As we’ve laid a foundation of Biblical Essentials for Christ followers, we’ve covered so much already! We’ve learned a lot about our foundation of truth (the Bible), who God is (in all three parts), and that everyone faces a decision about eternity that results ultimately in Heaven or Hell.

If we stopped there, it seems like everyone would follow Jesus and choose Heaven, right? But it is not that simple; the essentials aren’t done. While we have a very real loving, perfect, Creator in Heaven, we also have a very real adversary or enemy - Satan.

Understanding who Satan is, where he came from, how he works, and ultimately, where he ends up is ESSENTIAL for God’s followers. It helps us understand why people reject God and why even believers struggle so much with sin.

This week we’ll see that Satan isn’t someone to fear or ignore. We can actively resist or fight against him and his attacks and should remember that ultimately, God is in control, even when it feels like overcoming the enemy is impossible.

Let’s grow deep roots as God’s followers so that we can continue to follow Him.

Colossians 2:6-7a | And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught…

This strong faith better equips us to share Jesus with others and to stand firm in our own struggle against the enemy.

Essential #1 - The Bible is Inspired (authored by God), Inerrant (free from errors), Infallible (will not fail/is trustworthy), and Authoritative (our ultimate guide).

Essential #2 - God is the perfect, loving Creator who is three-in-one: Father, Son, and Spirit. He is all powerful, all knowing, and all present.

Essential #3- Jesus is fully God and was fully man. Although tempted in every way, He chose not to sin and willingly laid down His own life to be the sacrifice for our sin. His example should be our benchmark for godly living.

Essential #4 - The Holy Spirit is God living in the follower of Christ. He helps the believer know and do right, convicts when we sin, and compels us to share the gospel with others. He comforts us, makes us more like Himself, and works through us when we use our Holy Spirit given gifts.

Essential #5 - Heaven and Hell are literal places where the spirit of man spends eternity (forever). Heaven is God’s perfect and unimaginably beautiful home, but man’s sin prevents his entry. Instead, sinful man earns eternity in Hell - a place filled with fire and torment where man is separated from God forever. God desires that everyone would join Him in Heaven one day, but the choice to join Him there is ultimately yours alone and determined by whether or not you put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Essential #6 - Satan was an angel in Heaven who rebelled against God as a result of his pride. Because of his sin, he was cast out of Heaven. He now roams the Earth, attacking unbelievers to keep them from God and attacking believers to keep them from growing in their faith or from sharing it with others. Even now, he must submit to God’s authority and in the end, God will crush Satan and throw him in Hell forever. Believers should stand strong in God’s power, resisting Satan’s attacks when he tempts them to sin.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What does the world believe about Satan?
How do you view or what do you know about Satan?
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Read 1st Peter 5:8. What is Satan’s goal when he attacks unbelievers? What is his goal when he attacks believers?
Read 2nd Corinthians 11:14. What does it mean that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light? What are some ways He does this?
What limits are there to Satan’s power to attack you as a follower of Jesus?
Read Ephesians 6:13-17. What are the different parts of the armor of God?