1 Peter 5:6-9

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (NKJV).

The Power of Satan

• We know that Satan is our “adversary” seeking to devour us.

• Satan means “adversary.”

• What we do not know is exactly what power he has to do this.

The Power of Satan

I. Descriptions of Satan.• “Devil” means one “prone to

slander” (Thayer). He slandered Job (Job 1:8-11).

• He is the “accuser” of God’s people (Rev. 12:10-11). He does so “day and night.”

• He is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

The Power of Satan

I. Descriptions of Satan.• He is the “ruler of this world”

(John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) whom Christ overcame.

• He is the “prince of the power of the air”—his spirit works in the disobedient (Eph. 2:1-3).

• The sinner is “of the devil” (1 John 3:7-8)—following him.

The Power of Satan

II. How He Has Worked. • He tempted Jesus with

Scripture, comfort, and glory (Matt. 4:3-11).

• He was “cunning” with Eve, using “craftiness” deceiving her with half truths (Gen. 3:1-5; 2 Cor. 11:3). He deceives “the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).

The Power of Satan

II. How He Has Worked. • He moved David to sin against

God by pride in the power of man (1 Chron. 21:1-2).

• He distorted Peter’s priorities (Matt. 16:21-23).

• He worked to hinder good work (1 Thess. 2:17-18).

The Power of Satan

III. What He Seeks. • He wants God’s people (Luke

22:31-32).• He wants to take them captive

that they might do his will (2 Tim. 2:24-24).

• He robs people of the word (Luke 8:12).

• He wants to take advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:9-11).

The Power of Satan

IV. He Wins When... • We fall to temptation• We live like the world • We grow discouraged• We forget that he is the enemy• We fight among ourselves• We stop doing good• We stop trying to help others• We believe his lies

The Power of Satan

What Can We Do? • Refuse to cooperate with

him(Acts 5:3-4).• Resist him (Jas. 4:7-8)—refuse

to give him the victory!• Refuse to give him “place” in

our lives (Eph. 4:26-27).• Stand against his “wiles” (Eph.

6:11).