Satan's Schemes

Riverside U • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

0 ratings

· 43 views

Notes

Transcript

Spiritual Warfare:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Problem people?

rulers-

Notice plural-

Not just Satan but Demons- Arche- originates and starts-

Mastermind of Darkness and Deception around Us-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 746. ἀρχή archḗ

746. ἀρχή archḗ; gen. archḗs. Beginning. Archḗ denotes an act. cause, as in Col. 1:18; Rev. 3:14 (cf. Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). Christ is called “the beginning” because He is the efficient cause of the creation; “the head” because He is before all things, and all things were created by Him and for Him (John 1:1–3; Col. 1:16–17; Heb. 1:10). Archḗ may also mean the pass. beginning of something, as the beginning of a line, road, and so forth The line or road is conceived in one’s mind, but where he touches the paper to draw the line is the pass. beginning of the line (Matt. 19:8; Mark 1:1; 10:6; 13:8). Archḗ also means the extremity or outermost point (Acts 10:11; 11:5); rule, authority, dominion, power (Luke 20:20; 1 Cor. 15:24).

Ephesians 3:10 ESV

so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

authorities-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 1849. ἐξουσία exousía

1849. ἐξουσία exousía; gen. exousías, fem. noun from éxesti (1832), it is permissible, allowed. Permission, authority, right, liberty, power to do something (Acts 26:12). As éxesti denies the presence of a hindrance, it may be used either of the capability or the right to do a certain action. The words éxesti and exousía combine the two ideas of right and might. As far as right, authority, or capability is concerned, it involves ability, power, strength (dúnamis [1411]) as in Matt. 9:8; 28:18.

(I) The power of doing something, ability, faculty (Matt. 9:8; John 19:11; Acts 8:19; Rev. 13:12

Right and might of darkness-

Colossians 1:13 ESV

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

cosmic powers-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2888. κοσμοκράτωρ kosmokrátōr

2888. κοσμοκράτωρ kosmokrátōr; gen. kosmokrátoros, masc. noun from kósmos (2889), world, and kratéō (2902), to hold. Lord of the world. Used in the NT of Satan as the prince of this world, i.e., of worldly men (Eph. 6:12, in the pl., referring to Satan and his angels [cf. John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4]).

over this

present

darkness

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 4655. σκότος skótos

4655. σκότος skótos; gen. skótous, neut. noun. Darkness.

(I) Physical darkness (Matt. 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44; 2 Cor. 4:6 [cf. Acts 13:11]).

(II) Spiritual darkness, implying ignorance or error (John 3:19; Rom. 2:19); eternal misery and damnation (Matt. 8:12; 2 Pet. 2:17; Jude 1:13); sin and misery (Matt. 4:16; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18; 1 Thess. 5:4; 1 Pet. 2:9), as well as persons in such a state (Eph. 5:8); the works of darkness, such works as are usually practiced by men in darkness or secretly (Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:11 [cf. 1 Cor. 4:5; 1 John 1:6]).

(III) The infernal spirits as the opposite of Christ, the sun or light of righteousness (Luke 22:53).

Rule in Sphere of Darkness- Essence of all Darkness-

spiritual forces of evil-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 4189. πονηρία ponēría

4189. πονηρία ponēría; gen. ponērías, fem. noun from ponērós (4190) evil, malicious. Evil nature, badness. In a physical sense (Sept.: Jer. 24:2, 3, 8). In the NT, only in a moral sense, evil disposition, wickedness, malice (Matt. 22:18; Luke 11:39; Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:8; Eph. 6:12, “the spirits of malice” [a.t.] means the evil spirits). In the pl. hai ponēríai, wicked counsels (Mark 7:22; Acts 3:26, “iniquities,” wicked deeds; Sept.: Ex. 32:12; Ps. 28:5; pl. Jer. 32:32; 33:5). Ponēría means maliciousness and it is to be distinguished from kakía (2549) which is simply the evil habit of mind, depravity, not necessarily being expressed and affecting others. Both words are contrasted, however, with kakoḗtheia (2550), a vicious ill will, active malevolence toward others.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

So much of what is in Ephesians- relates-

Allowing Christ to Dwell by Faith-

Ephesians 3:14 ESV

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

Putting on New Man-

Ephesians 4:24 ESV

and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Being Filled With Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Putting on Armor of God

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

So you can make strong Case- Armor of Chapter 6- is completely in line- with the Garment of Chapter 4-

You put on one- you are putting on the other-

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

1)Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth

Belt of Truth-

Ephesians 1:13 ESV

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 4:24 ESV

and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 5:9 ESV

(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

Paul is describing a Christian who is:

Committed to the Truth

Sincerely and Wholly

The Devil is Deceiver- we will fall for his deceptions if we are not guarded by the Truth-

Loins- protect the lower back-

Devil is a Liar and no truth in him-

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Yieldedness to the Truth-

2) Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Having put on the breastplate of Righteousness

R- Anything that conforms to a Standard-

Breastplate- shoulders- to loins- covering all key organs-

Our Practical Righteousness flows out of adherence to the Truth

3) Shoes for your feet- having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of Peace-

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Strap on sandals-

thickly studded sandals with cleats-

Preperation-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2091. ἑτοιμασία hetoimasía

2091. ἑτοιμασία hetoimasía; gen. hetoimasías, fem. noun from hétoimos (2092), ready. Preparation or a basis, foundation, firm footing as the noun is applied by the Sept. (Ezra 2:68; 3:3; Ps. 89:14; Zech. 5:11 [cf. Dan. 11:7, 21]). This meaning best agrees with the scope of Eph. 6:15, the only passage in the NT where the word occurs in relation to the use of the military shoe. Paul advises Christian converts to “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11); to “take . . . the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having . . . your feet shod with the preparation [hetoimasía, or firm footing for the foundation] of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:13–15). This intimates the firm and solid knowledge of the gospel in which the believer may stand firm and unmoved like soldiers in their military duty. The Roman soldiers were furnished with shoes that had cleats on the soles for this purpose.

Basis of something-

Foundation, firm footing-

I am rooted in the Gospel-

Firmly Rooted in a deep understanding of the implications of the Gospel in my life- Eph 1- my identity- and how I now am to respond by faith- Be who I am!

Grasp Gospel of Peace

Committed to Truth

Results in Lifestyle of R

Firm Grasp and Grip on Salvation

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

4) Shield of Faith-

notice how important this shield is-

with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

What is this?

Door Shield-

Take off a door over there- and put a handle on it!

Colossians 1:13 ESV

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Ephesians 5:8 ESV

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Belief Trust Obedience- Faith-

Like a Shield in face of Enemy-

Missels coming in like Scud Missels-

leading us astray- attacking us with wrong thinking-

Faith in Truth of the Gospel-

In all of the Word-

Macarthur:

SATAN’S TARGET

Where does Satan aim his fiery darts (Eph. 6:16)? Paul gives a clear answer in 2 Corinthians 11:3: “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

The Greek words translated “designs” in 2 Corinthians 2:11 and “schemes” in Ephesians 6:11 both refer to Satan’s manipulation of the mind. Satan plays mind games with Christians. Human minds are Satan’s chief target. The Christian’s thought life becomes the battlefield for spiritual conquest. This truth is reinforced by the Bible’s frequent statements on the importance of believers possessing spiritually strong minds (Matt. 22:37; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:4; 10:5; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:2; 1 Pet. 1:13).

Since Satan aims at the Christian’s mind, what does he want to accomplish? Before answering this significant question, consider two scriptures:

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. (Prov. 23:7 NASB)

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. (Prov. 27:19)

Who one is on the inside determines who one is on the outside. Thus, Satan attempts to corrupt minds so he can corrupt lives. Satan’s chief activity in the lives of Christians is to cause them to think contrary to God’s Word and thus act disobediently to God’s will. The seventeenth-century Puritan preacher Thomas Watson put it this way: “This is Satan’s master-piece …; if he can but keep them from believing the truth, he is sure to keep them from obeying it.”

Every military leader devours intelligence reports on the enemy before he enters battle. The intelligence report on Satan is in the Bible. Therefore, ignorance of the enemy will never be a valid excuse for defeat. God has given Christians a decided edge in the contest with advance information on the enemy.

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

5) Helmet of Salvation

Isaiah 52- and 59 speak about lord Jesus - Helmet of Salvation

1 Thessalonians 5:8 ESV

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Here he seems to define it-

This helmet was heavy-

inside lined with Felt-

Not led astray by promises of world because we live by the promises of God

This morning!

1 John 3:1–3 ESV

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

All Promises of God

Ephesians 6:17 ESV

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

6)and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

Rhomphaia- long sword-

here-

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 3162. μάχαιρα máchaira

3162. μάχαιρα máchaira; gen. machaíras, fem. noun. A knife, slaughter–knife, a sword for cutting (Matt. 26:47, 51, 52, 55; Mark 14:43, 47, 48; Luke 21:24; 22:36, 38, 49, 52; John 18:10, 11; Acts 16:27; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 6:4; 13:10, 14; Sept.: Gen. 34:25; Judg. 3:16). Metaphorically in Eph. 6:17. The sword of justice in relation to the executioner (Acts 12:2; Rom. 8:35; Heb. 11:34, 37). To bear the sword, meaning to have the power of life and death (Rom. 13:4). The sword as standing for war, as opposed to peace (Matt. 10:34; see Lev. 26:6; Jer. 14:13).

David and Goliath long sword-

Joab and Abner-

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

All work together-

If I do not have loins girded- this doesn’t flow together-

Necessity of Prayer!

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Hope!!!

GOD’S PROVISIONS

The New Testament frequently reminds the reader that God has provided multiple means by which a Christian can be victorious over Satan in this life. The following ten provisions focus on the most important and encouraging truths found in the Bible to this end.

The Savior’s Victory at Calvary. The ruler of this world will be cast out (John 12:31). Through his death, Christ will destroy the Devil, the one who has the power of death (Heb. 2:14). Believers have conquered the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11).

The Overcomer’s Promise. Believers will ultimately overcome the Evil One and his world system (1 John 2:13; 5:4–5).

Christ’s Intercessory Prayer. Jesus, in his High Priestly role in the upper room, prayed that the Father would keep believers from the Evil One (John 17:15, 20; see 10:28–29).

Christ’s Protection. All true believers will be protected by Christ so that the Evil One cannot do eternal harm to them (1 John 5:18).

The Spirit’s Indwelling Power. Believers will overcome Satan because the power of the Holy Spirit within is greater than the power of the Devil without (1 John 4:4).

The Knowledge of Satan’s Schemes. God has forewarned believers of Satan’s evil plans in Scripture so that Christians can be prepared when the spiritual battle erupts (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8).

The Believer’s Prayer. Christ’s model prayer urged believers to pray, “Deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:13). Paul commanded believers to be in constant prayer for victory over the spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12, 18).

Biblical Instructions for Defeating Satan. First, submit yourselves to God (James 4:7a) and draw near to God, knowing that he will also draw near to you (James 4:8). Second, resist the Devil and he will flee (James 4:7b; 1 Pet. 5:9).

Shepherds Who Strengthen and Encourage the Church. Pastors are to establish and exhort the flock of God in the faith (1 Thess. 3:2), so that the tempter will fail with his temptations (1 Thess. 3:5).

Confidence That Christ Has Won the Ultimate Victory. At the end of Christ’s millennial reign over earth, he will cast Satan into the lake of fire to be tormented for all eternity future (Rev. 20:10).

-----------------------------------------

Satan’s Schemes

Satan has sinned (1 John 3:8), deceived (2 Cor. 11:3), and murdered from the beginning (John 8:44). While God stood for light, life, and truth, Satan represented darkness, death, and deceit. Satan’s modus operandi has been to deceive the entire world throughout all history, from the beginning with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1–24) to the end of time (Rev. 12:9; 20:3, 8).

Scripture uses three words to describe how Satan functions: (1) “snare” or “trap” (Gk. pagis), such as a hunter would use to capture and then kill an animal (1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26); (2) “designs” or “strategies” (Gk. noēma), that is, the battle plan of a skilled military commander (2 Cor. 2:11); and (3) “schemes” or “specific tactics” (Gk. methodeia), which soldiers would execute in an actual battle (Eph. 6:11). Using lies and deceit, the Devil attempts to bring the world around to his perverted thinking and away from the pure truth of God.

Satan rules as the commanding general of the opposing army. He attempts daily to outwit or outthink believers in spiritual warfare. Deviousness colors Satan’s character and conduct. He is a guerilla warrior who disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). To make the battle more difficult, Satan wages an invisible spiritual war using the most deceitfully clever tactics ever devised. He stands committed to spiritual espionage. He appears as a friend on the outside, but inside he remains the deceiving enemy. His lying statements, garnished with truth, are poison to the soul. His servants falsely present themselves as advocates of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15).

While this all sounds daunting, even overwhelming, Paul writes to the Corinthians that we should “not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Cor. 2:11). Exploring the schemes of the Devil helps prepare us to resist him.

SATAN’S TARGET- already covered

Since Satan aims at the Christian’s mind, what does he want to accomplish? Before answering this significant question, consider two scriptures:

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. (Prov. 23:7 NASB)

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. (Prov. 27:19)

SATAN’S FIERY DARTS

Satan will reach his goals by employing several well-chosen, unholy strategies in the Christian’s life. Satan has four major objectives against the Christian. If he can accomplish one or more, he is moving toward his goals. It is important to understand these objectives, because Satan’s attacks will fall under one or more of these four broad areas.

First, Satan will attempt to distort or deny the truth of God’s Word. That’s how Satan tripped up Peter in Matthew 16. Jesus had earlier called Satan’s bluff, however, and the Devil failed in his attempt on Christ (Matt. 4:1–11). Satan will even deny unbelievers access to the Word of God, as illustrated by the seed falling on hard ground in Christ’s parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3–4, 18–19).

Second, Satan will try to discredit the testimony of God’s people. This strategy succeeded with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11). Satan has also tried it on Christian leaders (1 Tim. 3:7).

Next, by depressing or destroying the believer’s enthusiasm for God’s work, Satan will assault one’s soul. The roaring lion of hell attempted this on both Paul (2 Cor. 12:7–10) and Peter (Luke 22:31–34).

Fourth, if Satan can dilute the effectiveness of God’s people, he will be moving toward his goals. David (1 Chron. 21:1–8) knew the pain inflicted with this type of attack, as have new converts to the faith (1 Tim. 3:6).

For each strategy, Satan employs a variety of tactics or specific spiritual warfare techniques to achieve victory. The Bible identifies over twenty tactics in the historical narratives and teaching portions of Scripture. If believers think as God thinks and thwart the schemes of Satan, he will not take advantage of them. Victory is promised if Christians let the Word of God richly dwell within them (Col. 3:16).

The Bible exposes the devilish mindsets that Satan has attempted to foist on various people throughout time. Note carefully that they are all very much a part of current secular thinking. The tactics of Satan as revealed in the Bible are listed below and personalized, organized under the Devil’s four major strategies. For each poisonous tactic designed to deceive, the antidote of God’s truth is given.

The Adversary’s First Strategy. Satan will attempt to distort or deny the truth of God’s Word.

1. Sensualism: Attractiveness and desirability have replaced God’s Word as my standard for determining God’s best in my life (Gen. 3:1–6).

God’s Mind: 2 Timothy 3:16–17

2. Sensationalism: I believe that immediate success is more desirable than success in God’s time (Matt. 4:1–11).

God’s Mind: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25

3. Universalism: Because we live together in the same world with the same kind of imperfections, we will live together in eternity (Matt. 13:24–30).

God’s Mind: John 1:12–13; 3:36; 5:24

4. Rationalism: I will substitute human reason for simple childlike faith anchored in the Word of God (Matt. 16:21–23).

God’s Mind: Isaiah 55:9

5. Existentialism: I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul (2 Cor. 4:4).

God’s Mind: John 3:16–21

6. Illusionism: I believe that everything that appears or claims to be of God is of God without further investigation (2 Cor. 11:13–15).

God’s Mind: Deuteronomy 13:1–5; 1 John 4:1–4

7. Ecumenism: I believe that all sincere religions involve valid expressions of worshiping the true God (Rev. 2:9; 3:9).

God’s Mind: Acts 4:12

8. Humanism: I alone can defeat Satan without God’s help (Jude 9).

God’s Mind: John 15:5

The Adversary’s Second Strategy. Satan will try to discredit the testimony of God’s people.

1. Situationalism: I believe that God’s Word is flexible enough to bend when I judge that the situation demands it (Acts 5:1–11).

God’s Mind: Psalm 119:89

2. Individualism: My chief marriage responsibility is to satisfy myself, not my partner (1 Cor. 7:1–5).

God’s Mind: Ephesians 5:22–25

3. Isolationism: My reputation will have an effect on no one else but me (1 Tim. 3:7).

God’s Mind: 2 Samuel 12:14; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5

4. Hedonism: Because God has removed my home responsibilities, I am free to satisfy myself while the church supports me (1 Tim. 5:14–15).

God’s Mind: 2 Thessalonians 3:10

The Adversary’s Third Strategy. Satan will seek to depress or destroy the believer’s enthusiasm for God’s work.

1. Materialism: I prize material and physical blessings more highly than my spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ (Job 1:1–2:13).

God’s Mind: Matthew 6:33

2. Defeatism: Because I have failed, I am no longer useful in the King’s service (Luke 22:31–34).

God’s Mind: Psalm 32:1–7

3. Negativism: My weakness prevents me from being effective for God (2 Cor. 12:7–10).

God’s Mind: Philippians 4:13

4. Pessimism: The difficult circumstances in my life cause me to doubt that I will ever accomplish anything significant for God (1 Thess. 2:17–3:2).

God’s Mind: Psalm 37:23–24

The Adversary’s Fourth Strategy. Satan will aim to dilute the effectiveness of God’s people.

1. Egotism: I will attribute what I am or what I will achieve to my own accomplishments rather than to God’s activities in my life (1 Chron. 21:1; 1 Tim. 3:6).

God’s Mind: Jeremiah 9:24–25; 1 Peter 5:6

2. Nominalism: Because I am saved and my sins are forgiven, my present lifestyle is unimportant (Zech. 3:1–5).

God’s Mind: 1 John 2:1–6

3. Cultism: My salvation will be based on works rather than on faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 22:3–6).

God’s Mind: Ephesians 2:8–9

4. Uniformitarianism: My relationship with trespassing believers will remain the same despite their repentance and change of heart toward God (2 Cor. 2:5–11).

God’s Mind: Ephesians 4:32

5. Assertivism: It is healthy for me to vent my anger frequently for lengthy periods of time (Eph. 4:26–27).