John 8:44. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
It is impossible to live a victorious Christian life without knowing the reality of Satan. Scripture clearly identifies him as our enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is not a myth, symbol, or metaphor—he is a real being actively working to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Satan was originally one of God’s highest creations, a cherub who once spread his wings over God’s throne. Scripture says, “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones” (Ezekiel 28:14). But pride corrupted him. Isaiah records his rebellion: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:13–14). Because of this pride, Lucifer—the morning star—was cast down from heaven along with a third of the angels who followed him.
From that moment, “the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9). He appeared to Adam and Eve and deceived them, whispering the same lie that ruined him: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). The moment mankind sided with him, all spiritual identity and authority were lost. Humanity became separated from God, spiritually dead, and enslaved under the power of sin, curses, and hell (John 8:44).
Since then, the entire world has been under the control of this “ruler of the kingdom of the air,” the spirit at work in those who refuse to obey God (Ephesians 2:2–3). He manipulates human hearts through pride, greed, fear, and lust. He deceives through systems—politics, culture, education, economy, and even religion—to blind people to the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Satan’s influence is everywhere. He dominates the world through the love of money, the seduction of entertainment, and the obsession with power and pleasure. He distorts truth and promotes false teachings even within the church, creating division and confusion to weaken the body of Christ. Scripture warns that he is highly organized, with ranks and authorities working together for destruction: “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” (Ephesians 6:12).
This is why we must “put on the full armor of God” so that when the day of evil comes, we can stand our ground (Ephesians 6:13). Without the armor of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word, we are defenseless. The battle is spiritual, and victory is only possible through the power of Christ, who destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Do not be deceived by your weaknesses—God has already given you authority in Jesus’ name. Jesus said, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?” (Matthew 12:28–29). You have that same authority to bind the strong man, Satan, and to stand victorious.
Whenever the devil advances against you through temptation, fear, or lies, remember that no weapon formed against you will prevail (Isaiah 54:17). Stand firm on the foundation of Christ, holding up the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16).
The devil’s temptations are subtle but dangerous. He tempted even our Lord Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11), appealing first to the desires of the flesh, then to pride, and finally to idolatry. Jesus overcame every temptation through the Word of God, showing us the only weapon that can defeat the enemy—the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
Therefore, meditate on the Word day and night. Let it dwell richly in your heart. The Word will guard your thoughts, strengthen your spirit, and expose every deception of the enemy. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
You are no longer under the dominion of darkness. You belong to Christ, who triumphed over every principality and power, making a public spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Walk in this victory daily.
Prayer. Lord, I thank You for opening my eyes to see the reality of Satan and his schemes. Help me to remain alert and steadfast in faith. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may stand firm, clothed in Your armor, resisting every lie of the enemy. Thank You for the victory I already have in Christ Jesus. In His mighty name, Amen.