Introduction
Today we are going to talk about a topic that can sometimes be misunderstood or sensationalized: the devil and demonic forces. The Bible’s goal is not to make us obsessed with the demonic, but to make us aware, sober-minded, and prepared.
God doesn’t want us to live in fear of the enemy; He wants us to live with a healthy respect for the reality of the fight and an unshakable confidence in our King’s power over it all. So, let’s set aside the Hollywood images and look at what Scripture actually teaches about this first front in our three-front war.
Who is the Enemy?
The Bible presents Satan, or the devil, as a real, personal, spiritual being—a fallen angel who rebelled against God out of pride. He is not God’s equal opposite. He is a created being, and he is a defeated foe. But he is still active in the world.
1 Peter 5:8 describes him this way: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
His goal is to “devour”—to destroy your faith, your family, your witness, and your joy. His primary weapon is not physical power, but deception. Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He operates in the realm of ideas, accusations, and half-truths. He is the spirit behind the chaos and darkness in the world.
What are His Strategies?
Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” The word for “strategies” here is methodeia in Greek, from which we get our word “method.” This means he is methodical. He has a playbook. What does it include?
- Deception and Lies: This is his primary tactic. He questions God’s Word (“Did God really say…?”), he questions God’s character (“God is holding out on you”), and he questions your identity (“You’re a failure, God could never love you”). He builds strongholds of lies in our minds.
- Temptation and Accusation: He is a master at tempting us into sin, using the world and our flesh as his allies. Then, the moment we fall, he switches hats from Tempter to Accuser, heaping shame and condemnation on us to make us feel unworthy to come back to God.
- Division and Discord: Wherever you see pointless arguments, baseless gossip, and bitter division—especially in the church or in families—you can be sure the enemy is at work. He knows a house divided cannot stand, so he sows discord to neutralize our effectiveness.
What is Our Response?
The Bible never tells us to go looking for demons or to engage them in conversation. Our strategy is clear and consistent throughout Scripture. First, we are to submit to God. Second, we are to resist the devil.
James 4:7 says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
We resist him not with our own power, but by wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. We stand on the truth. We don’t give in to the lie. We don’t entertain the accusation. We don’t participate in the division. We stand firm in the victory Christ has already won.
Practical Steps/Takeaways
How do we live this out sober-mindedly?
- 1. Test Your Thoughts: When a thought comes into your mind that is full of fear, anxiety, accusation, or confusion, get in the habit of asking: “Does this sound like my loving Heavenly Father, or does it sound like the father of lies?”
- 2. Speak the Truth: The way to combat a lie is with the truth. When you feel accused, speak God’s truth about your forgiveness in Christ. When you feel fearful, speak God’s truth about His sovereignty and love.
- 3. Stay in Community: The lion looks for the one who is isolated. Resisting the devil means staying in close, honest fellowship with other believers who can pray for you and speak truth to you when you can’t see it for yourself.
Conclusion
We do not need to be afraid. Our King has already disarmed and defeated the enemy at the cross. But we do need to be aware. We have a real enemy with real strategies. Let’s be people who are wise to his schemes, rooted in God’s truth, and confident in the unshakable, unbeatable power of Jesus Christ.
