The Christian lives on a spiritual battlefield.

Satan, God’s chief enemy, uses the sin found in this world and the sinful appetites of our flesh to push us away from God. The good news is our Lord Jesus has defeated Satan. He will lead us in His victory as we follow Him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…”

SATAN OPPOSES US

Satan wants to destroy us, but Jesus promises us victory. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Satan’s wants us to think wrong thoughts, while God wants us to think rightly. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says “…and take every thought  captive to obey Christ.”

Satan wants us to do wrong things, while God wants us to act rightly. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

SATAN’S STRATEGIES

Satan is a Deceiver. Satan deceives people through lying spirits and false teachers. In John 8:44 Jesus said, “…When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, “…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” He twists truth into attractive lies.

Satan is a Tempter. Satan attempts to lure us away from what pleases God and brings God’s blessings. When we fail to be faithful to God through our fellowship with one another we fall into the Devil’s trap. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you…”

Satan is an Accuser. In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called “the accuser of our brothers and sisters.” Satan tries to convince Christians that they are still condemned because of the sins they commit. But God says in Romans 8:1, “…there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Satan is a Destroyer. Satan wants to destroy our enjoyment of God and prevent us from being useful for God. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “…Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

OUR DEFENSE AGAINST SATAN’S ATTACKS

We must know who we are and who we belong to. We are followers of Jesus and we belong to Him. 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

We must carefully judge what is true by God’s word. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

We must resist Satan by submitting ourselves to God. Our best defense against Satan is to surrender to God’s control. When we obey God, we resist the Devil. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

PERSONAL APPLICATION

We must also learn to flee Satan’s temptations. Don’t try to face temptation on your own. Instead run to Jesus and He will give you victory.

Where in your life do you need victory over Satan today?

 

Answers:

  1. destroy, 2. thought, 3. word and deed, 4. character, 5. tempter had tempted, 6. condemnation, 7.  lion, 8. greater, 9. test, 10. false prophets, 11. flee