Is Satan for Real?

I was told not long ago by a young lady, "I don’t pay any attention to Satan; I don’t bother with him." She made these comments while under deep depression and talked of not wanting to live.

Satan (chief opponent of God) is our enemy!

We are soldiers of the Lord Jesus and are on the winning side. The enemy has already been defeated. Christ has thoroughly routed him by His sacrificial death, His bodily resurrection and His ascension to power and glory. But we must realize He is still very powerful today and, as the Bible states, Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Satan is destroying many people today, especially through the mind.

What is Satan’s condition?

1. He is bound - Mark 3:27
2. His power is restricted or restrained -
                           2 Thessalonians 2:6
3. He has lost authority over Christians -
                           Colossians 1:13
4. He must "flee" when resisted - James 4:7

What is his character?

1. Subtle - Genesis 3:1
2. Fierce - Luke 8:29
3. Wicked - 1 John 2:13
4. Powerful - Ephesians 2:2

What kind of power does Satan have?

1. Tempts God’s people - 1 Chronicles 21:1
2. Afflicts - Job 1:2
3. Power over unbelievers; he possesses - Luke 22:3
4. Blinds to truth - 2 Corinthians 4:4
5. Troubles - 1 Samuel 16:14

What are Satan’s methods?

1. Appears as an "angel of light" or something good -2 Corinthians 11:14 (misrepresentation of himself)
2. Instills doubts - Genesis 3:1
3. Misuses Scripture - Matthew 4:6
4. Undoes God’s work for his own purposes - Mark 4:15
5. Uses cunning deception to lure, mislead, etc. -
                               2 Corinthians 2:11

Do we have power over Satan? Indeed we do!

1. Overcome - James 4:7
2. Resist - James 4:7
3. Watch against - 2 Corinthians 2:11

Other names for Satan:

1. God of this world and murderer - 2 Corinthians 4:4
2. Author of lies - John 8:44
3. Prince of demons - Matthew 12:24

We are engaged in a battle. Please be on guard and aware of the enemy. Be prepared!

ARE WE INVOLVED IN UNBELIEF?

Answers to coping, how to deal with life and all of its problems, start with what you choose to believe. All too often, we are guilty of unbelief when we come face to face with the enemy (Satan). Where is one’s faith when the pressure is on? When heartaches begin, who do we listen to and who do we believe when we’re struggling, when we need to cope? (Heb. 11:6)

The Lord told his disciples the importance of depending on Him. He compared Himself to a vine and the disciples as the branches of that vine. Also true today, if we truly are believers, He is the vine and we are the branches. Jesus said that if you do not abide (or live, depend) on Him and if He does not live (reside as Savior and Lord) in you, you will be useless or fruitless (John 15:5). Ask yourself, "Do I really know Christ?" If you have never received the Savior (Christ), then you cannot bear fruit or depend on Christ in those difficult times. Those without Christ have no hope of having victory over Satan.

1. The Scriptures teach us that unbelief is caused by:

1. Sin - John 16:9
2. Satan - John 8:43-47
3. Self-glory - John 5:44
4. Not being a sheep (His follower) -John 10:26

2. Unbelief is shown in these actions:

1. Questioning God’s Word - 2 Peter 3:4,5 (Some rarely take His Word seriously.)

2. Turning from God - Hebrews 3:12 (Some turn to friends or things in place of God.)

3. Questioning God’s power - Psalm 78: 19,20 (Some act as though He has little or no power at all.)

4. Hating God’s messengers - Acts 7:54,57 (Some criticize and refuse to hear or obey.)

5. Resisting the Spirit - Acts 7:51,52 (We are told to resist Satan, not God’s Spirit.)

6. Discounting evidence - John 12:37
   (To some it makes no difference how God has kept every promise.)

7. Opposing the Gospel - 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 (Some think there must be a better answer or another way.)

8. Rejecting Christ - John 16:9 (Some won’t accept God’s only way of salvation.)

9. Pride - Numbers 16:1-40 (God hates pride.)

The Word states plainly, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6). Some are saying, maybe subtly, "I’ll do it my way." GOD HATES UNBELIEF!

Through pain and suffering, we MUST choose to believe our loving Heavenly Father, seek Him in prayer, choose to follow His Holy Spirit and believe and do what He tells us in His Word.

3. Consequences of unbelief:

1. Exclusion from blessings - Hebrews 3:15-19
2. Hinders God working - Matthew 13:58
3. Judgement - John 12:48
4. Death - John 8:24,25
5. Experience God’s wrath - John 3:36

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37)

4. We can have victory over:

1. Flesh - Galatians 5:16-21
2. World - 1 John 5:4
3. Satan - James 4:7

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF HELP AND STRENGTH?

Life is short, death is sure

Sin the cause, Christ the cure!

 

Sin (anything we do or say or think that displeases God) separates us from God. God is our strength, our hope, our answer for every need we have. God has, at His own cost, provided a cure. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me (John 14:6).

Who has sinned? For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23). God tells us in His Word that we are all sinners.

What does sin do? Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear (Isa. 59:2), and in Romans 6:23 we read, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The sin problem separates us from SURE HELP, ALL HOPE.

What can we do about sin? Not one thing by ourselves. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us (Titus 3:5).

What did God do? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). By God’s grace (undeserved or unmerited favor), through faith and faith alone in Christ, we are saved and accepted into God’s family. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8,9).

Knowing this, what must we do? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). Believe that Jesus died for you and act on that belief by inviting Him into your life to be your Savior. Let Him take control, and then you can experience real living by having a vital, personal relationship with Christ. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him…(Rev. 3:20). Indeed, Christ is the answer! Each person must make that one most important decision a person can make: whether to receive Jesus as their own personal Savior or not. I urge you, if you have never done this, to do it now! If you pray and really mean what you ask, Jesus will come into your life right now. Pray a simple prayer like this:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins, please forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please come into my life and be my Savior right now. Help me to live for you. Help me to obey you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Word promises, But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 1:12).

Then what must I do? It is vital, of utmost importance, that we go faithfully, consistently, to a Bible-believing church - a church that is solid in its teaching of and adhering to the Word of God. A Sunday morning preaching service once a week is not enough to strengthen you. Sunday School and mid-week services are vitally important as well. Going to church services provides the foundation on which to build a strong faith and a strong walk with God. In addition, daily sincere praying and diligent Bible study prepare us for living and for sharing with others. Thus, when trials come, we will be prepared to meet them. God promises help and strength to those who are His (those saved) and to those who obey Him. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but, exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb. 10:25).

We must also be willing to share our faith with others - what we believe and why we believe it. If you are thinking, What will my friends say about all this? or my mother or family?, consider this: You came into the world with nothing and you will go out the same way. When you stand before Almighty God it will make not one bit of difference what anyone has ever thought or said. It is what God says that matters. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us (2 Tim. 2:12).

Jesus said, Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28:19,20).

 

HOW CAN I COPE?

What does God expect? The upright are His delight. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy (Psa. 147:11). He is a rewarder of them that seek Him. He expects us to believe His Gospel (Eph. 1:13), submit to it (2 Cor. 9:13) and live by it (Phil. 1:27).

To cope means to contend or strive successfully or remain on top while dealing with problems. How do we do that? We have One who supports us, strengthens us and gives us power to cope, to contend with trials, pressures, disappointments and hurts.

How does the world cope? More often than not, they don’t. Pills, alcohol, trusting people, keeping busy, making money, etc., won’t work. Many of these people end up with ulcers, heart problems, mental problems, and even death.

For the Christian, we can overcome or conquer problems and experience peace. How? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:27).

God has solutions for us in the midst of problems. God tells us how to cope in His Word; clear directions on how we should act, what to do, etc. We must make up our mind whether we want His power, His help, His way.

Coping is overcoming. Coping is trusting. Coping is resting in His everlasting arms. Coping is giving in to His way - no matter how we feel.

COPING IS OBEYING!

We may choose to cope or we may choose to go our own way and fail. If God is not the center of our lives, if He is not Number One, we won’t cope. When we seldom pray, when we are seldom in His Word, and when we can’t be bothered with serving God, when we’re somewhere else instead of worshipping in God’s house, we won’t cope. Trials and problems will come, but don’t expect to cope, don’t expect victory if you are not obedient to the Lord.

When our relationship to Christ is right we will be ready to cope. When we obey, we will receive the power to cope and the strength to carry us through the most horrible situation.

Help from God’s Word:

1. How to be successful - John 1:8
2. How to grow spiritually - John 15
3. How to refocus affections - Colossians 3
4. How to appreciate God’s chastening - Hebrews 12
5. How to find happiness - Matthew 5, 6, 7
6. How to prepare for temptations - James 1

The main reason why God created us is so we can enjoy God, worship Him, honor Him and obey Him always. Our time and our talents MUST be used to honor and serve Him. This way of living leads to joy, peace and real life.

God’s Word can help us cope:

1. Remember to pray - Phillipians 4:6
2. Ask God for wisdom - James 1:5
3. Trust in the Lord - Proverbs 3:5, 6
4. Live one day at a time - Matthew 6:34
5. Remember God is faithful - Lamentations 3:22, 23
6. Be aware of God’s presence - Hebrews 13:5, 6
7. Count your blessings - I Samuel 12:24
8. Believe God for your every need - Phillipians 4:19
9. Memorize Scripture and apply it in your time of need - Psalm 119:11
10. Seek Godly counsel - Psalm 1

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13).

 

WHAT GOOD IS SORROW AND WHAT IS THE REASON FOR TRIALS, PROBLEMS AND HEARTACHES?

Another word for sorrow is grief. Solomon said, Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better (Eccl. 7:3).

Can this be? And how so? These promises and instructions from God’s Word will make this more clear:

1. Trials or tragedies are designed to

1. Test our faith - Genesis 22:1-18
   A problem, especially a hard trial, will prove what we really believe and if we really believe. Others watch our faith in action, as well.
2. Purify faith - Malachi 3:3, 4: 1 Peter 1:6-9
   "Purify" means to clean, make pure, free from sin. Purge is another word for purify, meaning to cleanse or rid of sin or faults, etc.

1. Increase patience - James 1:3, 4, 12
2. Bring us to a better place - 
   Psalm 66:10-12
3. Glorify God - 1 Peter 4:12-16
4. Sometimes the cause is unknown to us - Job 1:7-22
5. Chasten us - Isaiah 48:10

2. These attitudes concerning trials glorify God ("glorify" means to worship, honor and give praise to God)

1. Must expect - Acts 14:22. Because we are Christians, should we never face a trial? If Christ faced every trial, then who are we to escape hardships?

1. Glory in - Romans 5:3
2. Overcome - Romans 8:35-37; Revelation 22:7
3. Patient in - Romans 12:12
4. Joyful in - 2 Corinthians 7:4
5. Faint not - Ephesians 3:13. No throwing in the towel, no giving up, no quitting.
6. Endurable - 1 Corinthians 10:13
7. Rewardable - Matthew 5:10-12
8. There is an end - Isaiah 5:11; 25:8
   ...Sorrow shall flee away and sorrow shall be removed.

There is no sorrow in God’s blessing - The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it (Prov. 10:22).

 

WHY DO TERRIBLE THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

The condition that the world is in is because of sin. Good people suffer sometimes because of their own sin or by being affected by someone else’s sin. Not following God’s instructions leads to problems and to heart-aches. Sometimes we can do right and suffer problems. The Scriptures state, All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). Also, God promises us that if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12). In addition, God’s purpose for us is that we will be like Christ in character. Many times it takes pain for God to get our attention. Many times, after His will is accomplished for a particular area of our life, He may choose to remove the problem. Study the Scriptures in Section "WHAT GOOD IS SORROW".

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). For the Christian, good comes from the seemingly bad things in our lives.

On several occasions it has taken hardships, trials, and heartaches to bring a soul to God. Trials teach us about God, His faithfulness and His trustworthiness. They show us how much God loves us, how He is able to carry us, and how He is able to solve our problems. Sometimes it takes a heavy heart to drive us to the throne of grace, into His Word, and then to live a fruitful life for Him. Many times trials are a pure demonstration of God’s wonderful glory and grace.

Then there are times when we can’t see why a tragedy happens. God doesn’t seem to answer. We are not God who is all-knowing, all-powerful and makes no mistakes. We are the created, not the Creator. Sometimes we are not to know why things happen. During those times the Lord’s desire is that we simply trust Him. It has been said. "Faith is not faith until it is all we are hanging on to." And don’t forget, without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:5).

 

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God (1 Pet. 2:20).

Let not one of us ever dare to be guilty of blaming God for the work of Satan, or for the bad mistakes of men to whom God has given a free will to make their own choices.

 

WHY AM I SO DEPRESSED?

Hard situations are only the occasion not the cause of depression. IMPORTANT - depression is not caused by the event, but by the response to and interpretation of the event.

Almost anything can be at the root of a person’s depression. Here a just a few examples:

1. Bad feelings resulting from resentment, worry, mistreatment, loss of loved one, etc.
2. Financial situations
3. Last child left home
4. A recent illness
5. Guilt over a particular sin
6. Physical or organic problem (which is very, very rare)
7. Following the world’s values

Sin always leads to problems, especially guilt and depression. Not handling sin God’s way makes things worse and causes even deeper and longer periods of depression.

Many people believe and speak of changing feelings in order to change behavior. THIS IS WRONG! God reverses the order. God said, "Do right and there will be a lifting up of your face."

What can I do if I feel depressed?

1. Discover exactly why you are depressed.

1. Is it SIN?
2. Is it a HARD SITUATION?
3. Is it UNBIBLICAL VALUES?

2. If depression is related to sin, that sin must be handled in a biblical way.

1. Psalm 32:5 - Go to God, repent, confess sin.
2. Proverbs 28:13- He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
3. Matthew 5:23,24- Confess to people, also, if need be, before you can have peace.

3. If the result of mishandling a hard situation:
   You MUST

1. Realize
2. Repent
3. Retrace
4. Replace

4. If related to unbiblical values, you must learn biblical values and apply them.

1. Jeremiah 9:23,24 - Must understand and know God - He exercises loving kindness, judgement and righteousness - these things delight Him.
2. Luke 10:25-27 - Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
3. Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the things of God and His righteousness.
4. Philippians 3:3-14 - Christ is all that counts; all else gained by us is flesh and lost.
5. 1 Corinthians 4:2-5 - God will examine me when Christ comes, everything shall be revealed.

The Psalmist said, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God. (Psa. 42:11)

A PROBLEM WITH ANGER

Growth in the life of a Christian depends on his obedience when problems arise. The Christian who refuses to listen to God, to obey God’s instructions (from His Word) is on his way downhill. Such a believer cannot expect help from God and can expect stunted growth; then God will seem farther and farther away. If God seems far away, guess who moved?

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12).

Anger is an emotion God gave us. The Bible tells us that God is angry with the wicked every day. Unbelief makes God angry, etc. Anger by itself is not wrong, for the Scriptures tell us, Be angry, and sin not (Eph. 4:26). When someone does wrong and causes problems for others it is all right to be angry at their sin. That is called righteous anger.

When is anger sinful?

1. When we become angry for wrong reasons - Luke 15:28
2. Do we handle anger in wrong ways? Do we let our anger rule us? - Proverbs 16:32
3. Do we continually brood and fret over the thing we don’t like? - Proverbs 30:32, 33
4. Do we keep a running record of how we have been mistreated? - 1 Corinthians 13:5
5. Do we become bitter or bear grudges? - Ephesians 4:31
6. Do we pretend we are not angry - James 5:16
7. Do we explode, lash out, or attack the person who hurts us? - Proverbs 29:20

When we become angry we need to use that energy created by the anger to attack the problem, not any person involved.

One controls his anger best when he is solution-oriented rather than problem-oriented. Problem-oriented Christians always talk about their problems, feel sorry for themselves, and focus on who is at fault.

Solution-oriented Christians check out the problem and move to solve that problem God’s way and quickly!

Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself (Psalm 37:7).

 

WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I AM AFRAID?

 

Faith and fear cannot dwell in the heart at the same time. Fear kills faith. Faith is positive and believes God’s Word despite circumstances. Fear is negative and does not believe God’s promises from His Word, but focuses on the circumstances.

Fear has an enemy, it is called Love. The way in which we put off or get rid of fear is to put on or practice love - love toward God and, yes, love toward people.

Love toward God means we must focus upon how we may trust, worship, serve and obey God. Ask yourself, "Do I really love the Lord?" "Do I really want, with all my heart, to serve Him?" "Is my desire to live for Him completely?"

Love toward people, all people whoever they are, likewise focuses upon a giving relationship toward them. Look for ways in which you may give of yourself to others. You will find that fear will vanish away as you focus on God and others.

More solutions to fear:

1. 1 John 4:18, 19 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us.
2. Psalm 112:1, 7, 8 - All who trust God are blessed beyond expectation.
3. Proverbs 3:21-24 - Have two goals: wisdom and discretion.
4. Genesis 32:7-12 - Pray, communicate with God.
5. Psalm 27:1-3 - Make the Lord your light and salvation.
6. Hebrews 13:5, 6 - Be content with what you have.
7. Psalm 111:10 - How can men be wise? The only way to begin is by reverence for God. Growth and wisdom come from obeying His laws.

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee (Isaiah 26:3).

Jesus said, "Be not afraid, only believe" (Mark 5:36).

WHAT ARE SOME BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

PROHIBITING SUICIDE?

The Human body is sacred - 1 Corinthians 6:19

We are in God’s care - Psalm 31:15

Forbidden to murder - Exodus 20:13

God’s grace - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Faith’s expectancy - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 18

There are no words to describe how tragic, how painfully wrong a decision of suicide is. A correct relationship with Jesus Christ brings a whole new way of living. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Get the sin problem settled first and then the trouble problem can be settled (Matt. 6:33). "The will of God will not lead us where the grace of God cannot keep us."

Hope is to desire with expectation of fulfillment and expectations of future good. Dear friend, God does keep every promise He makes. According to Ephesians 2:12, hopelessness is a state of the wicked. For believers, our hope is in the Lord. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him (Psa. 62:5).

Very often our expectations are in wrong things. Some would put their hope and trust in people (parents, children, friends, etc.), money, business, religion, etc.

1. Hope is produced by

1. Salvation - Romans 8:24
2. Patience - Romans 8:25
3. Courage - Romans 5:4, 5
4. Joy - Romans 12:12
5. Purity - 1 John 3:3
6. Assurance - Hebrews 6:18, 19
7. Stability - Colossians 1:23

2. Grounds for hope

1. God’s Word - Psalm 119:42-81; Romans 15:4
2. God’s promise - Acts 26:6, 7; Titus 1:2

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:!2).

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (John 14:23).

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matt 7:21).

 

PRECIOUS PROMISES

FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. (Psa. 139:3, 5).

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death (Psa. 48:14).

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6, 7).

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Pet. 5:7).

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself (2 Tim. 2:13).

UPSTREAM

The easy roads are crowded, and
    The level roads are jammed.
The pleasant little rivers
    With drifting folks are crammed.
But off yonder where it’s rocky
    Where you get the better view,
You will find the ranks are thinning,
    And the travelers are few.

When the going’s smooth and pleasant
    You will always find the throng.
For the many - more’s the pity -
    Seem to like to drift along.
But the steeps that call for courage
    And the task that’s hard to do
In the end results in glory
    For the never wavering few!

Author Unknown

 

Jo Ann Hollway
Speaker, Counselor, and Teacher
Her testimony was heard on the
"Unshackled" broadcast.