Spiritual Warfare Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh & Blood Spiritual Warfare Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh & Blood . . . But Against The World Forces Of This Darkness . . . The Spiritual Forces Of Wickedness In The Heavenly Places (Ephesians 6:12)

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons Christians must familiarize themselves with the leader of the spiritual forces who stands in opposition to God and those who would follow Him. The first Biblical reference to Satan (Genesis 3:1; cf. Revelation 12:9). Satan is a created spiritual being who later sinned against God (Colossians 1:16; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Satan is not alone in his work – he is assisted by an army of demons (Matthew 25:41; 1 Corinthians 10:20, 21; cf. Ephesians 6:12 & Matthew 13:38).

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons There are several terms and phrases used in the Scriptures to describe the nature of the devil. Tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5; cf. Matthew 4:1). Beelzebul, ruler of the demons (Matthew 12:24). Enemy (Matthew 13:39). Evil one (Matthew 13:38; 1 John 2:13-14; 3:12). Great red dragon (Revelation 12:3, 9, 17). Father of lies (John 8:44). Ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons In what sense is Satan the ruler of this world? The term world as it applies to the rule of Satan refers to the conglomerate system of thought and activity that opposes God. ISBE describes this use of the term world as “humanity in its sinful aspect, the spirit and forces of fallen humanity regarded as antagonistic to God and to good.” Satan rules over all that oppose God – the child of God cannot live in alignment with this world (James 4:4; 1 John 5:19).

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons Satan’s rule in the world is manifest through his evil schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11). The term schemes (or devices) refers to perception or thought; thus, Satan operates within the sphere of the human mind – the same word is used again at 2 Corinthians 10:5. The term also implies that Satan has a plan. He schemes against us through deception and evil people. He operates with the intent to deceive (through lies), accuse, and destroy God’s people.

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons Satan lies – (read carefully John 8:44). The devil lied to Eve about the consequences of earing the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:4). He then sought to deceive Eve by making her believe that the outcome of her action would be favorable (Genesis 3:5, 13). False religion is evidence of Satan’s ability to deceive mankind (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons Satan accuses – (read carefully Revelation 12:9-11). Satan accused Job of serving God only for personal earthly gain (Job 1:9-11). Upon the Jews return from Babylonian captivity, Zechariah saw Satan in a vision accusing Joshua the high priest of sin (Zechariah 3:1-5). Satan stands condemned before God as a sinner and it is the desire of the devil that all share his fate (remember Matthew 25:41).

Spiritual Warfare – Satan & Demons Satan destroys – (read carefully Revelation 9:11; cf. 9:1 & Luke 10:18). Satan seeks to destroy every good thing in life (Revelation 9:1-11). He does this through tempting us to sin (James 1:13-15; cf. Romans 6:16). Satan sought to destroy Jesus at birth, during the period of temptation, and then at death – in the same way, his desire is to “sift us like wheat” (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Peter 5:8-11).