SATAN S SUBTLE STRATEGIES Study 1 of 3

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1 SATAN S SUBTLE STRATEGIES Study 1 of 3 TIP(S) FOR LEADERS This sermon study has been developed using a basic framework. Please familiarize yourself with its content and feel free to modify or skip any area if you feel doing so would benefit your group. Leaders please take note that underlined words in your copy indicate fill-ins spaces for your group. Remain open to the flow of the Holy Spirit as he guides you and your group through this study. INTRODUCTION: Ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, our enemy Satan, by use of his devices (wiles, and tricks), has held mankind in an almost hypnotic state. Satan still prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour, hence the scripture tells us to be alert and sober of mind (1 Peter 5:8) and to not be ignorant of his devices, lest he take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11). The Bible says that we have been given the keys to the kingdom, and these keys are the knowledge through which we are able to live our lives in such a way that Satan cannot take advantage of us. As Christians we all know that we re in a spiritual battle, and if we re going to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) then we need to be very aware of the reality of the spiritual world and the need to keep it on our radar. WARM-UP QUESTION: Read Ephesians 6:12-13 These Scripture verses end by saying to us Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 1. When have you experienced spiritual warfare and what steps did you take to stand firm? 2. How has learning to stand firm affect how you respond to Satan s attacks? 1

2 Group discussion: KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT YOUR ENEMY: Scripture tells us that our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, but we re also told that we need to be alert and sober of mind so that we can resist him (1Peter 5:8). In this study we ll look at the different aspect of the enemy of our souls and determine how to take a firm stand against him. HIS PERSONALITY: The personality of the enemy of our soul is reflected in his names: Satan, Lucifer, and the Devil, 1. Lucifer: means bringer of light, read Isaiah 14: and discuss what aspect of Satan s personality you see here and how you have see it in action today. 2. Satan: means adversary 1 Peter 5:8, discuss what aspect of Satan s personality is revealed here and the destruction left after this type of attack. 3. Devil: means to cast between to divide read 1 Corinthians 3:3 and discuss how Satan uses Christian immaturity to his advantage. 4. Now that you are aware of these aspects of Satan s personality what steps can you take to protect your relationship with God, your families, homes and even your workplace from the rebellion, hindrance and division which Satan causes? 2

3 HIS POSITION and POWER Satan has real tangible position and power in the world in the form of; a prince, a ruler and a god. POSITION: 5. Read the following Scriptures and discuss how and where have you witnessed these facets of Satan s position in the world today? A. Prince:... Ephesians 2:2 B. Ruler:... 1 John 5:19 C. A god:... 2 Corinthians 4:4 POWER: 2 Thessalonians 2:9 NLT This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 6. How and where have you witnessed these facets of Satan s power? 7. What is your plan of action against his position and power? 3

4 HIS PURPOSES & STRATEGIES Satan s strategies are like viruses that come into our computer and corrupt the pathways but for us he corrupts our way of thinking and acting, degrading the way we as followers of Jesus should be acting. As long as you have the armour of God on and you re in the Word and coming close to God then your firewall is impenetrable. A big part of your firewall is to know and understanding the hidden and subtle strategies of the enemy so let s identify three possible viruses that are lurking, waiting to strike: Great Deceiver:... Read John 8:44 8. How have you seen Satan s deceptive strategies affect your life? 9. What are some ways that you can defend yourself against Satan s deceptions? Great Divider:... Genesis 3 is the account of Satan dividing Adam and Eve from each other and God. 10. Where have you seen Satan bring or attempt to bring division in your life? Matthew 12:25 says a house divided against itself will not stand. 11. What steps can you take to stand against division in your families, homes and relationships? Great Destroyer:... 1 Thessalonians 2:18 NTL We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 12. Where in your life have your experienced things that have hindered you from moving forward? 13. What do you think hindered from moving forward, was it the wrong time or some other force? 4

5 CONCLUSION: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT The important thing to remember is that the opposite of darkness is light, the opposite of black is white, and the opposite of God is NOT Satan, because God has no equal...no one stands against the power of God and that s how we need to live our lives. God destroyed the works of Satan, so get this in your heart and grab a hold of it and run with it because... You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 NKJV CONTEMPLATIVE CHALLENGE: Over the next week meditate on the Scriptures we talked about tonight and how God has given you his promises to both encourage and equip you to stand firm in those areas where you are struggling. When we meet next week we ll discuss your findings and the progress you ve made in standing firm. 5