This is an adaptation of an outline given me by Jerry Carmichael, preacher in Dry Ridge, KY.
In 1 John 4:4, the apostle writes: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” In verses 17-18, he continues, “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” Finally, in 5:4, John writes: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.”
It seems that many Christians are of the notion that we are to live our lives in fear of our spiritual enemy, Satan. Perhaps this is because of passages such as 1 Peter 5:8. However, “beware” is not the same thing as “be fearful”.
FOR THE CHRISTIAN TO LIVE IN A SPIRIT OF FEAR IS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE
According to 1 John 4:17-18, fear subsides as one matures and as love grows. John tells us in Revelation 21:8 that cowards will have their part in the lake of punishment! Mary was told by the angels, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30). The Hebrew writer encourages us, “The Lord is my Helper I will not fear what man can do to me” (13:5-6).
Christians don’t have to walk in constant fear of Satan because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4)! We have overcome the world (1 John 5:4)!
SATAN IS NOT OMNISCIENT (ALL KNOWING)!
The cross is evidence of this fact. If Satan were omniscient he would have known that the cross would be his undoing (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Therefore, rather than working to have Jesus crucified, he would have worked to keep Him from the cross! He must not have known the end result. He also does not know everything about humans.
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SATAN IS NOT OMNIPOTENT (ALL POWERFUL)!
He could not afflict Job more than what He was allowed by God (Job 1:6-2:6). He could not destroy the apostles without “asking” God’s permission (Luke 22:31). According to John 10:28-29, he can’t snatch the obedient believer from the protection of God. He can’t do what we won’t allow him! He can be overcome (1 John 2:12-14)!
SATAN IS NOT OMNIPRESENT (EVERYPLACE AT ONCE)!
James encourages us in James 4:7 that Satan flees when he is resisted. He waits outside for an opening to get into our lives (Genesis 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8). He cannot inhabit our lives if we don’t allow it! He can also be driven out (Matthew 12:43-45).
CONCLUSION:
Rather than living our lives in the fear of Satan, we should be living in the “joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:21-23; Neh. 8:10)! Christians are more powerful than Satan because of the One who dwells in us (1 John 4:4)! The fox is not a threat to the chickens unless he is allowed into the coup! Satan is not a threat to us unless we let down our guard and allow him to return to our “empty house” (Matt. 12:43-45).
–Paul Holland
