You Have an Adversary

The devil is a defeated foe, but he is still a foe. First Peter 5 says be sober of spirit and be on the alert, because your adversary prowls like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He cannot devour just anyone. You have to give him place. His power is his secrecy. If he stays hidden, you will not resist him. If you see him and resist him, James says he flees every time.

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)

1. It Is Not Just Natural

What is happening in the nation, the world, a marriage, a child, or your own mind is not only natural. The enemy wants you treating a spiritual problem with a natural remedy. You cannot medicate a demon. Samson did not just have a lust problem. Satan was after his destiny. Saul was not only insecure. An evil spirit was on him. Familiar spirits watch where you keep missing it, the same way the first temptation of Jesus was bread after forty days without food. Most Christians resist themselves—more discipline, more drive, better habits—and never resist the devil. You wrestle not against flesh and blood, and that includes you.

2. If There Is No Verbal Resistance, There Is No Resistance

Eve listened to what she should have spoken against. Jesus talked back. Get thee behind me. Shut up. I will not listen. I am getting out of this bed. I will not be afraid. Most Spirit-filled believers cannot remember the last time they said that. Thoughts, ideas, and suggestions are how he comes. Persistent patterns are not proof it is only you. God gave the armor for the schemes of the devil, not for a cartoon with a pitchfork. Hollywood makes him look like a contest. Jesus made a show of him openly. It was never a contest. The only power he has is the power you give him.

3. Peter Wrote This Because Satan Almost Sifted Him

In Matthew 16 Peter says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus discerns that flesh and blood did not reveal it. The Father did. Then Jesus says He will suffer, die, and rise. Peter gets emotional, pulls Him aside, and rebukes the cross: God forbid it, Lord, this will never happen to You. That was destiny. A fisherman is no threat. A fisher of men is. Emotion is prime ground for the enemy. Sadness and anger are not sin by themselves. Treat them like an alarm. Do not get mad at the alarm. Look for the intruder. When emotion is high, wisdom is low. Jesus sees it is not only Peter talking and refuses to entertain it.

4. Not Everybody Talking to You Is the Only One Talking

Counsel should be reserved for a select few, because some people do not know they are being used. A good person can speak something into your business, your time, and your heart that did not start with them. Elisha’s servant saw only the army. The prophet prayed, open his eyes, and he saw what was surrounding what surrounded them. Discernment is understanding spiritually, not only naturally. The more spiritual you are, the more peace you have, because you know this is not all there is. God is big enough to surround what is surrounding you.

See him. Speak to him. Resist him.
He flees when you do.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” You have an adversary. It is not just you.