Satan Lost

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Short Summary
The discourse explores the nature and defeat of Satan, emphasizing his origin as Lucifer, his fall due to pride, and ongoing opposition to God through deception and temptation. It contrasts Satan’s pride with Jesus’s humility and obedience, highlighting that by embracing Christ’s example, relying on Scripture, prayer, and the armor of God, believers can stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Ultimately, it assures that Satan’s defeat is certain through Christ’s victory, encouraging steadfast faith and vigilance until God’s final triumph.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary: “Satan Lost” Discourse

Theme and Key Verse:
– Title: *Satan Lost*
– Main Scripture: John 14:30 — “The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me.”
– Context: Jesus’ words on the night before His crucifixion, referring to the devil’s powerlessness over Him.

Purpose and Focus:
– To understand who the devil is, his tactics, and how believers can stand firm against him daily.
– Emphasizes reliance on Jesus Christ to overcome the devil’s influence.
– Encouragement to make one’s “calling and election sure” and glorify God.

Identity and Origin of the Devil:
– The devil is a real spiritual being, not a symbol of evil (John 8:44).
– Originally Lucifer, a glorious angel created pure and perfect by God.
– Lucifer’s fall: pride and ambition to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:13-14).
– Became the devil (“slanderer” or “accuser”), opposing God’s purposes.

Devil’s Role in Human History:
– Deceiver from Eden, appearing as a serpent to tempt Eve with lies (Genesis account implied).
– Brought sin, sorrow, fear, and death to humanity.
– Identified as the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
– Continues to oppose God through deception and pride but is limited in power and temporary (Hebrews 2:13-14).

Contrast Between Devil and Jesus:
– Devil’s original sin: pride and self-exaltation.
– Jesus’ triumph: humility, love, faith, and obedience.
– Jesus emptied Himself, took human form, and was obedient to death (Philippians 2:6-8).
– Jesus was exalted by God and given a name above all names (Philippians 2:9).
– Principle: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).
– Jesus’ humility leads to glory; devil’s pride leads to disgrace and destruction.

The Devil’s Schemes Through History:
– Attempted to corrupt humanity post-Eden by influencing fallen angels to produce the Nephilim; God thwarted this by the Flood (Noah’s family preserved).
– Spread idolatry and positioned himself as “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
– Created counterfeit Christian kingdom during the Gospel Age; the Holy Roman Empire as the “mystery of iniquity” and “Babylon” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
– Despite widespread deception, God preserves a faithful remnant.

Devil’s Present Tactics:
– Uses deception, lies, immorality, violence, ignorance, and confusion.
– Works through “children of disobedience” stirring pride, greed, hatred (Ephesians 2:2).
– Presses hard as his time is short.
– Attempts to prevent believers from making their calling and election sure.

Future Defeat of the Devil:
– His dominion is temporary and will end with Christ’s kingdom.
– He will be bound for a thousand years and ultimately destroyed (Revelation 20, implied; Revelation 21:3).
– The “lion of Judah” will slay the devil (Revelation 5:5).
– A future world will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9).

Practical Christian Response:
– Know the devil’s tactics to resist them effectively.
– Devil prefers deception and subtlety, rarely confronts openly (e.g., twisting God’s word in Eden).
– Ground believers in God’s Word, “buy the truth and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23).
– Jesus’ example in wilderness temptation: responded with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4-10).
– Resist negative thoughts, doubt, fear, condemnation from the devil (John 16:33; Romans 8:1).
– Reject discouragement, remembering Jesus’ victory over the world.

External Pressures and Persecution:
– Social exclusion, ridicule, and persecution for Christian beliefs are tools of the devil.
– Jesus’ courage before Pilate is an example to follow (1 Timothy 6:13).
– Stand firm with prayer, fellowship, praise, and the hope of God’s reward.

Spiritual Armor and Daily Preparation:
– Ephesians 6:13-18 describes the “armor of God.”
– Practical daily prayer putting on: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace on feet, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit.
– Spiritual preparation keeps focus on Jesus, not personal weakness.

Jesus’ Victory Over the Devil:
– Jesus had no sin, giving the devil no leverage (John 14:30).
– Endured temptations and suffering without falling.
– Broke power of sin and death by faithfulness and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14).
– Believers, though imperfect, stand in Christ’s righteousness and protection.

Encouragement and Assurance:
– Submit to God first, then resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7).
– Jesus is present with believers always (Matthew 28:20).
– Continuous prayer and praise fill hearts with light, leaving no room for the devil.
– “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
– God’s grace is sufficient and perfected in weakness.

Examples of Faithful Victors:
– Apostle Paul’s endurance and joy despite trials (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
– Historical examples like Martin Luther standing against corruption.
– Beloved brethren who have overcome the devil, e.g., Brother Carl Hagensik (“Satan lost”).

Final Exhortation:
– Engage in the “good fight of faith” with Jesus as captain.
– Keep eyes on Jesus, pray when stumbling, cast cares on Him when weary (1 Peter 5:7 implied).
– Stand firm in God’s strength, clothed in armor of light, guided by salvation’s captain.
– Bring honor and glory to God by enduring and overcoming.
– The battle continues but the outcome is sure: “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20).
– Encourage one another daily; hold fast to Jesus’ example and promises.
– Ultimately, believers will stand forever with the Lord in glory.

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Key Bible Verses Referenced:

– John 14:30
– Isaiah 14:13-14
– John 8:44
– Hebrews 2:13-14
– Philippians 2:6-9
– Matthew 23:12
– James 4:6-7
– 2 Corinthians 4:4
– 2 Thessalonians 2:7
– Ephesians 2:2; 6:13-18
– Proverbs 23:23
– Matthew 4:4-10
– Matthew 16:23
– Romans 8:1
– John 16:33
– 1 Timothy 6:13
– Revelation 5:5; 21:3
– Isaiah 11:9
– Luke 4:34
– Matthew 28:20
– 1 John 4:4
– 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
– Romans 16:20

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This discourse offers a comprehensive biblical understanding of the devil’s nature, history, tactics, and ultimate defeat, while providing practical spiritual advice and encouragement for believers to stand firm in faith, armed with truth and humility, following Jesus Christ as the victorious Captain of salvation.

Transcript

We entitled our thoughts tonight. Satan Lost. Satan Lost. Our verse. Our theme text for our service comes from John 14:30.

John 14:30. The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me. These were Jesus’s words on the night before his crucifixion, referring to the devil, the great adversary. In this third part of our symposium, we will focus on the devil and how to stand firm against him in our daily lives. By understanding who the devil is, recognizing his tactics, and most importantly, focusing on our Lord Jesus Christ, we can defeat the devil’s influence, strive humbly in an attempt to make our calling and election sure, and bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father.

Our comments tonight are intended for awareness and for encouragement. The Bible unmasked the devil as that old serpent, the devil. Satan, an intelligent, but an evil spirit being of great power. Originally, however, he was not evil. Scripture indicates that the devil was once Lucifer, a glorious angelic morning star in God’s heavenly creation.

God created him, like all things, created him, pure and perfect. But Lucifer changed. He changed his heart. Pride took root and he aspired to supreme authority. For thou has said in thine heart, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.

I will be like the Most high. Isaiah 14:13 and 14. Isaiah 14, 13 and 14. Instead of appreciating and living with God’s favor, God’s love, Lucifer wanted more. He wanted God’s throne, a tragic ambition that led to his downfall and will lead to his eventual annihilation.

Thus, Lucifer fell from grace and became the devil, which means slanderer or accuser. He clearly set himself against God and God’s purposes. Ever since Eden, he’s been the architect of deception and defiance. In the Garden of Eden, the devil masqueraded as a cunning serpent, more subtle than any beast of the field. To tempt Eve, the devil boldly and purposely lied to Eve about God’s warning, telling her, you shall not surely die by this lie.

The devil ensnared our first parents in disobedience, bringing sin, sorrow, ignorance, fear and death upon the whole human family. Jesus rightly identified the devil as a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44. Every reference to the devil in Scripture reveals a real spiritual being, not a mere symbol of evil. The devil exists in the world today, and we, we are his avowed enemy because we, only through Christ, are the instrument of his eventual destruction. Hebrews 2:13 and 14. The devil leads opposition to God through deception, through pride, through lies.

He is not, he is not all knowing he is not omnipotent, he is not eternal. His power is limited and restricted, but permitted only for a time. But his destruction is certain. Under the rule of Christ and the plan of God, there is no light in him, only darkness. Even after 6,000 years of rebellion, he has not given up his ambition to oppose God and to mislead mankind.

The Apostle Peter warns us to be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.

We, dear brethren, cannot afford to be ignorant and tolerant of his devices, because we are in a duel to the death with him, and we must be victorious. Lord willing. It’s sobering to realize that the devil’s original sin was pride, prideful ambition. Whereas our Lord Jesus’s triumph came through humility, love, faith and obedience. The contrast between Jesus and the devil could not be greater.

The devil arrogantly sought to elevate himself above God and his Son. Jesus, by contrast. Jesus. Excuse me. Jesus, by contrast, did not aspire to glory or power, but emptied himself of divine glory, as Philippians 2:6 8, Philippians 2:6 8 tells us.

Though he, Jesus, had existed as the Logos, the first and only direct creation of God, through whom all that was created was created. Humbled himself took on the form of a serpent and became obedient unto death, even the cross. Jesus completely submitted to his Father’s will. Because of that faithful humility, God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. Philippians 2:9.

Philippians 2:9. Jesus is now raised to that very position of honor and authority that the devil vainly coveted. What a powerful lesson and contrast for all of us to understand. God’s principles stand eternal. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12. Matthew 23:12. The devil’s pride led to disgrace. He was cut down to the earth and is ultimately sentenced to destruction. Jesus’s humility and faith in God led to glory.

He is now King of kings, destined to rule all things in righteousness. So when we face the devil’s temptations, we should remember this contrast between the devil and our Lord. When we cultivate Christlike humility and loyalty to God, the devil loses his power over us. James 4. 6.

James 4. 6 reminds us, resist the proud. Excuse me. James 4. 6 reminds us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

By staying small. By being humble in our own eyes, but big in faith in God, we follow Jesus’s example and find strength to resist the great tempter, the Devil.

Understanding the Devil’s character helps us recognize his schemes. From the beginning, the Devil has worked to oppose God’s plan by deception and corruption. Brother Rick covered this very well. Thank you, Brother Rick. After the fallen Eden, he attempted to derail the promise of a Redeemer by influencing fallen angels to mix with humanity, producing a corrupt race, the Nephilim.

But God foresaw and foiled that plot through the Flood, preserving only Noah and his family, who was perfect in his generation. Still undeterred, Satan spread idolatry after the Flood, establishing himself as the God of this world. 2nd Corinthians 4:4 2 Corinthians 4:4 One of the devil’s most cunning strategy was creating a counterfeit Christian kingdom. In the Gospel age. While Christ proclaimed a kingdom of truth and love, Satan introduced error and worldly power.

Over time, this rise of the Holy Roman Empire, a union of church and state, embodied the mystery of iniquity. 2nd Thessalonians 2:7 2nd Thessalonians 2 7. This false system, symbolized as Babylon, claimed Christ’s name while persecuting the faithful and obscuring God’s truth. Yet even through the Dark Ages, God preserved a faithful remnant, humble ones who treasured his word, his plan, and his son more than life itself. The Devil may deceive millions or billions of people, innocent people, but he cannot destroy the purposes and the plans of God for all mankind.

In today’s world, the devil’s schemes continue, though often in much subtler forms. The Apostle Paul called him the ruler of darkness of this world. Brother Gene Burns summed up the devil in three words. Deception. Deception.

Deception. Brother Gene Burns also provided three words to defeat him. Truth. Truth. Truth.

We see that darkness and deception today in the form of immorality, violence, ignorance and confusion. The devil works in the hearts of children of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2 Ephesians 2:2. Stirring up pride, greed and hatred. The devil knows his time is short and therefore is pressing hard in a futile attempt to deceive and destroy our faith and our trust in our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The devil does not want any of us, any of us to make our calling and election sure. Despite this long reign of evil, we take courage and comfort in God’s promise that the devil’s dominion is temporary and is passing according to prophecy. With the dawn of Christ’s kingdom, the devil will be bound for a thousand years. Revelation 21:3. Revelation 21:3.

Unable to deceive the nations and the people. Ultimately, after one feudal attempt, one final feudal attempt to seize power, the devil will be destroyed forever. The Great lion the Devil will be slain by the lion of Judah. Revelation 5:5 Knowing the devil’s fate, his pending destruction gives us all confidence now that all of his schemes will come to nothing in the end. Imagine, believe I should say, a world where the lies of the devil are replaced with the knowledge of the Lord filling the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:9 Isaiah 11:9 but until that day comes, we must contend with him in our daily Christian walk.

So what does standing firm against the devil look like in our daily life? It helps to know our enemy’s tactics. Just as a military commander studies the enemy and the way they move. We should understand how the devil typically attacks us as believers. Brother Rick covered it very well.

I’ll touch on it. Deception and Lies the devil rarely confronts us openly. He prefers deception. In Eden, he twisted God’s words to confuse Eve. Today we live in an age of deception, from manipulative advertising to outright fraud.

Consider how prevalent scams and misinformation have become in our daily life. This is just one modern illustration of the devil’s age old method of lying to devour people’s livelihood and their peace. To resist such deception, we must buy the truth and sell it not. Proverbs 23:23 Proverbs 23:23 grounding ourselves in God’s word, which is truth. When we know the Scriptures and God’s character, the devil’s lies become so much easier to spot.

Jesus set the example in the wilderness for every false temptation the devil presented, our Lord answered, it is written, anchoring himself in the truth of Scripture. Matthew 4:4 10 Matthew 4:4 10 we will always have a choice and the ability to to prayerfully choose our path forward in any situation or trial. The devil also attacks through negative thoughts, doubt, fear and feelings of failure. As the accuser of the brethren, he wants us to feel condemned, especially after we stumble or face trials like job loss, illness or betrayal. He whispers to us that we’re too weak, too sinful or too forgotten by God.

In these mental battles, our focus on Christ is vital. When Peter urged Jesus to avoid the cross, Jesus responded to him. Get behind me, Satan. Matthew 16:23 Matthew 16:23 Though spoken by a dear friend, Jesus recognized the voice of the tempter and rejected it. We must do the same.

When discouragement contradicts God’s promises. If overwhelmed by failure, remember there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 Romans 8:1 if anxious about the world, trust his words, be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. John 16:33 John 16:33 by anchoring our hearts in Christ, victory and grace, we silence the lives of the accuser and nourish the growth of our new creature.

At very specific times, the devil attacks through external pressures. Brother Dan and Brother Michael touched on these as well. This could range from subtle social exclusion to outright persecution for our Christian beliefs. Some of our brethren around the world face harsh opposition. Popular culture today often celebrates things that God calls sinful, and those who refuse to go along can be ridiculed or harassed.

Yet Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. Such stands require courage, and undoubtedly the devil tries to capitalize on the fear of repercussion. But we draw inspiration from our Lord, who before Pontius Pilate, witnessed the good confession first. Timothy 6:13. Jesus would not compromise, even though it meant the cross.

With Christ’s help, we too can endure trials and hold fast to our confession, prayer, fellowship and praise with our brethren, remembering the reward that God has promised all help us to endure in all of these tactics. The Devil with the Devil of the devil, the common thread is deviation from God, either by deception, by seduction, or by intimidation. Standing firm against the devil means clinging to God, clinging to his truth, his righteousness, his peace, his faith, his salvation, his love, and his spirit. Ephesians 6:13 and 18. Ephesians 6:13 18.

The apostle Paul describes these as pieces of the armor of God. Brother Arbor touched on it this morning, and with good reason. A Roman soldier armor allowed him to hold his ground against the enemy and advance when he was able. Likewise, when we put on the whole armor of God, we are equipped to hold our ground spiritually and not be overwhelmed by the devil’s attacks. But what does that mean, putting on the armor of God?

Let’s make this very practical. Each morning I can literally pray through each piece of armor. Father, help me wear the belt of truth today. To be honest and anchored in your word. Let me put on the breastplate of righteousness, living with purity and with love.

Fit my feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace to be a peacemaker and bold to share your word. Lift up the shield of faith, trusting your promises in every trial. Allow me to don the helmet of salvation, remembering I am saved by grace and a child of God, and help me to wield the sword of the Spirit. Recalling Scripture and prayer throughout the day, such conscious spiritual Preparation.

Each and every day goes a long way in resisting the devil. It keeps us focused on Jesus and his power and his love, rather than our own weaknesses. Our theme text, John 14:30, John 14:30, has Jesus saying, the prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me. What a remarkable statement of our Lord’s purity and his victory. The devil had no hold on Jesus, no leverage point, because Jesus never sinned, never harbored pride or resentment or greed that the devil could exploit.

Jesus remained in a perfect alignment with his Father, full of love and full of truth. The result? Even when the devil threw everything he had at Jesus from the wilderness temptations to Gethsemane’s agony, our Lord emerged undefiled and triumphant. Jesus broke the power of sin and death by his faithfulness unto death. Hebrews 2:14.

Hebrews 2:14, and by his resurrection, by Jesus’s resurrection, He dealt the fatal blow to the devil’s hopes of winning. As we all know so well. None of us are without sin, as Jesus was. But by God’s grace, we stand in Christ’s righteousness, closeness and under his protection.

The closer we hold fast to Jesus, the more we close the gap, the less room there is for the devil in our lives. It’s like staying in the light. Darkness cannot overcome the light. Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil and he will what?

He will flee. He will flee from you. James 4:7. Note that sequence the process here. First, we must submit to God.

We must focus on Him. We must obey Him. We must love Him. We must want to draw night to Him. Then, and only then, we actively resist the devil.

And the promise is, the devil will flee. He is not omnipotent. He must yield to the authority of Christ. When we focus. I’m going to skip that now.

Keep going. When we focus on our Lord and stand in his word, we are on unshakable ground. Remember how even the demons trembled when Jesus was present? Luke 4:34. Luke 4:34.

That same Jesus is with us now in spirit. Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age. Matthew 28:20. Matthew 28:20. We are never, never fighting the devil alone.

One practical way to stay focused on Jesus is through continual prayer and praise. A heart filled with praise and with love and light leaves little vacancy for the devil’s negativity. We should be the happiest and most loving people in the room. Brethren, standing firm against the devil is not easy. But we must be victorious.

Because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. First John 4:4. First John 4:4. Our heavenly Father has not left us defenseless. We have the greater power on our side.

When we feel weak, let us remember God’s assurance, my grace is sufficient for thee. For my strength is made perfect in weakness.

We also have a loving and encouraging examples of the brethren, all of you who have successfully defeated the devil. Our Lord certainly. But also think of the Apostle Paul. Who could say we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken.

Second Corinthians 4, 8, 9. Or Martin Luther, standing against the corruption of his day, armed with truth. Most importantly, let us always remember and gain strength from those that have gone before us. Think of Brother Carl Hagensik, whose last two words this side of the veil were Satan lost. Think of Sister Marge Hagenseck, Brother Walter and Sister Vera Bleachers, Brother Bob Grecki, Brother Leo Homat, Brother Michael Nakora, Brother Paul and Sister Mary Malley, Sister Florence Tabak.

And so many more. You know that I know them.

Our dear brethren. These dear brethren that, Lord willing, have made the have defeated the devil, been victorious, and made their calling and election sure.

Let us continue to take comfort and strength from their lives and their examples.

In closing, dear brethren and chairman, let us take heart. We are engaged in a noble fight, the good fight of faith. The enemy is strong, but our captain, Jesus, is far stronger. Keep your eyes on him. When you stumble, pray and reach for his hand again and again.

When you’re weary, cast your cares on him, for he cares for you. When you’re unsure, remember his word is a lamp to your feet. The devil cannot ultimately defeat a disciple who stays united with Christ. As the apostle Paul triumphantly wrote, if God be for us, who can be against us? So let us stand firm against the devil.

Not in our own strength, but in the power of his might. Clothed in the armor of light. Guided by the captain of our salvation. We will stand and we will not fall, and by standing firm, we will bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father.

Demonstrating to all observers, earthly and heavenly, that God’s grace is sufficient and his truth is victorious in our lives. May the May the Lord bless each of us in this endeavor. Be sober, be vigilant, dear brethren. The battle rages on, but the outcome is sure. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under our feet shortly.

Romans 16:20. Romans 16:20. What a day that will be. Until then, let us encourage one another daily. Focus on the loving example of Jesus and hold fast our confidence stand firm and the devil will flee.

And when we have done all by God’s grace, we will stand forever with our Lord in glory. Amen.

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