January 15, 2023
Ephesians 6:10-12
“TOOLS of WAR Week 1 – Our Enemy”
Service Overview: Want to win a war? Know who you’re up against.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- The Greek word for armor (panoplia) is used only one other time in the New Testament, in Luke 11:21-22. In his letter to the Romans—though a different word is used in the text—Paul instructs his readers to put on the “armor of light.” (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3486)
- [Demons] were not created by Satan because God is the Creator of all. Rather, the demons are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion and thus became perverted and evil. The descriptive words “rulers,” “authorities,” “cosmic powers,” and “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” reveal the characteristics of these enemies as well as their sphere of operations. “Rulers and authorities” are cosmic powers, or demons, mentioned in 1:21. These spiritual beings have limited power. “Cosmic powers of this present darkness” refers to those spiritual powers who aspire to world control. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 129)
- The prevailing materialistic, mechanistic thinking of our age leaves no room for the supernatural, or indeed anything without a physical cause. Sadly, many Christians are so influenced by this thinking that even though they give conscious voice to their belief in Satan and spiritual warfare, their lives show no evidence of this reality. They actually live in unconscious disbelief. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 240)
- The Bible teaches that Satan is an angelic creature of God (Ezek. 28:12-16) who can do nothing apart from God’s control or permission (Job 1:6-12; Luke 22:31). He’s not the counterpart of God but of the archangel Michael (Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7). Satan is also the enemy and accuser of humans (Zech. 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:8). While we must not deny that Satan has the power to attack and ensnare us (Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:7), we also must not attribute to Satan more power than he actually has. (Charles R. Swindoll, Galatians & Ephesians, 358)
- 6:11a. The form of the Greek imperative put on indicates that believers are responsible for putting on God’s (not their) full armor with all urgency. (Harold W. Hoehner, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 643)
- The enemy has many different names. Devil means “accuser,” because he accuses God’s people day and night before the throne of God (Rev. 12:7–11). Satan means “adversary,” because he is the enemy of God. He is also called the tempter (Matt. 4:3), and the murderer and the liar (John 8:44). He is compared to a lion (1 Peter 5:8), a serpent (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9), and an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13–15), as well as “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4 NIV). (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 149)
What is crucial to understand about our enemy?
- He’s powerful, yet limited.
(Job 1:12; Luke 13:16; John 13:27; 1 Thes. 2:18; 2 Thes. 2:9; Heb.2:14; 1 John 5:19)
The immediate implication is that Satan is terribly powerful. To be sure, he does not possess anything near the power of God, but in God’s inscrutable arrangement he temporarily dominates and drives the world, which on the whole is separated from God’s grace (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 241)
- He’s more cunning and capable than often credited.
(1 Ch. 21:1; Mat. 5:37; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 1 Tim. 3:7; 4:1; 5:15; 2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Peter 5:8)
Whether you’re a young believer or an old saint, spiritually strong or weak, well trained or just a novice, Satan and his emissaries have one goal for you: destruction. (Swindoll, 357)
[Satan] can make men dance upon the brink of hell as though they were on the verge of heaven. (C.H. Spurgeon, Sermons, 11.75)
- He’s a relentless tempter and accuser.
(Job 1:8-9; Zec. 3:1-2; Mat. 4:1-10; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-13; Acts 5:3; Rev. 12:9-10)
Satan accuses Christians day and night. It is not just that he will work on our conscience to make us feel as dirty, guilty, defeated, destroyed, week, and ugly as he possibly can; it is something worse: his entire ploy in the past is to accuse us before God day and night, bring charges against us that we know we can never answer before the majesty of God‘s holiness. What can we say in response? Will our defense be, “Oh, I’m not that bad!“? You will never beat Satan that way. Never. What you must say is, “Satan, I’m even worse than you think, but God loves me anyway. He has accepted me because of the blood of the Lamb.” (D. A. Carson, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, 98)
- He stands opposed to all that is true and good.
(John 8:44; 10:10; 13:27; Acts 5:3; 13:10; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:9)
Satan, like a fisher, baits his hook according to the appetite of the fish. (Thomas Adams, A Puritan Golden Treasury, 290)
While God most often appeals to our wills through our reason, sin and Satan usually appeal to us through our desires. (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, 127)
- While currently active, his fate is sealed.
(Isaiah 14:12-15; Mat. 25:41; Mark 3:26; Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 12:9-12; 20:10)
We must remember a few things about this passage, like the fact that the critical battle has already been won! There is just a mop-up operation going on. Christ is Lord, and we are in Him. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 181)
Conclusion… What are Christians to do when it comes to exposing and battling the enemy?
A. Nothing of your own power.
(Ex. 14:14; Is. 26:4; Eph. 3:20 6:12; Phil. 4:13; 2 Thes. 3:3; 2 Tim. 1:7; James 4:7)
Two major points are developed in this section: (1) Christians are in a battle against opponents far greater than themselves; and (2) if they plan to win the battle, Christians must rely on provisions beyond their human capabilities. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3448)
We cannot fight Satan ourselves. All our own doing will be in vain. Nevertheless there is something we can do, and that is to avail ourselves of the Lord’s strength. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 247)
B. Become competent in using the tools you’ve been given.
(Ephesians 4:27; 6:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
The best way to keep Satan’s thoughts out is to keep Christ’s thoughts in. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 108)
Observe that this isn’t your armor—it’s God’s armor. You can’t provide it for yourself. You can’t muster up enough mental, emotional, or physical strength to fight a spiritual battle. It’s utterly impossible. Since the enemy is spiritual, you and I need spiritual armor. (Swindoll, 359)
We have one offensive weapon: the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). But what many Christians fail to realize is that we can’t draw the sword from someone else’s scabbard. If we don’t wear it, we can’t wield it. If the Word of God does not abide in us (Jn. 15:7), we will reach for it in vain when the enemy strikes. (John Piper, Desiring God, 129)
C. Rest in the fact that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
(Is. 41:10; Mark 1:34; 3:26; Rom. 8:31-39; 16:20; Col. 1:13; James 4:7; 1 John 4:4)
We must remember who we are and what is ours in Christ. (Merida, 184)
Above everything else, Christians need to cultivate a faith that establishes them as winners. This is all-important. Anything less gives Satan and his kingdom a devastating advantage. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 28)
Satan’s forces are indeed powerful. But if you can’t go to sleep tonight because you’re afraid, or if you suddenly wake up in a cold sweat for fear of Satan’s schemes, then you’ve missed the message. This is not about being afraid. This is about standing strong in the provision of Jesus Christ. Nothing is stronger than the Spirit of God living within us (Swindoll, 363)
Gospel Application…
For those in Christ, our enemy is defeated. While we may face struggles, our victory is guaranteed.
(Mark 3:26; Romans 8:31-39; 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 21:4)
If God were not my friend, Satan would not be so much my enemy. (Thomas Brooks, A Puritan Golden Treasury, 295)
In Romans 6:5-10 the apostle Paul expounds the truth that each believer is united with Christ in His total victory over sin and death and His resurrection. That is an infallible truth upon which each believer is responsible to stand. Sin and Satan cannot rule over a dead person. Sin cannot master and put into slavery a person who is now “alive unto God” because of our union with Christ in His resurrection. That is infallible, unchanging truth upon which we are meant to stand regardless of experience. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 25)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Where can you say you’ve seen Satan at work in the world?
- What are some common responses people have when it comes to the idea of evil, Satan, and demons?
- How can we be mindful of the struggle we have against Satan without becoming obsessed by our already-defeated foe?
Quotes to note…
When we are battling with Satan and the powers of darkness two important dimensions need to be kept in view. First, we must know that because we are united with Christ we have full authority to resist Satan and to force him to leave our presence. Yet at the same moment we must be willing to accept our Lord’s sovereign purpose for allowing us to experience the battle, even if it is prolonged. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 32)
Satan is powerful, but his is a defeated foe. For the Christian, he is only as strong as the power we permit him to have in our lives. (Randy Smith Sermon, Ten Steps to a Healthy Relationship with God, James 4:7-10, June 23, 2019)
The pride of a warrior is not the shine of his armor, but the telltale marks of his conflict. Paul’s command to stand is a military charge to be about the work of a soldier. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3496)
Satan would like nothing better than for us to picture him as the little red imp on our shoulder, whispering naughty ideas into our ears. As long as we think of him as a pesky little pest that we can brush away like a mosquito, we won’t realize just how insidious he is. Swindoll, 357)
Unless we know who the enemy is, where he is, and what he can do, we have a difficult time defeating him. Not only in Ephesians 6, but throughout the entire Bible, God instructs us about the enemy, so there is no reason for us to be caught off guard. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 149)
There is much in those little phrases in Christ and in the Lord to help us know that it is God’s will we be invincibly strong. Satan’s roaring never need frighten us if we are “in Christ.” (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 41)
Satan will not continue to assault you if the circumstances he designed to destroy you are now working to perfect you! (Francis Frangipane, The Three Battlegrounds, 20)
We cannot hope to effect a rescue from Satan’s den without first disarming the adversary. (J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 90)
Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst; he promises honor, and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure, and pays with pain; he promises profit, and pays with loss; he promises life, and pays with death. But God pays as He promises; all His payments are made in pure gold. (Thomas Brooks)
The focus of Satan’s efforts is always the same: to deceive us into believing that the passing pleasures of sin are more satisfying than obedience. (Sam Storms, Pleasures Evermore, 247)
The chief weapon we ought to use in resisting Satan is the Bible. Three times the great enemy offered temptations to our Lord. Three times his offer was refused, with a text of Scripture as the reason, “it is written” (Mt. 3:4, 7, 10). (J.C. Ryle, Commentary: Matthew 4)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES….
Twice the readers are instructed to put on this armor (Eph. 6:11, 13). Paul gives two reasons why it should be worn: (1) so that the Christian can stand against the devil’s schemes (6:11); and (2) to enable the Christian to stand his or her ground when the day of evil comes (6:13). The two instructions focus upon the intermediate and the ultimate. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3476)
(Eph. 6:10). This phrase could be translated, “Strengthen yourself in the Lord… .” It carries the sense of a command for the preparation of battle, a command often repeated in the Scriptures (see Joshua 1:7; 1 Samuel 30:6; 2 Samuel 10:12; Psalm 27:14; Zechariah 10:12; Haggai 2:4). Paul also instructs the readers of other letters to be strong. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he lists several expressions the Corinthians should seek: watchfulness, tenacity, courage and strength. In 2 Timothy 2:1, he instructs his “son in the faith” to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3457)
Paul’s conviction of the Christian’s invincibility in battle is expressed in Romans 8:28-39, where he declares that we are already “more than conquerors.” He was convinced that no principality or power on earth or beyond could take us away from the love of God in Christ. What a blessed promise of victory to carry into battle! However, this is only possible if we do the work we have been empowered and equipped to perform. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3515)
A soldier’s enemy can be defined by the weapons the soldier uses against them. By realizing this, we can develop an understanding of what this spiritual enemy intends to use against us. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3515)
We are told to buckle the belt of truth around our waists (Eph. 6:14). Why would we need belts of truth? Is it not because we battle against an enemy who is a liar? Jesus describes our enemy in John 8:44 as a liar and the father of lies. In his deception, he can even pass himself off as an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:14). He is so deceptive in his messages that “even the elect” can be misled (Matt. 24:24). How important it is for God’s warriors to wear about themselves the truth of God so that it can reveal each message and statement for what it truly is. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3525)
The breastplate covered the greatest area on the warrior, protecting his most vital organs from harm. Its appearance helped to suggest the strength of the soldier and his army. Enveloped in this protection the soldier was enabled to stand against the weapons that would otherwise mortally wound him. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3525)
Our feet are to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). Paul is referencing Isaiah’s message: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Isa. 52:7). The good news Isaiah is talking about is the salvation of Israel back from Exile. Our modern word gospel literally means “good news” and refers to the salvation message of Jesus Christ. Paul makes specific mention of Isaiah’s message in Romans 10:15, where he points out the logical understanding that the people of this world will never be changed from their sinful lives unless they have the opportunity to hear the message. This message will never be heard unless someone is sent to proclaim it. The good news of Jesus Christ gives us motive and message. It shods our feet to go and proclaim to those who know no good news. This, then, is the Enemy’s weapon against us. In his deception, he convinces humankind that there is no hope, no reason for rejoicing, no future to live for. But we do battle armed with the gospel. We share good news in the face of the world’s despair. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3534)
One of the strategic weapons of ancient warfare was the spear, and later the arrow. These were weapons able to inflict harm on the opponent while he was still at a distance. If used effectively, they would serve to reduce the force of an army before actual hand-to-hand conflict ensued. Unless there was something to protect the encroaching army against these airborne attacks, their numbers would be decimated easily. The shield was used for this very purpose. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3544)
Doubt comes as a result of our experiences in life, especially those that challenge our safety and comfort. Doubt is a by-product of faith, as faith moves us into realms beyond our own ability. Yet, faith is the contradiction of doubt. It is that which enables us to stand opposed to even the most impossible of situations and proclaim, “Never-the-less God!” (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3544)
We know that the brain maintains total control of the body. Without it, we are in trouble. Encasing this vital area with salvation assures the protection and direction of our life. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3554)
The sword of the Spirit (6:17), like the soldier’s sword, can be used as an offensive or defensive tool. The soldier could use it aggressively by inflicting wounds upon his opponent, or it could become the means by which he repelled the attack from his opponent. As Paul is quick to point out, this sword is actually the Word of God. In John’s vision on Patmos, he describes Christ’s tongue as a sharp two-edged sword (see Revelation 1:16), illustrating His Word (what comes out of His mouth) as a weapon of God. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3563)
The Word of God as an attacking weapon is described in Hebrews 4:12, where the writer relates that it is sharper than a two-edged sword and penetrates and divides the soul and the spirit. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3563)
The panoplia, or full armor, means complete equipment, head-to-toe protection, both defensively and offensively. This gear was for hand-to-hand combat, not for appearances. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 128)
This “armor of God” was mentioned in the Old Testament. Isaiah 59:17 describes God as wearing the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 128)
“Take up” is a technical military term describing preparation for battle. The armor is available, but the believer-soldier must “take it up” in order to be ready. We would be neglectful to do otherwise, for the battle is real, and we are Satan’s targets. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 130)
The forces threatening the Christians as they live out their new lives in Christ are not only those which arise out of the human context but also those emanating from the supernatural evil order. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 208)
We must go beyond evangelical lip service to a deep-souled conviction that bursts our simplistic religious shackles. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 241)
Whatever the exact designations of the angels, there is a great demonic enemy with a defined and disciplined chain of command. The evil described here is not the trivialized, pallid Satan of folklore commanding a gang of spirits that look like winged possums! (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 241)
We understand from Romans 1–3 that all of us are totally depraved. By this we mean that every part of our nature is tainted by sin. This does not mean we are as bad as we could be. There is always room for “deprovement.” Some humans fall deeper in their depravity than others—say, serial murderers such as Ted Bundy or the Satanic murderers in Matamoros, Mexico whose hideous work was shown in Time magazine—a caldron stuffed with dismembered human and animal parts. Yet even those who have gone so low have not equaled Satan’s evil. Satan has no conscience, no compassion, no remorse, no morals. He feeds on pain and anguish and filth. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 242)
There is nothing in Satan that is redeemable. There is no virtue, but only a dark, cannibal void. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 243)
human beings can’t fully relate to the total wickedness that motivates the devil. It seems like every bad guy in literature, television, or film has some kind of potential for redemption, a limit to his or her wickedness, or at least a reasonable explanation for his or her evil behavior that can almost prompt pity. Yet when it comes to Satan, there is no possibility of redemption, no limit to his evil except what is placed on him by God’s sovereign restraint, and no rational explanation or motivation for what he seeks to do. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 360)
Though the ranks of satanic forces cannot be fully categorized, the first two (rulers and authorities) have already been mentioned in 1:21 and 3:10. Paul added the powers of this dark world (cf. 2:2; 4:18; 5:8) and the spiritual forces of evil. Their sphere of activity is in the heavenly realms, the fifth occurrence of this phrase, which is mentioned in the New Testament only in 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12. (Harold W. Hoehner, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 643)
Where did he come from, this spirit-creature that seeks to oppose God and defeat His work? Many students believe that in the original creation, he was “Lucifer, son of the morning” (Isa. 14:12–15) and that he was cast down because of his pride and his desire to occupy God’s throne. Many mysteries are connected with the origin of Satan, but what he is doing and where he is going are certainly no mystery! Since he is a created being, and not eternal (as God is), he is limited in his knowledge and activity. Unlike God, Satan is not all-knowing, all-powerful, or everywhere-present. Then how does he accomplish so much in so many different parts of the world? The answer is in his organized helpers. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 149)
We cannot replace the items of armor with contemporary items—“the bazooka of righteousness” or “the drone of truth”—not only because it would be silly but because it would lose the metaphorical point. Part of the point has to do with the part of the body these pieces cover, so a tank or a drone would simply not apply. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 179)
We think we are so advanced, and yet the streets still run with blood; humans are being oppressed, treated like animals; families are breaking down everywhere, and so on. We are in a broken world that is influenced by the “god of this age” (2 Cor 4:4). The Bible will not allow for a simplistic answer to the problems of this world. Clearly there are some answers in the fields of sociology, biology, etc., but they cannot and will not provide all the answers. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 182)
Sin and Satan can reign only if we “let” him do so. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 25)
Satan’s program is a cacophony of violence, injustice, and brutality. Promising much, Satan always delivers little. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 29)
The ultimate tactic of Satan’s strategy is to deceive men. The Lord Jesus Christ confirmed this in John 8:44 when in rebuking the unbelieving Pharisees He said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 66)
Peace with God is meant to bring peace to the believer’s intellect, his mind. Justification is not an experiential, feeling-based truth. The only way believers know we are justified—declared righteous in God’s sight—is because God says so and we believe Him. Inner peace comes when we accept the plain fact of what God has done. As a result, we have peace with God. (Mark I. Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary, 85)
Satan is a liar, a deceiver, and a counterfeiter. And it’s important for all of us to know that he’s real and that he’s doing everything he can to make our walk with Jesus and our witness for Him ineffective. (Tony Evans, God Cannot Be Trusted (And Five Other Lies of Satan, 21)
When the devil comes to [tempt], he is not in control or all-powerful. He can be resisted, and Christians have a far more powerful ally in the Holy Spirit to fend him off. (David Garland, Luke – Exegetical Commentary, 186)
[Fear] is Satan’s weapon held in reserve. When alluring temptations fail, he opens his quiver and shoots these arrows to set the soul on fire, if not with sin then with terror. When he cannot carry a soul laughing to hell through the deception of pleasurable temptations, he will try to make him go mourning to heaven by this amazing attack. It is a sure sign that Satan is losing. The arrows he shot at Job were of this kind. When God let the devil practice his skill, why did Satan not tempt Job with some golden apple of profit or pleasure or some other enticement? Surely the high testimony God gave about Job discouraged him from these methods. Satan had no tactic left but this. (William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armor)
It grieves me to say this, but the primary reason people are in bondage to sin is because people are bored with God. One of Satan’s most effective tactics is to convince us that God is a drag. (Sam Storms, Pleasures Evermore, 108)
All alike must carry arms and go to war. All have by nature a heart full of pride, unbelief, sloth, worldliness, and sin. All are living in a world beset with snares, traps, and pitfalls for the soul. All have near them a busy, restless, malicious devil. (J.C. Ryle, Holiness, 117)
The enemy will not see you vanish into God’s company without an effort to reclaim you. (C.S. Lewis)
I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan also is busiest. (Robert Murray McCheyne)
Out of all the armor God gives us to fight Satan, only one piece is used for killing – the sword. It is called the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). So when Paul says, “Kill sin by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:13), I take that to mean, Depend on the Spirit, especially His sword. What is the sword of the Spirit? It’s the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). Here’s where faith comes in… The Word of God cuts through the fog of Satan’s lies and shows me where true and lasting happiness is to be found. And so the Word helps me stop trusting in the potential of sin to make me happy, and instead entices me to trust in God’s promise of joy (Psm. 16:11). (John Piper, How Redeemed People Do Battle with Sin, Decision, Jan. 1990.)
The devil is relentless. No sooner have we resisted one temptation than his demons come after us with another. He is persistent. If we show the slightest sign of weakening, he will keep pressing us until we sin. He is crafty, gradually leading us down the road of destruction. He starts with a small temptation. When it succeeds, he presents us with a slightly greater temptation, slowly drawing us deeper and deeper into sin. He is subtle, so subtle that sometimes we find ourselves sinning before we are even aware of being tempted. Satan is also creative. He offers us a complete line of transgressions to choose from: greed, lust, hatred, despair, and anger. (Philip Graham Ryken, When You Pray, 146)
Spiritual warfare makes us think of demon possession, horrific demonstrations of satanic control, and dramatic exorcisms. But Scripture presents spiritual warfare not as the violent, bizarre end of the Christian life, but as what the Christian life is! (Paul David Tripp, Age of Opportunity, 116)
[Demons] prefer anonymity. They would rather that you would characterize that behavior as [a psychological disorder]. They really don’t want you to know they’re there. They don’t want to be exposed. But in the presence of Jesus they had no option. And what happened was Jesus just being there confronted them and they gave up their anonymity unwillingly by the sheer force of His personality. (John MacArthur, This article originally appeared (/www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-109/the-maniac-who-became-a-missionary-part-1)
SCRIPTURE RESOURCES…
SATAN:
שָׂטָן
שָׂטָן
Transliteration: śāṭān
KJV Translation Count — Total: 27x
The KJV translates Strong’s H7854 in the following manner: Satan (19x), adversary (7x), withstand (1x).
Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
adversary, one who withstands
adversary (in general – personal or national)
superhuman adversary
Satan (as noun pr)
Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
שָׂטָן sâṭân, saw-tawn’; from H7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the arch-enemy of good:—adversary, Satan, withstand.
1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7854/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Job 1:6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.
Job 1:7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”
Job 1:8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
Job 1:9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.
Job 1:12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job 2:1 On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him.
Job 2:2 And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”
Job 2:3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”
Job 2:4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life.
Job 2:6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
Zechariah 3:1 Clean Garments for the High Priest
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.
Zechariah 3:2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”
Σατανᾶς
adversary (one who opposes another in purpose or act), the name given to the prince of evil spirits, the inveterate adversary of God and Christ
he incites apostasy from God and to sin circumventing men by his wiles the worshippers of idols are said to be under his control by his demons he is able to take possession of men and inflict them with diseases
by God’s assistance he is overcome on Christ’s return from heaven he will be bound with chains for a thousand years, but when the thousand years are finished he will walk the earth in yet greater power, but shortly after will be given over to eternal punishment a Satan-like man
Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 12:26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?
Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Mark 1:13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Mark 3:23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?
Mark 3:26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.
Mark 4:15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Mark 8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Luke 10:18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Luke 11:18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.
Luke 13:16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
Luke 22:3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
1 Corinthians 5:5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,
1 Timothy 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 5:15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
Revelation 2:9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Revelation 2:13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Revelation 2:24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you,
Revelation 3:9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Revelation 12:9 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 20:2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:7 The Judgment of Satan
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
DEVIL:
διάβολος
διάβολος
G1228
Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely
a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer,
metaph. applied to a man who, by opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him
Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
διάβολος diábolos, dee-ab’-ol-os; from G1225; a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H7854):—false accuser, devil, slanderer.
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 13:39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Luke 4:2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
Luke 4:3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Luke 4:5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
Luke 4:9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.
Luke 4:13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
John 6:70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 13:2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Acts 13:10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
Ephesians 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
2 Timothy 2:26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
1 John 3:10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Revelation 12:9 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 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
Revelation 20:2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
THE ACCUSER:
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
DEMONS:
Matthew 4:24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
Matthew 8:28 Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
Matthew 8:31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
Matthew 8:33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
Matthew 9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.
Matthew 9:33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
Matthew 12:22 Jesus and Beelzebul
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.
Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
Matthew 12:27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Matthew 12:28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 15:22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
Matthew 17:14 Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.
Matthew 17:18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
Mark 1:32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.
Mark 1:34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 1:39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 3:15 and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
Mark 5:1 Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.
Mark 5:12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.”
Mark 5:15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
Mark 5:16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.
Mark 5:18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.
Mark 6:13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Mark 7:26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
Mark 7:29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
Mark 7:30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Mark 9:38 Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
Mark 16:9 [The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.] When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,out of whom he had driven seven demons.
Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;they will speak in new tongues;
Luke 4:33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,
Luke 4:35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
Luke 4:41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’
Luke 8:2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
Luke 8:26 Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
Luke 8:27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.
Luke 8:29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
Luke 8:32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission.
Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
Luke 8:35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
Luke 8:36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.
Luke 8:38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Luke 9:1 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
Luke 9:37 Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
Luke 9:42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.
Luke 9:49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
Luke 11:14 Jesus and Beelzebul
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.
Luke 11:15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”
Luke 11:18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.
Luke 11:19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Luke 11:20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Luke 13:32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’
John 7:20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
John 8:48 Jesus’ Claims About Himself
The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”
John 8:49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me.
John 8:52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death.
John 10:20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
John 10:21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Acts 19:13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”
Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
1 Corinthians 10:20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.
1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 3:15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Revelation 9:20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
Revelation 16:14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
Revelation 18:2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
EVIL ONE:
Matthew 5:37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Matthew 13:19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Matthew 13:38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,
John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
1 John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.
1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
Thank you for the extensive notes.
Praise God in Heaven!