To know and trust Jesus is to be on the winning side. “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). But be prepared for battle. A spiritual war is raging (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9, 17).
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Central to this fight is the word of God: “Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The “word of God”—understood, believed and applied—devastates the devil whose weapons are lies, temptation and intimidation. After God created humans, Satan began by attacking God’s word. “Did God actually say…?” (Genesis 3:1). Yes, God did mean what He said! That very day, sin killed the couple spiritually; death entered the world to curse all who sinned (Romans 5:12). At the cross, Jesus reversed the death sentence. Having suffered the punishment for human sins, He gives life and light to “whoever believes in Him… whoever does what is true” (John 3:16, 21). And that is precisely where Satan renews his efforts, attacking faith and the practice of truth.