Spiritual Warfare. Pocket Principles. Equipping for Ministry

Transcription

1 Spiritual Warfare s Equipping for Ministry

2 We believe that materials such as these are always in process and able to be improved. We will be grateful to receive any feedback you have to share with us. Please send any comments and/or suggestions to: Worldwide Discipleship Association (Attention: Margaret Garner) 110 Carnegie Place Suite 100 Fayetteville, GA Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are from the New International Version of the Bible, 1978 by New York International Bible Society NOTES: In the interest of editorial brevity and simplicity, these documents treat gender-neutral and gender-plural references with the masculine pronoun he rather than she, he or she or other constructions. When clarity is better served by other words, we follow whatever usage seems to aid readers best. Worldwide Discipleship Association follows Scripture in joyfully recognizing that God created man and woman in His image as equal recipients of His grace and mercy. We recognize that there are theological and denominational distinctions between God s people. These celebrate our diversity even in the midst of our unity. In our materials, WDA has tried to approach Scriptural truth from a perspective of classic historical orthodoxy. Whenever possible, we have tried to avoid focusing directly on issues that we know are points of difference. However, we know it is inevitable that there will be points within the materials at which there are disagreements. If you find one of these points as you use these materials, we encourage you to substitute the information important to your tradition and understanding. Spiritual Warfare, s, Equipping for Ministry 2005 by Worldwide Discipleship Association, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of these documents may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of Worldwide Discipleship Association. These documents may not be changed in any way or distributed for profit. For copyright information contact: Worldwide Discipleship Association 110 Carnegie Place Suite 100 Fayetteville, GA USA (770) Fax: (770) mgarner@disciplebuilding.org Web Site: Development Team: Bob Dukes Margaret Garner Jack Larson Margo Theivagt Writing Team: Margaret Garner Jack Larson Jon Long

3 What is a? Each focuses on a single topic necessary to the growth and maturity of a believer. s are designed to be read in chronological order. Because the goal of disciple building is Christlikeness in character and conduct, we have included suggested application ideas at the end of each Principle.

4 Equipping For Ministry s Table of Contents Spiritual Warfare Page #1 The Great Spiritual Battle 5 #2 The Sovereignty of God Over Evil 12 #3 Satan s Demise 18 #4 The Present Battle 24

5 Spiritual Warfare #1 The Great Spiritual Battle Good guys and bad guys. Heroes and villains. There is a reason that a large number of the stories we read and the movies we watch trace these themes. Everything from simple childhood tales like Little Red Riding Hood to sophisticated adult science fiction dramas like Star Wars portray the conflict. The truth is that these stories, perhaps often unknowingly, reflect a key spiritual reality there really is an ongoing cosmic battle between the good guys and the bad guys, between the forces of good and evil. The battle is played out between nations, between groups of people, between members of the same family and, at times, within the heart of a single person. It is not just your imagination when life seems difficult. You are in a spiritual battle. The battle is not just out there. It is cosmic, yet it is close. It is of vast proportions, yet it is intensely personal. The Unrecognized Battle If the battle we are in is so significant, why is it that we are often largely unaware of the conflict? The battle is difficult to recognize at times for several reasons: We acknowledge that life is difficult, but it is easy to attribute most of the pain, brokenness, and sorrow around us to living in a fallen world. Certainly, the events recorded in Genesis chapter three had devastating effects, but that is only one chapter in the story. If we see the Fall as the beginning and source of all that is wrong in this world, we fail to recognize the Fall as one battle (although admittedly a major one) in the larger ongoing war. It can also be difficult to recognize the battle because evil often presents itself as good. Satan is known as It is not just your imagination when life seems difficult. You are in a spiritual battle. the angel of light, and he can easily make darkness seem as light. It is the subtle deceptions rather than the obvious lies that lull us into complacency. Lastly, it is difficult to recognize because part of the battle is in the seen world (the realm of our physical senses) and part of the battle is in the unseen world (the invisible spiritual realm). The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that we wrestle not against flesh and blood (the visible realm) but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of 5

6 this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (the invisible realm) (Ephesians 6:12). In a story recorded in II Kings chapter six, Scripture allows us a glimpse behind the stage curtain into the reality of the unseen battle. The King of Aram, an enemy of Israel, had sent a great army with chariots and horses to capture the prophet Elisha. Elisha's servant was very frightened when he looked out the door and saw these enemies surrounding the city Don t be afraid! Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs! Then Elisha prayed, O LORD, open his eyes and let him see! The LORD opened his servant s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire (II Kings 6:16-17 New Living Translation). These servants of the Lord had been sent to preserve the life of Elisha. If, like Elisha, we were able to perceive the full range of events constantly at play about us, we would be amazed at the extent of activity in the unseen realm. The battle is not just out there. It is cosmic, yet it is close. It is of vast proportions, yet it is intensely personal. Equipping for Ministry Spiritual Warfare #1 but against evil supernatural forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). The following s in this series will provide more information on how believers are to be engaged in this battle. At this point, we are simply trying to grasp the reality of it. We see then that the world is the setting for a great spiritual battle between two powerful kingdoms. Let's take a closer look at these two kingdoms so that we can better understand the conflict between them. Satan and His Kingdom Satan leads a powerful evil kingdom that opposes God and His people. But who is this adversary, and why is he set in opposition against God? Based on popular conceptions, most people have no idea who he really is. Contrary to comic book or television sitcom portrayals, Satan is not cute and he is not amusing. Lighthearted references such as "The devil made me do it" or "playing the devil's advocate" only serve to underscore that we do not take him seriously. This spiritual battle is ongoing and will continue until God chooses to end it at the return of Christ. Believers, as a part of the army of God, need to learn all they can about their enemy and how to fight effectively. As mentioned above, Paul told his readers that their real battle is not against flesh and blood Satan's Origin While most of what Scripture tells us about Satan's origin is written in figurative language, we still are able to understand certain things about him. In Ezekiel chapter 28 the prophet Ezekiel 6

7 Spiritual Warfare #1 conveyed a message to the king of Tyre, but his message appears to also apply to Satan. In it we learn that Satan was a highly favored angelic being, with great power and privilege. However, he was not satisfied with his exalted position and his pride led him to rebel against God. The prophet Isaiah captured Satan's intent in these words, "I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14: 13-14). Satan paid a great price for his rebellion. In the Apostle John's revelation, he records that there was a great battle in heaven between Satan and his angels and the archangel Michael and his angels, resulting in the expulsion of Satan and his followers from heaven (Revelation 12:1-9). The reference We see then that the world is the setting for a great spiritual battle between two powerful kingdoms. to one third of the stars in verse four may be a reference to one third of the angels, the number who fell with Satan. Satan's Character Satan s character is described by the following words and phrases used in Scripture. As you read through the following descriptions, note the stark contrast with God's nature. God and Satan are not simply two opponents with somewhat different political orientations or points of view. Rather they are bitter enemies God is determined to thwart Satan's evil designs and to condemn him to everlasting punishment once His purposes have been fulfilled, and Satan is equally determined to hurt God any way he can and overturn His verdict of condemnation. First, we consider his name. Revelation 9:11 tells us that Satan s name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon both of which translate to the Destroyer. Satan is intent on destruction; it is inherent in his nature. As Brent Curtis writes in The Sacred Romance, "the one purpose of his [Satan's] heart is the destruction of all that God loves, particularly his beloved." (1) By contrast, God is the creator of all that is good and beautiful. Satan is called the evil one in Matthew chapter 13, verses 19 and 38. He is thoroughly corrupt in his nature, his character, his intentions, and his actions. God is good and perfect in His character and in all His ways. Scripture teaches us that Satan is our enemy, our adversary (I Peter 5:8-9). Peter compares him to a roaring lion, looking for a victim to devour. Satan is always seeking to 7

8 Spiritual Warfare #1 attack us; God is our defender and protector. In a conversation recorded in John 8:44, Jesus called Satan a liar and the father of lies. There is no truth in him. By contrast, God is truth. In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that it is impossible for God to lie. We cannot believe anything Satan tells us; we can always take God at His word. In the same passage, Jesus also said that Satan has been a murderer from the beginning. Satan seeks to extinguish life; he has no respect whatsoever for the sanctity of life. God, who created man in His image, is the giver and source of all life. Satan is also known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). In fact, he is said to accuse the children of God day and night relentlessly, unceasingly. By contrast, Christ is our advocate and our mediator. I John 2:1 reminds us that when we sin, "we have someone who speaks to the Father in our defense Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Satan is the ruler of what is temporal; God is the ruler of what is eternal. Garden of Eden, culminating in the fall of the human race. In II Corinthians 4:4 we read that "Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them" (New Living Translation). There is no deception with God. While it is true that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), He delights in making Himself known to us. Paul, writing to believers in Thessalonica, referred to Satan as the Tempter (I Thessalonians 3:5). James tells us that "God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does He tempt anyone" (James 1:13). Rather, He always provides a way of escape when we are faced with temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). Satan tempts us to do what is wrong; God guides us into right paths. In what is perhaps a surprising statement, Paul writes to the Corinthians that Satan is the god of this age or world. Satan is the ruler of what is temporal; God is the ruler of what is eternal. Satan has limited authority; God is sovereign over all creation. Satan is known as the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He began his assault against God's creation by deceiving Eve in the The preceding descriptions demonstrate that Satan and God are diametrically opposed to one another. There is no 8

9 Spiritual Warfare #1 point of similarity in their character. However, while their natures can only be contrasted, their abilities can be compared. God is omniscient He is all knowing. Satan does have vast knowledge (presumably accumulated through the centuries), but there are limits to what he knows. God is omnipresent He is present everywhere at once. Satan is limited to one location in time and space. God is omnipotent He is allpowerful. Satan has great power, but it is limited. He is a powerful beast, but on a leash, which God can yank at any time. Satan s Influence Satan s kingdom is composed of Satan as its king, demons as his loyal servants, unbelievers as his unwitting servants, believers as his targets, and the world as his playground. Satan, who is not omnipresent, exercises his influence throughout the world through his hierarchy of subordinates (the rulers, authorities, powers, and forces mentioned in Ephesians 6:12). The Jews and early Christians understood these powers and authorities as representing a chain of command and authority of angels, both good and bad. The self-centered ambitions of the nations, the deceptive practices of politics, the bitter rivalry of commerce, the false religions of the world, broken relationships, fractured families, and personal traumas all spring from and are fostered by Satanic influence. All that is evil finds its ultimate source in Satan; all that is good finds its ultimate source in God. Christ and His Kingdom God's Kingdom is composed of Christ as King, angels as His loyal servants, and Christians as His subjects and partners in rule. Christ s Kingdom is invisible to the world in that it currently exists in the hearts of believers as the Holy Spirit indwells them. One day His Kingdom will be visible to all when He returns in power and glory. At this time, it is visible to the world in the godly conduct and character of believers and their influence on non-believers. This is why Jesus said in His Kingdom teaching, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Christ came to this world to rescue us from the clutches of Satan, to save us from our sins, and to establish His eternal Kingdom. Colossians 1:13 tells us that God "has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves." 9

10 Spiritual Warfare #1 The verb tense is important here. The rescue has already been accomplished; we have been delivered from Satan's kingdom. However, we continue to live in occupied territory and remain vulnerable to Satan s influence and attacks. Throughout Jesus ministry He cast demons out of people, healing them of diseases and other problems (see Luke 4:40-41, for example). In each encounter, Christ was directly challenging and overcoming the power of Satan. It is important to remember, as we struggle against the forces of evil, that God is not asking us to do anything that He has not done or does not continue to do Himself. He is no armchair quarterback or boardroom general. Rather, He leads us into and through the battle. This truth is vividly illustrated in the life of Christ while on earth. He was continually involved in spiritual battle, both direct and indirect. Following are a few scenes from the battlefield: The conflict began at the announcement of His birth as King Herod ordered the death of all Jewish children in Bethlehem under the age of two. Herod hoped, in so doing, to exterminate the threat of this Messiah (Matthew 2:13-17). Satan himself appears on the scene when Jesus ministry began. Immediately after Christ's baptism by John, He was led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan repeatedly over a period of forty days. None of us can truly appreciate the intensity of this battle (Luke 4:1-13). The blindness of the Jewish leaders, in spite of the many miraculous signs that Jesus performed, their rejection of Him as the Messiah, and their plots to kill Him were all evidences of spiritual battle (II Corinthians 4:3-4). Satan entered Judas and influenced him to betray Jesus into the hands of the Jewish leaders (John 13:27). Jesus was engaged in intense spiritual warfare the night before His crucifixion. All that is evil Face down on the finds its ultimate ground in prayer, He had all the source in Satan; power and fury all that is good of hell arrayed finds its ultimate against Him. In source in God. anguish, He overcame the forces of evil and submitted to the will of the Father (Luke 22:40-46). The Cross itself represents the climax of the battle between God and Satan, between the forces of good and evil. It was there, despite all appearances, that Christ 10

11 Spiritual Warfare #1 achieved His greatest victory and Satan realized his greatest defeat (Colossians 2:15). truth of God's Word and do not allow Satan to deceive you on these important points. Because of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, believers are transferred out of Satan s domain and into Christ s Kingdom at the time of their salvation. God has brought us into His Kingdom to deliver us from darkness and bondage and also to equip us as warriors in His Kingdom (Ephesians 6:10-18). Satan views us as pawns expendable objects of his wrath. However, God views us as persons of great worth and enlists us as trusted allies in His holy cause. What an awesome privilege to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Conclusion There is bad news and there is good news. Believers need to understand that the world is dangerous and life is difficult because of the evil influences of Satan and his kingdom. However, the good news is that Christ has rescued us from Satan s kingdom, and He is able to help us navigate through life's difficulties and to impact this world for good. Application Suggestions Meditate on Colossians 1: Praise God for what He has done for us. Write a list of some of the ways you see Satan's influence in your world. End Note: 1. Brent Curtis, The Sacred Romance (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 101. Just a reminder one of Satan's favorite ploys is deception and getting people to believe lies. Even now, he would have you disbelieve the bad news (and minimize the reality) and disbelieve the good news (and minimize the opportunity). Stand firm in the 11

12 Spiritual Warfare #2 The Sovereignty of God Over Evil In the previous, we discussed Satan's character and his influence. In any discussion about Satan, questions about evil arise. Why did God create Satan? Why does God allow evil? Why doesn t God protect His children from the effects of evil? There are many variations on these types of questions, but all essentially can be boiled down to these two: Is God good? Is God able? It would appear that Satan recognizes the importance of these two questions as most of his attacks center around them, perhaps with an emphasis on calling into question God's goodness. It was his strategy with Eve in the Garden of Eden ("God is withholding something good from you") and has continued to be a favorite ploy ever since. The sad fact is that Satan s strategy can be effective. When times of testing or adversity come, Christians are tempted to think that either God is not good ("He doesn't care") or He is not able ("He can't do anything about it"). However, a foundational truth for Christians is that God is both good and He is able. The answers to our questions lie in the character, rule, and purposes of God, with the logical starting place being His character. His rule and His purposes are simply expressions of His character. When times of testing or adversity come, Christians are tempted to think that either God is not good or He is not able. The Character of God God is holy, just, good and loving. These are core attributes of God. There are literally hundreds of verses in Scripture that speak of these facets of God's character. If you don t believe this about God, you don t believe the Bible as God s self-revelation. It's that simple. Because God is holy and good, He could not have created evil directly. He created Satan as good but as a free moral agent. Therefore, Satan had a choice, and he chose to do evil. Although God knew that Satan would rebel and could have prevented it, He did not. To do so would have violated the parameters He established for the universe; He honored His own rules. Although God may choose to limit the practical effects of our rebellion (the damage we cause to ourselves or to others), He will not deny us the freedom to rebel. So it was with Satan. The Rule of God The rule of God is called the sovereignty of God. God is sovereign because He is all knowing, ever present, all-powerful, and is able to carry out His will, which no one is able to prevent. Again, if we believe in the authority of Scripture, we have to believe in the 12

13 Spiritual Warfare #2 sovereignty of God because it is a common theme in God's Word. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God says, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do" (Isaiah 46:9-11). Hear the words of King David, a mighty ruler in his own right, as he acknowledged the power of God: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all" (I Chronicles 29:11-12). When God permits evil, His purposes in allowing it are to bring good through it. Likewise King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had been humbled by the strong hand of God, recognized His sovereign rule saying, "His rule is everlasting, and His Kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to Him. He has the power to do as He pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop Him or challenge Him, saying, What do you mean by doing these things? " (Daniel 4:34-35, New Living Translation). What do these truths from God's word mean on a practical basis? If God is able and if He is indeed good and loving, then why doesn't He do something about the evil in this world? Although we do not claim to fully understand the mind of God, the answer lies in His purposes. We know that the purposes of God are holy and good because they flow directly from His character. Therefore, when God permits evil, His purposes in allowing it are to bring good through it. We will explore this truth at a later point in this. In the meantime, let's consider the following ideas about how God deals with evil so we can gain a better understanding of His sovereignty over it. God's Involvement in Evil As strange as it seems to say, God is in some sense involved in evil. There are a number of examples in Scripture that support this assertion. The book of Lamentations is so named because it records the laments of the prophet Jeremiah over the violent destruction of Jerusalem by wicked hordes of Babylonian invaders. Commenting on the affliction visited upon Israel by an ungodly people, Jeremiah writes, "Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?" (Lamentations 3:38). 13

14 Spiritual Warfare #2 One of the more difficult passages in Scripture to understand is when God permitted a spirit to torment King Saul. Several times the evil spirit visited Saul, and each time it was said to be a spirit sent from God, thus demonstrating God's power over the spirit world (I Samuel 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9). An equally challenging passage is the one that tells of the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh." Although we do not know the exact nature of this affliction, Paul recognized it as "a messenger from Satan" but also as given to him by God to keep him from becoming too proud (II Corinthians 12:7). It is unlikely that God was involved in any of this evil directly. However, He did allow these evil circumstances to take place; that is, He didn t prevent them from happening. So He can be ascribed at least a passive role. And, at times, it appears as though God acts more directly by drawing Satan into His plan and thus, Satan and his underlings unwittingly become participants in fulfilling God's purposes. In the case of Job, for example, God actually points out Job to Satan and provokes Satan to attack him (Job 1:6-12). God's Restraint of Evil Although God allows evil in this world, He does not allow it to have totally free reign. Satan cannot do whatever he pleases. If Satan had free reign, he would unleash evil everywhere at every opportunity. To the extent he could make it happen, every neighborhood would be unsafe. Every business deal would be crooked. Every child would be abused. Every spouse would be unfaithful. Every nation would be at war. Bluntly put, the kind of tragedy that shocked the world on September 11, 2001 would be a normal occurrence rather than a horrifying exception. If these descriptions seem too harsh, reflect back on the character and influence of Satan as we discussed in the previous lesson. In the case of Job, Satan spoke of a hedge of protection and blessing that God had put around Job and his family (Job 1:9-10). This statement indicates that Satan was He does not always protect us from all evil, but He certainly sets limits and keeps His hand of protection upon us. limited in what he could do to Job. Even Satan acknowledged as much. When God did give Satan permission to attack Job, He limited what Satan could do. First God said, "You may test him but not touch him." Then God told Satan, "You may touch him but not kill him." At each stage, God was in complete control. God restrains the impact of evil on His people. He does not always protect us from all evil, but He certainly sets limits and keeps His hand of protection upon us. In his first letter, which was written to Christians facing great persecution, the Apostle Peter reminded his readers that God rescued Noah from his evil generation through the flood, 14

15 Spiritual Warfare #2 and God rescued Lot from the evil and moray decay of Sodom and Gomorrah. He then made the point, "the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from trials" (II Peter 2:9). Peter may well have been reminded that Jesus, the night before His crucifixion, prayed for His disciples that they would be protected from the evil one (John 17:15). God not only protects His own people from spiritual attack; He restrains evil in the world at large. Writing to the believers in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul indicates that God has a restraining force in place that will be removed shortly before the end times and the appearance of the anti- Christ (II Thessalonians 2:6-8). We are not certain who or what this restrainer is; it may be human government, it may be the God uses or redeems evil in order to accomplish His purposes, which are always good. church, but more likely it is the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul uses a personal pronoun when referring to the restrainer. Apparently the restrainer is going to be removed just before the return of Christ, and there will be unprecedented evil occurring for a time. In the meantime, God uses all types of government to restrain evil. Paul writes in Romans that God has placed all governments in power to punish those who do wrong and thereby restrain evil (Romans 13:1-5). Even a corrupt regime, of which there are many, plays some role in keeping evil in check. God's Purposes in Evil The fact that God allows evil although it is contrary to His character implies that He has reasons for doing so. God uses or redeems evil in order to accomplish His purposes, which are always good. The following points highlight some of His purposes. The presence of evil exposes our own depravity. If the only wrongs committed against us were those of accident or oversight, we would perhaps not be greatly troubled by the sin of others. However, as we or those we love are victims of intentional acts of evil, we are confronted by the depravity of the human condition and must acknowledge that we, too, have the capacity to commit such sin. The presence of evil teaches believers lessons in life and builds Christlike character. Many times the trials and tribulations that come our way are due to sin, either that of others or our own. As we endure these trials, we develop perseverance and strengthen our faith (James 1:2-4). As we respond appropriately to evil people and situations, as we learn to resist temptation, and as we begin to understand what it means to not be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), we are being conformed to the image of Christ. 15

16 Spiritual Warfare #2 The presence of evil reveals certain characteristics of God which believers could not otherwise fully grasp. For example, if we were not victims of injustice and sometimes perpetrators of the same, we would have little appreciation for the justice of God. If we The presence of evil can and should draw us to a closer relationship with God. were not so deeply aware of our sin and the sin of others, we would have little comprehension of the marvelous grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. These are but a few examples of how the darkness of our own hearts and the darkness of this world put on brilliant display the holiness and purity of God. Similarly, the presence of evil enables followers of Christ to stand out as shining stars in the midst of an evil and corrupt generation. This is our calling to be holy, to be different to let our light shine before others so that they will see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). God uses evil to work out His sovereign will. You may recall the story of Joseph and his brothers as recorded in the book of Genesis. Joseph, a godly and upright man was the victim of multiple acts of evil, being sold into slavery by his own brothers and later falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. Joseph could have easily accused God of not caring or not being able to help him, but he trusted in the goodness of God. As Joseph told his brothers when they were all together again in Egypt, "As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20, New Living Translation). The greatest act of evil ever committed was the shameful execution of the sinless Son of God. But this is also the greatest example of how God used evil to accomplish His purpose, which was to provide a way of salvation. As he addressed the crowd on the day of Pentecost, Peter made it clear that the evil committed against Christ was part of God's sovereign plan. "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross" (Acts 2:23). Finally, the presence of evil can and should draw us to a closer relationship with God. He created us as free moral agents because that was the only way He could win our love and adoration, which is His ultimate desire. He has provided the means of reconciliation, so that we can turn from our evil ways and come back to Him. And, as we follow Him, the ongoing presence of 16

17 Spiritual Warfare #2 evil around us drives us to full dependence on Him. Just as a child walks closer to his or her parent when outside in the dark, so we should walk more closely with our heavenly Father and enjoy His presence and protection. Conclusion Write down some life lessons you have learned from your awareness of or experience with evil. End Note: 1. Bruce Milne, Know the Truth, (Downers Grove, Illinois, 1982), 82. God in His sovereignty will ultimately bring Satan s presence and influence to an end (Revelation 20:10). In the meantime, we affirm that God is good and that He is able. The presence of evil in this world should not shake our confidence in Him and His good purposes. Bruce Milne writes in his book Know the Truth, "The Bible doesn t spend a lot of time trying to explain the existence of evil. Its approach to the problem of evil is essentially practical, concerned less to explain the presence of evil than to witness to its conquest by Christ and to bring divine consolation and reassurance to the believing sufferer. (1) So we acknowledge Christ as conqueror and, in so doing, we receive divine consolation. Application Suggestions: I Thessalonians 5:18 says give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. Spend time thanking God for what He is able to do through the difficult times in your life. 17

18 Spiritual Warfare #3 SATAN'S DEMISE Every good story has three parts the beginning, the climax or turning point, and the final outcome. Scripture reveals the three parts beginning, climax, and ending in the drama of the battle between two kingdoms, God's Kingdom and Satan's kingdom. God is the author, producer, and director of this drama. We are not told everything we may want to know; but God does reveal to us all the information we need to know. This revelation by God is one of many ways He demonstrates His care for His people. He lets believers know what is going to happen so they will not lose hope and will remain strong in the battle. In order for believers to be effective in their role, they need to know they are on the winning side, even when it looks like they are losing or are being ineffective. Believers can understand the overall course of the battle between God s Kingdom and Satan s kingdom by focusing on the three key parts of the conflict. A Compelling Plot The story does not begin with the events surrounding the birth of Christ or even with the creation of man. At some point prior to this, Scripture tells us that Satan, who was created as one of God's angels, rebelled against him. A number of angels followed Satan in his rebellion, and the battle lines between We live in a fallen world, and we face a determined enemy. the two kingdoms were drawn. This act of defiance by Satan set in motion a conflict that would continue for thousands of years. Indeed it has not ended yet. The creation of man began a new chapter in a story that was already underway. The creation of our world provided a new setting for the conflict. The creation of humankind provided the opportunity for the Devil to try new maneuvers to inflict damage on his arch-enemy, God. As Satan is just an actor in the drama and not the author, we do not know how much he understood or when. He must have been aware that something was changing dramatically. His interest may have been aroused when the birds and sea creatures arrived on the scene. He may have been intrigued when God created animals. But it is doubtful that he viewed any of these creatures as a threat or as a tool that could be used by him to gain leverage against God. But when man came on stage, the Devil probably recognized him as something special a being created in the image of God. And certainly Satan couldn't fail to observe the intimate relationship between God and this new creation. As he watched Adam and Eve enjoy fellowship with God in the garden, hatred and jealousy must have roused up within him. 18

19 Spiritual Warfare #3 The story takes a tragic turn at this point. When Satan, appearing in the form of a serpent, tempted Adam and Eve to sin and they yielded to his influence and deception, everything changed. It is critical for us to understand what happened in the Garden of Eden in order to have appropriate expectations in this life. After Adam and Eve sinned, God confronted them (and the serpent) in the garden and made the following pronouncements. There were consequences to this act of disobedience for the man (painful toil), for the woman (pain in childbearing) and the serpent (crawling upon the ground). The greater consequence was the broken fellowship with God and the death that would follow. However, God announced more than just the immediate results of the Fall. He also announced that there would be ongoing conflict between the offspring of the serpent and the offspring of the woman. The offspring of the serpent is probably a reference to those who would be under the control of Satan. And, in what is viewed by many as the first announcement of the Gospel, God foretold what would happen on the cross of Calvary. Genesis 3:15 reads, And I will put enmity Rather than being ashamed that their leader [Christ] died such a disgraceful death, Christians celebrate the cross. between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." The offspring of the woman seems to be a double reference, referring both to those who would follow her in her faith in God ( offspring in a plural sense) and a person ( offspring in a singular sense) who would engage the serpent directly in battle. This person is referred to as he in the text and is later revealed to be the Messiah. The offspring of the serpent would deliver a blow to the heel of the Messiah (which is not fatal), but the Messiah would crush the serpent s head (which is a fatal blow). So from the very beginning of man, God sent a message indicating both that a spiritual battle would rage throughout history and that Satan would eventually be totally defeated by the Messiah. The dual effects of the Fall curse and conflict characterize the setting in which mankind has lived since that time. We live in a fallen world and we face a determined enemy. All of the difficulties, the hardships, and the suffering in the world can be traced back, either directly or indirectly, to the curse and this conflict between the two kingdoms. In the remainder of the Old Testament, the story continued to unfold over the next centuries, with clashes and subplots along the way. However, it was the incarnation that announced that 19

20 Spiritual Warfare #3 the climax would soon be at hand. As Hebrews 2:14 indicates, Jesus became a man because it was only as a human being He could die, and it was only by dying that he could break the power of the Devil, who held the power of death (New Living Translation). A Decisive Victory All of the events in Jesus' life on earth, more than that, all of the events on record, lead up to the cross. It is the true turning point of human history, for it was there that Jesus won a decisive victory over Satan. Volumes have been written about this one event, yet it is doubtful that we yet begin to understand its full significance. It was there that Jesus broke the power of Satan, of sin, and of death, and freed us from slavery to these tyrants. He delivered us from the kingdom of darkness (Satan's kingdom). By Christ's sinless, sacrificial death, He made possible reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. For the unbelieving world, the crucifixion of Christ is a curious event indeed. Why, they wonder, should these followers of Christ celebrate His brutal murder. The internationally recognized symbol of Christianity is the cross, a crude instrument of execution. Yet, rather than being ashamed that their leader died such a disgraceful death, Christians celebrate the cross or, to use the Apostle Paul's words, they "boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14). John Eldredge, in his book The Sacred Romance comments, "If the narrative of the Scriptures teaches us anything, from the serpent in the Garden to the carpenter from Nazareth, it teaches us that things are rarely what they seem, that we shouldn't be fooled by appearances." (1) And John Stott, in his magnificent work The Cross of Christ adds this thought: "Yet the Christian claim is that the reality is the opposite of appearance. What looks like (and indeed was) the defeat of goodness by evil is also, and more certainly, the defeat of evil by goodness. Overcome there, He was Himself overcoming. Crushed by the ruthless power of Rome, He was Himself crushing the serpent's head. The victim was the victor, and the cross is still the throne from which He rules." (2) Writing to the believers in Colosse, Paul provides a remarkable perspective on what Christ accomplished on the cross. "God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed Jesus death on the cross was the beginning of the end for Satan. The verdict was won, and the sentence was announced. to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:14-15). 20

21 Spiritual Warfare #3 Paul uses strong verbs and vivid imagery to portray Christ s conquest. N.T. Wright, in his commentary on the book of Colossians, suggests a strong irony in Paul s description of Christ s victory on the cross. God did everything to Satan and his legion of evil powers that the Roman authorities did to Christ. Wright puts it this way, On the contrary, on the cross God was stripping them naked, was holding them up to public contempt, and leading them in His own triumphal procession - in Christ, the crucified Messiah. (3) Regardless of the precise interpretation of the figurative language used by Paul, it should be clear that Christ accomplished a resounding victory at Calvary. It was neither a cliffhanger nor a squeaker. Rather, Christ thoroughly routed Satan and his minions. Jesus death on the cross was the beginning of the end for Satan. The verdict was won and the sentence was announced. The sentence will not be executed until the end time, but there is no appeal process and no chance of reversal. God allows the Devil to continue to operate in this world for the time being, but his ultimate demise is certain. A Long Denouement The French have a word denouement for the ending of a story, the resolution after the climax. It literally means an unraveling or untying, such as with a knot. All good stories include an explanation of how things end up after the climax, summed up in the oftenused phrase "and they lived happily ever after." The hero rides off into the sunset. Lovers get married and have children. Long-separated friends are reunited at last. It must be admitted that the outcome of Christ's victory over Satan on the cross represents a long denouement indeed. Two God allows the devil to continue to operate in this world for the time being, but his ultimate demise is certain. thousand years have passed, and we have yet to see the execution of the sentence pronounced upon the Devil. As early as the first century AD, people began to wonder when God would carry through on His promise. The Apostle Peter addressed this question and reminded the early believers that "the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). God is being patient for our sake, but at some point known only to the Him, He will send His Son back for His church. It is with good reason that the end time is referred to as "The Great Tribulation." The book of Revelation, recorded by the Apostle John as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, describes these days in graphic language. Although John s account can be difficult to interpret and understand because of the frequent use of figurative language, it is exceedingly 21

22 Spiritual Warfare #3 clear that this will be a time of tremendous pain, suffering, and upheaval. It has been said that "war is hell." Never will that statement have been more true than when Satan realizes that his time is short and the end is at hand all the fury of hell will be unleashed against mankind. Although Christians may disagree on the details, there is general agreement that events will occur in the following order. In the seven years just before the return of Christ, the restraint on Satan will be removed (II Thessalonians 2:6-8) and evil will reign in ways never before experienced by man. A commanding world leader who is under Satan s influence will appear (the Antichrist), and God will send a powerful delusion on the world so that everyone will follow this false christ (II Thessalonians 2:1-12). A series of plagues will follow such that, if God did not cut short those days, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22). God will finally bring all this to an end when Christ returns to set up His Kingdom in its fullness. There will be one last battle, and Jesus will finally defeat Satan at that time (II Thessalonians 2:8). In the end Satan will be thrown into an eternal fire to be tormented forever (Revelation 20:10). Conclusion Because God is the author and director of the story, we have full confidence that it will turn out as He intends. Satan s reign will end. Jesus will reign over all forever. And, incredible as it may seem, Christians will reign with Christ forever. In the meantime, we play the part that God has written for us. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to be God's foot soldiers in the ongoing battle, whether we want to be or not. Brent Curtis, co-author of The Sacred Romance, writes, "Every human being is of great significance to God, but those whom God has drawn to believe in Him are center stage in a drama of cosmic proportions." He later admits, "It seems that the part God has written for us is much too big and certainly too dangerous." (4) Because God is the Author and Director of the story, we have full confidence that it will turn out as He intends. Maybe you can identify with this statement. Maybe you would like a smaller part to play or perhaps you would rather just sit in the audience and watch the story unfold. Think of it this way. Two armies are going to battle, and you must decide which side you want to join. If you choose to join the first army, you will be expected to abandon all thoughts of pleasure and safety and join in the fight. You will be threatened, you will be attacked, and at times you may despair of life itself. If you join the opposing army, you can pretty much take things easy. Life may still be difficult, but very little will be expected of you. In fact, you can pretty much make up your own rules as you go along. Which army will you 22

23 Spiritual Warfare #3 join? Before you decide, remember that the outcome of the battle has already been determined, and the first army is destined to win. The second army will go down to resounding, eternal defeat. So, we accept the charge that is ours, knowing that the battle may be difficult but confident that victory is assured as we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In doing so, we would do well to remember the words Paul wrote to the believers at Rome I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). 3. N.T. Wright, The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), (Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press, 1986), Brent Curtis, The Sacred Romance, (Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 53. Application Suggestions: Meditate on Revelation 5:8-10 praising Jesus for what He did on the Cross. Read Ephesians 1:9-10. Praise God for revealing His plan to us. Praise Him also that we can trust Him for the outcome of the battle. End Notes: 1. John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance, (Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), John R. W. Stott, The Cross of Christ, (Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press, 1986),

24 Spiritual Warfare #4 THE PRESENT BATTLE We live in an age of conflict. At the time this is being written, nations are debating whether to go to war to disarm a threatening dictator. Some are completely opposed to war; others view it as a last resort only after all other means have been exhausted. When it comes to spiritual warfare, there truly is no other alternative to engaging in battle. Satan is not interested in peace, although he would be happy for us to unilaterally lay down our arms. As children, many of us played varieties of the simple game of tag, one of which is freeze tag. When one player is rescued or "unfrozen" by another player in this game, he or she then has the opportunity and responsibility to attempt to rescue others as well, while avoiding getting tagged again. It is similar in the Christian life. In His dramatic defeat of Satan at Calvary, The question is not whether we should be in the battle; it is only how effectively we will fight. Christ provided the way for us to be set free from Satan's kingdom. However, we are to use our freedom to join the battle and help rescue those still under Satan's sway. As Ray Stedman writes in his book Spiritual Warfare, "We are set free to do battle, to engage in the fight, to overcome in our own lives, and to be the channel by which others are set free." (1) Many Christians are naive about Satan and his tactics. They believe that he fights fair. He doesn't. They believe that if they leave him alone, he will leave them alone. He won't. The question is not whether we should be in the battle; it is only how effectively we will fight. If we refuse to engage the enemy, we are aiding and abetting his cause. To combat Satan's forces we need to be able to recognize how Satan attacks and how to engage him in battle. Christians can effectively engage in spiritual warfare by employing two primary strategies against the enemy understanding him and resisting him. Understanding logically comes first because a clear understanding provides the basis for effective resistance. Understanding the Enemy Satan's Objective Satan is conducting a battle for the hearts of men. He desires to turn us away from our Creator and to cause us to wrongly believe that the cheap substitutes he offers are better than what God offers. Satan knows that he cannot gain an advantage against God by engaging Him directly, so we become the means by which he tries to hurt God and get revenge against Him. Satan's desire to control and destroy the human race is simply a reflection of his hatred of God. 24