Your Adversary, the Devil

Friday, June 16
10:30 a.m. 
Traffic is light as I turn onto Knight Road. Earlier this morning God had directed me to write the blog, Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith, and now I need to get a few errands done. As I’m driving God’s Spirit suddenly reminds me of the words of 1 Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

I had just written how the Devil was the Father of Lies who blinds those who follow him lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the Devil obviously did not appreciate being exposed. The time for subtlety was long past. I was no longer blinded by his schemes and following him cheerfully, blissfully unaware of the danger I was in. I was, through God’s Spirit, encroaching on his domain and he wasn’t going to take it sitting down. 

It didn’t take long for retaliation to begin. At our first stop my two youngest sons began to fight so incessantly, I had to turn around and go home. My boys fight occasionally, but it’s never been that bad that the only solution was to go home. The day didn’t get better. Everything that could possibly irritate, annoy and frustrate me happened. Later my husband came home and we quickly began fighting too. It was over something so insignificant I can’t for the life of me even remember what it was about!  Discouraged and defeated I turned to God. He quickly reminded me of His word. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. James 4:7-8a 

He then reminded me of the armour of God. 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18 

One commentary explained it like this: “You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.” D. Guzik 

 “Even though Satan’s ultimate defeat is guaranteed, Christians must not take his works lightly. He wages a daily war for our hearts and minds.” B. Graham 

 “This is your armor from God to fight spiritual battles. In your own strength Satan is a formidable enemy; but when you are properly armed for spiritual warfare, you can stand against the devil’s schemes.” B. Graham 

 “While aware of Satan’s work we must be even more aware of the real source of Power: Jesus Christ. Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of lords.” B. Graham 

One of Satan's tactics is to create division. "Divide and conquer" is a motto he came up with. Jesus knew this and instead prayed for unity among believers. 

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. John 17:20-21 

Satan loves division. If he can divide us, we become easier targets. Even within our own families when we fight and argue and disagree amongst each other, we quickly lose our unity and forget that we are on the same side. 

Now when my children fight amongst each other I ask them: "Do you think the Devil is happy you are fighting?" Even very little children can quickly grasp that Satan loves it when they fight and call each other names and hurt each other.  “That makes Satan happy? Well then I don’t want to do that!” was Justin’s quick response. 

Be alert. Be wary. Know your enemy and his tricks. 

Spurgeon explains it this way:

"TO BE A CHRISTIAN is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battlefield. Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God. His occupation is war. As he puts on piece by piece of the panoply provided for him, he may wisely say to himself, "This warns me of danger; this prepares me for warfare; this prophesies opposition." Difficulties meet us even in standing our ground; for the apostle, two or three times, bids us-"Stand." In the rush of the fight, men are apt to be carried off their legs. If they can keep their footing, they will be victorious; but if they are borne down by the rush of their adversaries, everything is lost. You are to put on the heavenly armor in order that you may stand; and you will need it to maintain the position in which your Captain has placed you. If even to stand requires all this care, judge ye what the warfare must be! The apostle also speaks of withstanding as well as standing. We are not merely to defend, but also to assail. It is not enough that you are not conquered; you have to conquer: and hence we find, that we are to take, not only a helmet to protect the head, but also a sword, with which to annoy the foe. Ours, therefore, is a stern conflict, standing and withstanding; and we shall want all the armor from the divine magazine, all the strength from the mighty God of Jacob." C. Spurgeon 

 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4