Intro.: The passages before us contain Jesus’ words of warning to Simon Peter, Simon Peter’s warning to us, and Paul warning...all regarding the devil and the believer. After three decades of spiritual warfare Simon Peter had come to a better understanding of the words of our Lord reminding us of…

I. The Danger Before Us, Luke 22: 31-34

May 17, 1997, the “Commercial Appeal” of Memphis carried an article entitled “Belief In The Devil As An Entity Declines.” It went on to quote the Barna Research Group in Oxnard, California as discovering that 2/3 of Americans do not believe in the devil as a living entity. “They are unwilling to give the devil his due,” the report concludes. What does God’s Word say about the devil and the believer? Please note…

A. The Address, v. 31

“Simon, Simon…” This double emphasis on Simon Peter’s pre-Christian name no doubt focuses our attention on our humanity and our vulnerability. No one is immune. The moment you no longer feel you are in danger, you are in serious danger.

B. The Admonition, v. 31

“behold…” “Take note…” The NIV leaves the Greek term (idou) untranslated and loses the dramatic intensification placed on the following words. Neglect is very costly. Our greatest attention must be given to our own personal spiritual growth.

C. The Adversary, v. 31

He is the liar, the deceiver, the slanderer. Ephesians 4:26,26, “Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 6:10,11, “Finally,

my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God...that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” This toothless intimidator is not far away (“...walketh about…”) and his intent is clear (“...seeking whom he may destroy...”). Jesus said, “He has desired you, that he may sift you as wheat.” This word, translated “asked” in the NIV and “demanded” in the RSV, is found nowhere else in the NT or LXX. Literally… “a demand that something be given back.” But, we have been redeemed, bought out of the slave market of sin, and have been delivered. The term “sift you” suggests “unsettle you” or “throw you off course.” We must also be aware of…

II. The Devices Of The Devil, II Cor. 2:11. He seeks to sift us through…

A. Our Desires, James 1:14,15, “But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust…” The doorways to our sinful desires are our mind and our eyes. We must be on guard at all times.

B. Distraction, i.e., Nehemiah’s detractors. “Come down from the wall…” We must stay focused on our priorities and perspectives. Don’t be distracted by past failures, successes, or sins. Don’t let present success sidetrack you. It is easy for a pastor to get distracted from his personal devotion, commitment to preparing for preaching, and personal soul-winning by lesser things such as committee meetings, putting out fires, political ambition, etc.

Difficult places, people, and problems discourage many a saint of God. Don’t focus on the problems. Focus on the possibilities. Satan will do all he can to discourage you.

Discord between family, friends, church members, etc. will destroy your joy. As much as is within you, live peaceably with all men. Guard the fellowship of the church. Do not fuel discord. Harmony should be one of our highest goals.

I have never seen so many attacks on the men of God and the people of God. Thank God He is our defender. Live above reproach. Don’t let the “Accuser of the brethren” attack your character. The devil will question your motives, methods, and message. You are a person of infinite worth for whom God has a divine plan and purpose. We must be aware of…

A. Our Advocate, v. 32, “But I have prayed for you…”

“I” is emphatic...I, the Lord of Hosts! The great High Priest!

“have prayed”...the ever-interceding Christ. His prayers are always answered.

“for you”...Singular, focused, personal, according to your need!

We are never defenseless against the devil.

B. The Appeal, v. 32b, “That your faith fail not…”

1. This appeal for steadfastness does not imply “never stumbling” but rather “ever standing.” Keeping on keeping on. When we stumble we must get up and keep going.

2. This is also an appeal for sanctification, “when thou art converted…” “Simon Peter, you are going to move from glory to glory and from stumbling to standing. Every struggle will be a catalyst for a new level of maturity and strength.

3. This is also an appeal for strength. “I am going to make you a victorious overcomer who will, in turn, become a great encourager, strengthener of others. Simon Peter became a great source of strength in the early church, i.e., Acts 1:15-16, 2:14-40; chapters 3-5 and his leadership in Jerusalem; and chapters 10, 11, and 15 in the expansion of the ministry to the Gentiles. As we stand strong, we encourage others.

C. Our Assurance, I Peter 5:10

When we resist the devil steadfastly in our faith God does four things for us.

1. He will make you perfect...Restore you. A picture of setting a broken bone. Dr Jesus will heal you, restore you, and make you to stand strong.

2. He will establish you...i.e., enable you to stand against every storm and every satanic attack.

3. He will strengthen you. When you are weary He will cause you to mount up on eagle’s wings, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Strength beyond your strength. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

4. He will settle you. Lift you out of the miry clay, put your feet on solid ground, give you new direction, and give you back your song (Psalm 40). Verse 11, “To Him be glory and dominion forever…” There is one last victory to be won, Revelation 20:10, when the evil one is cast into the lake of fire forever.