THE WILL OF GOD and SATAN

“And there was war in heaven “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” Revelation 12:7-9 NIV

Satan is the Great Enemy His names and descriptions say it all He’s called the great dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil . . . He’s called the tempter, the evil one, a murderer . . . He’s the father of lies, cunning and crafty, like a roaring lion

Satan is the Great Enemy He has tremendous influence in the world Jesus called him the prince of this world – John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11 He’s called the ruler of the kingdom of the air – Ephesians 2:1-2 He’s called the god of this age – 2 Corinthians 4:4 He leads the whole world astray – Revelation 12:9; 2 Timothy 2:24-26 The whole world is under the control of the evil one – 1 John 5:10

He wants to Sabotage God’s Will for us God’s Will for us is good, pleasing and perfect God wants us to enjoy life to the full! – John 10:10; 1 Timothy 6:17 He wants to save us from destruction – Luke 19:41-44; 2 Thess. 1:6-10 He wants us to live eternally with Him in Heaven – John 3:16

He wants to Sabotage God’s Will for us Satan will do anything to destroy our faith He causes suffering in our lives so that we question God - Job He tries to distract and discourage us – Luke 8:11-15 He lies and tries to deceive us – Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3 He even masquerades as an angel of light – 2 Corinthians 11:14

“Submit yourselves, then, to God “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:7-10 NIV

How to Overcome Satan’s Attacks We must trust God completely – Proverbs 3:5-6 Put our faith in Jesus – John 3:16; 1 John 3:7-10 Submit ourselves to God’s Will – James 4:7

How to Overcome Satan’s Attacks We must resist the devil – James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9 Don’t even let him get a foot in the door! – Ephesians 4:26-27 Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world – 1 John 4:4; Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13

How to Overcome Satan’s Attacks We must walk in humility – James 4:6, 10 And what does the Lord require from you? - To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God – Micah 6:8 Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ – Matthew 5:3