In the sacred pilgrimage of the Church Militant—God’s people actively engaged in spiritual warfare—there exists a cunning and persistent adversary: the devil. From the dawn of time, he has relentlessly sought to oppose, resist, and push back the purposes of God. His goal is not merely to distract the saints from their holy calling but to distort the image of Christ within His Church and sow seeds of destruction among God’s people.
THE NATURE OF THE DEVIL
Scripture presents the devil not as a myth or metaphor but as a real and malicious being whose strategies are as ancient as they are cunning. The Word of God defines him as:
- A deceiver, leading the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9)
- An accuser of the brethren, relentlessly charging the saints (Revelation 12:10)
- A roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)
- A tempter, so bold as to test even the Son of God (Matthew 4:1–11)
His operations are subtle and cloaked in deception, often appearing as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). His ultimate agenda is to weaken the faith, unity, and testimony of the Church.
TACTICS OF THE ENEMY
The devil’s arsenal includes age-old strategies that remain effective when the Church is unaware or unprepared. Scripture illuminates his tactics with precision:
1. PERSECUTION
From the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54–60) to the persecution of believers today, Satan wields persecution to silence the gospel and instill fear. Christ forewarned, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul affirmed that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
2. DECEPTION AND FALSE DOCTRINE
As the father of lies (John 8:44), Satan distorts truth, often cloaking error in religious language. Paul’s sobering words echo across generations: “Even if we or an angel from heaven preach a different gospel, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8). The enemy thrives where discernment is absent.
3. TEMPTATION AND MORAL COMPROMISE
From Eden to the wilderness, temptation has been one of Satan’s sharpest tools. James teaches, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:14). Through moral compromise, the devil weakens the Church’s credibility and renders its witness ineffective.
4. DISUNITY AND OFFENSE
Division is among Satan’s most effective weapons. The Apostle Paul urged believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3), and Christ Himself prayed for oneness among His followers (John 17:21). Offense, unforgiveness, and unresolved conflict give the enemy a foothold (Ephesians 4:26–27), disrupting the Spirit’s work.
5. AFFLICTION AND HARDSHIP
Satan may use trials, sicknesses, or prolonged difficulties to discourage and wear out believers. Paul referred to a “thorn in the flesh” as “a messenger of Satan to torment me” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Job’s trials were instigated by Satan (Job 1–2), and Daniel prophesied that the enemy would seek “to wear out the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:25).
Yet affliction is not always the enemy’s work. While Satan may use suffering to sow doubt and despair, God often redeems it as a refining fire—shaping our character, strengthening our faith, and deepening our trust in His grace (Romans 5:3–5). What the enemy means for harm, God transforms for our good and His glory.
CHRIST’S INTERCESSION: OUR ETERNAL SECURITY
Despite the devil’s relentless efforts, the Church stands victorious because of Christ’s unwavering intercession. Jesus declared to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you…” (Luke 22:31–32). That same high priestly ministry continues today (Hebrews 7:25). Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father, does not merely observe—He advocates. His intercession strengthens us when our strength fails and secures victory when defeat seems near.
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is not a passive presence but the Church’s indwelling power source and guide. He equips believers with spiritual armor to stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10–18). Through Him, we discern truth, resist temptation, and operate in divine authority. The Spirit also builds unity, convicts of sin, and empowers prayer and proclamation. Where the Spirit reigns, the devil’s foothold is broken.
THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Christ’s intercession and the Spirit’s empowerment do not strip believers of their responsibility in spiritual warfare. Victory is not automatic—it requires participation. The Bible exhorts believers to:
- Resist the devil (James 4:7)
- Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11)
- Be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)
- Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Neglecting these disciplines leaves even Spirit-filled believers vulnerable. Victory is promised, but it is not passive—it is pursued.
OUR SURE VICTORY
The Church’s confidence rests not in its own strength, influence, or numbers but in the finished work of Christ. Christ has disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them through the cross (Colossians 2:15). Believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18)—not because of who we are but because of who is within us: “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
CONCLUSION
The devil is defeated—but not idle. He fights, but our Intercessor fights harder. For those who remain prayerful, discerning, and steadfast, victory is not merely possible—it is assured. The Church’s battle is fierce, but the war has already been won.
Let us, therefore, stand firm, resist the devil, and boldly advance, knowing that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Written by Elder Francis Kichasu
