• Dethrone God
  • Destroy all Creation
  • Deceive the world and, if possible, even the Elect
  • Divide the world, and especially the Church

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Scripture References
  • For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' (Isaiah 14:13-14 NKJV)
  • "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." (John 10:10 NKJV)
  • "...false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Mark 13:22 NKJV)
  • But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 NKJV)
Commentary
  • If he could, Satan would sit upon God's throne in heaven. He tried, got kicked out of heaven, and hasn't attempted a direct assault on the sovereignty of God since.
  • Failing that... he unilaterally declares himself ruler of this world.
  • Dethroning God from the human heart is close enough for the devil's purposes. He doesn't have to rule personally, just deny God's rightful place.
  • The devil does not have good intentions. He is not a misguided, misunderstood benefactor. If God did not prevent him, Satan would destroy everything in creation that declares the glory of God. All of it! Including you and I!
  • Satan hides in Western civilization... in the Third World, he parades himself as the baddest dude on the block.
  • The only universal unity that the devil ascribes to is one opposing Jesus Christ.

In the realm of Christian spiritual warfare, believers are constantly engaged in a battle against unseen forces of evil. The Bible provides valuable insights into the objectives of Satan and the world system, shedding light on their strategies to hinder, deceive, and destroy.

  1. The Prideful Ascent: Isaiah 14:13-14 unveils the prideful intentions of Satan: "For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'" Here, we witness Satan's audacious desire to overthrow God and establish himself as the supreme authority. His objective is to elevate his own throne above the heavenly realms, seeking worship and adoration. This passage reminds believers that pride is at the root of Satan's rebellion and his attempts to corrupt humanity. It calls us to cultivate humility and seek refuge in God, recognizing that only through Him can we find true fulfillment and purpose.
  2. Stealing, Killing, and Destroying: Jesus warns in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." This verse highlights Satan's destructive agenda, focusing on his threefold objectives: stealing, killing, and destroying. The enemy seeks to steal our joy, peace, and hope by enticing us with worldly pleasures and distracting us from our relationship with God. He aims to kill our spiritual vitality by fostering doubt, discouragement, and apathy within our hearts. Ultimately, he desires to destroy our faith, leading us away from the truth of God's Word and into spiritual darkness. Understanding these objectives empowers believers to guard their hearts, stand firm in their faith, and resist the devil's schemes.
  3. Deception, even of the Elect: In Mark 13:22, Jesus warns about the rise of false christs and false prophets, who will perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. This verse highlights Satan's deceptive tactics aimed at leading believers astray and causing confusion within the body of Christ. The enemy employs counterfeit miracles, false doctrines, and distorted truths to lure individuals away from the path of righteousness. He targets the vulnerable, seeking to undermine their faith and distort their understanding of God's Word. Consequently, believers must cultivate discernment through the study of Scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is essential to test every teaching and spiritual experience against the unchanging truth of God's Word.
  4. Hindrance and Obstruction: Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 reveal a significant aspect of spiritual warfare: the enemy's hindrance and obstruction of God's work. He writes, "Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us." Satan actively opposes the advancement of God's kingdom and seeks to hinder the spread of the Gospel. He erects barriers, creates opposition, and fosters division to obstruct the work of believers. Understanding this objective reminds us of the need for perseverance, resilience, and prayer in the face of opposition. We must recognize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12), and remain steadfast in our commitment to God's purposes.

Recognizing these objectives is vital for believers engaged in spiritual warfare. It calls us to cultivate humility, guard our hearts, and stand firm in our faith. We must develop discernment through the study of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, testing all things against the unchanging truth of God's Word. Moreover, we are encouraged to persevere, remaining steadfast in prayer and commitment to God's purposes, even in the face of opposition. Ultimately, armed with the knowledge of Satan's objectives, believers can engage in spiritual warfare with wisdom, courage, and the assurance of victory in Christ.

Next: Mission » Dethrone God