Resisting the Devil

[352 words]

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

The United States has not won the wars we have fought on sheer military strength alone. The commanders, the president’s advisers, and even the presidents themselves have spent a great deal of time learning about the enemy. No war is won by brute force. Tactical strategy and in-depth knowledge are always necessary.

If we are going to win the war against Satan and his forces, we must know something about him. For one, he is our adversary, a fallen angel, the prince of this age, and the father of lies. But foremost, he is a defeated foe. He deceives the body of Christ by coming as an angel of light. He strategically interjects error into our thinking with the purpose of confusing and derailing us in our spiritual walk. Satan’s chief goal is to cause us to doubt God.

The way to oppose him is with the truth of God’s Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you want to win spiritually in this life, begin by memorizing scripture. Even a single verse can make a big difference when it comes to spiritual warfare. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Confess it, and then pray for His strength to tum from it. Dedicate your life to glorifying God and not the ways of the world.

The enemy will always remind you of times of defeat, but )esus Christ speaks only of His love and power and victory. You can place your complete hope in Him because He will never fail you. The battle is His to win as you daily trust Him. He will fight for you if you let Him. Besides, He has never lost!

“To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me” (Psalm 25:1).