How can we flee from the devil if we don’t recognize him?

on Apr 4, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Many people are unaware of the power Satan has. Does he put all of his effort in keeping others from God’s salvation? Or does the devil go after people of faith and, if so, how do we combat him? The Bible says that we should flee from the devil, but how can we if we don’t recognize him? – R.S.

A: No Christian is exempt from the attacks of Satan. Our adversary is personal, aggressive, intelligent, cunning, and destructive. Every day Satan must be resisted.

Just as the bows and arrows used in warfare centuries ago are useless against today’s highly sophisticated weapons, so the carnal weapons that we try to use in spiritual warfare against the devil have no power against his cunning schemes and fierce attacks.

Instead, the greatest hindrance to Satan’s destructive efforts is our standing strong in the knowledge and reverence of the Lord. The greatest roadblock to Satan’s work is the Christian who — above all else — lives for God, walks with integrity, is filled with the Spirit, and is obedient to God’s truth.

Our greatest responsibility in defeating the enemy’s efforts is to be faithful in prayer, lovers of Scripture, and live clean, honest, humble, Spirit-filled lives. We must depend on God to guard and protect us morally, physically, and spiritually and openly follow Him in obedience to His commands. We must not be pawns of the devil, but servants of Christ.

One of the devil’s methods is to attack everyone. He knows that the Word of God is powerful, and he will try to keep us from it. Many people have heard or read only part of the verse that says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, ESV). But the beginning of that verse reads, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” The Scripture defeats Satan every time.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)