Christian Discipleship Course 23.

Question and answers: “So this devil, does he have horns and carry a pitchfork?”

To be honest I have never seen him, but I have seen his destruction in mankind; murders, abortion, rape, violence, anger, hatred, racism, prejudice, etc. All evil is incited by the devil. Jesus said he is the thief who has come to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10.

1 John 3:8 ‘Jesus came to destroy the works of the evil one’

Fact: The devil has many names, for example, Satan, evil one, liar, deceiver, accuser and adversary. Jesus defeated the devil on the cross.

Satan works to undermine the believer’s relationship with God and others. He uses the media, our anger, divisions in the church, our tongue, and the unconverted, in fact he uses anything. But the devil cannot be blamed for everything; sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Our sinful desires, lack of self-discipline and self-control can give our enemy a legal right to cause problems in our lives. Always remember that the Holy Spirit who is in you is stronger than the devil 1 John 4:4.

Wisdom: When countries go to war, the opponents examine each other’s weak and strong points to know where to strike next. We need to be aware of the enemy’s tactics so we can put up a strong defence.

1 Peter 5:8, 9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him steadfast in the faith…”

Think: The devil is the father of lies; he is a deceiver. The serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin, by showing that the fruit looked good and would taste nice. Today demons tempt us by our senses, touch, taste and a look. Before you give in to temptation, ask yourself what will it cost you in the long term? Our sin can break our relationship with God, and it breaks down trust with other people.

Fact: When Jesus returns, Satan’s works will be defeated and he will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire Revelation 12:9-11, 20:10.

More Info: Job 1:6,7, Isaiah 14:12-16, Ezekiel 28:12-19, Zechariah 3, Matthew 4:8,9, Mark 4:15, Luke 4:3,6,9, John 13:2,14:30, Acts 5:3-10, 2 Corinthians 11:14, 2 Corinthians 12:7, Ephesians 6:11, Colossians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, 3:5, 2 Timothy 2:26, Hebrews 2:9,14,15, 1 John 5:19.

Names: Matthew 12:24, 13:19, 13:39, John 8:44, 12:31,14:30, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12, 1 Thess. 3:5, Hebrews 2:14, Revelation 9:11, 12:7-10, 20:2,10.