Following JesusSample

You also have an enemy

When we make the decision to follow Jesus, our eyes are opened to a spiritual war that started long before any of us were born. 

“... our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). 

We have a real enemy. Whether you call him Satan or the devil, he has one goal: to destroy you. Jesus came to give us a full, abundant life, and Satan will do anything he can to disrupt that plan. 

Satan will lie to us, tempt us, and distort the truth (John 8:44). He’s the one who tells you that you’re too far gone or you’ll never be good enough. He’s the one who whispers, “Do it. Just this once. No one will know.”

No matter how authoritative he seems, the enemy has no authority over you. You get to choose who you will listen to. 

In Ephesians 6, the Bible teaches us how to fight back against Satan’s schemes: 

“Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out” (Ephesians 6:13-18, MSG). 

We have everything we need to defeat Satan at his game — the truth of the Bible, an understanding of who we are in Christ, the knowledge of what Jesus has done for us, and the ability to talk to God in prayer.

When you get up for school, get ready for work, or get ready for a game, the most important thing you can put on isn’t a uniform but your spiritual armor. 

We will always face temptation. But when we’re armed and ready, we’re quicker to see where Jesus is providing a way out. And, we’re less likely to believe that we’re anything but conquerors in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:37-38). 

Reflect: 

• Is there anything you’ve been believing about yourself that sounds like the enemy’s voice? 
• What’s one way Satan puts temptation in your face? How might Jesus be providing a way out?
• What would it look like for you to put on the armor of God today? How can prayer, Bible reading, and knowing who you are in Christ help you fight Satan’s schemes?