“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8–9

Any of you ever see the 90’s movie The Usual Suspects? It follows a group of five criminals who, after being brought in for a police lineup, are reluctantly drawn into a heist directed by the mysterious criminal mastermind, Keyser Söze. As they carry out what seems to be a routine job, the true nature of their involvement becomes increasingly complex, leading to deceit, betrayal, and a surprising revelation that reshapes the entire narrative. One of the most memorable lines from the movie comes from the character Verbal, who says, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

Two things we know from Scripture about Satan: he exists, and he is a liar. We know some more, but our focus at the moment is on these two. We know this because Jesus said so. In one of His rebukes of the Pharisees, Jesus tells them, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) Jesus isn’t a bystander to the works of Satan. He went toe-to-toe with him in the wilderness and won (Matthew 4:1–11). Jesus also knew from the beginning He would come to crush his ways (Genesis 3:15). And one day, Satan will be forever defeated (Revelation 20:10).

I love that God is a God of WHY. Think of how often you’ve heard God accused of being an angry rule-setter. He’s been called a cosmic child abuser. He has been vilified because bad things happen in the world. “How can He be good if there is evil?” When you read through the entirety of Scripture, the Word God has given for us to know what’s up, His WHY is painted all over! Do we understand it all? No. Did you understand why your parents yelled at you not to stick your toy in the electrical outlet? Well, some of you understood immediately after you did what they said not to. Some of Israel found out the same way. As a world, we are finding out the same way. The REAL Satan exists, he creates and spreads lies, and he has partners in crime who come to steal, kill, and destroy. The perpetual lie of Satan obscures unknowing minds.

So what do we do with this? What can you put into practice so that as the enemy is attacking, you can stand firm (Philippians 4:1) and always be ready? You have to know how to battle well. One way to prepare for the battle is to begin living out Romans 12. I go to and refer to Romans 12 quite a bit because it is easy to understand and direct, which we men like. You want a to-do list each day you can put on your fridge or desk? Romans 12. Neighbor make you mad? Romans 12. Sink leaking? Romans 12, then YouTube.

Spiritual Battle starts with Spiritual Living using Spiritual Discipline. It’s not rocket surgery, thank goodness, but it does take work. It’s meant to be worked on in individual time spent with the Lord and with others. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10) If you are battling alone, find you a brother or two to help.