Can the devil make Christians do wrong?
Our impressions about the source of evil must never contradict the nature of God. 1 John 4:1-6 clearly states that the one who is in you (God, the Holy Spirit) is greater than any other power. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (verse 4 NIV). This passage notes many powers for evil – false prophets, spirit beings that deny that Jesus came as a human being, spirits that are antichrist, and the ‘one who is in the world’ (Satan). The passage affirms that Satan’s power is less than the power of ‘he who is in you’ (the Holy Spirit).
Another far-reaching teaching is Ephesians 1:18-23, which shows us that we are protected by the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit sent by him. All other powers are subject to Christ.
That is a sample of Bible teaching that makes me confident that I do not need to fear that the devil will overcome me or any believer. HOWEVER, the scriptures do speak clearly of the two main sources of evil in our lives and in the whole world.
ONE, is our own sinful desires/nature. Even if Satan and the demons were entirely removed from the world, sin would still happen. James 1:13-15 summarized is this: when tempted, it’s inaccurate to say, “God is tempting me.” God doesn’t tempt people to sin (even though he may test or refine us). Instead, the primary power toward sin is our own attraction to self. “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (verse 14 NIV).
TWO, the other source of evil and sin is demonic working. Just sticking to the book of Acts we read accounts of demons being cast out of people so that they are set free (Acts 5:15-16 and many, many more). From 1 Peter 5:8 we know that the devil is our enemy.
Bottom line: With either source of evil the Holy Spirit dwelling in us gives us the power to overcome. The devil cannot force a Christ-follower to sin. Even though Satan does prowl seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) we are protected.