1 Peter 5:6-8. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Scripture tells us that the whole world is under the control of the evil one, Satan (1 John 5:19). He had the audacity to challenge God (Ezekiel 28:14–19; Isaiah 14:12–15), and ever since, he has been working to take what belongs to God. The devil seized authority over the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and now rules the world through spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). He was the one who deceived Adam and Eve, leading them into sin and death (Genesis 3:1–10), and he holds the power of death (Hebrews 2:14).
He has trapped humanity in the prison of self-reliance and self-centeredness (Genesis 3), corruption and indulgence (Genesis 6), and pride and pursuit of material success (Genesis 11). Instead of loving God, people have become lovers of self, of money, and of success—only to find themselves lost in formlessness, emptiness, and darkness. The devil has built invisible structures around us using political powers (Acts 13), economic systems (Acts 16), and cultural influences (Acts 19), shaping the way people live and think in this dark world.
Rather than experiencing the abundant life God promised, people have been forced to conform to the patterns of this world. We have all gone astray, turning to our own way (Isaiah 53:6), and in doing so, have become children of the devil. The ancient serpent, called the devil or Satan, has been lying from the beginning, offering false happiness, false hope, and an empty future. Caught in his traps and held by his frames, people live to fulfill his desires, unaware that his only intention is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
The result is tragic. Humanity is destined to live as children of the devil (John 8:44), worshiping idols (Exodus 20:4–5), suffering in mind (Matthew 11:28) and body (Acts 8:4–8), condemned eternally in hell (Luke 16:19–31), and passing down generational curses (Matthew 27:25). But in His love, God did not leave us helpless. He gave us authority over the power of the enemy when we believed (Luke 10:19), reminding us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
Just as a physical body becomes sick when germs invade and are left unchecked, so too does the soul become vulnerable when spiritual defenses are down. The devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He uses all kinds of schemes to weaken our faith, tempting us to embrace religion over the gospel. He blinds people from seeing the truth and blocks the road to life through the law of sin and death. This is the greatest tragedy of all time.
Yet, because of His great love, God sent Christ to destroy the devil’s work and open the way to Himself. Through Christ, we have been set free from Satan’s power, and God is determined to crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20). When we recognize our true enemy and understand the authority God has given us, nothing can stand in our way. The doors of blessing will open, and we’ll realize that nothing works apart from this spiritual reality. We must remember that the devil still exists, still rebels, and continues to lead the world astray—trying to weaken the church.
Even Jesus was challenged by the devil (Matthew 4:1–10), so we too will be challenged. The devil will try to plant seeds of unbelief, to wear us down, and draw our hearts toward the world. This is the same way he took life from us in the beginning. Therefore, we must stay alert and spiritually grounded.
The world’s condition continues to deteriorate. Nations are advancing rapidly, and modern technology is transforming every part of life, even extending lifespans. Yet people continue to suffer, and the human heart grows darker. Many live in despair, especially the younger generation, not knowing their purpose. The “terrible times” are not just coming—they are already here (2 Timothy 3:1). That is why we must fight the good spiritual fight.
Before facing the enemy, put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). Pray in every circumstance (Ephesians 6:18). Never underestimate your faith in Christ. Only those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, overcome the world and gain victory (1 John 5:4).
Remember that God is on your side. No one can stand against you. His foolishness is wiser than your wisdom, and His weakness stronger than your strength. His ways are higher than yours, and His thoughts far beyond your own (Isaiah 55:9).
So restore your faith in Christ. Know who you are in Christ. Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for destroying the devil’s work through Christ. Open my eyes to see the enemy’s schemes. Fill me with Your power so I can stand against him. Use my life to bring freedom and healing, through the gospel, to those still living under the enemy’s power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.