John 17:11-12. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Now that you are saved, you have received complete spiritual deliverance and freedom from the power of Satan, sin, and hell. Then, while you live here on earth, how should you live?
You must first keep in mind that Satan exists until the end of the age. Only Scripture reveals the reality of Satan. He was one of the chosen Cherubs who spread his wings over God’s throne. God put him on His holy mountain, and he walked among the jewels that sparkled like fire (Ezekiel 28:14).
According to the Book of Isaiah, Lucifer, or the Morning Star, fell from the sky. All the nations on earth had bowed before him in the past, but he was cut down. Why? He had always told himself, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Filled with pride, he rebelled against God, along with one-third of the angels.
He is also known as the great dragon, the ancient serpent, or the devil, who has been leading the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9). This ancient serpent appeared to Adam and Eve and deceived them, and forced them to turn their back on God. “You will be like God,” he lied to them, planting the seed of unbelief in them.
The moment man sided with him, they lost all spiritual blessings and authority God had given them. Since that time, everyone has been born spiritually dead, completely overtaken by the power of Satan, curses, and hell (John 8:44).
As a result, people have been subject to the ways of this world and the devil—the commander of the kingdom of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God, following the passionate desires and inclinations of their sinful nature, subject to God’s anger (Ephesians 2:2-3).
The devil masquerades himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and mobilizes demons and evil spirits to take over the people’s spirit, soul, mind, and body (Mark 5:1-10, Acts 16:16-18).
Using politics, economy, and culture, “the god of this age,” Satan, blinds the minds of the people so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4-5). His kingdom is highly organized and carries out all kinds of evil schemes against the believers and the church of Christ (Ephesians 6:11-13) and continues to attack them on every front (Ephesians 6:16).
But the head of Satan had already been crushed when Christ died on the cross and rose again from the dead: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15).
The devil is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short and aims to cause as much destruction as possible before he is finally sent to hell (Revelation 12:12, 1 Peter 5:8). When the gospel reaches all nations, the end will come, and Satan will be completely locked up in hell (Matthew 24:24, Matthew 25:41).
Until then, you must always be alert as Satan will use evil spirits, spirits of deception, spirits of false prophets, spirits of heresy, and demons to try to make believers stumble. He will also try to destroy your family (Matthew 12:28-29) and roam around the believers and try to devour them (1 Peter 5:7-8).
Once you allow a demon to enter your mind and heart, he will return with demons seven times more potent, causing diseases and various physical issues—incurable, unknown illnesses (Matthew 12:43-45, Mt 8:15-17).
The devil takes over people’s minds (Mk 5:1-10, Ac 16:16-18) and looks for dry, arid places to rest, targeting those complaining and complacent (Matthew 12:43-44). He enters and lives in “empty houses,” targeting those feeling empty and hopeless (Matthew 12:45).
The devil hates believers praying and understanding the truth of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and fears believers enjoying the blessing of worship and living for evangelism.
So, know the devil’s evil schemes against you. He will try to make you follow the desires of your flesh rather than what God desires of you (Matthew 4:2-3). He will try to promote worldly ambition (Matthew 4:5-6) and force idolatry (Matthew 4:8-9). He will try everything to keep you from worshiping God alone.
Remember, Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations by the Word of God. This is why it is so critical for you to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). Mediate, memorize, and confirm the Word throughout the day (Psalm 1:1-3).
Always be on the offensive against the devil with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Stand firm and do not let anything move you. Resist the devil by submitting to God and His Word, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). You can overcome the aggression of Satan through prayer in all circumstances (Ephesians 6:18).
Therefore, there are five things you must remember. First, you must know Jesus Christ correctly (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus is the Christ. He is the True King who crushed the head of Satan. He is the True Priest who removed all disasters and calamities caused by sin. He is the True Prophet who destroyed the background of hell and paved a living and new way back to God.
Put Jesus Christ at the center of your heart, home, and all areas of your life (John 2:1-11). Continue to deepen your faith in the power of God (Galatians 2:20). When you confess and testify the name and power of Jesus Christ as the priority of your life, you will be victorious at all times. When Jesus Christ becomes the Lord of your life, the Holy Spirit will work powerfully in you regardless of your ability, knowledge, background, and circumstances (Acts 1:8).
Cast off all your anxiety, problems, and your burdens of sin. Get rid of stubbornness and throw away negative attitudes. Do not rely on your own intuition and experiences. Cast aside all your unbelief because the Holy Spirit in you is perfect.
Finally, to stand firm against the devil, you will need strength from above. Enter the throne of heaven with confidence and worship the Triune God like Abraham (Genesis 13:18). Experience the presence of God as you pray continuously in your daily schedule like Joseph (Genesis 39:2).
Pray with other brothers and sisters, holding to God’s absolute covenant (Acts 1:14). When faced with crises, devote yourself to prayer (Acts 12:1-25). Most of all, converse with your Father 24/7 (Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 119:10-12). Remember that your prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see the devil’s evil schemes against me and the world. I invite the Triune God to the center of my life as my King and Lord. Govern all my thoughts and ways through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.