What is the Extent of Satans Power?

1Should Christians fear satan?Jim SutherlandPicnic or Firefight?2

At the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Manassas), Expecting an easy Union victory, the wealthy elite of nearby Washington, including congressmen and their families, had come to picnic and watch the battle. When the Union army was driven back in a running disorder, the roads back to Washington were blocked by panicked civilians attempting to flee in their carriages. 847 soldiers were killed and2,706 wounded. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_Bull_Run#cite_note-27Blindsided Believers A Barna survey in 2009 of 1,871 self-described Christians found that 78% believed in a all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.40% strongly agreed that Satan is not a living being but is a symbol of evil. 38% strongly agreed that the Holy Spirit is a symbol of Gods power or presence but is not a living entity. 39% strongly believed that a person can be influenced by demons or evil spirits. http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/260-most-american-christians-do-not-believe-that-satan-or-the-holy-spirit-exis3Deal With the Devil Much?Presbyterians sometimes stress the sovereignty of God to the point of minimizing or almost ignoring Satans power. We may be living too sheltered a life, where we arent a threat to Satan.Charismatic, Pentecostal and Neo-charismatic churches openly confront the kingdom of darkness and are the fastest growing segment of Christianity (2.43%/yr.; Evangelicals, 2.28%, vs. Muslims 1.84% in 2013)1. They deal with evil spirits, demon possession, spirit priests, and the need for miraculous healings. 1Todd Johnson, Peter Crossing, Status of Global Mission, 2013, in the Context of AD 1800-2025, Intl Bulletin of Missionary Research, Vol. 37, No. 1, p. 334May 31, 2013 Global NewsThemes?FINANCIAL EXCHANGE BLITZED BY MASSIVE MEMORIAL DAY CYBER ATTACKPLAGUE OF CORRUPTION RISES ANEW IN INDONESIA

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AFGHAN BATTLE LEAVES 31 TALIBAN DEAD5Satan is Alive (Not Well)Satan ( ) means adversary and devil () means slanderer (Louw-Nida). He is the father of lies (John 8:44), and was called the prince of the power of the air(Eph 2:2).He is cunningly evil in Gen. 3:1-15.He is a personality in the book of Job and came against King David (1 Ch 21:1) and Joshua the High Priest (Zec 3:2).Jesus treated Satan as real (Mat 4:10, 12:26; Lk 10:18, etc.). Peter, Paul and John treated Satan as a personality (Act 5:3; 1 Co 5:5; 2 Co 2:11; Rev. 12:9; 20:2,7). Who is more discerning?If that isnt enough, look at Hollywoods fascination with the devil and demons.6Why Why Evil?If God is good and all-powerful, why do the devil and evil exist? The question, "why?" indicates we have an awareness, independent of our own natural, empirical existence, that there should be something better. For the materialist, whatever "is" is, by definition, "natural" and therefore, right. In the nature of the case notions of right and wrongare inherently irrelevant. If what is natural is right, then death and suffering must also be natural and right. Yet we, both naturalist and Christian, rebel against this conception. We feel something must be wrong with reality. From this predicament we ask: From where does this feeling come? Stanley Bamberg (Asst Prof. of Bible and Philosophy, Montreat College, http://www.pcahistory.org/HCLibrary/capo/premise/97/dec/p02.html7Gods Nature and EvilJay Adams, in his book The Grand Demonstration, argues that God uses predestination and the existence of evil to demonstrate to all beings His full character, including His justice, mercy and power. 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory-- (Rom 9:22-23 ESV) 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph 3:9-10 ESV)Another explanation is that Satan is permitted to be Gods agent to present moral choice to man (Lu 22.31; cf. Mt 4.1) (Friberg Lexicon).8Satan in the GardenSatan corrupted all humanitythrough enticing Eve and Adam to sin.That sin has been transmitted to every person in Adam all die. 1 Cor 15:22.All now die because Satan successfully tempted perfect people to sin (Rom 5:12). Death is now our last enemy to be destroyed (1 Cor 15:26).9

Gustave Dor, 1866Satans PowerIn the account of Job, Satan demonstrates:Seeking behavior (1:7), as a lion to devour (1 Pe 5:8).Power of death and destruction through naturelightening and wind (1:16,19)Power to throw into prison and kill through people (Rev 2:10)Setting people against others to kill and pillage (1:15,17).Malicious use of infection (2:7-boils).The whole world lies in [the power of] the evil one 1 Jn 5:19 Influence? Sights?He is called the ruler of this world Jn 16:11.He told Jesus that he had authority over the earth Lk 4:5-6.He blinds the minds of unbelievers 2 Co 4:3-4.Evil people exist, going from bad to worse 2 Tim 3:13.10

Believers Can Be HurtThe antichrist will kill Gods prophets of Rev. 11:7. The fact that Christians must pray against temptation and put on the armor of God means that Satans power can damage believers. The fact of martyrs indicates Satans power.Paul asked for prayer to be delivered from wicked and evil men (2Thes 3:2). The danger is real. There are wicked women, of course (Jezebel).If we dont come under attack, perhaps we cant identify it, or we may not be a threat.Perhaps were playing life too safe.Unbelievers are never safe from their evil master.1112

Konstantin Flavitsky, (1830-66) Christian Martyrs in ColosseumGods Control Over SatanGod cursed Satan and predicted his demise in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:14-15).Satan could only do to Job what God allowed.God in some sense disarmed the rulers and authorities through Christs life and death (Col 2:15). Through Christ all authorities were created in the first place (Col 1:16-18).Satan is already judged by God (John 16:11), and the book of Revelation provides details.13Jesus Power Over Satan and EvilHe chained angels whose sins were egregious (Jude 1:5-6; 2 Pet 2:4; Gen 6:1-4?).All thingshave been handed over by the Father to Jesus (Luk 10:22; Mat 11:27). At the cross the ruler of this world was in some sense cast out (John 12:31).After Jesus resurrection:Christ has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1Pe 3:22 ESV) He is far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Eph 1:21 ESV)He is the head of all rule and authority (Col 2:10 ESV).14Satans EndAt the end, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. (1Co 15:24 ESV) He controls now, but will destroy later.God will soon crush Satan under your feet (Rom 16:20).Satan will be thrown out of heaven to the earth (Rev. 12:2-3).He will be bound in the pit for 1,000 years (variously interpreted--Rev. 20:2-3).He will be throw into the lake of fire to be tormented forever (Rev 20:10). He wont be killed, perhaps because that is not painful enough to pay for his wickedness.15Salvadore Dali Christ of St. John of the Cross16

Gods ProtectionChrists death delivers Christians from the present evil age (Gal 1:4)from being naturally controlled by it.But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2Th 3:3 ESV)We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1Jo 5:18 ESV)He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (Col 1:13 ESV)17Disciples Vs. the DevilThe 12 apostles were given power over unclean spirits (Mat 10:1).The 72 disciples were given power over demons. They are nameless disciples. I believe that we have similar authority to that of the 72.Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (Luk 10:19 ESV)Christians go into the world in Jesus authority and even with His presence (Matt 28:18).18The Need for Armor19

Soldiersofchrist.org.ukGods Armor (Eph 6:10-18)God supplies all the armorHis dominating power (Friberg).He provides the truth in the Word (Jn 17:2), the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21), the gospel message to preach (Rom 10:15), faith (Eph 2:8-9), salvation (Titus 2:11), the word of God (Heb 4:12), and welcomes all kinds of prayer (1 Tim 2:1).We cannot blame God if we are bloodied in spiritual battle if we fail to put on ALL Gods armor. A soldier doesnt go on patrol in jeans, T-shirt and barefooted. This is our responsibility, not Gods. This explains why many Christians are defeated by Satan. God uses means. He could have protected us by a simple prohibition to Satan, but He puts us into battle. Why?This armor is both defensive and offensive. (There is none for the soldiers back.)20Closing with the devilThe devils schemes (methods) can be on a national level.Today in the USA, secularism (leading to relativism), scientism (leading to materialism and pragmatism) and hedonism (leading to dehumanization), are schemes. See Ravi Zacharias, Deliver Us From Evil .Satans schemes can be on a personal levelaimed at the sin which clings so closely (Heb 12:1). These are our sins that we dont hate. This is wrestling. The short sword was designed for close combat. James and Peter also teach us to resist the devil (Jam 4:7; 1 Pet 5:9).21The varieties of evil positionFor we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12 ESV)We probably do not have enough information to clearly differentiate among these powersat least word studies do not give much clarity. However Jesus is clearly above all such powers (Col 2:15; 1 Cor 15:24; 1 Pet 3:22; John 12:31).Amazingly, an ordinary Christian can stand firm against presumably the highest of the powers of darkness, in Gods armor.What is an evil day? See 2 Kings 19:1, Esther 4:1, Job 1,Mat 4). This is not a hard day, but a day when we are locked into combat with the powers of wickedness.2222We can remain standingRoman sandals had the advantage of spikes to allow a soldier to stand firm. http://www.christianarsenal.com/Christian_Arsenal/Full_Armor_of_God.htmlThe belt anchored the breastplate, sword and lower armor. Truth is the anchor of our mind. If you cannot love naked truth, youll never go naked for truth. William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armor, Vol. 2, p. 50Righteousness covers the vitals. the hypocrite who fights to keep conscience on his side will go to the utmost link of his chain; he will do anything that will not separate him and his beloved lusts..Thus the hypocrite can lay his sword so gently against sin in his own heart that it never feels a thing William Gurnall, p. 7923Taking the GospelEvangelism is an offensive behavior. We are to go with the gospel (Mat 28:18). Some wait for the lost to come to us (to church), and stay safely inside the walls. They are amputee-equivalents.Beautiful are the feet taking the evangelist to pagans (Rom 10:15). It is such a unique message that no good news can come before it nor bad news can follow. William Gurnall, p. 246They can believe it is good news when they can read it clearly in a cheerful life. When unbelievers see Christians sad as they hold the cup of salvation in their hands, they suspect the wine is not so good as preachers say it is. William Gurnall, p. 25824Other elementsThe shield of faith absorbs what we dont or cannot understandsuch as the secret things of God (Dt. 29:29), or inexplicable behavior or circumstances. Faith comes from the word of God (Rom 10:17).The helmet is the hope of salvation (1 Pet 5:8). This keeps us fighting until it comes.The sword of the spirit is the two-edged sword of God, as the short two-edged Roman sword was used. This is how Jesus fought Satan during His temptation, blow for blow (Mat 4). Prayer is part of the armor. This is the squad covering each others back. Prayer has the element of devotion, and supplication is urgent prayer or entreaty, in this context, for others (Thayer). This provides suppressing fire for others on the battlefield.25Other TacticsIn general, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (Jam 4:7).Prayer And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Mat 6:13 NIV)Jesus prayed that the Father would keep us from the evil one (John 17:15), not take us out of the world. We arent to retreat from the world, but go into all the world, such that the gates of hell cannot withstand our attack (Mat 16:18).Be strong in the Bible to overcome the devil (1 John 2:13b-14). This is how young men overcame Satan.We have the Spirit in us, so we know He in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).26Love God, Trust God, and Stay Close 9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- 10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psa 91:9-16 ESV) [this indicates the reference isnt only to Christ]27Is it dangerous?I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Mat10:16NIV)Jesus was saying to his disciples thenand, by implication, to you and me now--I am sending you to dangerous places, where you will find yourself in the middle of evil, vicious people. And you will be there by my design. Jesus told them, Go to great danger, and let it be said of you what people would say of sheep wandering into the middle of wolves. Theyre crazy! Theyre clueless! They have no idea what kind of danger they are getting into! This is what it means to be my disciple.28The Criterion of DangerWe dont think like this. We say things such as, The safest place to be is in the center of Gods will. We think, If its danger, God must not be in it. If its risky, if its unsafe, if its costly, it must not be Gods will. But what if these factors are actually the criteria by which we determine something is Gods will? What if we began to look at the design of God as the most dangerous option before us? What if the center of Gods will is in reality the most unsafe place for us to be? David Platt, Radical, pp. 164-529Are we Decent or Dangerous?When we gather at the [church] building, we learn to be good. Being good is defined by what we avoid in the world. [e.g. idols] We are holy because of what we dont participate in (and at this point we may be the only organization in the world defining success by what we dont do). We live decent lives in decent homes with decent jobs and decent families as decent citizens. We are decent church members with little more impact on the world than we had before we were saved. David Platt, Radical, ISBN: 9781601422217, p. 10530Is It Safe?As weve seen, its dangerous out there. Satan isnt playing. So the only safe place is being in Christ and filled with the Spirit, using the tactics God has provided. Those outside the kingdom of light are in mortal danger, and worse, every day.Rather, the question should be, Is this part of the work that God has given me to do, regardless of the danger? (Eph 2:10). I believe that we are basically invincible until God no longer wants us herecalling us to Himself.31