Don’t Play With the Devil Because the Devil is Not Playing With You

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Growing up, my grandmother would say, “Don’t play with the devil because the devil is not playing with you.” My grandmother used a story from the Book of Acts, chapter 19, to illustrate her point.

“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day, the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus, I know, and Paul, I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
— Acts 19:13-16

The seven men in this story were sons of a priest. Perhaps because their father was a well-known priest, they assumed that they had power over the devil. But their power was useless without authority. Sceva’s sons realized that the devil was not playing with them, as they ran from the house wounded and naked.

The Devil is More than a Force

People must take the devil seriously, specifically the church community. We, the body of Christ, are the devil’s primary adversary. I urge you not to underestimate the gravity of this confrontation; the devil is not merely a figure of play but a formidable force with the intent to harm. Satan is determined to steal, kill, and destroy anything precious to you. His most sinister plan is to undermine the very foundation of your faith.

His ultimate goal is to wrench the word of God from your grasp, extinguish your joy and peace, and dismantle your trust in God’s promises. For these reasons, I am imploring you to be vigilant and on guard, for the enemy is relentless and cunning. He is not just targeting your spiritual life; his influence extends to your relationships, finances, children, career aspirations, and the very fabric of your future. His mission is to wreak havoc in every area of your existence.

Therefore, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith and to shun any temptations or distractions that could lead you astray. Equip yourself with prayer, Scripture, and the support of your church community to fortify your defenses against his intrusive tactics. Being aware is the first step to resisting his schemes and preserving the abundant life that God intends for you.

Beware of the Deceiver

The church embodies Christ on Earth. We are a vital assembly of believers united in faith and purpose. We are not mere spectators in this profound and relentless struggle against the devil and his malevolent influence; instead, we are integral participants in a spiritual warfare that Satan has waged since the time of John the Baptist.

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”
— Matthew 11:12 ESV

Jesus is simply stating a fact. Since John introduced Jesus to the world as the Messiah, the kingdom of heaven on earth has suffered violence.

This spiritual warfare encompasses not only our individual lives but also the very fabric of society and the world at large. Each of us plays a crucial role. Empowered by our faith and guided by Scripture’s teaching, we stand firm against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine hope, love, and truth. Together, as members of the body of Christ, we are called to engage actively in this transformative fight for righteousness.

Jesus warned us sternly about Satan throughout His teachings. Because of Jesus, we know that the devil is a thief, a murderer, and a liar. So, please don’t play with him; he means you no good. Furthermore, in Matthew 11:12, Jesus exposed the violent battle that takes place in the spirit realm.

Satan is the entity behind all the world’s troubles. That’s why you should not play with the devil. Sooner or later, he will bring his violence to you.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

The kingdom of heaven is one of the profound mysteries found within the Bible. It is the realm where God’s supreme authority and sovereign rule prevail, characterized by His unwavering love, justice, and grace. In this sacred domain, we realize God’s will, where He establishes a perfect order that reflects His divine nature.

To gain entry into the kingdom of heaven, we must undergo a transformative experience known as being “born again.” This spiritual rebirth is not merely a change in behavior but a profound inner renewal that reshapes our understanding and relationship with God. It requires a conscious decision to turn away from sinful inclinations and avoid the temptations that the devil represents.

This new birth catalyzes a profound change in our mindset, initiating a process of sanctification that leads to a renewed perspective on life, faith, and purpose within God’s creation. It invites us to see the world through a lens of faith, allowing us to experience the kingdom’s realities even while still in this earthly life. When we enter God’s kingdom, we find happiness and contentment.

God provides everything we need to live an abundant life through faith in His Son and in what He has done.

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:14 ERV

Yet, the kingdom of heaven is not only about our physical needs. When we live under God’s absolute authority and rule, His Holy Spirit gives us peace and joy.

“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 14:17 NKJV

Recognize Who You Are When the Devil Shows Up

Satan is not playing with you! He understands that when we truly embrace the truth of God’s word in our hearts, we gain access to the kingdom of heaven. The devil’s mission is to steal God’s divine truth, rob you of your peace and joy, and corrupt your faith in God. And the devil is persistent. His persistence is precisely why you must steer clear of any games involving the devil’s deceit. Satan is not playing with you. He is deadly serious in his pursuit. Engaging with his tricks and lies can lead to devastating consequences, resulting in chaos and turmoil in your life. Therefore, approach this battle with caution and resolutely distance yourself from the snares of deception. Choose to guard your heart and your faith against the enemy’s schemes!

“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.”
— Matthew 13:19 NKJV

If the devil can’t steal the word from your heart, he will attempt to kill your peace and joy with the cares and problems of life. Ultimately, Satan wants to destroy your faith in God. For these reasons, don’t play games involving the devil’s deceptions because he’s not playing with you.

To protect yourself from such influences, it is advisable to avoid engaging in activities or mindsets that align with deceptive practices. The impact of these negative influences can lead to significant turmoil and chaos in your life. Therefore, it is essential to approach these matters with caution and remain vigilant against deceptions that may threaten your well-being and faith.

What Should You Do When You Recognize Satan

When the devil shows up, recognize that Jesus bought you with a price (2 Corinthians 6:10). The ultimate answer to evil is the cross. The cross reminds us of God’s love. On the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), so we can say, “My God, my God, why have you so loved me? When you understand how much God loved His Son, you will know how much God loves you.

You have authority, so don’t play with the devil because the devil is not playing with you. You must stand against Satan when you recognize his deceptions. You’ve got to start fighting back. Our fight is not passive but active, requiring vigilance and preparedness to resist the devil’s schemes. Therefore, when you recognize the devil’s attack, do these things:

Resist the Devil

“But “you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are.”
— 1 Peter 5:9 CEV

When faced with temptation or negative influences associated with Satan, the first step is to resist him. It’s essential to recognize that these attacks are not only aimed at you but can also affect fellow believers around the world. Allow God to work His will in you. Firmly say “no” to the devil, and he will run away from you. Although resisting Satan’s temptations can be challenging, you can simplify the process by removing “is” from the word “resist,” transforming it into “rest.” This shift emphasizes resting in your faith in Jesus Christ, who has ultimately triumphed over evil.

Draw Near to God

When the devil appears, he often employs guilt tactics. He uses guilt tactics to distress you by reminding you of your past sins. When he shoots his guilt arrows into your heart, rather than withdrawing from God, run to your heavenly Father.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
— James 4:8 NKJV

Stop playing with the devil and purify your life. No more fun and games because the devil is not playing with you. You’ve got to get serious, really serious. Get on your knees; it’s the only way to get back on your feet.

Use Your Authority

The devil is not a mere opponent; he is a formidable adversary who will stop at nothing to undermine your strength. The devil is not playing with you, so don’t play with him. Don’t underestimate his power, as the sons of Sceva did. When he attacks, don’t sit idly by—stand firm and fight back. Take him seriously because he means business. Reject his deceitful lies and rise on the unshakeable foundation of God’s promises. In moments of doubt or fear, remember that standing on these promises is your greatest weapon. When you can’t do anything else, you can stand on the promises of God. Because God has given you authority over all the power of the enemy, you should not be afraid of anything, including Satan.

“Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
— Luke 10:19

Quote the Word of God to the Devil

You’ve got to start talking to the devil. Because he will test your faith; he is the tempter; that’s what he does. If you give in to Satan’s temptations, you side with the kingdom of darkness and worship him. When Satan tempted Jesus, He quoted Scripture to him. He declared what God has said.

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
— Matthew 4:8-11 NKJV

Remember God’s Promises

When faced with the threat of failure, it is essential to remain steadfast in the promises God has made. Abram, whose name means “childless,” is a notable example of faith. Before he became known as Abraham, which translates to “father of many nations,” Abram demonstrated his faith in God’s promise. He began telling people that he was no longer Abram (childless), but now Abraham (father of many).

Abram’s belief was manifested through both his faith and his words. Once God changed his name to Abraham, he publicly declared his new identity, moving from being known as childless to embracing his role as a father of many.

Believing faith speaks because faith not only believes but also speaks. Don’t play with the devil because the devil is not playing with you. Let him know that you take him seriously. Allow your faith to speak. If you believe the word of God, you should speak it over your situation.