The Skinny on Satan - Pastor Joseph Clark

“Satan prowls but he’s a lion on a leash”
- Ann Voskamp
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God tells us in The Word:

1) There once was an archangel named Lucifer who was among the most powerful of God’s angels, and he shone very brightly in Heaven. Out of pride, narcissism, and ambition, he wished to be as powerful as God, and led other angels to rebel against God. This led to his fall and the fall of the angels who sided with him, resulting in Lucifer and his followers being reduced to demons.
2) He was judged by God and “thrown to the Earth”. His power has become completely perverted. He is referred to further, not by his name, but by his function. Satan. The adversary.
3) He was defeated by Christ, as Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Christ rose from the dead, breaking Satan's power over fallen humanity.
4) Although he is defeated, Satan and his fallen angels (demons) harass Christians with temptation and lies, as well as distracting mankind away from Christ. His mission is to oppress mankind with sin, fear, lies, perversity, and destruction. He will do this until the second coming of Christ. Why does he do this? During World War 2 there were Nazi death camp commanders who executed as many remaining prisoners as was possible, after they received word that the war was lost. Satan operates in the same way. His scorched earth policy is to cause as much damage and suffering as he can, even though he knows that he is defeated.
5) An angel will be sent by God with chains to bind Satan to a pit over the 1000-year millennial

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” - Ephesians 6:11

When Satan is nipping at your heels by lying to you or tempting you, remember that you are not alone, and that you are not defenseless. Our almighty God goes before you as your protector. Focus your attention on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Preoccupy yourself in his Word.