Have you ever heard some one say, “The devil made me do it.” Most of us have at one point in our life. We shrug it off as a cliché and don’t give it a second thought. But as Christians we should.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
The Devil is REAL! He our enemy and is actively seeking to DEVOUR us!
Satan was a created being that chose to sin against God. Isaiah 14:12-17 gives account of his fall. Ezekiel 28:17 tells us that he was indescribably beautiful, intelligent, powerful celestial being that sinned through pride. He has many names: Satan, Devil, Tempter, Lucifer, Satan, Father of Lies, Serpent, Tempter, Evil One, Dragon, Murderer, and Ruler of this World are a few.
Satan works diligently to blind people from understanding and accepting the free gift of salvation. He also works to hinder Christians. Satan still works to tempt, accuse, hinder, and get Christians to depart from their faith. Satan himself said in Isaiah 14:14 “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” The Satan will copy God. Everything good that God is and has done, the devil has a counterfeit “look-a-like.”
BUT GOD HAD MADE A WAY FOR US TO OVERCOME SATAN!
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;*
*When Jesus died on the cross, He broke the power of the Devil.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.*
*You are on the winning side.
Ephesians 6:13-17 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God*, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
*You posses a “Suit of Armor” designed by God for you.
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
* We are instructed to give no place to the Devil.
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.*
* We need to always be on the alert.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
* Never retreat – always RESIST.
We can quote scripture to Satan, just as Christ did!