The Dow Jones fell 12.48 yesterday, its fifth straight decline. Oil fell below $58. No one is sure what either will do today. We cannot predict behavior in the natural world. The supernatural is another story entirely.

This week we've been talking about demons and Satan. Our first step in dealing with our spiritual enemy is to acknowledge his existence. Our second step is to learn more about him. The Bible lists five facts we all need to know in predicting his next attack.

First, Satan claims ownership over every unsaved soul. He is the "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4), the "prince of this world" (John 12:31) who controls this fallen age (1 John 5:19). Christians live in a world dominated by the devil. We are soldiers stationed on enemy soil, living in an occupied country.

Second, the devil blinds our minds to the truth, for he is "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This is why the person who has not received the Holy Spirit cannot understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). He wants to snatch the seed of the word from the hearts which need it most (cf. Matthew 13:1-9).

Third, Satan lies about God's word. From Genesis 3 to the present, he manipulates the truth of Scripture to lead us astray. The one who quoted the Bible in tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) will misuse God's word to deceive us as well. Not everything we hear taught as the truth of God is. Our enemy can quote the Bible better than we can, but always for a diabolical end.

Fourth, the devil is a "murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). He is a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Those who serve his cause engage in physical, emotional, and sexual attacks against each other and the rest of us. Their master wants nothing less than the wholesale destruction of the human race. Last, Satan rules demons, as we have seen. They serve as his minions and footsoldiers in his ongoing war against the Lord and his children.

In essence, Satan opposes God. He is the opposite of God in every way. Our Lord is light; Satan is darkness. God is a holy, consuming fire; the devil is sinful, sickening, diseased. God is Spirit; Satan is unholy carnality. God loves you; Satan hates you. God gave his Son for you; Satan would take your soul. God is your Father; the devil is your foe. How do we defeat him? Let's continue on Monday.

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