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Satan and How He Works
Introduction
(1 Peter 5:6–10)
In this lesson, we examine the reality of Satan and the ways he
works against God’s people. Peter warns that our adversary, the
devil, “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour.” To resist him, we must humble ourselves under God’s mighty
hand and stand firm in the faith.
Satan Is Real
and Powerful
Scripture leaves no doubt that Satan is real. He is not an idea or
an impersonal force; he is a living adversary. Peter describes him
as a roaring lion whose purpose is to destroy. Paul calls him the
enemy who wages war against our souls. In Ephesians 6:11–12, we are
reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but
against spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan stands in direct
opposition to God, His church, and every good thing.
Names and
Titles That Reveal His Character
Names in Scripture carry deep meaning, and the many names for Satan
reveal his nature. “Satan” means “adversary” or “one who opposes.”
“Devil” means “slanderer,” and he indeed slanders God, Christ, and
His people. Jesus called him the “prince of this world” (John 16:11)
and the “evil one” (John 17:15). He is the “accuser of our brethren”
(Revelation 12:10), the “father of lies” (John 8:44), the “deceiver”
(Genesis 3:13; Revelation 12:9), and a “murderer from the
beginning.” Each title points to his corruption, deceit, and hatred
for truth.
How Satan
Works Against Us
Satan deceives, lies, and destroys. He tempts us to sin, then
accuses us when we fall. He influences gossip, slander, and untruth,
seeking to divide the Lord’s people. Every time we repeat a
falsehood or harbor bitterness, we do Satan’s work for him. He looks
for weakness and vulnerability, just as a lion seeks the straggler
from the herd. He attacks when our guard is down.
Satan’s
Influence in the World and the Church
The Bible shows that Satan’s influence extends into the world’s
systems, values, and priorities. He entices with wealth, pride, and
pleasure. John wrote, “Do not love the world or anything in the
world” (1 John 2:15–17). He deceives many through materialism,
distractions, and worldly pursuits that crowd out devotion to God.
Even within the church, Satan works through false teachers and false
brethren. In Matthew 13, Jesus explained that the weeds sown among
the wheat represent those planted by the enemy. They appear genuine
but corrupt the faithful. Jesus instructed His followers to let both
grow until the harvest when God Himself will separate the righteous
from the wicked.
Satan’s
Opposition to the Work of the Church
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:18, “We wanted to come to you—but
Satan hindered us.” If Satan could hinder Paul, he surely seeks to
hinder the church today. When unity grows, when good works flourish,
or when missionary efforts thrive, Satan intervenes. He attacks
through discouragement, division, and false doctrine. Every time
love and fellowship strengthen, Satan works to weaken them.
The Call to
Resist the Devil
How do we resist such an adversary? Peter gives the answer: “Humble
yourselves before God.” We must cast our cares upon Him, for He
cares for us. We resist Satan by standing firm in faith, trusting
God’s promises, and exercising self-control. God has promised that
Satan cannot overpower us if we refuse to yield. Prayer, vigilance,
and steadfast faith are our defenses.
The Danger
of Complacency
Satan delights when we postpone obedience. He whispers, “Wait until
tomorrow,” or “You have plenty of time.” He is content if we attend
worship only occasionally or live half-heartedly. But partial
devotion leaves us open to destruction. Jesus said, “Be faithful
unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation
2:10).
Outline:
Satan and How
He Works
Introduction
(1 Peter 5:6–10)
In this lesson, we examine the reality of Satan and the ways he
works against God’s people. Peter warns that our adversary, the
devil, “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour.” To resist him, we must humble ourselves under God’s mighty
hand and stand firm in the faith.
I. The
Reality of Satan
Satan is not symbolic. He is a real being with power and purpose.
Scripture presents him as active and intelligent, intent on
destroying all that is good.
• 1 Peter 5:8 – He walks about, seeking victims.
• Job 1:6–12 – He stands before God as the accuser.
• Luke 22:31 – He desired to sift Peter like wheat.
He is the enemy of God and of every soul that seeks righteousness.
His influence is vast, but it is not unlimited. God always provides
the means of escape for those who resist. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
II. The
Names and Titles of Satan Reveal His Strategy
The names given to Satan throughout Scripture expose his character
and methods.
• Satan means
“adversary,” one who opposes. (Job 1:6)
• Devil means
“slanderer.” He lies about God, Christ, and His people. (Revelation
12:10)
• The Evil One
shows his complete corruption. (John 17:15)
• The Father of Lies
reveals his native language is deceit. (John 8:44)
• The Deceiver of the
Whole World exposes how he twists truth into falsehood.
(Revelation 12:9)
• The
Murderer from the Beginning shows that he brought death to
mankind through sin. (Genesis 3:4; John 8:44)
Every name reveals another weapon he uses against God’s people.
III. The
Works of Satan
Satan works in three areas: the individual, the church, and the
world.
-
He
Attacks the Individual. He tempts
through lust, discouragement, pride, and distraction. (Matthew
4:1–11; Job 2:7–10)
-
He
Attacks the Church. He sows false
doctrine, division, and apathy among believers. (Matthew
13:24–30; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13)
-
He
Attacks the World. He blinds
minds to the truth and promotes evil as good. (2 Corinthians
4:4; Isaiah 5:20)
Satan’s methods vary, but his purpose remains unchanged: to
separate us from God.
IV. The
Strategy of Satan
He studies us and strikes where we are weakest. Like a lion, he
looks for those who stray from the safety of the fold. (1 Peter 5:8)
He uses half-truths, just as he did with Eve, twisting God’s Word to
confuse and mislead. (Genesis 3:1–5; Matthew 4:6) He encourages
delay—“Tomorrow is soon enough”—knowing that delay is often eternal
loss. (Acts 24:25) He imitates the light of righteousness to deceive
the unwary. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
V. How We
Overcome the Devil
The Christian’s defense against Satan is not found in
self-confidence but in complete dependence on God.
• Humility.
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” (1 Peter 5:6)
• Faith. “Resist
him, standing firm in the faith.” (James 4:7)
• Vigilance. Be
alert; Satan attacks when we least expect it. (Ephesians 6:11–12)
• Fellowship.
Stay close to the brethren; isolation makes us vulnerable.
(Ephesians 4:3)
• Sound Doctrine.
Truth is the light that exposes his lies. (2 Timothy 4:2–4)
Through prayer, obedience, and watchfulness, we can resist his
schemes.
VI. The End
of Satan
His defeat is certain and his doom sealed. Christ destroyed the one
who held the power of death. (Hebrews 2:14) The accuser of the
brethren has been cast down. (Revelation 12:10) His final destiny is
the lake of fire, where his rebellion will end forever. (Revelation
20:10) The child of God fights from victory, not toward it, because
the battle was already won at the cross.
Call to
Action
Satan is cunning, patient, and persistent. He knows your weaknesses
and waits for opportunity. But greater is He that is in you than he
that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Do not give him room in your
heart or your habits. Resist him with the Word, surround yourself
with the faithful, and walk in daily prayer. If Satan has gained
ground in your life, it’s time to take it back through repentance
and obedience.
Key
Takeaways
• Satan is real and personal. (1 Peter 5:8)
• His goal is total destruction. (John 10:10)
• His weapons are deceit, division, and delay. (Genesis 3:4–5)
• Victory is found only in Christ. (Revelation 12:11)
• Faith, vigilance, and obedience are the Christian’s armor. (James
4:7)
Scripture
Reference List
1 Peter 5:6–10 – Be sober and vigilant.
Ephesians 6:11–12 – The armor of God.
John 8:44 – Satan the father of lies.
Revelation 12:9–10 – The deceiver and accuser.
Genesis 3:1–5 – The first deception.
1 John 2:15–17 – Warning against loving the world.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Satan hindered Paul’s work.
2 Corinthians 4:4 – The god of this world blinds minds.
James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee.
Revelation 20:10 – The final defeat of Satan.
Prepared by
Don Cope of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
