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Behind Enemy Lines Strategies for Life in satan’s territory. Not a Good Place to be Sifted Luke 22:24 - 34. What is “spiritual warfare”?. The action of satan (or his fellow angels or demons ) to hinder or disrupt the plan of God in the lives of believers, the church or the world.
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Behind Enemy LinesStrategies for Life in satan’s territory Not a Good Place to be Sifted Luke 22:24 - 34
What is “spiritual warfare”? • The action of satan (or his fellow angels or demons) to hinder or disrupt the plan of God in the lives of believers, the church or the world. • 1 John 3:8, “…Son of God came for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil.”
The works of satan • Keep us or take us outside God’s will. • Defeat us with his condemnations. • Weaken us spiritually in his fallen world. • Hinder the work of the Church through disharmony and false teaching. • Steal, silence, the joy of the Lord.
Two primary ways he works in our lives. • Lies, false beliefs, accusations. John 8:44, 2 Cor 4:4 • Through our sin. Luke 22:31, Eph 4:26
How can satan demand permission? • NIV: “…has asked to sift you…” • ESV: “… demanded to have you to … sift you…” • Not a polite request: “may I have him, please.” • Satan’s request is that God hand him over.
Because of peter’s sin, satan was granted permission. Peter’s statement: • Matthew 16:22 – Peter tells him he knows better; • Matthew 26:33 Every one else but not me. • Matthew 26:35 I will die for you • By our words, we are justified… Matt 12:37
Narnia Movie clip • The Lion (Aslan) – Jesus Christ • The white witch – satan • Narnia – the world we live in (the witch’s) • The boy (Edmond) – every traitor “belongs to me.” His blood is my property. A sinner. • “You dare not refuse me, Aslan.” (CVLI license #502404690)
sin GIVES us what we have chosen. • Luke 4:5-6 … for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. • Adam chose satan’s voice over God’s. He was cast out. Gen 3:24
Our choices give us to our choices. • Ephesians 4:17 • Romans 1:28-32 • 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 • Revelation 18:6
The sifting by satan • Condemning voices in Peter’s head: • V 56 – servant girl: “You were with him… • V 58 – you also are one of them… • V 59 – you are one… he is Galilean. • Prove it; till death? Not deny him? • Whats wrong with you Peter?
Satan finds a place in anti-god choices. • Ephesians 4:26 BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. • [foothold, place]
What about our wounds from others? • Satan works through our offenses, our wounds. • We get even by holding on to anger. • When we get even satan gains a foothold.
HOW CAN WE HAVE VICTORY OVER SATAN? • We need to be knowledgeable of his schemes: • 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
HOW CAN WE HAVE VICTORY OVER SATAN? • Turn to God. • Luke 22:31, “… and once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” • God gives grace in His truth. Satan condemns us and then seeks to destroy us.
HOW CAN WE HAVE VICTORY OVER SATAN? • Allow others to help you. • Jesus prayed for Simon that his faith not fail him.