The Devil’s Disguise
If anyone is qualified to educate us on the devil, it’s Peter. Peter is the disciple who was in Jesus’ inner circe. Peter is the disciple who got out of a boat and defied gravity by walking on water only to sink moments later because he took his eyes off Jesus. Peter is the disciple who witnessed first-hand the result of the devil’s possession of Judas and he was present when his fellow disciple and friend betrayed Christ. Peter is the only disciple who tried to correct Jesus, thus becoming the only disciple to be called Satan by Jesus. (Think about that. No matter how bad of a day you are having right now, at least you haven’t been called Satan by Jesus! You’re welcome.) Peter is the disciple who adamantly told Jesus that he would never deny Him…and then did exactly what he said he wouldn’t do. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Listen to Peter. He knows. Notice that Peter doesn’t say the devil is a roaring lion. He’s like a roaring lion…and we need to be aware of his strategies. How can we be alert to the devil’s strategies if we’re not familiar with his strategies? His overarching strategy is really pretty simple. Jesus said in John 10:10 that the devil comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy.
The Devil’s Doings
1. The Devil Tricks. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. —2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) 2. The Devil Takes. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. —Matthew 13:19 (NLT) 3. The Devil Traps. Then they (those who oppose the truth) will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. —2 Timothy 2:26 (NLT) 4. The Devil Thwarts. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented (stopped) us. —1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NLT)
The Devil’s Defeated
Now what? Resist. Suit Up. Stand. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” —James 4:7 “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” —Ephesians 6:11,13 (NLT) 1. Don’t be afraid of the devil. If you’re a Believer the truth is the devil’s afraid of you because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside you. 2. Don’t run from the devil. David defeated Goliath by running at him, not away from him. Use your God-given armor and go on the offensive. Read the Word. Know the Word. Speak the Word. You got this! #Winning
