The Danger of Denying the Devil’s Reality
One of the most dangerous things people can do is to believe the devil is not real. Many view him as a fictional antagonist, akin to characters in children’s stories, like the Big Bad Wolf or Captain Hook. This perception is reinforced by depictions of the devil in popular media: a cartoonish figure in red tights, horns, and a pitchfork. People laugh at these portrayals and dismiss him as a myth.
This disbelief serves the devil’s purpose. As long as he is seen as a harmless caricature, he can operate more freely, influencing souls to their destruction. If we do not acknowledge his existence, we will not take steps to defend ourselves against him.
Treating Deadly Things as Harmless
This tendency to dismiss deadly things is not limited to the devil. Consider carbon monoxide poisoning. This colorless, odorless gas can be fatal, yet people often fail to recognize its presence. Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches mimic the flu, leading individuals to ignore the danger. Tragically, some succumb to the poison because they do not take it seriously.
Similarly, if we treat the devil as a myth, we leave ourselves vulnerable to his deadly influence.
The Reality of the Devil
Scripture is clear: the devil is real. He is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The Bible describes him as the prince of demons, a murderer from the beginning, the father of lies, and the one who blinds unbelievers to the Gospel. He throws fiery darts to harm and destroy us, both body and soul.
Peter describes him as our adversary, prowling like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. From Genesis to Revelation, the devil’s presence and destructive work are evident. Every sin, every form of misery, can ultimately be traced back to his influence.
The Devil’s Enmity Toward Humanity
The devil’s plan has always been to lead humanity astray. Those who deny his existence are unwittingly aligned with him and, without repentance, will join him in the lake of fire on the last day.
However, the devil is not a friend to unbelievers. He is their enemy, though they may not realize it. His hatred for humanity is universal, but his enmity toward the church is even greater.
The Church as the Devil’s Greatest Enemy
As believers, we are the devil’s greatest enemies because we have been rescued from his dominion. Through God’s grace, we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ. No longer under his control, we now work to advance the kingdom of God, which the devil despises.
As we proclaim the Gospel and extend the Kingdom of Light, we actively work against the kingdom of darkness. This is why the devil seeks to destroy us, and why Peter exhorts us to resist him.
Standing Firm Against the Devil
Peter provides clear instruction for how to withstand the devil’s attacks:
- Be sober-minded and watchful. We must remain alert to his schemes and guard against complacency.
- Resist him, firm in your faith. Faith in Christ equips us to stand against the devil’s lies and temptations.
- Remember the solidarity of the brotherhood. Believers around the world face the same struggles, and we are strengthened by knowing we are not alone.
Conclusion: The Call to Action
The devil is real, and his intent is to destroy us. But as children of God, we are not defenseless. By standing firm in our faith and remaining vigilant, we can resist his attacks. Let us take seriously the warnings of Scripture and live in the light of God’s truth, advancing His kingdom and resisting the devil until the day Christ returns in victory.
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