We Know That Satan• Is our “opponent” (adversary): seeking to

destroy every one of us. 1 Pet. 5:8• What we don’t know is how he works to

destroy us.

From the BeginningNow the serpent was more cunning (subtil, KJV) than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made… (Gen. 3:1) • Since the beginning Satan has deceived in

unsuspecting ways.• Consider the following biblical examples…

Some of Satan’s Subtleties• Eve was unsuspecting. Gen. 3:1-6• He attacked Job (Job 1-2) by using the Sabeans (v.

15), “the fire of God” (v. 16), Chaldeans (v. 17), “a great wind” (v. 19); even his health (2:7).

• He moved David to sin against God. 1 Chron. 21:1• He distorted Peter’s priorities. Matt. 16:23

In Every Example• Satan influenced other people or used nature

itself against man.• None picked up on Satan attacking them until

after the fact: they appear as 1) natural disasters or 2) the affairs of mankind.

He’s Still At Work• He uses all realms possible to attack our

weaknesses. Eph. 6:10-12• He subtly deceives and/or uses us/others:– When we lose our priority.– When one against another.– Simply Decieved.

Losing Our Priority• As disciples we want to serve our Lord but

need to be careful, lest we fall into the same trap Peter did. (Matt. 16:23)– Building repairs vs. spreading the gospel?– Make more money vs. spend more time serving

the Lord?

Moving One Person Against Another• Faithful believers can become hardened just

long enough for Satan to subtly work against him… like David (1 Chron. 21:1)– Condemning another unjustly. Rom. 14:3-4– A church splitting because Christians are divided.

Cp. Matt. 12:25; 1 Cor. 1:10-11

Simply Deceived• We can justify anything as “good” through

fleshly reasoning… like Eve did. (Gen. 3:6)– Purchase a new …………. 1 Jn. 2:15-17– Justifying the use of scriptural liberties to the

demise of others. 1 Co. 10:23; 8:9

Our Need to Be Armed• Thus our need to put on the “whole armor of

God”. Eph. 6:13ff• Our need to be circumspect. Eph. 5:15-16• Our need to always have God’s will on the

forefront of our minds. 2 Tim. 2:15