SATAN AT WORK SATAN AT WORK Satan is

SATAN AT WORK

SATAN AT WORK • Satan is called by several names. He also works in many ways. He is called: • Satan “An adversary or plotter, one who devises means for opposing others. ” He is in opposition to God and is also called “Beelzebul” (Mark 3: 22); “Belial” (2 Cor. 6: 15); “the devil” (Matt. 4: 1), “the evil one” (Matt. 13: 19), “the ruler of demons” (Mark 3: 22), “the enemy”, (Mt. 13: 25), the “ruler of this world, (John 12: 31), and the “serpent”(Genesis 3: 1)

SATAN AT WORK • The term “Lucifer” is not in the original. The literal word is “Day Star. ” (Is. 14: 12). EERDMAN’S DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE • The term “Dragon” refers to Satan (Rev. 12: 9, 13: 4, 20: 2). This passage also shows he is identified as The Devil, and Satan. Dragon in Greek is defined as “A fabulous kind of serpent, dragon” STRONG’S GREEK DICTIONARY.

THE WORK OF SATAN He deceived and tempted Eve (Gen. 3) He is the accuser of Job (Job 1: 6 -11). He tempted Christ (Matthew 4: 1 -3). He is the father of lies (John 8: 44). He still seeks to destroy (1 Peter 5: 8). “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11: 13 -15). • His workers also appear to be angels of light. • • •

HOW SATAN WORKS IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS • He works through the lust of the flesh, eye, and pride of life (1 John 2: 15 -17). • Judas; Love of money; (John 13: 26 -29). • The elder brother; self righteousness; (Luke 15). • Some twist scripture being led away by the Devil (2 Peter 3: 16 -17). Pride

HOW SATAN WORKS IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS • Satan appeals to some through the flesh (James 4: 1 -4). Pride, lust of flesh, desire for pleasure. • Diotrephes desired to be in charge, to be recognized to have his way (3 John 1: 9 -10). Pride, worldliness, self-centered, egotistical, malicious, inhospitable. • How does the Devil attack us?

HOW SATAN WORKS IN LOCAL CHURCHES • Jerusalem (Acts 2 -15) • Desire for personal glory, Ananias & Sappira (Acts 5: 1 -10). • Murmuring (Acts 6: 1). • Persecution (Acts 7 & 8). • Doctrinal problems such as circumcision and keeping the Law of Moses (Acts 15).

HOW SATAN WORKS IN LOCAL CHURCHES • • Corinth Division & contention (1 Cor. 1: 10 -15) Glorification of men (1 Cor. 2: 1 -5). Toleration of immorality (1 Cor. 5: 1 -13). Litigation between members (1 Cor. 6: 1 -11). Family issues (1 Cor. 7: 1 -2). Disregard for weak brothers (1 Cor. 8: 4 -8).

HOW MIGHT SATAN WORK IN CHURCHES TODAY? • He tries to change the organization and mission of the church. (Acts 14: 23; 1 Peter 5: 2). The Bible never speaks of Popes, cardinals, presidents, boards of directors, & regional & national directors). • He desires to change the mission of the church (1 Tim. 3: 15; Eph. 4: 11 -15), from spiritual to carnal.

HOW MIGHT SATAN WORK IN CHURCHES TODAY • Which of the following is the God given work of the church? • Teaching the gospel (1 Tim. 3: 15; Acts 8: 4). • Building up spiritually the body of believers (Eph. 4: 11 -12). • Out of love meeting the essential needs of fellow Christians (Acts 6 & Acts 11: 27 -30). • Being a parenting organization? • Being a medical organization?

HOW MIGHT SATAN WORK IN CHURCHES TODAY • Being a political organization • Meeting the social & recreational needs of members and especially the young people • Saving the environment • Feeding the world • Worshipping and praising God (Eph. 5: 19; Acts 20: 7; Heb. 10: 24 -25).

HOW MIGHT SATAN WORK IN CHURCHES TODAY • Satan is teaching compromise on moral issues such as marriage, substance abuse (drinking, illegal drugs, etc…) immodest dress; lascivious dancing, fornication, abortion, lying, stealing, homosexuality (See Matt. 19: 3 -9; Col. 3: 5 -7; 1 Tim. 2: 10; Gen. 3: 21; Titus 2: 11 -14; Romans 1: 24; & Gal. 5: 1926).

HOW MIGHT SATAN WORK IN CHURCHES TODAY • Satan is teaching the church is not essential. Just worship if you feel you need to • Some think elders are just older men (Heb. 13: 7; Acts 14: 23). You don’t qualify to be an older man, you get there naturally. • Some think local church membership is optional. Most of the N. T. is written to local churches or to evangelists things to teach in the churches. (Titus 1: 5; Rev. 1: 4, 2: 1).

CONCLUSION: • We need to know who the Devil is and how he works. He continues to seek the souls of Christians and seeks to destroy churches. We must be on guard to resist him. “Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” “But may the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5: 9 -10.