There’s something beautiful about the way the Apostle Paul begins his letters. Before diving into doctrine or exhortation, he greets the saints with warmth and encouragement.

“Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1, LSB)

That’s a fitting greeting for all of us today: Grace to you and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We need those words, don’t we? Because we live in a world still under the shadow of darkness. In comfortable, middle-class America, it’s easy to forget that demonic forces still operate. But take a walk through a jail, a mental health ward, or the underbelly of any major city, and you’ll see the effects of evil on display. Satan still has strongholds, and demons still wreak havoc where God permits.

Cotton Mather once said,

“That there is a devil is a thing doubted by none but such as are under the influences of the devil.”

In other words, disbelief in Satan often reveals his very influence. Yet even as we acknowledge his existence, we can live with confidence and peace.

Why? Because God’s grace has redeemed us. We have been made alive with Christ, and our peace rests in knowing that God is sovereign — not Satan. Though the devil may prowl, his leash is short. He may rule in limited ways for a time, but he is always under the ultimate authority of God.

As Martin Luther famously reminded us,

“The devil is God’s devil.”

That simple truth changes everything. We need not fear him. Nor should we obsess over him. CS Lewis captured the right balance when he wrote:

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”

We should neither deny nor dwell on the demonic — but rather, focus on the One who rules over all.

Our Lord Jesus has demonstrated His absolute authority over the spiritual realm. He has shown His power over nature and over the supernatural. Creation and creatures alike bow before Him.

There’s a story that beautifully captures this realization. Two men — both skeptics — were once discussing the life of Christ on a train. One suggested writing a novel about Jesus, not as the divine Son of God, but as a mere man among men. That conversation sparked the writing of Ben-Hur.

The author, General Lew Wallace, began the project as an unbeliever. But as he researched and wrote, he found himself confronted with the undeniable truth of Christ’s person. Eventually, he could no longer resist the reality of who Jesus is, crying out:

“Verily, this was the Son of God!”

That confession is the turning point for every soul. Some dismiss Jesus as a mere man. But while He was indeed fully human — able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) — He is infinitely more.

He is the Son of the Most High God.

Even the demons know this truth — and they shudder (James 2:19).

So, as believers, we rest not in fear, but in faith. Our Savior reigns over all — over wind and wave, over sickness and sin, and yes, even over Satan himself.

In Him, there is grace.
In Him, there is peace.
And in Him, there is victory.

Discussion Questions:

1. Paul often greeted believers with “Grace to you and peace.” How does this simple phrase encourage you in your walk with Christ

2. In what ways do you see evidence of spiritual darkness in today’s world? How should Christians respond to it?

3. Why is it essential to maintain a biblical balance between denying the demonic realm and becoming overly fascinated with it?

4. How does understanding God’s sovereignty over Satan change the way we approach spiritual warfare and daily struggles?

5. Like General Lew Wallace, many people begin skeptical about Jesus but are confronted with His divine nature. How would you describe your own growing understanding of who Christ is?

6. What does it mean for you personally to rest in the truth that “the devil is God’s devil”?

7. How can believers live out grace and peace in a world that is still under the shadow of evil?