Do you know what an adversary is? In some circles, it’s used as a legal term to describe an opponent in court. But spiritually, the Bible uses this term to describe the devil — the one constantly seeking to undermine our faith in Christ.

When I was a new believer, I struggled a lot in my faith and thought there was something wrong with me to be honest. When I’d attend church or be around other believers, they seemed to have their life together with very little struggle. But I felt like I struggled all day, every day. And yet, I really did believe in Jesus and wanted nothing more than to live in relationship with Him.

A real adversary.

Looking back, I subconsciously thought the devil was a Halloween costume; nothing I took serious. I didn’t see him as a real adversary. It was only when I began to spend time reading my Bible more regularly that my eyes were opened to the reality that the devil was real. I would read words like deceive, deception, strategies, wiles (a word I’d never heard before), thief, and prowl, that I thought wow I’m not imagining this. The devil is a real enemy.

In Peter’s closing to his first letter, he dedicated a substantial moment to address this with the believers that would be receiving his instructions and encouragement.

“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And [know this] after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:8-10).

Those who had any respect for Peter as an apostle and eye-witness of Christ would have taken these words very seriously– as should we.

I’ve often said the greatest oxymoron that has ever existed is the phrase defeated Christian. These are two words that should never go together, yet sadly, I have felt defeated at times and I know many believers who have faith in Christ but live in a constant state of failure. Borrowing James’ words, I say, “These things ought not be so” (James 3:10).

Don’t be passive or ignorant.

It’s important to understand the devil as a personal active enemy in your life. In other words, spiritual warfare is real. Not only does he prowl around like a lion but his goal is to devour someone. His ultimate desire is to destroy and lead you and I away from our faith. His attacks are personal and targeted, and yet, they are also universal, meaning you’re not alone.

Jesus warned us. He said, “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy…” but then He emphasized how His mission is the complete opposite, “…I have come that you may have life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). And this is why we can’t be passive or ignorant.

Resist him.

That may sound simple, because it is. First of all, be aware you have an adversary. And then do something about it.

We have to actively oppose the devil. Our resistance is required. Paul said, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

More encouragement is found in James 4:7, where we’re told, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This is a promise! Jesus has given believers authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19) and when we use it, the devil has to flee! In other words, he can’t stay.

Will he try to return another day, another way? Of course. He’s our enemy. But as we stand firm in our faith, our responsibility is to keep resisting him until he gets tired of fighting us.

The Holy Spirit told me one time: You can wear him down or he will wear you down.

I decided right then I would wear the devil down! I realized I didn’t have to be a defeated Christian. And neither do you! In fact, when you win the personal battle, you get promoted in the spirit to be a powerful ally in prayer for the rest of the world– starting at home.

The Lord promises to restore, secure, strengthen, and establish you. The trials and sufferings of spiritual warfare are only for a little while (temporary). So know your enemy and more importantly, resist him in the faith!