If you were a general in the army and you were going to war against another nation, you would study the life of the opposing general. If we are going to live a victorious life, then one of the wisest things we can do is to understand the mind of our opposing general: Satan.
Sermon Outline
It’s important to recognize that satanic forces are operating in this world. In this week’s sermon, Dr. Stanley explores how our enemy behaves so we can identify traps, avoid them, and walk more securely with our Savior.
Key Passage: Ephesians 6:10-13
In warfare, you should study the opposing general carefully, because victory is often about outthinking the enemy.
► “Satan can’t tamper with anything in your life and mine other than what Almighty God allows.”
Our enemy is …
Not just the Devil but also his kingdom (Eph. 6:12).
Powerful (v. 11).
Limited—not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent (v. 13).
With regard to unbelievers, he might try to …
Disturb their mind and emotions.
Hinder decisions that would bring God glory.
Blind them to the truth (2 Cor. 4:3-4).
Steal God’s Word from them (Mark 4:13-15).
Oppose the gospel and the teaching of Scripture.
Prevent them from believing.
► “Satan will do everything in his power to keep us busy doing good things and therefore out of the Word and off our knees.”
With regard to believers, Satan cannot cause demon possession. However, he might try to …
Cause us to forget what God speaks to our heart.
Tempt us to sin.
Stunt our spiritual growth.
Prevent us from reading the Bible and praying.
Stop us from acknowledging God’s greatness.
Distract us and divide our mind.
Lull churches to sleep and cause them to lose their passion for evangelism.
Attack the Bible.
► “We are God’s created beings indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He that is within you is greater than he that’s in the world.”
How should we respond to our enemy?
Be alert to his presence (1 Pet. 5:8).
Don’t give him an opportunity (Eph. 4:27).
Put on the armor of God every morning (6:11).
Resist the enemy, drawing nearer to God (James 4:7-8).
Accept the salvation of Christ (Rom. 10:13).
Gather with fellow believers to be strengthened for battle (Heb. 10:25).
Stay in the Word (Josh. 1:8).
Pray humbly (James 4:10).
Trust and obey God (Rom. 16:26).
After Watching
Consider these thoughts and questions in response to the sermon:
Which strategy has the enemy used against you recently? Was it successful? Why or why not?
Think about what Dr. Stanley shared in today’s sermon about ways believers can respond to the enemy. Which one do you think is the most essential to where you are in your spiritual life right now?
