Have you ever wondered if the devil is real? Yes, we believe in the reality of a loving God and His presence among us, but does the devil really exist and attempt to impact our lives as well?
In Ephesians 6:12, the apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of the spiritual battle we face: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
This verse reveals a hidden conflict, where forces of darkness strive to undermine God’s work. It acknowledges the devil’s existence and teaches the importance of recognizing the spiritual realm’s impact on our lives.
James 4:7 offers us practical guidance in our encounter with the devil: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This simple yet powerful advice emphasizes our ability to stand against the devil’s schemes.
By leaning on God’s strength and truth, we can overcome temptations and lies that try to lead us astray. This verse empowers us to engage in the ongoing battle with confidence in Christ’s victory.
Reflecting on the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, we gain insight into the devil’s strategies. In the wilderness, the devil cunningly twisted truth to deceive Jesus. This account highlights the devil’s persistence in attempting to derail God’s plans. Jesus’ response, grounded in scripture, demonstrates our means of defense – the Word of God. Through this narrative, we learn that even Jesus encountered the reality of the devil’s temptations.
Acknowledging the reality of the devil doesn’t lead us to fear, but to vigilance. It’s about recognizing the unseen battles and understanding that the devil’s tactics aim to hinder our spiritual growth. Yet, in Christ, we have the tools to stand strong.
By staying rooted in God’s Word, we can resist the devil’s schemes and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. The God that will dwell in us if we allow Him is GREATER than any plot of the enemy! Remember and live with certainty what we find in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.