Our Enemy

X. SATAN: We believe in Satan’s existence and personality as the great adversary of God and His people (Rev. 12:1-10), his judgment (John 12:31), and final doom (Rev. 20:10).

I. Our Enemy Was Created as an Angel

1. Satan is a created {angel} .

Genesis 1:1 NASB95

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Job 38:7 NASB95

7 When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

{the environment of the heavens populated by angels on day one; the ‘sons of God’ witnessed the formation of planet earth}

A. He Was Morally Good

Gen. 1:31

Genesis 1:31 NASB95

31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

{God saw ALL that He had made – including Satan}

B. Satan Was Beautiful

Ezekiel 28:12-15 {this passage looks to the ‘spirit power’ behind the earthly king of Tyre. Satan was in Eden, not the king.}

Ezekiel 28:12–15 NASB95

12 “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 “You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, Was in you. On the day that you were created They were prepared. 14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 “You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you.

II. Our Enemy Rebelled

2. Satan chose to {rebel} against God.

A. Ezekiel 28:16-19

Ezekiel 28:16–19 NASB95

16 “By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. 17 “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, That they may see you. 18 “By the multitude of your iniquities, In the unrighteousness of your trade You profaned your sanctuaries. Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you; It has consumed you, And I have turned you to ashes on the earth In the eyes of all who see you. 19 “All who know you among the peoples Are appalled at you; You have become terrified And you will cease to be forever.” ’ ”

B. Isaiah 14:12-15

{the five “I wills”; again, the context is speaking of an earthly king who is being influenced and directed by Satan.}

Isaiah 14:12–15 NASB95

12 “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! 13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 “Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit.

III. Our Enemy Has Many Names

3. Satan’s character is revealed by his {titles} .

a. The name “Satan”

means {adversary} . {God’s chief enemy; hates the godly} i. Hebrew: !j'f' (satan) (cf. 1 Chron. 21:1) {first OT occurrence here & Job; 18x’s} ii. Greek: Satana/j (Satanas) (cf. Matt. 4:10) {first NT occurrence; 36x’s} b. What is Satan called in the following passages? i. {tempter}

Matthew 4:3 NASB95

3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

ii. the devil = slanderer

John 8:44 NASB95

44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

iii. the evil one

1 John 5:19 NASB95

19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

iv. Dragon

Revelation 12:1–10 NASB95

1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. 5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 8 and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

(1) Rev. 12:3-4

Revelation 12:3–4 NASB95

3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

(2) Rev. 12:9

Revelation 12:9 NASB95

9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Serpent – reminds us of the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden}

(3) Rev. 12:10 accuser (of the Brethren)

Revelation 12:10 NASB95

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

IV. Our Enemy Is at Work

4. Satan’s {works} and {methods} : a. Identify the works of Satan in each of the following passages:

John 8:44 NASB95

i. John 8:44 {murderer from the beginning (sought the death of Adam & Eve); and the ultimate source of lies and the practice of lying: “you surely shall not die” (Gen 3:4)}

John 16:11 ii. John 16:11 {He’s the ruler of this world – i.e. for a brief amount of time Satan has been granted power over the fallen world system: but his time is short (Rev. 12:12)}

John 16:11 NASB95

11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NASB95

4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

iii. 2 Cor. 4:4 {the god of this world (age); he’s blinded (Aor) the minds of the unsaved}

1 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB95

5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

iv. 1 Thess. 3:5 {the tempter might have tempted you; He so brazen as to tempt Christ!} v. 1 Pet. 5:8 {cf Job 1:7; 2:2; he accuses, afflicts, and at times destroys God’s people.}

b. Identify the methods of Satan in the following passages:

Genesis 3:1–6 NASB95

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! 5 “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

1 John 2:16 NASB95

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

i. Gen. 3:1-6 {He’s crafty, more than any other creature; He plays on the lusts of the eyes and flesh, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:16); he tells outright lies; causes doubt of God’s Word}

Matthew 4:1–11 NASB95

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ” 11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

ii. Matt. 4:1-11 {Satan attacks when we’re physically weakened, tired, hungry, down; he attacks repeatedly (3x’s with Christ); he’ll use food, fame, power, money, etc to tempt us; he’ll use Scripture inappropriately (Psa 91:11-12); Christ counters with Scripture}

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 NASB95

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

iii. 2 Cor. 11:13-15 {Satan’s workers are deceitfully disguised; he himself appears as an angel of light! Satan is a real being who opposes God and His people in every way.}

Conclusion: We believe in Satan’s existence and personality as the great adversary of God and His people.

V. Our Enemy Is Defeated

5. Satan is already {defeated} .

a. Satan works by Divine {permission} only:

Job 1:8-12

Job 1:8–12 NASB95

8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

Job 2:3–6 NASB95

3 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” 4 Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 “However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” 6 So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”

Luke 22:31–32 NASB95

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

b. Satan’s {judgment} is complete. (John 12:31)

i. He is judged by Christ at the Cross

John 16:7–11 NASB95

7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Hebrews 2:14–15 NASB95

14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

ii. He is resisted by the believer through faith and obedience

Eph. 4:27 6:13-18

Ephesians 4:27 NASB95

27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 6:13–18 NASB95

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

(1) 1 Cor. 10:13 {Trust the Lord to deliver us from Satanic attack: Jude 9

Jude 9 NASB95

9 But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Zechariah 3:1–2 NASB95

1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”

James 4:7 NASB95

7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

we resist not by might, but through humble submission to Christ}

c. Satan’s {doom} is certain.

Rev 20:10 (see chart Stages ofSatan’s Downfall) POINT: Satan’s career summarized in one verse: Luke 10:18! {cf. Rom. 16:20!}

Revelation 20:10 NASB95

10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Conclusion: We believe in Satan’s judgment, and final doom.

6. When was the last time you overcame a Satanic temptation?

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