"If God is for us..."

C. S. Lewis says people fall into two opposite errors regarding Satan and his demons: disbelief and obsession (Screwtape Letters, p. 3). Either extreme is fine with the Enemy; he wins big-time either when people snicker at the claims for his existence, or when demon-mania fills the minds of people who ought to be dwelling on the wonders of Christ.

The Word of God helps us avoid these extremes. First, the fact of Satan’s existence is acknowledged over and over by Jesus Christ. The wilderness temptation (Matt 4:1-11) isn’t shadowboxing; there’s a real opponent. Further, on numerous occasions during Jesus’ public ministry he’s confronted by broken souls disturbed or possessed by demonic powers. In one instance a “legion” of demons has driven a man out of his mind (Luke 8:30—in the Roman military a “legion” was a division of 6,000 foot soldiers). Of course, Jesus’ betrayal by Judas transpires with Satanic inspiration (Luke 22:3). You simply can’t read the Gospels and take them seriously without admitting the reality of Satan.

What’s more, the all-too-real Enemy is powerful, stealthy, and malicious: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,…” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Satan is a clever, patient and devious foe who seeks to ruin your faith. That’s the hard reality.

But, if you know Jesus—if you’re trusting in Christ for his saving, sanctifying grace in your life—you need not live in fear of Satan. The Word of God speaks comfort: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Son of God came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8). Christ triumphed over the “principalities and powers” of this world at the cross (Col 2:15). Does the prowling lion strike fear into your heart? Then “Cast all your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). The Lord is my light and my salvation! Whom shall I fear? (Ps 27:1).

So where does this leave us? Satan is real and dangerous: stay away from him; resist the devil and he will flee from you (Jas 4:7-8). But Satan is no match for the almighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Rest in his care, depend on his grace, be assured of his power to forgive and protect. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Ps 46:1-2a)!

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