[Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-9]

Introduction

A. The Hebrew word Satan literally means “adversary.”

B. Our enemy knows exactly what we must do to escape from his clutches, and he will do everything within his power to defeat us.

I. If I were Satan, I would try to keep you out of the church.

A. Satan knows that one must be a member of the Lord’s church in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:20-21).

B. This plan has been most effective (Acts 26:28; Matthew 21:31), with nearly a 100% success rate over the past 2,000 years.

II. If I were Satan, I would try to make you unfaithful to the church.

A. Satan knows that faithfulness is also necessary for salvation (Hebrew 11:6; Galatians 5:5-8).

B. Again, this strategy has been very effective (Galatians 1:6-9).

III. If I were Satan, I would try to make you useless to the church.

A. Satan knows that we are expected to be faithful and progressive (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

B. Again, this tactic has worked all too well (Revelation 3:15-16).

IV. If I were Satan, I would try to make you tear up the church.

A. Satan knows that God hates division (Proverbs 6:16-19; 1 Corinthians 1:10) and demands us to be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

B. Again, Satan’s evil plan is working (Acts 20:30; Revelation 2:1-5).

Conclusion

A. Have you allowed Satan to be successful with you?

B. Let us “give none occasion to the adversary” (1 Timothy 5:14).