Monday, June 03, 2024
The Problem: Satan is real. He is extremely powerful, horribly evil, a sinister liar, and he rules the world we live in. He absolutely hates you, your family, your friends, and all the people you know and love, and wants to take them with him straight to hell.
Satan is Real: Jesus was not delusional; he was not a fool who didn't know the reality of things. In the Gospels, Jesus mentions Satan or demons over 80 times, treating them as actual beings and significant enemies. Satan was an angel created by God, nowhere near as powerful as God and yet still very powerful, as were his demons that fell with him. Jesus said in John 8:44, "...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Satan's evil is profound. He is described as a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He is the tempter, the deceiver, and the accuser, constantly seeking to lead people as far away from God as possible.
A Heavenly Conversation - Creation, Fall, and Redemption: Imagine this conversation unfolding in the heavenly realms when God first created humanity. God, in His infinite wisdom, spoke with one of His greatest angels, revealing the magnificence and potential of His new creation.
"Have you seen the people I have created?" God asked, a gleam of pride in His voice. "Do you see how they are created in Our own image? Aren't they wonderful?"
The angel, awe-struck yet cautious, replied, "Yes, I see they are created in Your image, and that part of them is indeed wonderful. But they are weak, they are foolish, and they are so easily tempted. You know they are going to fall. You know they are destined for a difficult future because You have given them free will, just as You have given us, Your angels, free will. But they are so weak it disgust me. Why did You create them?"
God smiled, a vision of the future clear in His eyes. "I created them so that one day they would live in unity with Us—I, My Son, and Our Holy Spirit. We will exist for eternity in communion and oneness, and it will be grand."
"But how can that be?" the angel questioned, confusion marring his exquisite features. "You know they are going to sin. Are You going to become one with sin? Are You really going to defile Yourself? God, You are just, so sin must be paid for. They are not destined to live in communion with You; they are destined to spend forever in Hell."
God’s expression turned solemn. "You know Hell was never created for them. Yes you are correct, they will sin; they will all fall short of living in communion with Us, but I have a plan. I will send My Son to them, as a person, as one of them. They will call Him Jesus. He will live among them, sinless, and show them how to live. Then He will die on a horrible cross in their place for their sins. I will raise Him from the dead because He will be a completely innocent sacrifice. All who believe in Him and trust that He died in their place for their sins will become one with Him and one with Me, for He will have paid the price for them."
The angel’s eyes widened with realization. "But then what becomes of us, Your angels? They will be Your sons and daughters as Jesus is. Are You saying they will rule over us?"
"Yes, Lucifer," God said gently. "You will have the honor of serving them as you have had the honor of serving Us. It will be grand for us all?”
Lucifer’s expression hardened and his features became even more marred. "No, God. I will not stand for it. I will not be ruled by these weak, disgusting humans that You have created and appear to love so much. Not only will I not stand for it, I know there are many other angels, legions of them, who will agree with me and refuse to serve them."
"You know Lucifer if you choose to rebel against me in this way, you and all those who follow you will spend eternity in Hell.”
Lucifer sneered and snorted and finally responded, “I would much rather be tortured in Hell for all eternity than serve your detestable new creatures.”
God sighed, sadness in His eyes. “Do you really hate them more than you fear eternal misery?”
“I will embrace hell with all my heart if I take even 1 of them with me.“
“I knew that would be your response, as well as the response of others.” God replied. “It saddens Me, but it is your right. You and your legions will, for a time, be cast down to Earth and rule there, making an example of what evil leads to. But eventually, you will all spend eternity in Hell, which I created for you."
"So be it," Lucifer sneered. "Under no circumstances will we serve these pathetic and disgusting humans. And because every one of them will sin, they will all be in my power. I only need to keep them from believing in the sacrifice Jesus makes for them. Then they will follow us into Hell, and they will spend eternity suffering miserably, as will we, but we will laugh at their suffering."
Satan Hates You: Satan actually hates you, your family, your friends, and every person on this planet. Early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus, Origen, Augustine, and Gregory wrote that Satan and his demons knew, when God created us in His image, that we were destined to rule over the angels. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:3, "Do you not know that we will judge angels?...” The demons could not stand the idea of submitting to us, viewing themselves as grand and superior. This led to their rebellion. Isaiah 14:12-15 describes Satan's fall: "How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit."
Satan is the Ruler of This World: This malevolent being who hates us is the ruler of this world. Jesus called Satan "the prince of this world" (John 12:31). Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:4, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Satan is doomed to eternal damnation, and he knows it, but in his hatred, his goal is to take as many of us—you, your family, and your friends—with him as possible. He knows we were created to answer God’s calling and passionately live an eternally fulfilling adventure. As the temporary ruler of this world, Satan makes that calling almost impossible to hear, drowning it out with noise and confusion. He distracts us with worldly temptations that are shallow and self-centered to keep people from turning to Jesus Christ.
The Desperate Situation of the World: Look around and see the desperate state of the world. Deaths due to drug overdose increased 60% from 2018 to 2023 and nearly 1,000% in the last 30 years. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million Americans. A 2023 study by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates 25% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 are being treated for depression. These are not just statistics; these are people we all know and love. We are in a crisis. The U.S. is less happy, more anxious, more depressed, and more addicted than ever before. Social isolation has increased despite digital connectivity. People have fewer “real” friends and far fewer deep connections. Relationships have moved from meaningful connections that last a lifetime to casual sex, broken homes, and fatherless children (all on the increase). Satan promises pleasure, but he delivers despair.
Satan is Having Catastrophic Effects on Christians Too: Satan’s influence is evident everywhere. He handcuffs Christians by turning their days to chaos, filled with worldly noise, busyness, and confusion. Reflect on your own life: how hectic are your days? Consider the constant barrage of notifications, advertisements, and social media, all competing for your attention. By keeping us overwhelmed and distracted, he prevents us from living out our divine purpose and leading others to Christ.
The Three Traps of Satan: Satan's main strategies to derail us are simple but effective.
Failing to Discover and Articulate God’s Purpose: Most people never take the time to discover God’s plan for their life and articulate it in a way that moves them. This leaves them wandering aimlessly, susceptible to Satan’s distractions.
Failing to Plan and Measure Progress: Without clear plans and methods to measure progress, people drift without direction, making it easy for Satan to keep them stuck in chaos.
Lack of Support and Accountability: Very few people surround themselves with a supportive, accountable group of people. Satan thrives when we are isolated and disconnected from those who can help keep us on track.
Conclusion: I hope you can see that we are in the midst of a colossal, sinister battle against Satan and his demons for our eternal souls and the souls of everyone we love. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Satan hates you, your loved ones and every human with the intensity of Hell itself. It is terrifying and appears hopeless. Yet, with God, we are never hopeless. God specializes in turning dire situations into glorious victories.