Beware of Your Adversary, the Devil!

“Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”​—1 PETER 5:8.

1. What Adversary do Jehovah’s Witnesses have, but can he be foiled?

ARE you an unreservedly dedicated witness of Jehovah God? If so, you have a scheming adversary, a diabolical foe. Despite all he can do, however, that crafty enemy can be foiled. You can prove faithful to the Most High God, Jehovah. Without a doubt, you can thus share in vindicating your heavenly Father’s matchless name. Indeed, you can make Jehovah’s heart rejoice and can provide him with an answer to the Great Taunter. Yes, and you can gain the prize of eternal life in paradisaic happiness.​—Proverbs 27:11; Luke 23:43; Revelation 2:7.

2. What did the apostle Peter say about our chief adversary?

² To remain faithful to God, you must beware of your chief adversary. Concerning him, the apostle Peter wrote: “Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” Yet, defense against this enemy is possible, for the apostle continues: “But take your stand against him, solid in the faith . . . After you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness . . . will make you firm, he will make you strong.” (1 Peter 5:8-10) Especially do those words bring comfort to anointed followers of Jesus Christ. Yet, they also have true meaning for Jehovah’s servants who look forward to living eternally in an earthly paradise.

3. (a) Who stand ready to help us? (b) What foes does Satan use to accomplish his evil purposes?

³ If we are to beware of our Adversary, we need help, as well as knowledge of his tactics. Ready and willing to help all of us to maintain integrity are Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, the holy angels and the Christian congregation. On the other hand, we have our own imperfect flesh, this wicked system of things and Satan the Devil himself with which to contend. He is motivated by malice and is ever ready to enlist the aid of our other two foes to accomplish his evil purposes.​—John 15:19; 1 Corinthians 9:27.

4. (a) By what four designations is Satan known? (b) Why does Satan deserve the titles “Devil,” “serpent” and “dragon”?

⁴ The very designations the Scriptures give our Adversary help us to understand his methods, his designs, better. He is referred to as Satan, Devil, serpent and dragon. (Revelation 12:4, 9, 10) His name Satan means “Resister,” or “Adversary.” (Job 1:6; 2:1) “Devil” means “Slanderer,” “Accuser,” or “Maligner.” Satan is also called the “serpent” because he used a serpent to deceive Eve in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1-7) And he is termed the “dragon” because of his propensity to devour.

Satan’s Motives and Purposes

5. Satan has taken what position regarding Jehovah?

⁵ Satan the Devil, originally one of God’s heavenly sons, fell to opposing and slandering Jehovah. Satan’s purpose was to turn humankind away from God, so as to serve Satan’s selfish ends. The Devil’s course of action makes it apparent that he called into question the truthfulness of God, as well as mankind’s need to depend upon Jehovah and look to him for continued life and happiness. Implicit in Satan’s course is his questioning God’s right to rule and his manner of ruling. Jehovah is committed to the principle of ruling in righteousness and of having creatures serve him willingly out of love for him and for righteousness. On the other hand, Satan has taken the position that selfish gain is the more desirable motive. In other words, he contends that all intelligent creatures should be and are as selfish as he is.​—Job, chapters 1 and 2.

6. What does Satan’s course reveal as to his motives?

⁶ For Satan to embark on such a course reveals that he let inordinate ambition become a consuming passion and motive. This is evident also from the apostle Paul’s warning against appointing a newly converted man to the position of overseer, “for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed upon the Devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6) Yes, it did indeed betray a colossal self-conceit for Satan to dare pit himself against the Almighty, the Most High, the Universal Sovereign, the King of eternity, Jehovah God. (Genesis 17:1; 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 83:18; 1 Timothy 1:17) That the Devil’s overriding passion is self-exaltation, that he envied the worship that intelligent creatures were giving Jehovah God, was revealed by him when he offered Jesus Christ “all the kingdoms of the world” if Jesus would do an act of worship to him.​—Matthew 4:8, 9.

7. Why did not God at once execute the rebels Satan, Adam and Eve?

⁷ Of course, Jehovah God could have executed Satan and the first human pair as soon as they transgressed. But because of the issues Satan had raised, and out of mercy for Adam’s yet unborn offspring, God permitted the Devil to live and try to prove his boastful challenges. At the same time, Jehovah thereby gave those of mankind who wanted it the opportunity to try to rule themselves apart from God and his righteous principles.

Deception as to His Existence

8. How has Satan deceived mankind as to his very existence?

⁸ Satan resorts to many and varied designs to forward his purpose as Adversary of Jehovah God and, if possible, to turn all humans away from the rightful worship of their Creator. One of these designs is his getting people to believe that he does not even exist! This makes it possible for them to become his easy victims. Thus, today, in many religious circles it is fashionable to believe that there is no such person as Satan the Devil. For example, a poll taken by the Center for Policy Research in New York City reported that in 1974 more than half of Americans did not believe completely in the existence of a personal Devil. Even many clergymen do not believe in the Devil’s existence as a person.

9, 10. How do the Scriptures establish the fact that the Devil is a person?

⁹ But the Scriptures leave us in no doubt that there is a personal Devil. They show that a person spoke through the serpent, deceiving and seducing the first woman, Eve. The book of Job further establishes the existence of Satan as a person, for it tells of his speaking with Jehovah God, impugning the integrity of God’s servant Job. Moreover, the Gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke record that Jesus Christ was tempted by the Devil. That such temptations must have come to Jesus from an outside source is clear not only from what we know about Jesus’ perfection and personality but also from the nature of Satan’s third temptation. How could Jesus fall down and do an act of worship before an evil principle or idea? Significant, too, are Jesus’ repeated references to Satan as a person and as “the ruler of this world.”​—John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 8:44; Matthew 4:1-10; 12:26; Luke 10:18.

¹⁰ Jesus’ apostles also identified the Devil as a person. Paul indicated that true Christians are not ignorant of Satan’s “designs” and the apostle warned them against the “machinations of the Devil.” (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11) As already noted, Peter urged fellow believers to beware of their Adversary, the Devil. And the apostle John testified that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one” and that “the Devil will keep on throwing some [Christians] into prison.”​—1 John 5:19; Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 5:8.

Satan’s Device of False Religion

11. What has Satan done with man’s instinct to worship?

¹¹ Satan’s design to keep people blind involves his use of false religion. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Man was created by God with the need to keep in touch with his Creator by means of worship. Satan has deflected this instinct by appealing to selfishness and promoting ignorance of pure religion. To accomplish his purpose he “keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) As a result of such deception, humans engage in thousands of different kinds of false religion.

12. How should we view false religion and interfaith?

¹² All false religion is actually a product of Satan, for Paul stated: “The things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God.” Jesus said: “He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.” Furthermore, Christ allowed no room for interfaith, but said: “No one comes to the Father except through me.”​—1 Corinthians 10:20; Matthew 12:30; John 14:6.

13. In what ways has Satan exploited man’s curiosity regarding the occult?

¹³ Satan exploits man’s curiosity regarding the occult and the condition of the dead. By such totally unscriptural devices as talking with the dead, or spiritism, fortune-telling, astrology and black magic, he has ensnared countless numbers. In fact, today there is an ever-increasing interest in such things. This has gone to such an extreme that some are actually worshiping the Devil himself.​—Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26; 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Satan’s Appeal to Pride

14, 15. (a) What means did Satan use to get Eve and Cain to serve his purpose? (b) What further examples does the Bible give along these lines?

¹⁴ Satan succumbed to the temptation of pride. Accordingly, he awakened in Eve a proud, selfish desire to be like the Most High God, and thus he succeeded in turning our first parents away from the worship of Jehovah God. Satan doubtless used a similar approach with Cain. Noticing how chagrined Cain was because his brother Abel received divine approval, the Devil could fan that chagrin into murderous envy.​—Genesis 4:3-8; 1 John 3:11, 12.

¹⁵ Throughout the history of humankind, Satan has been able to use as tools those who are proud​—such men as Nimrod, the Pharaoh of Egypt in Moses’ day and Assyrian King Sennacherib. (Genesis 10:8-12; Exodus 5:2; Isaiah 36:7-10, 16-20) Today Satan holds multitudes in his grasp through pride: pride of race, pride of nationality, pride of education, pride of social status, and so forth. All of this serves the Devil’s purpose by causing people to turn a deaf ear to God’s message.

The Lure of Materialistic Greed

16. What success has Satan had in using materialistic greed?

¹⁶ Another device Satan uses to ensnare humans is materialism, greed, love of money, pride of possession. Thereby he ensnared the clergy of Jesus’ day who were greedy money lovers. (Luke 16:14) Using the lure of materialistic greed, “Satan emboldened [Ananias] to play false to the holy spirit.” (Acts 5:1-11) And no doubt the Devil used a love for material things and worldly pleasures to deflect Demas and other Christians from Jehovah’s service.​—2 Timothy 4:10.

17. We have what especially notorious example of a person who succumbed to Satan’s use of greed as a snare?

¹⁷ An especially notorious example of Satan’s using greed to ensnare is that of Judas Iscariot. Not only did he become a greedy thief but greed was a factor in Judas’ betrayal of his Master. That his mind was bent in that direction is indicated by his protest at Mary’s greasing of Jesus’ feet with costly oil. (John 12:4-6; Matthew 26:14-16) How careful we should be that Satan does not overreach us by the lure of materialistic greed!

Satan Preys on Human Weaknesses

18. (a) What provisions did God make for man to derive pleasure from living? (b) How has Satan exploited these to man’s harm?

¹⁸ Among the various weaknesses to which Satan appeals is the craving for forbidden sensual pleasures. Jehovah God intended that we should enjoy many pleasures, and when these are enjoyed within the bounds of his will for us, they can result in much good and happiness. But Satan tempts humans to put these things first in their lives and to indulge in them in immoral ways that violate God’s law. Thus Satan caused 24,000 Israelites to succumb to the lure of Baal of Peor. (Numbers 25:1-9) Today the world has gone mad in its quest for sensual pleasures. Magazines, newspapers, motion pictures and television programs are ever more explicitly appealing to prurient interests. As Christians guided by God’s spirit, however, we must shun such temptations.​—1 Corinthians 14:20.

19. (a) To what snare of Satan are young Christians particularly vulnerable? (b) Of what should young Christians be aware?

¹⁹ Another device of Satan is his appealing to the craving for pleasurable excitement. Young Christians are particularly vulnerable to this snare. Often, they go all out for various kinds of sports, both as observers and as participants. But this could cause them to become “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:4) With other youths the craving for excitement turns to forms of music and song that foster immorality and violence. Surely, there is great need for caution, for such things can lure young Christians away from the path of rectitude and virtue.​—Psalm 16:11; 2 Peter 2:20-22.

20. How does Satan use fear?

²⁰ Satan also uses the snare of the fear of man. It is natural to shrink from being ridiculed and to try to avoid suffering. Such fear has caused not a few to compromise in times of stress. (Proverbs 29:25; Hebrews 2:14, 15) With God’s help we will never permit that to happen in our case.

21. Why need we not be overcome by discouragement?

²¹ Another of Satan’s designs is his trying to discourage God’s servants so that they give up. The Devil certainly tried to do this with Job, causing him to wish he were dead or had never been born. Satan also tried this with Moses. (Job 3:1-13; 14:13; Numbers 11:10-15) Neither of these faithful men was swallowed up by discouragement. Rather, they conformed to the divine will. Like them, we need not be overwhelmed by any circumstances, for Jehovah can sustain us and will never permit the righteous to totter.​—Psalm 55:22.

Stand Firm!

22, 23. To be able to stand firm against the “machinations” of Satan and not serve his designs, what must we do?

²² In view of Satan’s success in estranging the vast majority of humankind from Jehovah God, what must we do? As valiant witnesses of Jehovah, we must “stand firm against the machinations of the Devil,” against his devices, his strategems and his tactics. (Ephesians 6:11) Thereby we can prove him to be the base, boasting liar that he really is.

²³ However, we cannot stand firm against Satan in our own strength, for he has greater powers, wider knowledge and far more experience than we have. To be able to stand firm against him, therefore, we need to take full advantage of all the aids that Jehovah God has provided for his people. Then we shall foil that crafty enemy!

Stand Firm Against Satan’s Devices!

“Put on all the armour which God provides, so that you may be able to stand firm against the devices of the devil.”​—EPHESIANS 6:11, The New English Bible.

1. What is the lot of Christians who live up to their privileges?

DEDICATED witnesses of Jehovah who live up to their privileges enjoy a spiritual paradise. Prophetically describing their present-day condition, God’s prophet Isaiah wrote: “In the wilderness justice will certainly reside, and in the orchard righteousness itself will dwell. And the work of the true righteousness must become peace; and the service of the true righteousness, quietness and security to time indefinite.”​—Isaiah 32:16, 17.

2. Why must we ever be on guard?

² To maintain this happy condition, we must ever be on guard, for Satan the Devil envies our happy and prosperous spiritual estate. As Gog of Magog he will soon launch an all-out attack against Jehovah’s people. (Ezekiel 38:8-12) But by no means is he idle right now. In fact, knowing that he has only a short period of time left, he is more angry at Jehovah’s servants now than ever before.​—Revelation 12:12, 17.

3. Why is Satan enraged at servants of Jehovah?

³ Satan controls this world of unrighteous humans. (Ephesians 2:1, 2; 1 John 5:19) All of these are on his side of the great issue of universal sovereignty. They are giving a positive answer to Satan’s putting in doubt whether any humans can maintain their integrity to Jehovah God. (Proverbs 27:11) That even a few Christians are proving the Devil to be a vain boaster and base liar enrages him. So he uses every device, every crafty artifice, at his disposal to overcome these faithful servants of Jehovah. Hence, “we have a wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”​—Ephesians 6:12.

4. Why must we work hard to overcome our weaknesses?

⁴ Therefore, you do well to ask yourself, ‘How can I stand firm against this powerful Adversary?’ As we have seen, he uses the weaknesses of the fallen flesh to entrap Christians. Personally, we may not have the weakness of laziness, but we may be proud. We may not be self-indulgent as regards physical pleasures, but we may be greedy for material gain. Thus we need to work hard to overcome our weaknesses, opposing the Devil so that he will flee from us.​—James 4:7.

Our Spiritual Armor

5. For what reason do we need to put on the complete suit of armor from God?

⁵ Our Adversary keeps using the same devices over and over again. So by studying God’s Word we can be alerted to the devices that Satan has been using since Bible times, and we can learn how to stand firm against him. The apostle Paul wrote: “Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.” He also urged: “Take up the complete suit of armor from God, that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm.” Note that Paul stresses putting on “the complete suit of armor from God.” It would be dangerous to lack even one piece of this divinely provided armor, for Satan would notice it and could well level an attack at that vulnerable point. This could prove fatal to us spiritually.​—Ephesians 6:11, 13.

6. What does ‘having our loins girded with truth’ require of us?

⁶ The apostle begins by urging us: “Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth.” (Ephesians 6:14) The military girdle of ancient times was a leather belt worn around the waist or hips. Often it was studded with small plates of metal, providing added protection. It also served as a support for a warrior’s sword or dagger. What does it mean for a Christian to have his loins girded about with truth? To be girded about with the truth of God’s Word means having it very tight, so we are able to use the Scriptures to resolve questions. As the military girdle was a means of protection, so the truth will give us confidence to bear our burdens and will protect us. Surely, then, keeping our minds occupied with God’s truths will help us to stand firm against Satan.

7. What does it mean to have on “the breastplate of righteousness”?

⁷ Next the apostle tells us to ‘have on the breastplate of righteousness.’ (Ephesians 6:14) In Bible times a breastplate consisted of scales, chain links or solid metal and served to protect particularly the heart. To have on this breastplate of righteousness we must, above all, ‘safeguard our hearts.’ (Proverbs 4:23) Only then can we stand firm against Satan by being motivated to serve Jehovah and to lead clean lives that will prevent our becoming a morally contaminating influence among Jehovah’s people.​—1 Peter 1:14-16.

8. What is involved in having our “feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace”?

⁸ Paul then mentions having our “feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15) What is implied here? That we keep very active in preaching the Kingdom message in a peaceful manner, even as Jesus instructed the 70 evangelizers: “Wherever you enter into a house say first, ‘May this house have peace.’” (Luke 10:5) We do not come to argue with people. Rather, we come to bring them comfort, joy, peace of mind and hope. Satan will try to stir up opposition and combativeness in some listeners to cause us to respond in kind. Therefore, to stand firm against Satan’s designs, we need to be tactful and patient, becoming “all things to people of all sorts.”​—1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

9. What were ancient shields and burning missiles like?

⁹ Continuing, the apostle counsels: “Take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” (Ephesians 6:16) The Greek word here rendered “large shield” denotes one big enough to protect most of the body. As regards the “burning missiles,” the Romans at times made darts of hollow reeds having tiny receptacles filled with burning naphtha. Paul may have been alluding to such fiery darts.

10. Satan uses what as “burning missiles”?

¹⁰ Satan shoots various kinds of “burning missiles” at Christians. Among these “missiles” are ridicule, reproach and slander aimed at God’s people by their enemies. These “missiles” can also be efforts on the part of some to discourage Christian warriors because of supposedly meager results of their activity in the ministry or lack of progress in overcoming fleshly weaknesses. Also included are bitter words, sarcasm and misstatements. At times, Satan has wounded Christians by arousing their curiosity about worldly wisdom as it relates to occultism or philosophizing on the origin and destiny of man. You should diligently avoid such “deep things of Satan.” Do you?​—Revelation 2:24.

11. On what do the size and effectiveness of our spiritual shield depend?

¹¹ To protect our hearts against Satan’s “burning missiles,” we need a large, strong shield of faith. Just how big and impenetrable it will be depends largely on us. We will have the needed protection to the extent that we buy out the opportune time for personal Bible study, meditation on God’s Word and association with fellow witnesses of Jehovah. Of course, we need to apply what we learn, for “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26) Thus, one of the best ways to enlarge and strengthen our faith, and so be able to stand firm, is to put forth earnest efforts toward inculcating faith in others.

12. What is our spiritual helmet, and of what value is it to us?

¹² Paul goes on to say: “Also, accept the helmet of salvation.” (Ephesians 6:17) In ancient times, some helmets were made of rushes, others of quilted linen or leather and still others of metal. (1 Samuel 17:38) But of what is our spiritual helmet made? Paul told Thessalonian Christians: “Let us keep our senses and have on . . . as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8) Yes, hope can indeed protect us from the blows and slashes of Satan and his agents. Strong Bible-based “hope does not lead to disappointment.” (Romans 5:5) Such hope will protect us against materialistic propaganda, for it will motivate us to seek first God’s Kingdom.​—Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31.

13. What is “the sword of the spirit,” and what is its value?

¹³ Finally, we come to our one piece of offensive armor, “the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.” (Ephesians 6:17) The Greek word here rendered “sword” refers to a short sword that resembles a dagger, suggesting combat at close quarters. With accurate knowledge of God’s Word, we can puncture and cut down false teachings, exposing their lack of logic and, in particular, their conflict with the Holy Scriptures. (2 Corinthians 10:4) We do this not out of pride but out of humility and love for God, truth and our fellowman. Happily, with the help of true Christian publications, we can get “a tight grip on the word of life.”​—Philippians 2:16.

Christian Qualities as Aids

14. (a) Why do we have no reason to be proud? (b) Why do we need to be humble to stand firm against Satan?

¹⁴ In addition to our spiritual armor, Christian qualities will also help us to stand firm against the Devil. Since Satan appeals to pride, our having humility and the spirit of a sound mind will help us in our fight against him. Indeed, no Christian should “think more of himself than it is necessary to think.” When we have done everything assigned to us, we should be able to say: “We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.” Besides, we need God’s undeserved kindness to stand firm against Satan and to have that we must be humble, for “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”​—Romans 12:3; Luke 17:10; James 4:6.

15. In standing firm, of what value is self-control?

¹⁵ Self-control is another Christian quality that will help us to stand firm against Satan. Failing to control our emotions, such as anger, or overindulgence in food, drink or sex will leave us open to the attacks and manipulations of the Devil. When we “conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh,” we actually were walking “according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler [Satan the Devil] of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:1-3) If we let selfish, unclean thoughts and feelings take over, we are in danger of being ensnared by the Devil for the doing of his will. (2 Timothy 2:26) To stand firm against him, we must exercise firm control of our thoughts and emotions as well as of our words and actions. We must discipline our minds to think on things virtuous, righteous, chaste and lovable.​—Philippians 4:8.

16. Why can unselfish love help us to stand firm?

¹⁶ In particular will unselfish love help us to stand firm against Satan the Devil. He is quick to appeal to any selfish trait he may detect in us. To the extent that unselfish love keeps us busy in the service and worship of Jehovah, to that extent we will be impervious to Satan’s attacks. What chance does he have with us if we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength? Love also makes us concerned about the salvation of others, and this will help us to make our own salvation sure. (Mark 12:30, 31; 1 Timothy 4:16) As long as we display love in its various manifestations, neither Satan nor any of his agents, visible or invisible, will be able to weaken our stand against them.​—1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

17. Why is prayer so important to our standing firm?

¹⁷ To be able to stand firm against Satan’s devices, we must also make full use of prayer. Why? Because we simply cannot come off victorious in our own strength. We need help from on high. After describing spiritual armor, Paul urged fellow believers to use ‘every form of prayer and supplication, carrying on prayer on every occasion in spirit.’ To that end they were to “keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones,” including the apostle.​—Ephesians 6:18, 19.

18, 19. (a) How can praise and thanksgiving help us? (b) Of what value are petition and supplication?

¹⁸ “Every form of prayer” includes what? One form of prayer is praise. Certainly in view of who Jehovah is, his qualities and his position in the universe, he merits our praise. (Psalm 33:1) Another form of prayer is thanksgiving. And what reasons we have to give thanks to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present”! (James 1:17) Most fittingly, we are counseled to “give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness and for his wonderful works to the sons of men.” (Psalm 107:31) Our having appreciative hearts and minds will indeed help us to stand firm against Satan.

¹⁹ Petition is another form of prayer. We can appropriately ask for such things as wisdom (James 1:5), holy spirit (Luke 11:13), forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9; 2:1, 2) and God’s blessing upon our efforts (Psalm 90:17). There is also supplication. It refers to imploring Jehovah God earnestly, as in times of great stress or peril. Thus when Paul was imprisoned he asked that supplication be made for him. (Ephesians 6:18-20) These forms of prayer surely will help us to stand firm against Satan.

Be Determined to Stand Firm

20, 21. How can we come off completely victorious?

²⁰ Today Jehovah’s people as a group truly are enjoying the blessings of a spiritual paradise. But for us individually to keep on sharing this blessedness we cannot take it for granted. We must ever be on guard, standing firm against our Adversary, Satan the Devil.​—1 Peter 5:8, 9.

²¹ The Devil has many devices, as we have seen, and his design is to break our integrity and cause us to quit serving Jehovah God. But Satan will not overreach us if we keep on our spiritual armor from God, continue cultivating such fruits of his spirit as love and self-control, and persevere in prayer. Thus, with loving help from our God, Jehovah, we will be fully equipped to stand firm against Satan’s devices.