

Paul refers to our fallen condition as imperfect humans with inherited sinful tendencies. Giving in to the inclinations of the fallen flesh will destroy our peace. If a Christian unrepentantly commits immorality, lies, steals, takes drugs, or in some other way breaks the divine law, he disrupts the peace with God that he once enjoyed.

James Chapter 4:4 says in ESV, "4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God."

"Enmity with God" (James 4:4) describes a state of active hostility, spiritual adultery, or rebellion against God, resulting from aligning with worldly values, pride, or selfish lusts. It signifies a broken, alienated relationship where one opposes God's will and loves the world's sinful system. It is the opposite of friendship with God, characterised by selfishness and disobedience. 

Enmity exists because God's perfect standards do not allow him to approve or condone wrongdoing. (Ps 5:4; 89:14)

M'Clintock and Strong's Cyclopædia (1894, Vol. VIII, p. 958) says, the relation between God and sinful man is thus "a legal one, as that of a sovereign, in his judicial capacity, and a criminal who has violated his laws and risen against his authority, and who is therefore treated as an enemy." This is the situation into which humanity was brought because of the inheritance of sin from their first father, Adam.

Did you know? The resemblance between enmity and enemy is no coincidence: both words come from the Anglo-French word enemi, which literally translates to "enemy." And when you feel enmity for a particular person—that is, deep-seated dislike or ill will—"enemy" may very well be an apt descriptor for them.

Conclusion

What causes enmity with God?

Phronema sarkos is a Greek phrase from Romans 8 in the New Testament, often translated as "carnal mind," "mind of the flesh," or "desire of the flesh". It refers to a mindset, disposition, or focus entirely on worldly, sinful desires, which is inherently hostile to God and not subject to His law.

Stopping a carnal, or worldly, mindset involves actively shifting focus from selfish desires and physical senses to spiritual priorities through Bible study, prayer, and submission to God. Key actions include renewing the mind with scripture, repenting of worldliness, resisting temptation, and cultivating a lifestyle of worship and fellowship.

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