The devil is known as the enemy of our souls, and one of his chief strategies against the Believer is deception. He takes half-truths and twists them into believable lies, to draw us away from a life of righteousness and faith in God. Praise God – we can combat each deceptive thought through knowing the truth of God’s Word. We also have the Spirit of Truth living within us, and if we remain sensitive to His promptings, He will lead us to the scriptures that clarify the truth and help us discern between what is of God, and what is deception. John 8:32 says, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Another tactic the devil uses against us is to oppose us through manipulating people. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are living in a fallen world where demonic powers have great influence wherever ungodliness abounds. Proverbs 29:8 says, “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.” And Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Having said this, it’s important for us to understand that Jesus has already defeated the devil. There is no direct conflict between the devil and God since Colossians 2:15 tells us Jesus triumphed over him, through the work of the cross. The devil indirectly rebels against God by bringing the conflict to us. However, Jesus has delegated His authority to us. We are to enforce the devil’s defeat on earth by resisting him in our own thoughts, rebuking him over the lives and situations he manipulates, and casting him out of those who are bound by him. While you are living submitted to God, with His Word alive in your heart and walking sensitive and obedient to His Holy Spirit – you must stand against the devil, exercising your authority over him, so you triumph over his tactics at every turn.