When Satan Appeared Satan appeared in the Garden

When Satan Appeared

Satan appeared in the Garden • Genesis 3: 1 -6 • His first recorded appearance • As a serpent (Revelation 12: 9, 15, 20: 2) • He tempted Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit • 3 avenues of temptation – 1 John 2: 15 -16

Satan appeared in the Garden • The world is where it is because of Satan and his temptations – Romans 5: 12 – even the penalty of death • Learn – Satan is always looking to tempt us – 1 Peter 5: 8 He can appear at any time 2 Corinthians 11: 3 • While he will tempt us, we do NOT have to give in – James 1: 12 -16, 1 Corinthians 10: 13

Satan appeared before God • Job 1: 6, 2: 1 – he appears with “the sons of God” before YHWH • Here he accuses Job of only serving God because of his blessings. Satan is permitted to afflict Job • Job suffers, but he NEVER denies God. • We too can resist the devil

Satan appeared before God • Can Satan appear when God’s people are together? • Can he appear where we assemble to worship? Worship is serious – John 4: 24, 1 Corinthians 14: 15 • Improper worship – 1 Corinthians 14, 11: 17 -19, 27 -29 • At any time, he can appear and try to cause troubles

Satan appeared to Jesus • After His baptism, Jesus driven into wilderness – Mark 1: 12 -13 • He was hungry (physically weak) and Satan appeared with 3 temptations – Matthew 4: 1 -11 – the same avenues as Eve

Satan appeared to Jesus • Satan will appear in times of weakness (or after joyous occasions) • When we are more likely to let down our guard. Mark 1: 12 -13 • Satan knows your weaknesses and is looking to exploit them. 2 Corinthians 2: 11, 1 Peter 5: 8

Satan appeared to Jesus • How do we let him influence our responses when someone “pushes our button”? • Satan will exploit this to cause ungodly attitudes, feelings and actions cf. Ephesians 4: 26 -27 • Friends, brotherhood is too precious to let Satan drive us apart

Satan appeared among apostles • On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Satan was there • All were arguing about greatness Luke 22: 24 (John 13: 1 -15 ff) • Judas Iscariot –Satan entered him and he betrayed Jesus (John 13: 27, Luke 22: 3). Corrupt character

Satan appeared among apostles • On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Satan was there • Peter – denying Jesus (Luke 22: 31 -34, Matthew 26: 33 -35) Peter denied, Jesus was right (John 18: 16 -18 ff)

Satan appeared among apostles • Satan can appear among leaders and cause problems for them and their followers • Leaders are not immune (Acts 20: 28 -30, Galatians 2: 11 -13) • Leaders will be followed – 1 Peter 5: 1 -4, 1 Timothy 4: 12 -16

Satan appears when we sow seed • Matthew 13: 3 -8 describes the parable of the Sower. The wayside is a hardened heart (Matthew 13: 18 -23) – the “evil one” or devil snatches the seed from the heart

Satan appears when we sow seed • Matthew 13: 3 -8 – the Parable of the Sower • The point: NOT everyone is going to be receptive to truth. Satan will hinder opportunities, throw up obstacles and even turn prospects off. 1 John 5: 19 – the world lies under His sway. • The point: Do not lose heart. Keep trying! Philippians 2: 15

When Satan appears • Never forget that you can resist him – 1 Peter 5: 8 -9 James 4: 7 – and he will flee from you (at least for a season) • Remember that in the case of Job – Satan could ONLY do what God permitted – Job NEVER denied God!

What are you doing to get Satan out of your life?

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