Last week in our nation there was a great deal of talk about the day we call 9-11, when terrorists attacked the towers in New York City.  Nearly 3,000 were killed and many more injured on that infamous day in our nation’s history, a day we will long remember. 
But there is a far greater enemy who constantly attacks the people of God on a daily basis, and that enemy is none other than the devil.  Ever since he was ejected from heaven, the devil has been seeking revenge against God by attacking God’s people. I Peter 5:8 advises us to “be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks around, seeking whom he may devour.”  He is our greatest enemy because he seeks to destroy our soul, and there is no limit to what he will do in order to accomplish his purposes.
One of the tricks of the devil is mentioned in II Corinthians 11:14, which talks about how he transforms himself into an angel of light.  In the Garden of Eden, he took on the form of a serpent, and deceived Eve into taking a bite out of the fruit on a tree that was off limits to her and Adam.  John 8:44 tells us that there is no truth in him, and when he speaks he speaks a lie, for he is a liar, and the father of lies.  II Corinthians 11:4 tells us that he blinds people’s minds so that they are unable to believe the truth of the gospel of Christ.
The devil seeks to tempt us to do wrong, just like he tried with Jesus after Jesus had fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights.  Because Jesus was hungry, he tempted him to turn stones into bread. He dared Jesus to jump off the temple in Jerusalem and let the angels catch Him as He fell. He offered Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would fall down and worship him. It should be obvious if he was bold enough to tempt Jesus, he will certainly do the same to God’s people. 
Fortunately for us, we have a Savior who is all-powerful, and who gives us the Holy Spirit of God to help us overcome the enemy of our soul.  James 4:7 tells us, “Submit yourselves to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We cannot resist the devil on our own, but when we submit ourselves to God, it’s a whole different story. The devil may be our worst enemy, but God is our best friend, and the devil is no match for Him.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.