Sitting at the Enemy’s Campfire
There’s a subtle danger in the comfort of a warm fire, especially when that fire belongs to the enemy.
In the Gospels, we find a chilling moment that speaks volumes without many words. After Jesus was arrested, the Apostle Peter, who had boldly vowed to never leave Jesus’ side, found himself following at a distance. Then, in Luke 22:55, we read:
“And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.”
Luke 22:55 (ESV)
Peter sat at the fire of the very ones who arrested his Lord. He was cold, confused, and afraid. Maybe it felt like the safest option at the time, just blend in, stay warm, and figure things out later. But moments later, around that same fire, Peter denied Jesus three times.
That’s what the enemy’s campfire does. It offers temporary warmth but leads to spiritual compromise.
This study will explore the subtle ways believers can find themselves sitting at the devil’s campfire, seeking comfort, affirmation, or convenience in places that ultimately oppose Christ. Sometimes it’s entertainment that dulls conviction. Other times, it’s compromise in relationships, secret sins, or worldviews that quietly pull us out of alignment with God’s truth.
The problem is: you may not even realize you’re sitting there.
That’s the danger. The devil doesn’t pitch his camp with flashing red lights and skulls on stakes. His fire is inviting. His seat is open. And he whispers, “It’s just for a little while.” But while we warm ourselves at his fire, we often find ourselves denying the One we say we love.
Let this study be a mirror and a call.
To examine where you’re sitting.
To listen to what voices you’re warming yourself beside.
And to remember that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4).
The Campfires of This World: Conformed or Transformed?
The Bible gives us a clear and sobering command in Romans 12:2:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
This verse is a direct warning: Don’t let the world shape you.
To be “conformed” means to be molded, like soft clay pressed into a pattern. It’s passive. It happens when we let our guard down, when we stop renewing our minds with the Word of God, and when we cozy up to the world’s campfires. The world is full of glowing flames that promise comfort, entertainment, inclusion, or success. But they don’t come from God; they burn with the enemy’s lies.
And many believers don’t even realize they’ve sat down.
Just like Peter, they didn’t mean to walk away from Christ. They were just cold, tired, lonely, or afraid, and the fire was right there.
But soon, they find themselves warming their hearts by the flames of:
- Compromised relationships that draw them away from godliness,
- Media that glorify sin and mock holiness,
- A culture that celebrates self above sacrifice,
- A mindset that tells them to follow their heart instead of following Christ.
Paul says: Don’t be conformed. That’s a warning to believers. That means it’s possible for us to slide into worldly thinking without even realizing it. That’s why he follows it with the solution: be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You can’t resist the pull of the world by willpower alone; you need to be transformed by truth.
And that means stepping away from the fire.
It means getting uncomfortable with the world’s comforts. It means saying no to things that everyone else is saying yes to. It means living in the light of God’s presence, even when it’s not popular or easy.
Because here’s the truth:
The devil’s campfires always burn you in the end.
But the fire of the Holy Spirit refines you, and that fire leads to life.
Recognizing the Campfires: Where Are You Sitting?
Not all of the enemy’s campfires are obvious. The danger is in their disguise; they feel normal, even good. But the longer we sit there, the more we grow spiritually numb. Let’s look at some of the modern-day campfires the enemy uses to lure us in:
1. The Campfire of Compromised Entertainment
We live in a culture saturated with media that promotes violence, lust, pride, witchcraft, and rebellion. It’s often framed as “just for fun,” but over time, it dulls our spiritual sensitivity.
“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes…”
Psalm 101:3 (NASB)
Ask yourself:
- Do I consume shows, music, or games that normalize what God calls sin?
- Am I more entertained by darkness than disturbed by it?
2. The Campfire of People-Pleasing and Approval
Social media and cultural pressure often make us crave the approval of others more than the approval of God. We begin to shape our identity based on likes, trends, and what the world applauds.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?… If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
Ask yourself:
- Do I keep quiet about my faith to avoid discomfort?
- Have I changed my behavior or beliefs to be accepted?
3. The Campfire of Bitterness and Unforgiveness
Sometimes the enemy’s fire looks like comfort, a place to rehearse our pain. But staying there keeps us in bondage and distances us from God’s grace.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger… be put away from you… Forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV)
Ask yourself:
- Do I keep returning to old wounds instead of seeking healing?
- Have I excused unforgiveness because of how I was treated?
4. The Campfire of Secret Sin
Private sin feels manageable, even hidden, but it always separates us from God’s best. The longer we stay, the dimmer our light becomes.
“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest…”
Luke 8:17 (ESV)
Ask yourself:
- Is there anything I wouldn’t want brought into the light?
- Have I gotten used to a sin that once convicted me?
How to Walk Away from the Fire
Stepping away isn’t just about stopping bad behavior; it’s about turning your heart fully back to God. Here’s how:
1. Repent and Return
Confession is where it starts. Come clean before the Lord and ask Him to expose what you’ve been ignoring.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands… and purify your hearts.”
James 4:8
2. Renew Your Mind Daily
Get back into the Word. Saturate your mind with God’s truth, not the world’s lies.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
3. Change Your Environment
Sometimes walking away means cutting off access, changing what you watch, ending toxic relationships, or stepping away from tempting routines.
“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 6:17
4. Surround Yourself with the Right Fire
God has His own fire, the fire of His Spirit, His people, and His Word. Surround yourself with believers who stir up your faith, not smother it.
“Fan into flame the gift of God… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power…”
2 Timothy 1:6–7
Final Reflection
Where are you sitting today?
What fire are you warming your heart beside?
This world is filled with campfires, many glowing with false warmth, but fueled by lies. Don’t wait until the flames burn your faith. Don’t wait until you find yourself denying Christ in subtle ways like Peter did.
Jesus is calling you to get up from the enemy’s campfire and return to Him, the true source of light, warmth, and life.
🔥 Reflection Challenge: “Change Seats”
This week, take time each day to sit with the Lord and ask:
“Lord, where have I been sitting that I shouldn’t be?”
Write down whatever He brings to your heart. It might be a habit, a relationship, a mindset, or a form of entertainment. Don’t brush it off, even if it seems small. The Holy Spirit often whispers before He shouts.
Then ask:
“What would it look like to walk away from that campfire and return to You?”
Make one practical change. Turn off the show. Mute the influence. Have the hard conversation. Spend the time you would’ve wasted in His Word or prayer. Change seats, and sit at the fire of God’s presence.
Remember: Peter denied Jesus around the enemy’s fire,
but later, on the shores of Galilee, Jesus built a fire of restoration for him (John 21).
God’s fire is still burning. He’s waiting to restore you, refine you, and reignite your heart.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come to you humbly, acknowledging that I have often sought warmth and comfort in the wrong places.
Forgive me for the times I’ve sat at the enemy’s campfire, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
Reveal to me the areas of my life where I’ve grown comfortable with compromise.
Break my heart for what breaks Yours.
Help me to walk away from the world’s patterns and draw near to You with a renewed mind and a clean heart.
Fill me with the fire of Your Spirit, a fire that purifies, strengthens, and leads me into truth.
Teach me to love what is holy and to flee what is harmful, even when it’s subtle.
May I never be satisfied with imitation fires,
but seek the true warmth that comes only from You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
DEEP WATERS 
Leave a comment