Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet. 5:8)


A NATIONAL CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE ran an article in which it listed Satan’s “rap sheet.” The article listed his name and various aliases, like “adversary,” “the Devil,” “Accuser,” “Lucifer,” and so forth.

The article further mentioned Satan’s origin—heaven, from which he was expelled by God after trying to usurp God’s power and glory (Isa. 14:12). Satan’s present whereabouts were listed as “no fixed address.” Rather, he roams back and forth through the earth (Job 1:7; 2:2).

Satan’s nature is to be arrogant, deceitful, hateful, and violent. His basic purpose is to oppose God and turn human beings away from Him. Satan’s modus operandi is deception, using con games and violence when necessary. His status is reduced in power and privilege through expulsion from heaven. Although he is powerful, his power is limited. He has already been judged and condemned by Christ. Satan’s final end is certain (Rev. 20:7–10).

Satan is wanted for inducing the original fall of human beings into sin and for inciting opposition to God and His people.

No wonder God’s Word issues the warning: “Your enemy the devil . . . [is] looking for someone to devour.” Therefore, we must “resist him” and stand “firm in the faith” (1 Pet. 5:9). Although our Enemy is powerful, God is more powerful. Indeed, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Resist the devil and watch him flee from you.

Ron McClung serves as assistant general secretary for The Wesleyan Church and lives in Fishers, Indiana, with his wife,Carol. They have two sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters .