By If the devil is defeated, why does he still seem so active?
Scripture gives us the answer: he’s not powerful—he’s persuasive.
Jesus called him the “father of lies” (John 8:44). As I explore in my book, Shut Up, Devil, the name “devil” (diabolos in Greek) means “slanderer.”
And that’s exactly how he operates today. He can’t force anything. He can’t change God’s mind. So he tries to change your mind through deception.
And his lies fall into three categories:
1. Lies about Jesus
He tries to diminish Christ’s identity and power. “Jesus was just a teacher.” “He didn’t really forgive sin.” “He didn’t really rise.” These lies aim to keep people from trusting the full truth of the Gospel.
2. Lies about God’s character
The enemy distorts how we see God. If you believe God is angry, distant or demanding, it affects your intimacy, your peace and your ability to love others.
3. Lies about you
These are the most personal. “You’re not good enough.” “God’s punishing you.” “Your suffering means you’ve failed.” These slanders aim to devour your confidence and joy.
But here’s the good news: every lie has an antidote—truth.
Peter said, “Stand firm… be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). Revelation 12:11 says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
The devil’s voice may be loud, but it’s powerless against truth. So shut him up with what Jesus already proved… and who God says you are.
—
There’s so much more to discover about the defeat of the devil. And I put it all in a series called, The Turning Point: 4 Ways Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Changed Everything. In addition to the devil’s defeat, you’ll discover what it means that Jesus fulfilled the law, how he defeated sin, and what it all means for how you live today. Get it instantly for your donation of any amount.