Introduction. Armed forces need knowledge or intelligence about their enemies. Who they are, where they are, what their tactics and methods are. This information is crucial to win battles. In the arena of spiritual warfare we also need to know our enemy and how he operates. Ephesians 6.10-20 we learn who our enemy is and how to combat him.

I. Names and characteristics of Satan.

A. Origin. He was the “the anointed cherub who covers” Ez 28.11f. He was a created being of majestic power, intelligence and beauty. Never think of the devil as an ugly or silly. He disguises as “an angel of light” II Cor 11.13f.

1 – He fell thru pride in his wisdom and beauty. Lu 10.18
2- Isaiah 14.12f reveals that in his insane pride he tried to raise his throne to be equal with God. Five times he said, I Will…” but was cast down.

B. He has many names, evil attributes and methods, II Cor 2.18.

1 – Tempte Matt 4.3f; Gen 3. He tempted Eve and later Jesus in 3 areas, I John 2.15f. The works of the flesh are in Gal 5.17f. How do we overcome these? In what manner was Jesus victorious? Satan sinned from the beginning and wants us to sin I John 3.8f; 5.18. Why?

2 – The Accuser. He loves to accuse God’s people. Zech 3. Job 1.3f Rev 12.9f. Jesus was continually accused by the religious leaders but He was perfect without sin Heb 2.18 so there was no ground of accusation. When we sin we confess, repent and receive Christ’s forgiveness, I John 1.9. We know that our position in Christ is secure, Rom 8.31f.

3 – Liar and Murderer from the Beginning. John 8.44f; John 10.10f. Satan is a liar by nature and always seeks to destroy or distort God’s Word. He blinds the lost to the gospel, II Cor 4.4; 11.3f; Matt 13.18f; uses false teachers, Gal 1.6f; I Tim 4.1f; II Tim4.1f; Jude; Matt 7.15f. His lies have permeated the world’s thinking, Eph 2 as the “prince of the power of the air.” What are some of his lies that the world swallows? As a murderer he currently kills Christians and babies. Herod killed the baby boys of Bethlehem, Matt 2.16.

4 – He hinders the gospel I Thess 2.18; the book of Acts documents the explosive spread of the gospel in spite of Satan’s efforts to hinder it. I Tim 2.3. God wants people saved, Satan persecutes and hinders the spread of the truth.  Act 13.6f the magician worked against Paul. At Philippi he was beaten and jailed, stoned at Lystra. The earlier apostles, Peter, James and John were beaten and imprisoned, Acts 4-7.

5 – He is like a “roaring lion seeking to devour.” I Pet 5.1f. He would like to make us proud, I Tim 3.6f, so that we are out of fellowship with God and unusable. “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 – He influences at the highest levels of government. As Daniel was praying and fasting and an angel came with a message. He had been resisted by the “prince of Persia.” We must pray for leaders in governments, I Tim 2.

II.  We must be strong in the Lord to stand firm by consciously putting on God’s armor.

A. Satan as a created being is not all powerful but he has organized, evil, demonic beings all over the world helping him. We are up against a “spiritual Mafia.”

B. We put on the armor God has supplied. This is not automatic.

1 – We put on the “belt of truth.” God’s Word “is truth, II Tim 3.16. As we know the Word and put it into practice in our lives it holds the armor like the Roman soldier’s heavy leather belt. We live truth and integrity or we will be defeated.

2 – The “breastplate of righteousness.” This was covered the soldier’s body. It symbolizes our righteousness in Christ II Cor 5.21 as well as righteous living in the power of the Spirit, Eph 4.24f. We must seek holiness or Satan will accuse us. II Cor 7.1f; 6.1f; Matt 7.24f.

3 – Having on your feet “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Roman soldiers had cleated sandals or shoes so they could stand firm in battle. We stand firm knowing that we are saved and secure. John 3.16; Eph 1.13; 4.30; Rom 5.1. We are to move forward sharing the gospel with others. Rom 1.16; Matt 28.20; Acts 1.8; II Cor 5.18f.

4 – The “shield of faith.” The Roman soldier’s shield was 4’by 2’ of wood and tough leather. It was to protect him from arrows and spears and sometimes flaming arrows. Satan sends arrows of lies, doubts, discouragement, depression, temptations, hateful thoughts, etc. What darts does he send your way? This is not saving faith but “living faith.”

5- The “helmet of salvation.” Our minds are the devil’s playground. We must fill our minds with the Word, Rom 12.2, and guard our thoughts Col 3.1; Eph 4.21; II Pet 3.18; II Cor 11.1f.

6 – The “sword of the Spirit” which is the Word of God. This is the offensive weapon we use, Heb 4.12. Peter used it at Pentecost, Acts 2.37; 5.33 and produces faith in the lost Rom 10.17f. Jesus used this weapon Matt 4.3f.

7 – Pray daily for ourselves, others, for our spiritual leaders and for boldness!

III. Conclusion. Put on the armor of God daily to stand firm against the Devil.