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The devil - Know Your Enemy
(Excerpt from a work in progress)
the devil
“Know Thy Enemy”
by Michael “Blue” Erdmier
Matthew 10:16: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Introduction:
There are many names that have adorned the devil throughout history, but by any name our adversary’s most potent secret weapon has been the ignorance of the saints regarding him. More than his ability to tempt and instill desire, more than his deep knowledge of humankind and the ability to read man’s intentions and wishes, his ability to use the same tired old tricks over and over again through the ages has proven invaluable in drawing believers away from the effective lives they are called to live in service of the King.
This book will attempt to elucidate some of the dark recesses often used by “the illuminator” in order to better prepare the Saints, not only for Spiritual warfare; but for avoiding and escaping those fiery darts in everyday life. By exposing some of those challenges which have been common to man throughout the ages, but which we often do not speak of, I will effectively remove from his arsenal some of those same tricks that he has been using on believers since the fall.
We will begin by examining the Bible for information concerning Lucifer’s past; where he comes from, how and why he was made, how he got here and why he torments us. Then we will study specific Biblical and historical references of Satanic attacks on the Saints and their outcomes. Finally we will unravel the critical flaws in these attacks in order to better understand how to thwart them as we encounter them in our own lives. In this final stage we will also be studying many of Satan’s weaknesses and shortcomings, and discovering ways to take advantage of those weaknesses.
As you read this book and begin to put some of the information obtained from it into practice, remember that the devil is not omniscient; he cannot be in all places at all times and he does not know all things. For instance, he cannot read your mind. Remember too, that he is not omnipotent; he is not all-powerful. He is however very powerful and has thousands of years of experience in reading and manipulating mankind, and we need to approach tackling his wiles with humility, prayer and fasting. In Jude 1:9 the Bible tells us; “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" While I find it very intriguing that Michael would be having this debate with Satan, I find it even more interesting that he invoked Jesus' Name when dealing with him.
Chapter 1
Digging in the Dirt
Who is this “Satan”? Where does he come from? How was he made? Why was he made? How did he get here? Why does he torment us? With so many questions, it’s good to have some answers. The key to defeating any foe is to “know thy enemy”. Where it concerns the devil, this means knowing his past; and there is plenty of information on this subject in the Bible.
First, where does he come from?
How was he made?
Why was he made?
Where does he come from?
So, how did Lucifer then end up on earth? In Isaiah 14:12 says; “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth…” Luke 10:18 Jesus states; "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”. Revelation 12:9 tells us; “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” And Revelation 12:12 adds; “Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short”.
Finally, why does he torment us?
Chapter 2
Modus Operandi
Previous attacks from historical and Biblical perspectives. Job. Judas.
Chapter 3
…For the Record…
Critical flaws, weaknesses of Satan and his attacks.
Conclusion:
---
As you can see, this is just getting going, but I was curious as to how a book like this would be received once it was done. Any input you guys have on the subject is greatly welcome, and may be included. I am very excited to be working on this, but I am also wary of attacks when bringing light into something that is very likely very protectively hidden. Be praying for me as I work on this book. :)
Blessings!
~Michael
the devil
“Know Thy Enemy”
by Michael “Blue” Erdmier
Matthew 10:16: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Introduction:
There are many names that have adorned the devil throughout history, but by any name our adversary’s most potent secret weapon has been the ignorance of the saints regarding him. More than his ability to tempt and instill desire, more than his deep knowledge of humankind and the ability to read man’s intentions and wishes, his ability to use the same tired old tricks over and over again through the ages has proven invaluable in drawing believers away from the effective lives they are called to live in service of the King.
This book will attempt to elucidate some of the dark recesses often used by “the illuminator” in order to better prepare the Saints, not only for Spiritual warfare; but for avoiding and escaping those fiery darts in everyday life. By exposing some of those challenges which have been common to man throughout the ages, but which we often do not speak of, I will effectively remove from his arsenal some of those same tricks that he has been using on believers since the fall.
We will begin by examining the Bible for information concerning Lucifer’s past; where he comes from, how and why he was made, how he got here and why he torments us. Then we will study specific Biblical and historical references of Satanic attacks on the Saints and their outcomes. Finally we will unravel the critical flaws in these attacks in order to better understand how to thwart them as we encounter them in our own lives. In this final stage we will also be studying many of Satan’s weaknesses and shortcomings, and discovering ways to take advantage of those weaknesses.
As you read this book and begin to put some of the information obtained from it into practice, remember that the devil is not omniscient; he cannot be in all places at all times and he does not know all things. For instance, he cannot read your mind. Remember too, that he is not omnipotent; he is not all-powerful. He is however very powerful and has thousands of years of experience in reading and manipulating mankind, and we need to approach tackling his wiles with humility, prayer and fasting. In Jude 1:9 the Bible tells us; “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" While I find it very intriguing that Michael would be having this debate with Satan, I find it even more interesting that he invoked Jesus' Name when dealing with him.
Chapter 1
Digging in the Dirt
Who is this “Satan”? Where does he come from? How was he made? Why was he made? How did he get here? Why does he torment us? With so many questions, it’s good to have some answers. The key to defeating any foe is to “know thy enemy”. Where it concerns the devil, this means knowing his past; and there is plenty of information on this subject in the Bible.
First, where does he come from?
How was he made?
Why was he made?
Where does he come from?
So, how did Lucifer then end up on earth? In Isaiah 14:12 says; “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth…” Luke 10:18 Jesus states; "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”. Revelation 12:9 tells us; “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” And Revelation 12:12 adds; “Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short”.
Finally, why does he torment us?
Chapter 2
Modus Operandi
Previous attacks from historical and Biblical perspectives. Job. Judas.
Chapter 3
…For the Record…
Critical flaws, weaknesses of Satan and his attacks.
Conclusion:
---
As you can see, this is just getting going, but I was curious as to how a book like this would be received once it was done. Any input you guys have on the subject is greatly welcome, and may be included. I am very excited to be working on this, but I am also wary of attacks when bringing light into something that is very likely very protectively hidden. Be praying for me as I work on this book. :)
Blessings!
~Michael
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Stevo on -
I thought this was a worship leader forum. Not that this is bad work or unwelcome by worship leaders, but I thought this was a sharing and advice forum for worship leaders.
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Permalink Reply by Alex Morris on -
If the book is well-written and reflects biblical truth it will be well-received by those who have ears to hear what the Bible teaches.
My only advice would be to make sure your biblical research is thorough.
Study every passage about Satan or demons in its original context so that you understand clearly what is being taught, and don't hesitate to check out trustworthy commentaries.
As I'm sure your aware, Satan's other major tactic is deception; and I'm sure he'd love nothing better than to propagate false ideas about himself through a published book (I'm not suggesting that anything you've written so far is false; but, as you say, if you're going to attempt to propagate truth about Satan, the attacks will come fast and furious).
I'll definitely remember this in prayer...
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Permalink Reply by Chris Pajak on -
In order to properly teach on this you will have to reject every teaching on the subject that has been accepted in the visible church.
Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 are not talking about Satan.
Luke 10 and Rev 12 are two different things.
The devil is not a fallen angel and the word Lucifer does not appear in scripture. It is a latinized name created by the RCC.
Stevo
This site needs some scriptural teaching not discussions over guitar effects and song lists. A worship leader should know and understand more Word than the pastor.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Blue on -
Thanks guys!
This is being heavily researched via a few trusted resources, including (especially) the original Hebrew and Greek texts.No matter what is said in this book, it will be controversial and will not agree with ALL teachings, because there are so many conflicting teachings. Chris's reply being foremost among them, since he posted it here. I have run across this concept already (that Lucifer isn't a real name and that Satan/Lucifer/whatever is/was not a fallen angel), but Chris, I would gladly welcome any and all info you have to support that concept. triad tuning ( at ) hot mail. (no spaces, etc).
It isn't finished, and will likely be self-published when it is. For now, any resources, info, etc you fell like sharing are more than welcome.
The intent is to have the most precise, factual (Biblical) account of who and what he is, how he operates, and how to best guard against him when he is on the attack. I expect (and have experienced) HEAVY resistance since beginning this project and greatly appreciate your prayers.
Be blessed!
~M
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Permalink Reply by Diana Jurss on -
I don't know if its wise to "reject every teaching on this subject that has been accepted in
the visible church".
Another approach you might consider is rather than write this book with a voice of authority,
write it with a more comprehensive viewpoint. That is, include all the different interpretations
and theological theories that have been inferred from these Bible verses. Sort of like a book
study on Revelation could include all three theories of interpretation on it.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Blue on
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I agree in not rejecting all known teachings. There are some good teachings out there that appear to be inline with scripture.
However, I also don't want to publish a mash of all known information, either. I read part of a book on angels that was like this once, and couldn't finish it. They had all sorts of non-Biblical lunacy in there; "angels only live one day, they're born in the morning and die in the evening", etc. The LAST thing I'd want to do is perpetuate some of this nonsense regarding this very important topic.
That said; this hopefully won't have too much of an "authoritative" feel to it, but a humble report on a very focused point of study. Hope that makes sense. :)
~M
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Permalink Reply by Stevo on
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Interesting statements.
Do you feel that either of Isaiah 14 or Ezekiel 28 refer to Satan, or neither? Here's a good read: http://pastordougroman.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/do-isaiah-14-and-ez...
Also, if Satan isn't a fallen angel, what do you call him? I'm just interested in dialogue.
As for Lucifer, the word actually does appear in scripture, but true, not in reference to Satan. In the 5th century Latin Vulgate Bible, it shows up in II Peter 1:19. I'm not sure if you're trying to villainize the Catholic Church (not a good idea), but it is clearly a good Latin equivalent of φωσφορος. Just a small point. The major point seems correct,
This site doesn't need effects discussions? Why should a good worship lead know more about scripture than the pastor?
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Permalink Reply by Stevo on
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I can't help but feel a bit uncomfortable with the approach, but maybe you'll get around to some of this. I also think there are already hundreds of books already written on the subject, so I'm not sure where another one would fit in.
- It sounds like you're approaching Satan as if we were going to be strategically battling him. When you say "In this final stage we will also be studying many of Satan’s weaknesses and shortcomings, and discovering ways to take advantage of those weaknesses", I'm very concerned about that approach. He's not a terrorist such that you can find his weakness and exploit him. Peter warns us to leave the "satan-battling" to Jesus. Maybe that's your conclusion too?
- Furthermore, the best antidote to his attacks are to be pursuing a close and vital fellowship with the Lord himself. "Do not fear him who can kill your body (satan, the world, man), but fear Him who can throw your soul into hell (God)". To me, that says it all. Just by focusing on satan, you're being drawn into his devices like a moth into a flame. So again, maybe this is your conclusion as well?
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Permalink Reply by Lorraine Doswell on -
No disrespect intended at all to you Michael, your intentions or to anyone else.....just my simple view is 'I personally wouldn't give Mr. Deville the time of day or give him the satisfaction of wasting any time on him, let alone study him. I think I work on simple systems, a childlike faith if you like, and sometimes I prefer it that way.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Blue on
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There's nothing wrong with that approach. We're told to be "innocent as doves" but also "shrewd as serpents". Personally, I believe one of Satan's biggest tools is our ignorance of his methods, and that knowing him better exposes just how shallow his attacks are, but I completely understand when others don't want to devote any time to his study. No offense taken. Be blessed!
~M
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Permalink Reply by Lorraine Doswell on
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Thank you Michael, it's been a while, and I had forgotten I had replied to this one.
I may not give him the time of day, but I am only too aware of his methods. He's a sneaky one who plays on our weaknesses and vunerability. I have to admit I don't always recognise his methods straight away, and it would save a lot of heartache if I did.............I think what I am saying is, that I don't make a conscious decision of giving time to him.
Be blessed too Michael, I wish you well with this. Lorraine
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