The Spiritual Conflict PT1

INTRODUCTION

Satan has convinced many people that he does not even exist. Those who know Satan’s reality face an additional challenge of learning to recognize him. He hides in religion, art, intellectualism, education, philosophy, and psychology. Consequently, it is imperative that we, as believers, learn how to see behind his masks.

The Scripture teaches us (Ephesians 6) that we are in a war against Satan. He uses the word "against" five times in describing the battle. We are living in a culture that has adopted a passive attitude about the Christian life...but the Bible teaches that it is a battle. Countries spend millions of dollars on intelligence agencies to stay informed of their enemies’ activities...we must know our enemy.

I.   KNOWING OUR ENEMY

A.   Satan's Personality.

1.             His Names. "the deceiver” (Revelation 12:9), "a murderer” (John 8:44), "a tempter” (Matthew 4:3), "the destroyer” (Revelation 9:11), "the liar"  (John 8:44), “the accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), and "the evil one"  (I John 5:19). He is depicted "as a roaring lion" (I Peter 5:8) and is able to portray himself as "an angel of light” (II Corinthians 11:14).

2.             His Background. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 depict his earlier days.

a.             Lucifer. [the son of the morning, the shining one, the day star] He was an anointed cherub ….breathtaking and gifted.

                                    3.              His Fall. Isaiah 14:12-16 

a.             He rebelled against the authority of God. He was cast down and became the archenemy of God and man. He is angry and spiteful. His personality is one of pride and hatred toward God and everything that is good and holy.

                   B.   Satan's Position.

1.             He is "the prince of this world" (John 12:31) and "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2).

                                    2.             He is a ruler over his own organization. (Ephesians 6:12)

                                    3.             He is called "the god of this age" (II Corinthians 4:4).

                   C.   Satan's Power.

1.             Satan possesses delegated power. Luke 22:53, Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13

                  D.   Satan's Purposes.

1.             Having been cast out of his original position, the devil is filled with fury and envy. His purpose is to pervert the purposes of God. I Peter 5:8

II.   SATAN'S STRATEGIES

                   A.   The Great Deceiver.

                                    1.             Liar. John 8:44, Revelation 12:9, II Timothy 3:13, II John 1:7-8

                  B.   The Great Divider.

                                    1.             A House Divided. Matthew 12:25

                   C.   The Great Destroyer.

                                    1.             The Destroyer. Exodus 12:23 (Revelation 9:11)

CONCLUSION

Satan is our enemy. He cannot be defeated in the flesh...we must put on the whole armor of God in order to overcome. We must remember:

                  Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the                  power of His might.”