My Enemy: Satan

INTRODUCTION

The ‘world’ is a battleground and the Christian life is a warfare. As Christians, we have a terrible enemy—Satan; who wants to destroy us (John 10:10a). Paul called on Christians to be “good soldiers” of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) and “to war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). Satan and his fallen angels are spirit-beings we cannot see, but they are real enemies of every child of God (Ephesians 6:11–12). We need to study the enemy’s tactics to understand how to resist him.

OUTLINE

Satan’s Strategy

How To Resist

SATAN’S STRATEGY

Satan’s terrible mission against man is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10a). He knows that he has been defeated and eternally condemned to the lake of fire, but he wants to take many people with him (Revelation 20:7–10; 2 Peter 2:4). He does this by using:

1. Lies

The Devil is called a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44) who always attempts to counterfeit God’s principles and instructions through deception (Genesis 3:4–5; 13; Revelation 20:10).

2. Fear

He uses fear to keep people in bondage and make them stagnant (1 Peter 5:8).

3. Confusion

e.g. false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1–3).

4. Temptation and accusation

He tempts us to act on addictive urges and to yield to lust, impulses, selfishness and greed (Luke 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). He further accuses and condemns us for failing (Revelation 12:10).

5. Contention

The Devil understands that disagreement is a potent weapon to subdue the believers and rob them of the limitless power in unity (1 Corinthians 11:18; Acts 15:39).

6. Discouragement/depression

Satan effectively uses this tool on believers (1 Kings 19:4).

7. Affliction

Satan afflicts people with sickness to hinder their efficiency (Job 2:7). He also afflicts when he gains access to a man’s life through unconfessed sin (Psalm 107:17).

HOW TO RESIST

When you are tempted, submit yourself to God and command the devil to leave (James 4:7). Use the scriptures to subdue him (Matthew 4:4–11) and locate the way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

When Satan lies to you, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth and search the scriptures (John 8:32; 5:39a).

When there is contention and conflict that can degenerate into disunity, seek to make peace immediately without delay (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18).

To overcome the strategy of discouragement/depression, engage yourself in serving others; work hard and avoid idleness, listen to godly music, recount your blessings and encourage yourself in the place of prayer (Ephesians 5:19; 1 Samuel 30:6).

If you are sick, request for prayer from Elders in the Church or mature believers and exercise your faith in God’s ability to heal (James 5:14–15).

CONCLUSION

The word of God is a powerful tool given to believers to overcome Satan.

QUESTIONS

Why are Christians called to be good soldiers of Christ?

Mention four ways to resist the devil.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Ephesians 6:11–16

MON: 1 Peter 5:8–9

TUE: James 4:7

WED: Colossians 2:15

THUR: Zechariah 3:2

FRI: 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

SAT: 2 Corinthians 11:14

ASSIGNMENT

State five (5) tips to resist the devil.

(2 × 5 = 10 marks).

S/N

FIVE TIPS TO RESIST THE DEVIL

1

2

3

4

5