I believe in the existence of Satan. But I’m not afraid of him. Satan may be the prince of this world, but Jesus is the king. Frankly, the only reason I believe Satan is real is because Jesus talked to him and about him so many times.
It’s true that Satan roams about looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He’s on a mission. Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose (referring to the devil) is to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). So we underestimate him at great peril.
But an alert Christian has absolutely nothing to worry about. Satan is a spiritual pipsqueak compared to Jesus: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Frankly, Satan is only as powerful as we let him be.
Here are two biblical approaches to dealing with the devil …
- First, tell Satan about Jesus. Jesus rebuked Satan, and we can too (Matthew 4:10). Just say, “Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” That is enough. James 4:7 promises, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- Second, tell God about Satan. How? Just pray the Lord’s Prayer every day, which includes: “Do not let us yield to temptation. Deliver us from the evil one.” Do that, and you’re covered.
Telling Satan about God is good, but telling God about Satan is even better. Wouldn’t you rather be in the presence of God telling Him about Satan, than in the presence of Satan telling him about God?
So let’s hang out as closely as we can to the shepherd king. He will beat back the attacks of the wolf prince.
Patrick Morley is the chairman and co-CEO of Man in the Mirror Ministries. For the original article, visit patrickmorley.com.
