Discerning Satan's Tactics - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The central message is that Christians must live by every word of God's Word, as this is the source of true life, a truth Satan tries to obscure. The sermon emphasizes that understanding Christ's work on the cross—specifically that our old, sinful nature was crucified with Him—brings victory over sin, and that Christ's death rendered Satan powerless. Believers are encouraged to study the Bible deeply to recognize that Satan has already been defeated.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living by every word of GodJesus began His ministry by declaring that man must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, which is why Satan tries to keep believers away from reading the Bible.Matthew 4:4
The full work of the crossWhile Christ's death brings forgiveness for sins, knowing that our old man was crucified with Him in Romans 6 brings daily victory over sin.
Satan rendered powerlessHebrews 2 explains that Jesus took on flesh and blood so that through His death He might render Satan powerless, freeing those who were subject to lifelong slavery through the fear of death.
Meditating on God's wordGod's word only becomes real and life-changing when it is meditated on and digested, just as food must be digested to give the body strength.
Job's fear of God and protective hedgesJob feared God and maintained a clear conscience before the law was written, and Satan acknowledged that God placed protective hedges around Job, his family, and his possessions.
Satan's tactic of questioning God's word and loveIn the garden, Satan tempted Eve by questioning God's spoken word and implying that God withheld good because He does not truly love humanity.Genesis 3:1–6
Standing in victoryWhen we walk in fellowship with God and believe His word, we can live in this world just as Jesus did, causing the devil to be afraid of us instead of us being afraid of the devil.
Not giving Satan an advantage through unforgivenessPaul warns that Satan takes advantage of believers when they hold onto an unforgiving spirit, so we must choose to forgive those who have hurt us.
Sinful anger gives the devil an opportunityEphesians 4 warns that getting angry in a wrong, personal way gives the devil an opportunity, whereas righteous anger is reserved for God's glory and a lack of compassion for the suffering.
Our struggle is not against flesh and bloodOur battle is against spiritual powers of darkness rather than human beings, so we must never fight with flesh and blood or engage in petty arguments.
Serving God versus serving moneyJesus stated that no one can serve two masters because loving money makes a person a slave to wealth and opens the door for Satan's control.Luke 16:13
Refusing to partner with the accuserRevelation describes Satan as the accuser of the brethren who points out real flaws, and believers must never join him in gossiping or accusing others.Revelation 12:9–10
Zechariah's vision of accusation and intercessionIn Zechariah 3, Satan accuses Joshua the high priest because of filthy garments, but God cleanses him, modeling intercession rather than accusation.
Rejecting any voice that avoids the crossJesus twice rebuked Satan—once directly and once through Peter—when voices tempted Him to avoid the painful path of the cross and dying to self.Matthew 4:8–10
Keeping a clear conscience through the crossBy choosing the way of the cross daily, guarding our marriages against division, and keeping our consciences clear, Satan is left with zero power over us or our homes.
