IMAGINE visiting a zoo and seeing a notice that reads:
“Simba the lion has escaped from his cage, but do not be alarmed. If you leave him alone, he will also leave you alone.”
No one would take such a notice seriously. Most people would immediately run for the nearest exit.
So why do many believers live as though this were true about Satan?
The Bible’s Warning About the Enemy
Scripture paints a very different picture of the devil:
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8)
This is not a casual warning. Satan is described as active, intentional, and dangerous—constantly looking for opportunities to steal, kill, and destroy.
But the instruction does not stop there.
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
(1 Peter 5:9)
The Bible does not tell believers to run, hide, negotiate, or ignore the enemy.
It commands us to stand and resist.
Why Believers Must Stand and Resist
In every area where Satan opposes us—our faith, health, family, calling, identity, or destiny—the only biblical response is resistance.
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Silence gives him space
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Passivity gives him permission
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Avoidance gives him ground
Spiritual warfare is not optional for the believer.
Although Jesus Christ has already won the ultimate victory through His death and resurrection, we are still called to enforce that victory daily. The war is won—but battles remain.
The Only Offensive Weapon God Has Given Us
The Bible is very clear about the armour of God:
“Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
(Ephesians 6:17)
Every other piece of armour is defensive.
The Word of God is our only offensive weapon.
It is how we:
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Confront lies
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Resist temptation
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Overcome fear
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Silence accusation
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Push back darkness
Jesus Showed Us How to Fight
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus did not panic, argue, or retreat.
Every response began with the same phrase:
“It is written…”
Jesus resisted Satan using the Word of God—and Satan fled.
If Jesus, the Son of God, used Scripture as His weapon, how much more should we?
What Satan Is Trying to Steal
Jesus clearly revealed the enemy’s agenda:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”
(John 10:10)
Satan seeks to:
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Kill through sickness, accidents, calamities, murder, and abortion
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Steal dignity, marriages, relationships, reputation, health, wealth, and truth through deception and false doctrine
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Destroy hope, faith, peace, joy, and purpose
He targets what Jesus has already given us:
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Righteousness
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Healing
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Blessing
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Provision
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Authority
We are not called to watch helplessly while these things are taken.
We are called to resist.
Authority Has Already Been Given
Jesus declared plainly:
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
(Luke 10:19)
The issue is not lack of authority.
The issue is failure to use it.
When believers stand firm, speak the Word of God, and resist the devil, he flees.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
(Romans 8:37)
A Personal Question
What has Satan tried to take from you?
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Your peace?
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Your health?
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Your family?
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Your calling?
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Your joy?
Are you going to let him get away with it—or will you take your stand?
Wield your sword.
Speak the Word.
Resist him in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
1. Repentance
Ask God to forgive you for times you allowed the enemy to take what Jesus already secured for you by failing to resist him.
2. Strength and Boldness
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stand firm and consistently use the Word of God whenever the enemy opposes you.
3. Thanksgiving
Thank the Lord that you have authority over Satan and that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.