Our Adversary

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

The study of angels and demons (the occult) is once again peaking the interest of our culture. Christ followers have a pretty good grasp of angels and what they do, but when it comes to Satan and demons, well, not so much. That’s because Satan is deceitful — having the ability to mislead others. Yes, he is highly skilled in deceitfulness. So much so that he disguises himself as an “angel of light” [2 Corinthians 11:14].

Christian tradition teaches that Satan’s fundamental sin, which led to his fall from heaven, was pride. That’s what prompted his attempt to usurp God’s rightful place as Sovereign over all. Thus, it came about that one could attack Satan by assaulting his pride. How so? With mocking depictions of him with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. Whatever you think of him, never forget that he and his minions seek “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” [John 10:10], and that he prowls around like a lion, “seeking someone to devour” [1 Peter 5:8].

He is the leading foe of God’s people, our “adversary” [1 Peter 5:8], and the “father of lies” whose most common weapon is deceit [John 8:44].

So how can we have confidence to stand against such an enemy? Since his favorite weapon is deceit, he can be defeated by the truth. That’s why I urge you to be armed with a sound knowledge of Scripture, the very truth from God. Keep your mind renewed through daily, vigorous study of God’s Word, the Bible. In doing so, we are prepared to succeed in our confrontations with evil.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, being firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a