Satan Has His Own Church
. . . I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9)
Mystery of mysteries, the conflict between good and evil began in heaven. How could sin possibly originate in a perfect environment? Angels, beings of a higher order than humans (Ps. 8:5), were created to enjoy intimate fellowship with God (Rev. 1:1; 3:5; 5:11). Of superior strength, and obedient to God's Word (Ps. 103:20), they function as servants or "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14). Though generally invisible, at times they appear in human form (Genesis 18, 19; Heb. 13:2). It was through one of these angelic beings that sin was introduced to the universe.
Satan's Strange Role
Nobody behaved more strangely during Jesus' time than God's enemy, Satan. We read in John 13:2 that at the last supper, "devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him." What an odd thing for Satan to do! If Jesus had come to die for human sin, why would Satan actively cooperate in his death? Hadn't Jesus just warned that the cross would be the undoing of Satan? (John 12:31,32) Wasn't it the cross that made it possible for Paul to say, "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." (Col. 2:15)?
This part of the story is like a poorly written novel where people's motivations don't line up with the action. Why would a creature as brilliant as Satan, not just acquiesce, but actually assist in doing the very thing that would be most destructive to himself?
Several answers have been advanced.
One suggestion is that Satan was compelled to do what he did, because God sovereignly made him. Since the cross was God's plan, Satan was made to play his part in that plan. This suggestion is certainly possible, although it is speculative. The Bible never claims Satan was acting under compulsion, only that the cross was part of the "predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God." (Acts 2:23) Certainly God knew Satan would do what he did, as he also knew the other players, like Pilate and Herod would do what they did. But unlike the human players, Satan had everything to lose from the cross.
Others have argued that Satan was so arrogant that he thought he could hold Jesus in death after the cross. Again, this is possible, although speculative. Certainly, Satan is arrogant, but would he be this stupid? He certainly knew who Jesus was. And we see him backing down from God's power in cases like that involving Job.
Others argue that Satan knew the cross would destroy him, but he couldn't resist the sadistic pleasure of watching Jesus suffer. Again, we can imagine this, and we do know that Satan is irrationally hateful at times. But it seems to me like quite a stretch to see the anointed cherub behaving in such a self-destructive way.
Maybe Paul offers us another explanation in 1 Cor. 2:6,8,
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Could it be that Satan, the great adversary, didn't know that Jesus actually wanted to die? If so, it would perfectly explain why he helped orchestrate his death.
Many feel this passage is not referring to Satan, but to the human rulers who put Jesus to death. That's possible, although Paul uses the term "God of this world" to refer to Satan. (2 Cor. 4:4) Also, the "world rulers of this darkness" refers to demons (Eph. 6:12 the term here is kosmos, rather than aeon, but the sense is similar). Also, if he was referring to Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, why would he use the present tense "who are passing away" when all of them were now dead or at least no longer in power?
I will argue, based on this and other passages in the New Testament that this is exactly what happened: The brilliant, bitter, and arrogant enemy of God acted freely, thinking he was disrupting God's plan to take over and rule the world through Jesus. But instead he played directly into Jesus' hands, doing exactly what Jesus wanted him to do, and proving in the process, his own character as hate as well as God's character as true, self-giving love.
The Origin of the Controversy about Satan. Using the kings of Tyre and Babylon as figurative descriptions for Lucifer, Scripture illuminates how this cosmic controversy began. "'Lucifer, son of the morning,'" the anointed covering cherub, resided in the presence of God (Isa. 14:12; Eze. 28:14).1 Scripture says, "'You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty....You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you'" (Eze. 28:12, 15).
Although sin's rise is inexplicable and unjustifiable, its roots can be traced to Lucifer's pride: "'Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor'" (Eze. 28:17). Lucifer refused to be content with the exalted position his Creator had given him. In selfishness he coveted equality with God Himself: "'You have said in your heart; "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...I will be like the Most High"'" (Isa. 14:12-14). But though he desired God's position, he did not want His character. He grasped for God's authority but not His love. Lucifer's rebellion against God's government was the first step in his transformation into Satan, "the adversary."
Lucifer's covert actions blinded many angels to God's love. The resulting discontent and disloyalty to God's government grew until one third of the angelic host joined him in rebellion (Rev. 12:4). The tranquility of God's kingdom was shattered and "war broke out in heaven" (Rev. 12:7). The celestial warfare issued in Satan, depicted as the great dragon, the ancient serpent, and the devil, being "cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (Rev. 12:9).
How Did Human Beings Become Involved. Upon his expulsion from heaven, Satan spread his rebellion to our earth. Disguised as a speaking serpent and using the same arguments that had led to his own downfall, he effectively undermined Adam and Eve's trust in their Creator (Gen. 3:5). Satan aroused in Eve discontent regarding her assigned position. Infatuated by the prospect of equality with God, she believed the tempter's word—and doubted God's. Disobeying God's command, she ate the fruit and influenced her husband to do the same. In believing the serpent's word over that of their Creator they betrayed their trust in and loyalty to God. Tragically, the seeds of the controversy that had begun in heaven took root in Planet Earth (see Genesis 3).
In seducing our first parents to sin, Satan ingeniously wrested from them their dominion over the earth. Now claiming to be the "prince of this world," Satan challenged God, His government, and the peace of the whole universe from his new headquarters, Planet Earth.
The Impact on the Human Race. The effects of the struggle between Christ and Satan soon became apparent as the sin distorted the image of God in humanity. Though God offered His covenant of grace to the human race through Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15; see chapter 7 of this book), their first child, Cain, murdered his brother (Gen.4:8). Wickedness continued to multiply until in sorrow God had to say of man "that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5).
God used a great flood to cleanse the world of its unrepentant inhabitants and give the human race a new start (Gen. 7:17-20). But before long the descendants of faithful Noah departed from God's covenant. Although God had promised never again to destroy the entire earth with a flood, they blatantly concretized their distrust of Him by erecting the tower of Babel in an attempt to reach heaven and thus have a means of escape from any ensuing flood. This time God quashed man's rebellion by confounding his universal language (Gen. 9:1, 11; 11).
Sometime later, with the world in near total apostasy, God extended His covenant to Abraham. Through Abraham, God planned to bless all nations of the world (Gen. 12:1-3; 22:15-18). However, the successive generations of Abraham's descendants proved faithless to God's gracious covenant. Entrapped in sin, they aided Satan in achieving his objective in the great controversy by crucifying the Author and Surety of the covenant, Jesus Christ.
Earth, the Theater of the Universe. The account in the book of Job of a cosmic convocation involving representatives from various parts of the universe gives additional insight into the great controversy. The account begins, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where do you come?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it'" (Job 1:6, 7; cf. 2:1-7).
Then the Lord, in effect, said, "Satan, look at Job. He faithfully obeys My law. He is perfect!" (see Job 1:8).
When Satan countered, "Yes, but he's perfect only because it pays to serve You. Don't You protect him?" Christ responded by permitting Satan to test Job in any way short of taking his life (see Job 1:9-2:7).
The cosmic perspective the book of Job affords provides powerful proof of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. This planet is the stage on which this dramatic struggle between right and wrong is being played out. As Scripture states, "We have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" (1 Cor. 4:9).
Sin severed the relationship between God and man, and "whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). The breaking of God's commandments, or laws, is the immediate result of a lack of faith, the evidence of a ruptured relationship. In turn, by the plan of salvation God intends to restore the trust in the Creator that leads to a loving relationship manifested by obedience. As Christ noted, love leads to obedience (John 14:15).
In our lawless age absolutes are neutralized, dishonesty is praised, bribery is a way of life, adultery is rampant, and agreements, both international and personal, lie shattered. It is our privilege to look beyond our desperate world to a caring, omnipotent God. This larger view reveals to us the importance of our Saviour's atonement, which is bringing this universal controversy to an end.
The Cosmic Issue
What is the pivotal issue in this life and death struggle?
God's Government and Law. God's moral law is just as essential to the existence of His universe as are the physical laws that hold it together and keep it functioning. Sin is "the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV), or "lawlessness" as the Greek word anomia indicates. Lawlessness issues from a rejection of God and His government.
Rather than admitting responsibility for the lawlessness in the world, Satan lays the blame on God. He says God's law, which he alleges is arbitrary, infringes on individual freedom. Furthermore, he charges, since it is impossible to obey it, that law works against the best interests of created beings. Through this constant and insidious undermining of the law, Satan attempts to overthrow God's government and even God Himself.
Christ and the Issue of Obedience. The temptations Christ faced during His earthly ministry revealed the seriousness of the controversy over obedience and surrender to God's will. In meeting those temptations, which prepared Him to be "a merciful and faithful High Priest" (Heb. 2:17), He met in single combat a deadly foe. In the wilderness after Christ fasted forty days, Satan tempted Him to change stones to bread to prove He really was the Son of God (Matt. 4:3). As Satan had tempted Eve to doubt God's word in Eden, so now he tried to cause Christ to doubt the validity of what God had said at His baptism: "'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'" (Matt. 3:17). Had Christ taken matters into His own hands, creating bread out of stones to prove His divine sonship, He would have, like Eve, revealed a lack of trust in God. His mission would have ended in failure.
But Christ's highest priority was to live by His Father's word. In spite of His great hunger, He answered Satan's temptation with "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'" (Matt. 4:4).
In another attempt to defeat Christ, Satan gave Him a panoramic view of the kingdoms of the world, promising, "'All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me'" (Matt. 4:9). He implied that by doing so Christ could regain the world thus completing His mission without enduring the agony of Calvary. Without a moment's hesitation, and in absolute loyalty to God, Jesus commanded, "'Away with you, Satan!'" Then, using Scripture, the most effective weapon in the great controversy, He said, "'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve'" (Matt. 4:10). His words ended the battle. Though retaining His total dependence on the Father, Christ had defeated Satan.
Showdown at Calvary. This cosmic controversy comes into its clearest focus at Calvary. Satan intensified his efforts to abort Jesus' mission as the time approached for it to close. Satan was especially successful in using the religious leaders of the time, whose jealousy over Christ's popularity caused such trouble that He had to end His public ministry (John 11:45-54). Through betrayed by one of His disciples and perjured testimony, Jesus was arrested, tried, condemned to death (Matt. 26:63, 64; John 19:7). In absolute obedience to His Father's will, Jesus remained faithful until death.
The benefits of both Christ's life and His death reach beyond the limited world of the human race. Speaking of the cross, Christ said, "'Now the prince of this world [Satan] will be driven out'" (John 12:31, NIV); "'the prince of this world now stands condemned'" (John 16:11, NIV).
The cosmic controversy came to its climax at the cross. The love and faithful obedience Christ demonstrated there in the face of Satan's cruelty undermined Prince Satan's position, assuring his ultimate downfall.
Satan constantly is challenging God's power in the universe. However, he is only the challenging counterfeit because he actually poses no threat to God. Satan was originally created by God as a beautiful angel named Lucifer. Read about his original state and position in Ezekiel 28:12-17. But Satan rebelled against the power and authority of God. He wanted to be as God Himself. You can read the story of his rebellion in Ezekiel 28:17 and Isaiah 14:12-15. God could have struck Satan down and killed him for such rebellion. But if He had brought down the first enemy in this way, there would have been the possibility of another rebellion and the history of Heaven would have been clouded with many similar disasters.
Instead, God cast Satan out of Heaven and allowed his claims to power to have complete trial on earth. God also cast out other angels who participated in Satan's rebellions. They are now evil angels known as "demons" or "devils" at work in the world today.
Shortly after God created the first man and woman, the battle began on earth. You can read of the first challenge in Genesis chapter 3. The fall of Adam and Eve into sin was rooted in rebellion against the authority and power of God. Adam and Eve sought knowledge equal to that of God. With such knowledge would come power.
From this time on, Satan has challenged the authority of God on earth. Through sin, Satan seeks to draw men and women to allegiance to himself instead of God.
One of the chief methods of Satan in challenging God's power is to counterfeit it. A counterfeit is an imitation of something and is designed to deceive. For example, counterfeit money is made to look like real money. Criminals pass it off to others as real money to deceive them.
Satan counterfeits the power of God. He imitates God's power to deceive people. He uses his angels (demons) to help him accomplish this goal. Satan and his demons sometimes appear as good instead of evil. We are warned:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:14-15)
In the final days of time on earth, this imitation of God's power by Satan will increase. Through signs and wonders, he will deceive many:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish: because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. (II Thessalonians 2:9-11)
This Scripture reveals how Satan works. He counterfeits the power of God with "all power and signs and lying wonders." The only way you can detect his deception is by the truth of the Word of God.
When Paul speaks of "spiritual wickedness in high places,” he is referring to wicked spirits who have infiltrated the religious systems of the world. Satan has organized his evil forces to imitate the organization of the true Church of God. In some cases he actually has congregations known as "The Church of Satan" or "Spiritualists." He has set up a form of worship in the spiritual "high places" of organized religion.
Satan has also established his system right in the true Church. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude1 :4). Satan has ungodly people right in the Church who demonstrate power, but it is not God's power. The structure Satan has established in the high places of religion is based on imitation and deception.
SATAN HAS HIS OWN TRINITY:
God is a trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The trinity of Satan includes Satan himself, the beast, and a false prophet.
SATAN HAS A DOCTRINE:
God has a doctrine which is revealed in His holy Word, the Bible:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine... (II Timothy 3:16)
The doctrine of Satan is called the "doctrine of devils":
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (I Timothy 4:1)
The doctrine of devils is any teaching presented as truth which does not agree with the written Word of God.
SATAN HAS A SYSTEM OF SACRIFICE:
In Romans 12:1, we are told to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. This means we are to surrender in total allegiance to God. Satan demands sacrifices also:
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (I Corinthians 10:20)
Satan demands total allegiance of body, soul, and spirit. There are actually services of sacrifice conducted where men and women dedicate themselves to the service of Satan. The blood sacrifice of humans and animals has also been practiced.
SATAN HAS HIS OWN COMMUNION:
The sharing of the communion bread and wine was started by Jesus as a way of remembering His sacrifice for the sins of all mankind on the cross (I Corinthians 11:23-34). Satan counterfeits this with his own communion service:
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (I Corinthians 10:21)
SATAN HAS MINISTERS:
God calls some believers to serve as pastors and minister to His Church by proclaiming the Gospel (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has ministers:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:14-15)
Satan's ministers proclaim his “gospel” which is contrary to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:7-8)
Just because a message is delivered with a powerful style of presentation does not mean it is a message of the true Gospel.
SATAN HAS A THRONE:
God has a throne in Heaven. Satan also has a throne, although we are not told its exact location:
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.(Revelation 13:2)
SATAN HAS WORSHIPERS:
There are many who worship the true God. Satan also has worshipers:
. . . and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? (Revelation 13:4)
Some worshipers of Satan pretend to be followers of Jesus:
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:38-39)
Satan mixes the bad "seed" in with the good "seed" (true believers).
SATAN HAS PROPHETS:
God has set prophets in the church, men who are especially anointed to bring a direct message from Him to the church (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has false prophets:
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11)
SATAN HAS TEACHERS:
God has anointed some people as teachers to explain His Word to others (I Corinthians 12:28). But all teachers are not from God. Satan has false teachers who spread his evil doctrine:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you . . . (II Peter 2:1-3)
Satan's teachers bring in "damnable heresies," teachings which are false and cause division. They speak lies and are experts at mixing truth and error in a way that makes error acceptable.
SATAN HAS APOSTLES:
An apostle is a person who spreads the Gospel and establishes churches (I Corinthians 12:28). Satan also has apostles doing his work throughout the world. They deceive people by imitating the true apostles:
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (II Corinthians 11:13)
Satan's apostles become leaders of false cults and infiltrate churches and even become leaders in the churches.
SATAN RAISES UP FALSE CHRISTS:
Satan has even imitated the Lord Jesus Christ by raising up false Christs. Jesus warned:
. . . Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)
These false Christs may use the name of Jesus. They may do many signs and wonders. But they are imitators of the power of God.
SATAN HAS A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:
The Bible is a record of how God spoke to man in times past. God continues to speak to men today. Satan also speaks to man. His first words to humans resulted in their fall into sin (Genesis chapter 3).
Believers pray to God regarding their needs. God responds to the prayer of the righteous (James 5:16). Satan's followers pray to him and communicate with evil spirits. Sometimes Satan responds with supernatural events such as voices, the moving of objects, noises, etc. Satan does have real power and can demonstrate this power visually in our world.
God has communicated to man through His written Word, the Bible. Satan's message is also being communicated through the written word by evil magazines, books, motion pictures, and music. Communication from God through His written and spoken Word provides guidance for man in the affairs of life.
Satan has a system of false guidance accomplished through methods such as the following:
Astrology and horoscope: Which use stars to predict events and give guidance.
Readings of tea leaves, pictures, bumps on the head, palm of the hand and crystal balls: The formation of the tea leaves, lines in the human hand, crystal balls, and pictures are claimed to give guidance.
Witchcraft: Using spells, potions, charms, rituals, seances, divinations, methods of chance, visions, drawings, and similar unscriptural methods to receive guidance.
SATAN HAS SUPERNATURAL POWER:
Jesus promised supernatural power to his followers after they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Satan also gives supernatural power and authority (Revelation 13:2). His demons create supernatural strength and energy. Satan gives both power and authority (Revelation 13:2), as did Jesus. Satan can perform many supernatural signs and miracles:
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles...(Revelation 16:14)
Jesus said: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)
Note that Jesus said "I never knew you.” These people with their impressive demonstrations of power were never of God. They were deceiving counterfeits.
THE GREATER POWER
Satan is truly a challenging imitator. He has a powerful organization. His followers can do powerful acts. Jesus warned of his power:
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Luke 12:5)
But God has greater power. Jesus said:
. . . Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you than he (Satan) that is in the world. (I John 4:4)
AVOID EVERY SATANIC INFLUENCE:
God warned Israel to avoid every type of Satanic influence:
. . . destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places. (Numbers 33:52)
Read the additional instructions God gave in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. Israel was to have no contact with the work of Satan in any form. Destroy anything you own that has to do with witchcraft or the work of the devil. This includes idols, lucky charms, potions, amulets, crystal balls, games, divining devices, and other similar items. Destroy any evil literature and music that does not glorify God. This is what people did in the New Testament when they became believers:
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (Acts 19:19)
Do not spend time in places where there is evil influence. The Bible records that God manifested Himself in special places such as the Old Testament temple and the upper room of a house on the Day of Pentecost. It is equally true that Satanic power can be manifested in special places dedicated to evil. This includes places where evil pictures are shown, drinking and riotous behavior is occurring, seances are being held, worship of Satan is occurring--anywhere sinful practices are going on. Avoid such environments, because Satan's power is especially strong there. You cannot pray, "Lead me not into temptation," and then put yourself in such a place:
. . . and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (I Corinthians 10:20)
Do not associate with false leaders, teachers, prophets, ministers or apostles: Abstain from all appearance of evil. (I Thessalonians 5:22)
RECOGNIZE GOD'S POWER IS GREATER THAN SATAN:
God's organization, the true church, is more powerful than that of Satan:
(God) hath put all things under His (Jesus) feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be the head over all things to the church. Which is His body . . . (Ephesians 1:22-23)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. (Ephesians 3:10)
Jesus is the head of the Church. Believers are the body. If all things (including Satan and his religious structure) are under the feet of Jesus, then they are also under our feet because we are the body. "Under the feet" means they are under the power and authority which God has delegated to us. Jesus said we have power over "all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). This includes spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan and his hosts challenge God's power, but they certainly are not a threat to Him or His people. The Church is actually to demonstrate God's power to these evil principalities and powers!
As an imitator of the power of God, Satan seeks to deceive in the world today. To “deceive" is to mislead or cause someone to believe something that is not true.
· Satan deceives not only individuals but nations: Revelation 20:8-10
· Satan works with "all deceivableness of unrighteousness": II Thessalonians 2:10
· We are warned that deception will increase: II Timothy 3:13
· Because deception will increase, we are instructed to be aware of the events indicating Christ’s return: Matthew 24; Mark 13; II Thessalonians 2:3
· We are warned about those used by Satan to deceive: II Corinthians 11:13; Titus 1:10; II Peter 2:13; II John 7
· Man's heart is deceptive: Jeremiah 17:9
· Every unsaved man is deceived: II Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 3:13
· Do not accept deceptive "fair speeches" which do not agree with God's Word: Romans 16:18; II Corinthians 4:2
You are deceived if . . .
· You listen to vain philosophies: Colossians 2:8
· You trust in riches and permit the lusts of the flesh: Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; Ephesians 4:22
· You are a hearer and not a doer of the Word of God: James 1:22
· You say you have no sin: I John 1:8
· You listen to evil men: II Timothy 3:13
· You think you are important when actually you are nothing: Galatians 6:3
· You think you will not reap what you sow: Galatians 6:7
· You think the unrighteous will inherit the Kingdom of God: I Corinthians 6:9
· You think you are wise because you have the wisdom of this world: I Corinthians 3:18
· You think you are spiritual but an unconquered tongue reveals your true condition: James 1:26
· You do not believe Jesus Christ came in the flesh: II John 7
· You think contact with sin will have no effect on you: I Corinthians 15:33
EXPOSING THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Eph 6:11
". . . in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Cor 2:11
I. What is Satan’s overall goal? John 14:30; 16:11; Eph 2:2; 2 Cor 4:4; 1 John 3:12; 5:19; Acts 26:18
TO ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM -- EXTEND HIS SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
II. What is Satan’s primary scheme? 2 Cor 11:3
TO DISTRACT US FROM OUR PURE & SINCERE DEVOTION TO CHRIST -- REMOVE US FROM THE BATTLE
III. By what means does Satan wage his warfare?
GOALS SCHEMES A. Destroy faith
1. TEMPT US INTO SIN
Gen 3:1-6; Matt 4:3; Luke 4:2; John 13:2; Acts 5:3 a. DEFILE OUR CONSCIENCE
1 Tim 1:19
b. GET A FOOTHOLD
Eph 4:26
2. PERSECUTE BELIEVERS
1 Pet 5:8-9; Rev 2:10,13
3. TRIP UP BY SLANDER
Gen 3:1; Matt 4:1; Luke 22:3-4
4. DRAW US INTO SELF RELIANCE
1 Tim 3:6-7; 2 Tim 2:26; 1 Cor 10:12; 1 Cor 3:18-19
5. GET OUR EYES OFF CHRIST
Heb 12:1-3; Luke 9:62
6. CATCH US OFF GUARD
Luke 4:1-2; 1 Pet 5:8
B. Demoralize
1. ACCUSES THE SAINTS
Rev 12:10-11; Zech 3:1; 1 John 2:1; Rom 8:33; Job 1 a. CONDEMNS US
Rom 8:1; 5:10
b. INTIMIDATES US
Luke 4:3; Rom 8:15
2. DISCOURAGES US WITH THE TRUTH
Luke 4:9-11; 2 Cor 2:6-11
C. Redefine the battle
1. THERE IS NO BATTLE -- HE IS NONEXISTENT OR IRRELEVANT Acts 23:8
2. FELLOW BELIEVERS BECOME OPPONENTS –TEMPTS INTO EXCLUSIVISM
1 Cor 3:4-5
3. BATTLE BECOME "FLESHLY" - FLESHLY EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE SPIRITUAL ENDS
Luke 4:6-7; 1 Chron 21:1; Mat 26:51-52
4. BATTLE FOR POWER & AUTHORITY
Gen 3:5; Jude 1:4, 8-10
D. Bring division
1. UNRESOLVED ANGER, UNFORGIVENESS, BITTERNESS Eph 4:26-31; Eph 4:3
2. ENVY, PRIDE, SELFISH AMBITION
Jam 3:14-15
3. COVETOUSNESS, MURDER, ARGUMENTS
Jam 4:1-2
4. JUDGMENT, SLANDER, GOSSIP, INFLAMMATORY SPEECH
Jam 4:11; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8
5. ALIENATION FROM LEADERS -- SEEDS OF MISTRUST
Gen 3:4-5; 1 Sam 15:23; Num 16:11
E. Deceive 1. LIES
John 8:44; 2 Cor 11:3; Rev 16:14; 20:7-8 2. TWISTS THE TRUTH
2 Cor 11:14; Gen 3:5; Matt 4:6
3. TARGETS GOD’S PEOPLE
Mat 24:24
F. Lead into error
1. FALSE TEACHERS 1 Tim 4:1-2; Gal 3:1; 4:17; 2 Tim 4:3-4
2. FALSE TEACHING
2 Cor 10:4-5; 11:3-4
3. FALSE MIRACLES
2 Thes 2:9-12; Rev 16:14; 19:20; Matt 7:22-23
4. TARGETS GOOD LEADERS
Acts 20:28-31; 3 John 1:9-10
G. Gain direct influence
1. BLATANT OCCULTISM
Luke 4:5-7 2. VEILED OCCULTISM -- "NEW AGE" & CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM
Acts 19:19; Acts 15:19-20; Acts 8:18-20; Gen 3:5
3. WANTS TO DEMONIZE BELIEVERS
Matt 12:43; Eph 4:26-27; Mat 16:22-23
H. Prevent conversion
1. STEALS SEEDS OF THE GOSPEL
Mat 13:4, 19 2. BLINDS UNBELIEVERS
2 Corinthians 4:4
I. Dilute our efforts 1. PUTS PHONY IN WITH THE REAL Matt 13: 24-25, 38-39; Acts 20:29-30; Jude 1:4; 1 John 4:3
2. TRIES TO CHANGE THE CHURCH'S AGENDA
Luke 22:3; John 12:5-6; Matt 27:3-5