DEALING WITH THE DEVIL

1 PETER 5:8

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. REMEMBER

1. His Power – do not underestimate the Devil, nor overestimate yourself [Jude 8-9, 1 Cor. 10:12]

-Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

-Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

2. His Character – he is a liar and quite clever [Jn. 8:44]

-Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

3. His Goal – [2 Cor. 2:11, 4:3-4, 11:3-4]

-Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

- But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

-But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

 

II. RECOGNIZE

1. His Weakness [James 4:7]

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2. His Wiles [Eph. 6:11, 2 Cor. 11:14] “methodeia” LION-obvious, SERPENT-subtle, ANGEL OF LIGHT

- Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

-And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

3. His Wish [Luke 22:31]

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

 

III. RESIST

1. In the Faith [1 Pet. 5:6-9]

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

2. In Humility [James 4:6-10] “pride” is one of Satan’s devices

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

3. In God’s Provision [Eph. 6:10-18, Mt. 4, Lk. 4]

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;