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 armor 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:

A. 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

A. 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 “armor 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.