The Word of God clearly tells us we have an enemy, the devil. He most certainly is a defeated foe but has a criminal mindset and determined purpose to steal, kill and destroy every privilege we have been giving because we are in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” There will always be opposition to the freedom and victory we have in Christ Jesus. Which is why we are told in 1 Peter 5:8 to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Notice firstly that the devil poses as a roaring lion, he isn’t actually able to inflict harm on a believer who is living in Christ Jesus. Secondly, he can only devour those who give him access or permission to do so. When we are aware of the strategies of the devil, it’s difficult for him to use them successfully on us, to confuse our thinking and get us off track of the truth. Ephesians 6:10 tells us how to combat the strategies of the devil. It says to, “…be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Now, it’s probably important to notice that all three scriptures referred to so far, lead into the same conclusion regarding how we are able to overcome the devil at every turn: Having our minds completely immersed and grounded in the Word of God. Paul uses 2 Timothy 3:12 to lead into the Word being God breathed and the tool to equip us for victory. Peter uses 1 Peter 5:8 to lead us into resisting the devil while we are strong in faith, which only comes from the Word we are continually hearing. Then Ephesians 6:10 leads into describing the weapons of our warfare that all revolve around the Word of God been appropriated to our lives. The Word is the answer every time! In order to live in perpetual victory over the devil and combat his cunning tactics – make every effort to remain full of the Word. This way you will remain strong in the Lord, and well able to combat every tactic of the enemy.