(The following is the November 14 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Peter 5 and pay close attention to verses 8-9.)

Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle. That is why Paul told the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18). We dare not fight this battle in our strength and wisdom, for it is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Eph. 6:12). How tragic that some professing Christians don’t believe Satan exists even though the Bible is clear on the matter from Genesis to Revelation.

Peter warns: “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world” (vv. 8-9). We dare not dismiss or take the idea or person of Satan flippantly, or we set ourselves up to be devoured by his craftiness while remaining unequipped and unprepared for the battle. Instead, we must be sober-minded and always alert to his schemes.

We must also be cautious about where we get our information concerning Satan. Popular literature over several centuries has created images and ideas about Satan that bear no resemblance to biblical teaching. Only Scripture is reliable on this matter.

The great news is that Satan’s demise is inevitable. Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection guarantee it. The book of Revelation describes his ultimate defeat and eternal punishment. Until that day, we should do as Peter says: “resist him, firm in the faith.” We can do that by wearing the full armor God has provided for us.

Next Step:
How much do you know about Satan? Where did you learn it? Browse the following list of names for Satan and related Bible verses: https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/torreys-topical-textbook/titles-and-names-of-the-devil.html