The devil we all know has already been in existence for ages. He was once a servant of God until he lost that great and glorious opportunity due to pride (Ezekiel 28:13, Isaiah 14:12-15). He ruled and owned the world after the fall of man (Luke 4:5-6), but that power got lost when Jesus died and got resurrected in divine power. The devil wanted no one to take his rulership, so he inspired men to kill Jesus. But little did he know that Jesus died to break that power he had over death (Hebrews 2:14). Hallelujah!
Now, the devil is after anyone on the Lord’s side. He seeks to devour and destroy such ones (1 Peter 5:8). How do we resist him? You’ll get to know it by the end of this article. But before that, what are the devil’s devices?
Know the devil’s main device – an evil heart
There was a time Jesus was with the disciples, and He told them about the ruler of the world coming to Him (He was referring to the devil), but He (Jesus) has nothing of the devil in Him (John 14:30).
A careful and meditative study of that scripture teaches that the devil only goes where he finds accommodation. Jesus once spoke about the heart of man as being a room (Matthew 15:18-19). When the devil finds any of his acts and behaviours in a man’s heart, he finds that place convenient for abode. An evil heart is the devil’s home.
You cannot solve a problem if you don’t know its cause
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Be careful to guard your heart against any form of darkness. Paul summarised all these acts of sin and darkness as works of the flesh when he wrote to the Galatians (Galatians 5:19-21). Hence, lust, anger, unforgiveness and all others are part of the devil’s devices – but centrally come from within the heart.
You cannot solve a problem if you don’t know its cause. Hence, you must know of the devil’s schemes in order not to fall into his traps. So now that you’ve seen he capitalises on men’s hearts; let’s see how to resist this devil.
a. Cast Down Evil Imaginations
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
The first step to resisting the devil is to pull down anything negative of an idea, a thought or even a piece of advice that will jeopardise our humble minds on God. Everything that gains entrance into a man’s heart is allowed by the mind. Do not allow just anything to stay in your mind. First, discern the root source before you even listen to sermons, songs, or even advice from people.
Not every idea is a sign from God. Do away with anything “devil” in your thinking and your imagination.
b. Declare the Word
As already said, the devil gains access to your heart through your mind. He makes you sometimes think you are inferior; you are not even worth the love of God and all other discouraging imaginations. But listen, you have been justified by the love of God (Romans 8:1). So in such moments of mental attacks, declare the Word. Speak by the Spirit’s leadership to counteract those demonic thoughts of God in the written Word.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Romans 8:1 KJV
When the devil met Jesus in Luke 4, he spoke to Jesus. Jesus had to fight His conscience and His mind on whether to accept the words of the devil or not. He didn’t become victorious by keeping quiet. No! He spoke the Word (Luke 4: 3-4). Know the Word for yourself, declare the Word (rhema) to counter demonic thoughts, and you’ll be victorious.
c. Pray consistently
[6] “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
One thing to note from Luke 4 was that the devil never stopped there after his first failed attempt to tempt Jesus. He came back again, and even a third time.
This teaches us to be consistent and relentless in prayer because the devil finds an opportune time to tempt the people of God (Luke 4:13).
It is not about how long you pray, it is about how often you pray; the devil can wait for even for years to attack. The Bible likens the devil to a roaring lion, waiting in ambush for whom to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Be consistent in prayer. The devil should always discern from afar and see you on fire for Jesus. Hallelujah!
When you pray, God fills your heart and mind with His peace. So if the devil comes and your mind is at peace, you’ll be able to resist him by the Holy Spirit’s empowerment through grace.
