We live in a time when the enemy’s schemes are growing more subtle and sophisticated. But make no mistake—his goal has not changed. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
The Bible tells us that we must be vigilant because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Discerning and resisting him at the onset is not an option for believers—it’s a necessity if we want to live in the victory Christ purchased for us.
The Enemy’s First Strategy: Subtlety
One of the greatest mistakes believers make is waiting too long to resist the devil. They underestimate his subtlety. He often doesn’t show up in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork. Instead, he slithers into your thoughts, wraps himself around your emotions, and whispers lies designed to shift your perspective, create fear, or lead you into temptation.
Remember how he worked in the Garden of Eden—he didn’t outright attack Eve. He simply planted a question that made her doubt God’s word.
The devil’s initial attacks can come through subtle temptations, compromises, or even feelings of discouragement or hopelessness. Maybe you’re thinking, “It’s just one small compromise,” or “I’m just having an off day.” But it’s precisely in these moments that you need to be discerning. The enemy is a master at working through small, seemingly insignificant openings.
Discerning the Devil’s Onset
Discernment is the key to victory in spiritual warfare. Paul told the Corinthians, “We are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). If we are to resist the enemy at the onset, we must first learn to recognize his tactics. He comes to bring confusion, division, doubt, fear, and temptation. We need to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit so that we can discern when the enemy is trying to infiltrate our thoughts, relationships, and circumstances.
You may discern his presence through a sudden heaviness or fear that doesn’t make sense. Or perhaps through a series of small events that seem to carry a negative or oppressive spiritual atmosphere. You need to ask yourself, “Is this the enemy sowing seeds of destruction?”
Resist Him From the Start
James 4:7 tells us to “submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The problem many face is that they don’t resist the devil at the first hint of his attack. They allow a foothold to become a stronghold. But here’s the good news: you have authority in Christ to shut the devil down before he even has a chance to entrench himself.
When you sense the enemy’s approach, you must immediately rise up in the authority of Christ. Speak the Word of God over your life. Jesus resisted the devil by declaring, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). Don’t try to fight the enemy in your own strength; use the spiritual weapons God has given you—the Word of God, the name of Jesus, and the blood of the Lamb. Pray in the Spirit. Declare your victory in Christ. Break agreement with any lies or temptations the enemy is trying to plant.
Watch and Pray
Jesus told His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). The enemy often strikes when we are spiritually drowsy or distracted. If you’re not on guard, his schemes may slip past your radar. This is why maintaining a strong prayer life is crucial. Prayer not only empowers you to resist the devil, but it also sharpens your discernment so you can see his traps from a distance.
We need to be like spiritual watchmen, constantly alert, standing at our posts in prayer. Ask the Lord daily for wisdom and discernment. Pray for strength to resist any schemes the enemy is working against you. The devil is no match for a believer who is watchful and praying in the Spirit.
Closing the Door
Finally, we must be intentional about closing doors to the enemy in our lives. The devil looks for entry points—compromises, unresolved anger, unforgiveness, or sin. If you leave a door open, the enemy will walk right through. That’s why Paul told the Ephesians to not “give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Examine your life and allow the Holy Spirit to show you any open doors that need to be shut.
When you discern and resist the devil at the onset, you stop him before he can wreak havoc in your life. And when you submit yourself to God, you stand in a place of spiritual authority where the devil must flee.
Stay vigilant. Keep discerning. And resist the enemy the moment he makes a move—because you have the power in Christ to send him packing.
Resist him at the onset, and live in the victory Jesus won for you.
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