Why You Should Respect the Devil as a Formidable Foe
Introduction
Let’s be clear: respecting the devil doesn’t mean liking, admiring, or showing reverence for him. Rather, it’s an acknowledgement of his capability as a formidable adversary. As Christians, it’s crucial that we don’t underestimate the enemy we are up against. Just as a well-trained soldier must respect the capability of his enemy, Christians must understand the devil’s tactics in order to combat them effectively.
Here are 10 reasons, supported by Bible verses, that make it abundantly clear why you should respect the devil as a formidable foe.
1. The Devil is Cunning
Reason:
The devil is not a mere nuisance; he is a master of deception. He often disguises evil as good, making it difficult for people to discern his true intentions.
Bible Verse:
2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Explanation:
This verse warns us about the devil’s deceptive nature. Being aware of this is crucial, so we aren’t fooled by appearances and make judgments based on spiritual discernment.
2. He Knows Scripture
Reason: The devil is well-versed in the Bible and will attempt to use it against you. His knowledge enables him to twist Scripture to suit his ends.
Bible Verse:
Matthew 4:6 – “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you.'”
Explanation:
During Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12 to try and deceive Him. Knowing the Word of God inside and out enables us to recognize when it’s being misused.
3. He’s a Schemer
Reason:
The devil meticulously plans his attacks. He doesn’t act randomly but targets our vulnerabilities.
Bible Verse:
Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Explanation:
The devil has schemes, which means he plans his attacks. Ephesians 6:11 underscores the need to be spiritually prepared and protected to withstand these assaults.
4. He’s Relentless
Reason:
The devil never gives up. He’s always looking for opportunities to infiltrate our defenses.
Bible Verse:
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Explanation:
This verse captures the relentless nature of the devil. Like a lion on the hunt, he is continually seeking opportunities to devour believers.
5. He Knows Our Weaknesses
Reason:
Satan pays attention and knows where we’re most susceptible to falling.
Bible Verse:
Luke 4:13 – “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.”
Explanation:
This verse shows that the devil waits for an opportune moment. He is aware of our weaknesses and will exploit them when we are most vulnerable.
6. He Influences Minds
Reason:
One of the devil’s primary battlefields is the mind. He plants thoughts and influences attitudes.
Bible Verse:
2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Explanation:
This verse shows the devil’s power to blind people’s minds, thereby preventing them from understanding the truth of the Gospel. To combat this, we must guard our thoughts and focus on God’s Word.
7. He’s Been Around
Reason:
The devil has been observing and tempting humans since the Garden of Eden. He has a lot of experience.
Bible Verse:
Genesis 3:1 – “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made.”
Explanation:
From the very beginning, the devil has been crafty and deceptive. His long history of tempting humans makes him a seasoned adversary.
8. He Targets the Faithful
Reason:
The devil especially targets those who are actively living out their faith.
Bible Verse:
Luke 22:31 – “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.”
Explanation:
Here, Jesus warns Peter that Satan has asked to “sift” him, targeting Peter due to his leadership role among the disciples.
9. He Creates Division
Reason:
One of the devil’s primary tactics is to sow discord among believers.
Bible Verse:
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Explanation:
Though the devil isn’t directly mentioned here, division within the church serves his purposes. As Christians, unity is our strength, and we should strive to maintain it.
10. He’s Not Alone
Reason:
The devil isn’t working by himself; he has a host of demonic forces at his disposal.
Bible Verse:
Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle on multiple fronts. We aren’t just fighting the devil, but also the spiritual forces that operate under him.
Conclusion
Respecting the devil’s capability as an enemy doesn’t mean we fear him. Armed with the strength and wisdom that come from God and His Word, we can thwart the devil’s schemes and live a victorious life in Christ. The first step to victory is acknowledging the kind of enemy we are up against. Only then can we effectively combat his tactics and fulfill our divine calling. The reason why many Christians struggle with their spiritual lives is because they underrate the enemy. Check your life, do you sincerely think that you are winning? Take this as a light of knowledge that will prepare you for the war currently going on. Or you are not aware that there is war?
Osoria Asibor
Copyright 2023