1 Peter 5:5-11 (NKJV)
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Resisting Your Enemy
· Satan was an angelic dignitary, one of the cherubims until he rebelled
Isaiah 14:12-14 (NKJV)
12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
Ezekiel 28:14-16 (NKJV)
14 "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
16 "By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.
12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
Ezekiel 28:14-16 (NKJV)
14 "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
16 "By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.
· It’s the powers of darkness not human being that are now our enemy
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
· Since he wanted to be like the most high
Isaiah 14:14 (NKJV)
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
· He sought to entice Adam and Eve to transfer their allegiance to him.
Genesis 3:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;
3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' "
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;
3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' "
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
· The attack was on Eve’s mind; She considered Satan’s lies.
2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
· The sin of rebellion entered the human race.
Romans 5:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned--
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned--
What About Your Enemy, Do You Know Who He Is?
· He is acknowledged as the “prince of the world” and the god of this age”.
John 12:31 (NKJV)
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
· He has blinded the minds of unbelievers keeping them from seeing the light of God
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Now the whole world is under this control.
1 John 5:19 (NKJV)
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
God Was Not Caught Off Guard The Plan Of Salvation Was Launched Before It Was Actually Needed.
Revelation 13:8 (NKJV)
8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Jesus Came With A Three Stage Battle Plan:
· Number #1 happened when Jesus came on the attack He cast out demons, healed the sick, and preached the Kingdom of God is here.
Matthew 12:28 (NKJV)
28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
· Number #2 happened when at Pentecost thousands of unbelievers began turning to Christ and the Kingdom of God began to manifest in the earth
· Number #3 the final victory will be at the return of Christ and the Kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord.
Revelation 11:15 (NKJV)
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
About The Enemy – He Is a Supernatural Spirit
· He operates under God’s authority
· He is able to do miracles but only with God’s permission; he was able to bring fire down from heaven, he brought a storm in the desert that destroyed Job’s possessions as well as his children
Job 1:12 (NKJV)
12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job 1:16 (NKJV)
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:18-19 (NKJV)
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job 1:16 (NKJV)
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:18-19 (NKJV)
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
· He was able to transport Jesus from the desert and set Him on a high point of the temple in Jerusalem
Matthew 4:5 (NKJV)
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,
· Then from the desert to a high mountain to show him all the kingdoms of the world in a flash of a second.
Luke 4:5 (NKJV)
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
· We must understand and respect the authority that God gives;
· We don’t have to respect Satan himself.
· The great archangel was not free to slander him, so we must consider how we speak about him.
Jude 1:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
· God is allowing him to do what he is doing.
· Don’t make the mistake to think that Satan has a fee hand to do what he wants!!!
· He world and all who live in it belong to God.
Psalms 24:1 (NKJV)
1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
· The devil is God’s devil. He is who he is by divine permission and until God decides to settle accounts.
Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
· He cannot lift a little finger against God’s children without God’s approval.
Job 24:12 (NKJV)
12 The dying groan in the city, And the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not charge them with wrong.
Job 2:6 (NKJV)
6 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life."
12 The dying groan in the city, And the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not charge them with wrong.
Job 2:6 (NKJV)
6 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life."
· And permitted for Job’s ultimate good and blessing.
Job 24:12 (NKJV)
12 The dying groan in the city, And the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not charge them with wrong.
James 5:11 (NKJV)
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
12 The dying groan in the city, And the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not charge them with wrong.
James 5:11 (NKJV)
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
· Our temptations are also controlled by God
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
· What God allows is meant for good He may lead us to be tempted He never temps us to do evil.
Matthew 4:1 (NKJV)
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Acts 20:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Acts 20:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
· Question: If God is in Charge why doesn’t He stoop the temptations?
· Answer: Temptations are serving a valuable purpose in our lives. They strengthen our faith; faith is like a muscle if it isn’t used it get smaller.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV)
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
· A purification of Character – before Job went through his trial he was called righteous.
Job 23:10 (NKJV)
10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
· They mature us for God’s approval we must stand the test.
James 1:12 (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
· To be made strong, firm, and steadfast
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
How we resist the temptation can be summed up in five statements
1. A positive attitude,
2. Know it’s an attack,
3. Don’t look for or court temptation,
4. Submit to God,
5. Resist the Devil
A positive attitude
James 1:2 (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Know It’s An Attack,
· Be constantly alert
Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
· How would you act if you knew you were in eminent danger?
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Don’t Look For or Court Temptation,
The purpose is not go gratify the desires of the sinful nature
Romans 13:14 (NKJV)
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Submit to God,
· There are endless opportunities to fulfill the desires of the flesh we are to crucify the sinful nature by saying No
Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
· Our sinful nature is to be crucified not pampered.
Galatians 5:24 (NKJV)
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
· There can be no fellowship with the devil, which also means involvement with the occult.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13 (NKJV)
9 "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
9 "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
· Any soldier who wanders into enemy territory could be taken prisoner
Acts 8:9-11 (NKJV)
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
Acts 8:18-23 (NKJV)
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
Acts 8:18-23 (NKJV)
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
Resist the Devil
· We resist temptation by submitting to god and resisting the devil
James 4:7 (NKJV)
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 Timothy 6:11 (NKJV)
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
· What we are going through is not new, others including Jesus has fought the battle and won.
1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
· Through the sacrifice of Jesus, sin has no power over you if you resist, you win.
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
· We are not just conquerors we are more than conquerors.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
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