Roots of the Faith – Satan and Demons

My notes for Wednesday night, Sept 20th. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. Our study over the next few months will be “The Roots of the Faith.” This study will focus on key biblical truths that will transform our thinking and allow us to faithfully live out the Christian life. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Resources for this Study

50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith – Gregg R. Allision

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine – Wayne Grudem

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth  – John MacArthur & Richard Mayhue

Basic Christian DoctrinesCurt Daniel


Satan and Demons

Satan is a fallen angel

  • The chief fallen angel (Leader of the demons
  • He rules the sinful world (this world)
  • The unconverted/Lost are his until they are converted/saved
  • He is intelligent and powerful but is limited by God’s rule over him. Job 1 & 2
  • ONLY GOD IS ALL KNOWING, ALL POWERFUL, and EVER PRESENT.

Satan tempts people to sin

  • 1 Thess 3:5
  • Adam and Eve
  • Jesus in the wilderness

Demons are fallen angels that followed Satan at the time of his rebellion.

  • Matthew 10:1
  • Ephesians 6:12
  • They do the work of Satan
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14-15
  • They are intelligent
  • They are powerful

Demonic possession

  • All are born slaves to sin, but in rare cases I believe UNCONVERTED/LOST people can be possessed by demons.
  • There is lost and then there is an evil that is much different.
  • As believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit, so therefore we cannot be possessed by the demonic.

How to live as believers today:

Focus on what we have in Christ not in the Devil.

  • Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong in the Lord

OUR GOAL IS NOT TO ATTACK AND DEFEAT HIM. Rather, we resist and withstand the attacks of Satan.

  • I have no control over what he is doing.
  • I DO HAVE CONTROL OVER WHAT I DO WHEN TEMPTATION COMES
  • In the Garden…twisting what God has said.
  • He did not ask Eve to deny God but twisted what God said.
  • James 4:7

THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

  • Romans 12:1
  • Ephesians 4:26
  • Ephesians 6:10-20

Additional Reading

Satan’s Ten Strategies Against You – John Piper – Desiring God

Are We Too Concerned with Demons? – R.C. Sproul – Ligonier Ministries

Spiritual Warfare – Founders Ministries