Satan

     It is important for us to remember that Christ instructed the disciples in the major categories of prayer.  They had little or no prior understanding of those concepts.  The next request Jesus taught the disciples to make of the Father was “But deliver us from evil,” or better translated “But deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13 New Kings Version)  Their knowledge of the spirit realm was also very limited at the beginning of their training.

     Chapter four of the book of Matthew records that Jesus Christ had been involved in the greatest battle of wills this earth has ever experienced.  In that colossal battle, Jesus Christ overcame Satan.  This event took place at the very beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Jesus qualified to replace Satan as the ruler of this world.  This took place before the disciples realized that Satan was the god of this world.  The Apostle Paul would refer to Satan in this way in 2 Corinthians 4:4.  “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them

      Satan is the Evil One.  He is the Adversary.  We ask Almighty God for deliverance because of Satan’s tremendous powers.  He is capable of awesome destruction.  Revelation 12:9 tells us that Satan has convinced this present evil world to worship him, rather than the true God.

      “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world.”

     At His return, Jesus will remove and replace the Deceiver.  Jesus revealed to the beloved Apostle John in the next verse that Satan is the one who brings accusations against the saints.

     “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Rev 12:10)

     Our day-to-day battles seem to be caused by the people and circumstances we come into contact with – but God has revealed that this is not the case. Our struggles are brought about by Satan and his demons as spelled out for us in  Ephesians 6:12:  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

     Satan goes about seeking whom he may devour.  Christ taught the disciples to recognize their complete vulnerability without God’s protection.  It is the same for us!  Without God’s guardianship, we could be consumed in an instant by the devil.  We are told the following in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

     The devil is the one responsible for all the suffering, hate and destruction in this present evil world.  He has brought about the lying, violence and wars that have plagued mankind since the days of Adam and Eve.  Satan desires the destruction of mankind – he wants to bring an end to the Plan of God.  He will not be successful – but will be abolished. 

     We must constantly be aware and draw near to God.  History shows us how many of our former brethren have fallen prey to Satan and succumbed to the cares and pitfalls of this world.  The Scriptures reveal that it is Satan himself who causes some not to see the Kingdom of God.

     “When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.” (Mark 4:15)

     We are in a battle to overcome Satan just as the disciples were.  Having  taught them how to pray, Jesus told the disciples to put their prayers into action. The last night before He died, Jesus told the apostles to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”  (Mark 14:38)

     But again, as men, they and we are completely unable to stand against Satan.  So we readily must admit that, when it comes to Satan, we need the Father’s help.  As Christ continues, “The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. ”

     We receive that help from God Himself – that is what this request “But deliver us from the evil one” is intended to bring to mind. John 17:15 records that, only hours before He died, Jesus asked His Father to provide this critical defense against Satan.

      “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

     It is our responsibility to stay close to God so that Satan’s evil ways will not influence us.

     “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God.” (James 4:7)

     Luke’s narrative on how to pray goes on to cover the point the Lord made about the need to be persistent in prayer. (Luke 11:5-13)

     Matthew adds this endnote to the instructive points Christ has previously given the disciples: “Father…thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)

Chapter 12 - In Christ's Name