“At War With The Enemy”
(I Peter 5:8-11)
I. Introduction.
A. In any group of people – no matter how diverse – you would
generally find a great majority who say they believe in God.
1. Don’t necessarily worship Him, or obey Him.
2. But claim they do believe in existence of a Supreme
Being with intelligence and power beyond that of
human beings.
B. But, take that same group and ask another question: “Do you
believe in a being who generally is called the Devil, or Satan?”
Will get fewer people who say they believe in his existence or
his power.
C. With all mystery surrounding Satan as far as origins, how he
works, extent of his power, Bible still gives us great deal of
information about devil and allies. Above all, warned to be
aware of, careful about, him and his devices. (I Peter 5:8:
“Be sober [self-controlled], be vigilant [watchful]…”).
D. Devil appears very early in record of mankind upon earth.
1. He took form of serpent to tempt Eve and brought about
disobedience to God.
2. With their free will, made in image of God, those first
two people not coerced, not forced, to sin.
3. Despite their intimate association with Creator, they
listened to Prince of all evil and thus began his
dominion over this world.
E. From that beginning, he has had only one purpose: to destroy
people spiritually and prevent their being with God forever.
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1. Devil constantly pursues people, trying to persuade
them to sin.
2. Take case of Job. Satan did everything, used every
device, to get Job to renounce faith in God.
3. And, he attempted to get Jesus, while on earth, to do
same, (to sin and thus ruin that perfect sacrifice for the
redemption of all humanity.)
F. Devil possesses power and uses it for destruction of people.
He rules domain of darkness with principalities, powers,
servants at his call.
II. A Personal Enemy.
A. Look at three things about this enemy of God and His creation,
humanity.
B. First, he is a real, personal enemy. As to his actual
origins, outside of hints in Word of God, know
nothing directly.
1. God has kept that a secret thing.
2. What is revealed of devil is a spiritual being,
altogether evil, who does exist.
3. Not superstition or myth. That’s what Satan wants
us to believe. But, Bible speaks of Satan as distinct
personality.
C. Jesus believed there was such a being, and so did all inspired
writers of Bible.
1. Peter, James, Paul, John, all mention him as a real,
personal enemy.
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2. Jesus: in –
a. Luke 22:31 – Told Peter that Satan desired to
“have him” that he might “sift him as wheat.”
b. John 8:44 – Called devil a liar and murderer.
c. John 14:30 – Said “prince of this world” was
coming.
d. John 17:15 – Prayed to God to protect disciples
from “evil one.”
3. If there is no literal, real, devil, then Jesus was
deceiver. Deceived people into thinking devil actually
existed as enemy of both God and men.
D. If we don’t believe in reality of Satan, and fact he is our enemy,
already caught in one of his most effective snares.
E. This real, personal devil is opposed to God in every way.
As the enemy of God, also enemy of God’s highest earthly
creation – man.
1. Term “Satan” means “adversary.”
2. “Devil” from work meaning “accuser.” Accuses men
before God by calling attention to sins that condemn us.
Described as “accuser of our brethren”, (Rev. 12:10).
F. Devil’s one desire to see all people lost in sin. The opposite of
God’s desire – II Peter 3:9. In Mark 4:15, the “parable of the
seed”, Jesus portrayed him as snatching away Word of God
sown in peoples’ hearts – to deny them salvation. (Followed by
parable of “Wheat and Weeds” – “Enemy” sowed weeds among
good seed sown).
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3. Satan also works against the church: (I Thessalonians
2:18) – Paul said Satan hindered him from returning to
Thessalonica to strengthen church there.
G. As our real personal enemy, devil doesn’t want us to hear,
believe or obey truth of God.
1. Everything that keeps person from being obedient to
gospel, or weakens faith of one who has obeyed, is
work of Satan.
2. By deceit, causes people to believe good is evil, evil
is good.
3. By deceit, makes sin appear appealing; shields peoples’
minds from misery and destruction it leads to.
4. Disguises himself as “angel of light.” (II Cor. 11:14).
But, his way leads to eternal darkness, not light.
III. A Powerful Enemy.
A. Also, true to say he is powerful enemy. But that power is
derived and limited.
B. He is not another god, nor is his power equal to Jehovah’s.
1. Goes only as far as God allows him.
2. Revelation 20 pictures Satan as “bound” –
restricted in actions.
3. Devil, and evil he inspires, work only within
boundaries set by Almighty.
C. While his power restricted, still great. Cannot be taken
lightly. He is still ruler over a territory of darkness.
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D. Every person is in one domain or another – Satan’s or
God’s.
E. All who neglect – or refuse to obey – gospel; all who hinder
preaching of Gospel; all who claim to follow Lord, yet live
so as to cause people to turn from gospel – all are citizens
of devil’s domain.
F. His power against us lies in what he can do to us (or
persuade us to do to ourselves.)
G. But, devil can be resisted.
1. Cannot touch child of God unless that person gives
in to him. (I John 5:18).
2. Nowhere is it said, or promised that resistance
would be easy. But, do have promised aid of God.
a. (James 4:7) – resist devil; he will flee from
you.
b. (John 10:27-29; Read).
3. Our sojourn on earth is warfare – actively opposing
and fighting deceptions of a real, powerful Satan.
IV. A Defeated Enemy.
A. But, that personal, powerful enemy is also a defeated enemy.
As God’s children, must view him this way as well.
B. Satan was defeated when Jesus went to Calvary’s cross.
1. Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:10 both speak of Satan
as being “cast down.”
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2. This was result of Jesus’ work, and the authority of
those who act in His name.
3. As Lord bowed head on cross and declared “It is
finished,” and then rose from grave three days later,
old serpent, Satan, bound.
C. Just before He went to cross, Jesus said: “Now is the judgment
of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
(John 12:31).
V. Conclusion.
A. Let’s not be deceived – though limited, devil still is abroad
and active.
B. Will be finally and completely conquered when Lord comes
again and he is cast into lake of fire and brimstone for
eternity. (Revelation 20:10).
C. We are assured of a place where there will be no more sin,
no more opposition to God and His people. Devil is
doomed. But, will we be also?
D. Need to walk in light, in fellowship with God and Christ,
faithful, obedient to God.
1. Satan must tempt us, but cannot harm or defeat us,
if we will not let him.
2. (Illust.)
One man said: “ I am not afraid of the devil.”
Another said in reply: “That is not the point, but
this: Is the devil afraid of you?”