Neither Give Place To The Enemy

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 

2 Corinthians 2:11

We must not allow ourselves to become deceived by the enemy, Satan.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11

He is Satan; cunning and crafty.  He is a spirit, but he also has attributes of a real personality.   His goal was to become as God and when that plan failed, he purposed to destroy all that God holds dear.  His hatred for God extends to those who love and follow God.  Satan unleashes all that he has in his arsenal to prevent us from believing and following God.  Jesus warned Peter of this fact:

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:   Luke 22:31

The Bible teaches that he is:

*      Intelligent and Subtle:  

      But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.   2 Corinthians 11:3

*      Emotional:   

 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.   Revelation 12:17

*      Self-Willed:   

      And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.   2 Timothy 2:26

*      Powerful:  

      Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Ephesians 2:2

*      Deceitful:  

     Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Ephesians 6:11

*      Fierce and Cruel:  

     Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.   1 Peter 5:8

     
        *      Deceptive:  

           And no marvel: For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

The Bible gives many names for Satan which reveal more about his nature and activities. Satan was originally called the "anointed cherub" and "Lucifer" before his rebellion. After his fall, other names for Satan were given:

Abaddon: (Hebrew word for a destroying angel)          Revelation 9:11

Accuser of the Brethren:                                                     Revelation 12:10
Adversary:                                                                              1 Peter 5:8
Angel of bottomless pit:                                                      Revelation 9:11
Angel of light:                                                                        2 Corinthians 11:4
Apollyon (Greek word for destroyer):                              Revelation 9;11
Beelzebub:                                                                              Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15; Mark 3:22
Belial:                                                                                      2 Corinthians 6:15
Deceiver:                                                                                Revelation 12:9; 20:3
Destroyer:                                                                              Revelation 9:11; 1 Corinthians 10:10
Devil: (Means slanderer)                                                    1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1
Dragon:                                                                                  Revelation 12:3
Enemy:                                                                                   Matthew 13:39
Evil One:                                                                                1 John 5:19
God of this world:                                                                2 Corinthians 4:4
King of Tyrus:                                                                       Ezekiel 28:12-15
Liar, father of lies:                                                               John 8:44
Murderer:                                                                              John 8:44
Prince of the devils:                                                             Matthew 12:24
Prince of this world:                                                            John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
Prince of the power of the air:                                           Ephesians 2:2
Satan: (means adversary, opposer)                                  John 13:27
Serpent:                                                                                  Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3;
Tempter:                                                                                 Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Roaring Lion:                                                                        1 Peter 5:8
Ruler of darkness:                                                                Ephesians 6:12
Spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience:    Ephesians 2:2

We can recognize the power of Satan from his attributes and names. Because he is a deceptive, powerful enemy so much so that the word of God warns:  

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.   1 Peter 5:8

Neither give place to the devil.  Ephesians 4:27

Unlike God, Satan is not omniscient (knowing all things). If Satan could foresee the future he never would have allowed Jesus to die on the cross. He would have known that the death of Jesus would overthrow his power and provide a way of escape from the bondage of sin for all mankind.

Satan is not omnipotent (all powerful). Jesus said the power of God within (His Holy Spirit) us is greater than the power of Satan. 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

For those who believe in Jesus, know that Satan is already a defeated foe

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.   John 12:31

Satan is strong only to those who yield to him. Satan's power is limited by the power of God . . .

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.  Job 1:10-12

. . . and he is only able to overcome a believer as they yield control to him.

Because Satan is not omnipresent (present everywhere), he dispatches a host of demons throughout the earth to do his will and accomplish his purposes.

But every believer; every saint of God, ought to know that Jesus has overcome the world and sent the comforter to reside within us.  

 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  John 16:7

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