​Spiritual Warfare - A Believer’s Perspective of Satan’s Position

​Spiritual Warfare: A Believer’s Perspective of Satan’s Position
by Marnie Swedberg . www.Marnie.com

• Satan is the believer’s defeated foe.  Hebrews 2:14, Rev. 12:11 
• True authority bypasses the need for battle.  Ephesians 1:18-23  As a believer, I have the same authority over Satan as Jesus did. 
• Satan and demons have no “real” weapons to use against believers. Colossians 2:15      
• Satan takes advantage of our ignorance.  II Corinthians 2:11  While powerless on his own, Satan seems to possess whatever power we attribute (give) to him. 
• Satan comes at us with “schemes” vs. “real” power.  Ephesians 6:11 
• Satan operates within the opportunities we give him.  Ephesians 4:26-27  We are the ones who “invite” his involvement. 
• We are to suit up in spiritual armor, but not to fight.  Ephesians 6:10-17  We are to suit up so we can “stand firm” and “pray” for others.
• Satan can show up like a roaring lion.  I Peter 5:9  We are to see him as he is (defeated), not to “battle” him for a victory.  We are to withstand him with truth… to remain firm in our faith.
• Freedom comes as a result of God’s truth, not through battle.  II Timothy 2:25-26   People who are being bothered by demons do not need someone to “cast out the devil” but rather they need to receive the knowledge of the truth at which point they could come to their senses and walk away without a fight.  Like a wounded soldier in surgery, however, having someone standing by with fresh water, wraps and words of encouragement can make all the difference.
• Attacks are opportunities in disguise.  James 4:7  Satan’s “schemes” or attacks should be used by Christians to renew our submission to Christ and to stand against false input by evil.
• Satan “used to” have authority to rule over the earth.  Genesis 1:28, Luke 4:6
• The chain of command on earth used to be God à  Satan à Man.  Mark 9:29  Before the cross, demons had to submit to Christ, but Satan still held second place in the chain of command.
• The chain of command after the cross is now God à Man à Satan.  I Cor. 15:45, Hebrews 7:27  When Christ offered Himself on the cross for our sins, He restored redeemed man to his former position of authority over Satan in this world. 
• Believers do have power over Satan right now.  Acts 5:12,16  Before the cross the disciples had “some” success casting out demons; after the cross they were seeing the freedom of all who were brought to them.
• Unbelievers are at the mercy of Satan.  Ephesians 2:1-2  Unbelievers need to come into the Truth of a personal faith in Christ in order to be protected from the “real” power of Satan.
• Believers are MORE than conquerors.  Romans 8:37
• Jesus stands between us and the evil one with strength and protection.  II Thessalonians 3:3
• Satan is still around, but he won’t be forever.  Romans 16:20  
• We are guaranteed triumph.  II Corinthians 2:14

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Conclusion:  God uses all created things to bring honor to himself, even Satan and demons.  At times He has used demons to prove certain points (ie – Job) or to increase someone’s dependence on Himself (ie –Paul).  But God never leaves us or forsakes us, being ever faithful to strengthen and protect us through whatever He allows. (II Thess 3:3) 
 
The enemy is never supposed to be the focus of our attention at all.  Instead, we are to remain focused and dependent on Christ, no matter what!