The Believers Attitude And Def
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John L. Lipscomb, P.O. Box 11884, Memphis, TN 38111
FOUNDATIONAL SURVEY OF THEOLOGY
Section Eight: ANGELOLOGY
THE BELIEVER’S ATTITUDE AND DEFENSE AGAINST SATAN “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5.8-9 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6.10-11
I. The Believer’s ATTITUDE Toward Satan
Seven Realities:
- Responsibility
We are not directed to speak of him with contempt, for God is his judge (Jude 8-9; Eph. 4.27; James 4.7 cf. God’s judgment on Cain, Gen, 4.11-15). B. Recognition We are to recognize Satan as a spirit-creature, powerful, yet limited by God’s permissive will (Job 1.21, 2.10). C. Remember We are to remember that God permits Satan to accomplish His own Divine purposes in our lives (Luke 22.31-32; Acts 5.1-11; 1 Cor. 5.4-5, 2 Cor. 12.7). We must remember that we cannot fight him at all in our own strength (2 Thess. 3.3; James 4.7; Zech. 3.11). D. Realization We are to realize Satan is a most dangerous enemy, never a friend or ally. He cannot be appeased by humanity (Zech. 3.1; Matt. 4.8; 1 Pet. 5.8). E. Revolt We are to view Satan as the commander-in-chief of the army which opposes the Lord Jesus Christ and His “army” (Eph. 6.11-13; 1 Thess. 2.18; 1 Chron. 21.1). F. Regard We should keep in mind that he is already a judged and sentenced enemy (John 16.11; Col. 2.14-15). G. Reject We must not give him control in our lives, thinking and conversation. Seek the Lord’s glory even as you learn of Satan and his wiles (Phil. 4.8-9; James 4.7).
II. The Believer’s DEFENSE Against Satan
- Our Intercession
The Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, presently interceding for us, ministers for us before the Father as He did in His earthly ministry (John 17.15; Luke 22.32). B. Our Caution We must be vigilant and watchful regarding the evil one and his activities (1 Pet. 5.8; Mark 14.34). C. Our Protection We need to put on the whole “armour of God” depending upon God for His protection (Eph. 6.11-18). D. Our Opposition We are to “resist” the devil by submitting ourselves to God Who is greater that he (James 4.7). E. Our Verification We are “sealed by the Holy Spirit” and are to trust God to guard and protect us from the evil one (2 Thess. 3.3).
Exercise: Recall situations in your life recently, which were attacks by the evil one and declare how God delivered you in these attacks.