DIVINE POWER YEAR

SEPTEMBER 2002        

Volume 31 Issue 9  No. 318

How to overpower Satan

R. Stanley

There are three evils greater than evil itself. One is unbelief in the existence of Satan. Second, unmindfulness of his activities. Third, underestimation of his power. The Bible, both in the Old Testament and the New, through teaching as well as testimony, explicitly and also implicitly, exposes the character and curriculum of Satan. In the 27 books of the New Testament alone, the word "Satan" (adversary) occurs 36 times, and "Devil" (accuser) 33 times. Ralph Erskine warned God’s people with a terse statement: There is no devil so bad as no devil!

The Holy Spirit in the Scriptures for our human understanding has illustrated the carnivorous side of Satan through animals and birds. As a serpent he tries to deceive God’s people (Gen 3:1; 2 Cor 11:3; Rev 12:9); as a wolf he tries to defeat God’s flock (Jn 10:12; Mt 10:16); as a lion he tries to devour God’s children (1 Pet 5:8); as a bird he tries to despoil God’s harvest (Mt 13:5,19); and as a dragon he tries to destroy God’s Son (Rev 12:1-9).

Apostle John wrote to the believers of his day, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). This means that God alone excels Satan in power and wisdom. Even before the fall of Satan, God was higher and greater than him. That’s why Satan tried to "ascend" to the throne of God (Isa 14:12-15). Even after he was cast down, he didn’t lose his power. He simply lost his lofty position. He lost his innocence but not intelligence (Ezek 28:15-17; Jude 6). As far as we are concerned, there’s no inherent power in us to overcome him. Even Michael the archangel at one instance had to seek the Lord’s help to handle the devil (Jude 9). How much more should we depend on God to defeat this Enemy! His attacks on God’s people are mutlifarious. The Omniscient God, being wiser than Satan, has supplied us suitable weapons to counter- attack him. In this article we will consider seven of Satan’s common attacks and study how you can overpower him—

1. When he challenges you...

The first two of the three typical temptations Jesus faced in the desert were a challenge on His Sonship. The tempter came to Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread... If You are the Son of God, jump down..." (Mt 4:3,6). It was not only a challenge to Jesus but also on what God the Father had said just before Jesus went into the desert: "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Mt 3:17). Satan put the same words of challenge in the lips of the passersby who watched Jesus on the Cross: "If You are the Son of God, come down from the Cross!" (Mt 27:40).

Satan spares no saint of this temptation. He challenges every child of God about God’s fatherhood towards him and his sonship. This temptation will be intense during your days of spiriutal infancy as well as times of infirmity due to adversities. "How can a sinner like you suddenly become a child of God? Can this happen to you if you are a child of God?" Such questions will bombard you day and night.

To overpower Satan against this temptation, you must constantly remind yourself of the assurance of your sonship. This assurance is yours through the written Word of God and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus combated the devil’s attack in this area by quoting on his face the Scriptures. He said, "It is written... It is also written" (Mt 4:4,7). You can say, "It is written that I have the right to be a child of God because I have believed on Christ and received Him" (Jn 1:12).

The assuring companionship of the Holy Spirit with Jesus was another weapon. We read that He was led into the desert "by the Spirit" and returned "in the power of the Spirit" (Mt 4:1; Lk 4:14). While talking to the Christians in Rome about suffering, Apostle Paul said, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Don’t therefore be intimidated by any fear caused by the devil. God is your "Abba" and He is your "Father!" (Rom 8:15-18). This adoption into God’s family cannot be cancelled or the authority of sonship annulled under any circumstance.

2. When he accuses you...

If you remain unshaken in your assurance of sonship in God’s family, the devil will then accuse you of your past sins and present failures. He is called the "accuser of brothers" (Rev 12:10). This he does "day and night." Christ counteracts it by His advocatory ministry which He keeps doing for "ever" (Heb 7:25). The devil is a non-stop accuser whereas Christ is the never-ceasing Advocate! Alleluia!

The devil has paralysed many Christians and killed their joy by reminding them of their past sins. He takes advantage of the lack of knowledge of God’s people in this regard. God lamented through Prophet Hosea, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos 4:6a).

For a Christian no knowledge other than what has happened to his sins is more crucial. When he realised his lostness, repented of his lax life, and received Christ as his Lord and Saviour, the same moment all his sins were blotted out. God threw the believer’s sins behind His back, removed them like the clouds, and as far as the east is from the west, and sunk them into the depths of the sea. God not only forgives but also forgets our sins. He has repeatedly said that He would remember them no more (Jer 31:34c). You have no right to remember what God refuses to remember. If the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! Though his origin is shrouded in uncertainty, his ultimate doom is clearly predicted (Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10).

The blood of Christ has thoroughly cleansed you and made you "whiter than snow" as if you had never sinned! (Isa 1:18). This is the meaning of "justification." You are not just forgiven but fully justified. Christ paid the penalty for you in full and satisfied all the requirements of a holy God. Tell the devil that you are not only cleansed but also covered by the Blood of Jesus (Rev 12:11). He has no argument against the Blood of Jesus.

What about the sins we commit "after" rebirth? Whether you sin before becoming a child of God or after, the detergent provided by God is always the same—Blood of Jesus! Christ bore on His body not only sins already committed but also those which would be committed. "It is finished!" The Lamb of God that takes away sin was slain even before the beginning of the world, not after Adam sinned. This good news will be sung throughout ages after the end of the world also! (Rev 13:8b). No believer can say he has no sin. If he says so, it is self-deception and falsehood (1 Jn 1:9). His sins of omission may not be obvious but they will outnumber his sins of commission. The only remedy is to "stay" under the stream of Immanuel’s blood. The moment you realise your sin, cry out to God for forgiveness. Go to Him in faith and confidence because Christ is there before Him advocating for you. This provision of course is not a licence to sin but an encouragement to never give up (1 Jn 2:1).

"If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and is furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" (Rom 8:31-37). Shout this Scripture passage aloud in the ears of the devil when he accuses you. He will roll his tail underneath and run for life! You will come out more than a conqueror!

3. When he discourages you...

Satan has found that discouragement is the most effective of all tools he employs against God’s people. No saint in the Old or the New Testament could escape this. Otherwise how do you explain Prophet Elijah a champion on Mount Carmel becoming the coward of the worst sort next day under a juniper tree? It’s the experience of men and women of God that they get dumped in discouragement usually following a mountaintop experience with God or a meritorious exploit done for His Kingdom.

Apostle Paul enjoyed abundance of divine revelations. But he was bothered by a thorn in the body. He calls it "a messenger of Satan" sent to beat him (2 Cor 12:7). How he wished he could get rid of it! He didn’t casually pray about it but repeatedly "pleaded" with God that this pricking arrow of Satan would be removed from him. Instead of delivering Paul from this problem, God strengthened him to live with it. It was grief no doubt, but by the grace of God the mourning was turned into dancing! (vv 9,10). The devil was defeated again. Instead of burying himself under the heaps of discouragement and depression, Paul bounced up with a hilarious declaration, "When I am weak, then I am strong!"

Life was much simpler for the earlier generations. We are at the zenith of scientific and technological advancement. We now have more gadgets and facilities than ever. But the end result is a life filled with tension and anxiety. Diseases unknown to our forefathers have become common today. Satan uses all these to discourage God’s people and depress them. But the Bible which has answers to our problems of yesterday, today and tomorrow teaches us to throw all our anxieties on God because He cares for us. Otherwise we will become an easy prey to our adversary the devil who "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour!" (1 Pet 5:7,8). Prayer does not guarantee solution to problems and deliverance from pain, but it promises the peace of God which is beyond understanding (Phil 4:6,7). This is the joy of the Lord which becomes your strength to resist Satan steadfastly. The knowledge that every other saint suffers like you is another encouragement (1 Pet 5:9). Worry worry until worry worries you no longer!

Satan is not only busy discouraging God’s children, but he also works against all encouragers. Apostle Paul highlights this strategy of Satan in his letter to the saints in Thessalonica while they were going through trials and tribulations. He wrote, "We wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us... when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you" (1 Thess 2:18; 3:4,5). If you are a Barnabas (= Son of Encouragement), you are sure to be hit by Baalzebub. But take heart and go on because the Holy Spirit who is an Encourager Himself backs you!

4. When he disunites you...

"Divide-and-Rule" is Satan’s time-tested strategy. Being aware of the strength of unity of God’s people, he sows among them seeds of division cleverly and cunningly. He separates individual believers from fellowships on so-called "legitimate" grounds so he can attack them easily. Straying sheep from the flock will quickly be devoured by ravenous wolves. Hardly the devil lets two powerful ministers of the gospel stay together for long. Because, he knows that two would be stronger than one to fight or resist him (Eccl 4:9-12).

Cain murdered Abel. This was the first murder in human history. We can explain the increased rate of murder today because people watch so much of violence and crime on the TV screen. But wherefrom did Cain get the idea to murder someone? Who instigated him? Apostle John gives the answer. He says that "Cain was of the wicked one!" (1 Jn 3:12a). Satan taught blame-shifting to the first parents. He filled their first son with the spirit of envy. He entered Judas Iscariot and enticed him to betray his Lord (Lk 22:3,4). Satan is behind all relationship problems, whether it is between spouses, or among saints, or in the society. As a liar and the father of lies, he makes people believe what’s not really true and makes them suspicious of everything and everybody. God has taught us in His Word how we can overpower Satan in this battle.

Ephesians 4:26,27, "Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil." Holding anger for long—beyond sunset—even if it may be legitimate, gives foothold to the devil. Even God’s anger is "but for a moment" (Psa 30:5). He may make us weep in the night because of His displeasure but He sends joy in the morning because of His favour! Are we holier and greater than God? Which of us can survive if God who cannot wink at sin would hold His anger with us for ever? Hear God’s testimony: "With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you" (Isa 54:8). If you let bitterness take roots in your heart, you will fail the grace of God. Holiness cannot abide where there’s bitterness (Heb 12:14,15).

2 Corinthians 2:10,11, "Whom you forgive anything, I (Paul) also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." A man in the Corinthian assembly had been living in outright adultery with his step-mother. Paul urged the Church to take disciplinary measures against him. He even ordered the members to deliver the offender to Satan so he may suffer physically but be saved spiritually (1 Cor 5:1-5). The Church literally followed the apostle’s instruction. But Paul’s fatherly heart would not let the offender to "be swallowed up with too much sorrow" (2 Cor 2:6,7). He urged the believers to reaffirm their love to the repentant (v8). If they had delayed their forgiveness, Satan would have taken advantage of the situation. "Operation successful, but patient died!"—This would have been the result. The devil is destructive but our Lord’s ways are redemptive. God’s people are called to be "saviours!" (Ob 21a).

"Truth divides!" "Jesus did not come to send peace but sword!" These are some of the most abused quotes in Christian circles. Folks with divisive mentality use these statements to justify their acts of causing splits in Churches. The devil has a better knowledge of all the proverbs and scriptures in the world than any of us. God Himself testified about Lucifer, "You were full of wisdom" (Ezek 28:12). But the devil invariably misquotes. If he tells, "It is written," we must know how to talk back to him and say, "It is also written" (Mt 4:6,7). No doubt we must speak the truth, but we must speak it "in love" (Eph 4:15a). Again the sword of separation Jesus spoke about was not among His children but between those who want to obey God’s call and those who oppose it (Mt 10:34-39). How would He otherwise preach, "Blessed are the peacemakers"? Beware of the devil’s representatives who are "sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit" (Jude 19). "Note those who cause divisions... and avoid them" (Rom 16:17).

9 out of 17 works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, and 9 out of 9 fruits of the Spirit presented in verses 22 & 23 refer to interpersonal relationships. When we cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives by diligence and discipline, the tares of the enemy which are the works of the flesh will be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.

5. When he deceives you...

In his book, Satan is no Myth, Oswald Sanders offers this interesting description of the counterfeit nature of Satan’s schemes: Satan has his own trinity— the devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 16:13); he has his own Church— "a synagogue of Satan" (Rev 2:9); he has his own ministers—"ministers of Satan" (2 Cor 11:4,5); he has formulated his own system of theology—"doctrines of demons" (1 Tim 4:1); he has established his own sacrificial system— "The Gentiles sacrifice to demons" (1 Cor 10:20); he has his own communion service—"the cup... and the table of demons" (1 Cor 10:21); his ministers proclaim his own gospel—"a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you" (Gal 1:7,8); he has his own throne (Rev 13:2) and his own worshippers (Rev 13:4).

Deception is the most undiagnosed disease in the Church. The worst thing about deception is that the deceived persons will not know that they are deceived. The number of the deceived is increasing at an alarming rate as we approach the end of the age. When the disciples asked Jesus, "What will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?," His very first statement in reply was, "Take heed that no one deceives you!" (Mt 24:3,4). He added that even the very elect might be deceived (v 24). Recovery from deception is extremely difficult. Prevention is better than cure. That’s why Jesus said, "See, I have told you beforehand!" (v 25). Let me suggest here a few safeguards against deception—

Give top priority to Bible meditation among the other disciplines of devotional life. The Bible admonishes us to go to the presence of God "to hear rather than to speak" (Eccl 5:1). God has magnified His Word above all things— even above His Name (Psa 138:2). If your quiet time before God is for one hour, spend 40 minutes for Bible meditation and 20 for praise and prayer. This is not the 11th Commandment to be obeyed legalistically, but I just want to stress the importance of Scripture in protecting yourself from deception.

Be balanced. Don’t overemphasize any one truth at the cost of other truths. Deception is mostly due to eccentric emphasis of any one aspect of divine truth. That’s why God has gifted the Church with a variety of ministers. You must connect yourself to apostolic vision, prophetic insight, evangelistic passion, pastoral burden and teachers’ knowledge. If you don’t grow up thus "in all things," you are sure to be deceived by the trickery and cunning craftiness of the devil (Eph 4:11-15). He commonly stops the ear from hearing sound doctrine before he opens it to embrace corrupt.

Avoid interest in extra-Biblical revelations and experiences. What is plainly revealed in the Bible is more than enough for us to live a life that’s pleasing to God. Secret things belong to God (Dt 29:29). Digging deep into extra-Biblical stuff will land you in the "depths of Satan" and not the "deep things of God" (Rev 2:24; 1 Cor 2:10). We are not obliged to embrace so-called spiritual experiences which are not taught in the Scriptures by precept and practice. "Whoever breaks the hedge will be bitten by a serpent" (Eccl 10:8). Stay clear of all occult practices. Evil spirits lie behind them (Dt 18:9-12; Isa 8:19).

6. When he opposes you...

The first time when Christ spoke about the Church, He simultaneously made reference to Hell. The words were addressed to Peter: "On this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not be victorious against it" (Mt 16:18). In other words, Jesus predicted that the building of the Church and the battling of Satan against it will go together. Satan will not ignore any work of the Kingdom. He will fight it tooth and nail, because any gains to the Kingdom of God is loss to his own kingdom. He will leave no genuine ministry go on unopposed. He won’t easily let go his captives from darkness into light. Therefore no opposition to God’s work should ever surprise us. Only the absence of it should! I like the way Missionary Paul puts it: "A great and effective door has opened to me, AND there are many adversaries" (1 Cor 16:9). There are some general guidelines we can learn from the early Church to handle opposition in the ministry—

Never get angry with the hearers of the gospel who oppose the message. They are simply victims of the Enemy. "The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel... should shine on them" (2 Cor 4:4). Keep proclaiming the gospel again and again faithfully and prayerfully. The gospel is the power of God that commands on the hearers, "Let there be light!"

Pray for a mighty manifestation of God’s power which will silence the opposers (Acts 4:14). The prayer of the early Christians recorded in Acts 4:24-29 is a model prayer worth memorizing. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a banner against him on behalf of God’s army that marches on to possess new territories (Isa 59:19b).

Remind yourself frequently as to wherefrom you have received authority to preach the Gospel. Here’s Christ’s Great Commission: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore!" (Mt 28:18,19). We cannot stop or return unless He orders so! Paul wrote to Timothy: "I charge you before God: Preach the Word!" (2 Tim 4:1,2). When the authorities strictly warned the apostles not to preach the gospel, they answered, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge!" (Acts 4:18,19).

Don’t be afraid! It is only natural to fear threats. But this fear can be overcome if you keep in mind the following facts: You will not die before God’s appointed time; People can kill your body but cannot touch your soul; Blessed are you when you are persecuted for the Name of Christ; Anyone who touches you touches the apple of God’s eye; If you have to die for the cause of the Kingdom, it is the responsibility of the Heavenly Father to take care of your family; Great will be your reward in Heaven for all that you suffer. These were the thoughts which made the persecuted disciples dance with joy (Acts 13:49-52). The devil was put to shame! God laughed!

7. When he fights you...

Satan was after Jesus from craddle to the cross. The same will be the case with you also. He will fight to the last to destroy you. That’s why Christian life is called a battle. Towards the end of his life Apostle Paul testified, "I have fought a good fight." He has graphically explained the battle in the famous spiritual warfare passage of Ephesians 6:10-17.

"Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemings of the devil... that you may be able to withstand in the evil day... belt... breastplate... shoes... shield... helmet... sword...."

Take no chances. Leave no part of your being exposed to the darts of the devil. Be on the alert all the time. Don’t be careless and casual in any area of your life. He cannot make you act against your will. Walk in truth and righteousness. Be ever ready to share the gospel. Grow in faith. Bring your thought life under the rule of God. Saturate yourself with the Word of God. Having done all, STAND! "The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly!" (Rom 16:20). The war will end!

THE WORLD’S

Mr. Dicken quoted the World Health Organisation’s statement that there are 650 million disabled people in the world—about 11% of the world’s population. If these people all came together and formed one nation, he said, it would be the third largest one on earth, after China and India.

Because of the way the disabled people are perceived and treated, the residents of this "nation" would also be the least educated, with the highest unemployment rate and the least access to transportation. This disabled nation would also have the most broken marriages, with either their partner leaving or their parents breaking up because of them. Most profoundly, this would be the least evangelised nation on earth, with few having any involvement in churches.

Followers of many religions regard people with disabilities as cursed or suffering for their sins, the sins of a past life or even the sins of their parents (Jn 9:15). As a result, parents and relatives are embarrassed to have them around. Disabled individuals suffer a huge amount of rejection in our societies. Their own self-respect is often seriously eroded. Note that the Biblical character Mephibosheth, though born into Saul’s royal family, called himself "a dead dog" (2 Sam 9:8).

Unfortunately the situation in our churches is not much more positive. Some believers are actually guilty, after praying for a disabled person, of accusing him of lack of faith when he is not healed. Quadriplegic Joni Erickson Tada has had people tell her there must be sin in her life because she hasn’t recovered. Praise God that though disabled she is a gifted Christian celebrity, effectively bringing dignity to others like herself.

One of the best-known stories in the Bible is that of the great banquet, found in Luke 14. Here we read about the master, who ordered the servant, "Go out quickly into the streets and the alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame so that my house may be full" (Lk 14:16-23). God’s house will not be complete without people with disabilities. True Christianity tells these men and women that God loves them, and reaches out to restore their sense of worth.

What really moved me was to hear of an Englishman, a Cambridge graduate, born with no legs and only one arm, cheerfully serving in Tajikistan as an English teacher. John had refused to allow his severe disabilities to become an excuse for not serving God on the frontlines. And the Tajik people loved him for it.

Paul Dicken made it powerfully clear that the greatest need was not so much to add expensive ramps or lifts to our buildings, but to change the attitudes of both churchgoers and all of society. He encouraged us to ask ourselves some hard questions. What is God’s heart for the world of disability? What is the Biblical view of disability? What simple things can we do improve their quality of life? What can we do to bring a message of hope to disabled people and their families? How can we demonstrate that God loves them, the whole person, both practically and spiritually? In what ways can we promote disability awareness in the church and the world? It could revolutionise our churches if we read the Bible through once just to find out what it says about disability. Our churches need to become disability-friendly.

How can we ensure that mentally and physically disabled individuals are comfortable in our churches, enjoying equal rights with other attenders? "I want a church that will allow me to be a person with a disability," one person told Paul Dicken.

One person raised the question of healing. "The choice of when that person looks to God for healing is theirs," Paul stated firmly while acknowledging that God heals. He shared about a church in Northern Ireland that is a tremendous example of what can be done. In response to a challenge when Joni Ereckson Tada visited them, the congregation now includes about a hundred people worshipping God from their wheelchairs as well as dozens with other disabilities.

George Verwer concluded the luncheon conference with a characteristic challenge: "God has convicted me for not being proactive enough about disabled ministries," he confessed. He urged his audience to pray and take the initiative in reaching out to the disabled people. He exhorted us to research and become grace-awakened towards those who are slow to catch the vision. His final encouragement was to persevere in the face of all obstacles, for this is an issue none of us can afford to ignore.

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