26. The Serpent and Spiritual Warfare

Introduction

The “demonic” rocking horse…

According to a 2009 Barna Group study, 59% of self-identified Christians in the U.S. do not believe that Satan is a real being.

“The finest trick of the Devil is to persuade you that he does not exist!” ~ Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867)

Subject: Satan’s existence, Satan’s tactics, Satan’s defeat.

Body

Satan’s existence: The devil is real.

Explanation

Genesis 3:1… A talking snake or a god in the form of a serpent?

Psalm 82:1-2, 6-7 (ESV)…

Psalm 82:1–2 ESV

1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

Psalm 82:6–7 ESV

6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”

Elohim = “God” or “gods”

God (Elohim) created the gods (elohim) to serve Him, but some—like the devil—rebelled against Him.

Names for the devil

The satan = the adversary or the accuser (Job 1:6)

The dragon (Rev 12:9)

The evil one (Matt 6:13)

The father of lies (John 8:44)

Beelzebul = lord of the flies (Matt 12:24)

The devil, diabolos (1 Peter 5:8)

Application: Satan is a spiritual being who was created to serve God. But he rebelled and now stands opposed to God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Satan is the evil one, the father of lies, and the enemy of our souls.

Satan’s tactics: The devil attacks. (1 Peter 5:8)

Explanation

Genesis 3:1-6… He lies to make you (1) question God’s Word, (2) doubt God’s goodness, and (3) take matters into your own hands.

He leads you into bondage.

Bitterness/unforgiveness

Fear

Guilt and condemnation (but see Rom 8:1)

Self-loathing

Pride

Sexual sin

Envy and coveting

Despair and hopelessness

Religion

Application: John 8:31-32… Satan’s attacks begin with lies. Don’t believe them. Know the truth and be free.

Satan’s defeat: The devil loses.

Find victory in Jesus.

Jesus is the snake-crusher (1 John 3:8).

The drag queen mockery of the Lord’s Supper… Never underestimate the depth of your own depravity.

We cannot have victory over evil without Jesus.

Resist the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-18… You wear your life in Christ as armor that protects you from the evil one.

Hallmarks of the Christian life: truth, righteousness, the good news of peace, faith, salvation, the Word, the Spirit, the church.

Take out the trash. (James 4:7-8)

Live free in Christ. (Gal 5:1)

Conclusion

The devil is real. The devil attacks. But the devil loses when we trust in Jesus and follow him together.

Let’s sing A Mighty Fortress is Our God.