SATAN: THE MASTER OF TEMPTATION

Part 2

The Accuser and Our Advocate

I. Jesus Promised Us Another Helper

Scripture: John 14:12–17

Meaning: Helper, Advocate, Intercessor 

Jesus knew His disciples would face spiritual opposition, so He promised them the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

II. Satan Is the Master of Temptation

Scripture: Matthew 4:1–11; 1 Peter 5:8–9

Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness.

Christ answered every temptation with:

“It is written.”

If Satan tempted Jesus, we should expect him to tempt us.

Every weapon Satan used against Christ is a weapon he still uses today. Every answer Christ gave teaches us how to respond.

III. Scripture Reveals Satan's Character

Scripture: John 8:44; Revelation 12:7–11

Satan is described as:

• A murderer 

• A liar 

• The father of lies 

• The accuser of God's people 

Greek: diabolos

Meaning:

• Slanderer 

• Accuser 

• Adversary 

Satan not only tempts God's people. He accuses the people he tempts.

IV. The Accuser Versus the Advocate

Scripture: Revelation 12:10; John 14:16–17; 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:33–34

Satan: The Accuser

“He accused them before our God day and night.”

Christ:

Our Advocate with the Father: “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The Holy Spirit: Our Helper who dwells within us

“He dwells with you and will be in you.”

Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.” — Romans 8:33

V. Satan's Rebellion Is Reflected Through Earthly Powers

Scripture: Ezekiel 28:1–17; Isaiah 14:3–15; Daniel 10:13, 20; Ephesians 6:12

Ezekiel addresses the king of Tyre.

Isaiah addresses the king of Babylon.

Yet both passages use language associated with Satan's pride and rebellion.

Scripture reveals that behind human opposition there can also be spiritual opposition.

Ephesians 6:12: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”

VI. Satan's Fundamental Sin Is Self-Exaltation

Scripture: Isaiah 14:12–15

Notice Satan's repeated declaration:

“I will...”

“I will ascend...”

“I will exalt...”

“I will sit...”

“I will ascend...”

“I will be like the Most High.”

Every temptation ultimately asks the same question: Who will rule—God or me?

Satan says: “My will.”

The believer prays: “Your will be done.”

VII. Government Can Become an Instrument of Evil

Scripture: Exodus 5; Daniel 3; Daniel 6; Acts 4:18–20; Acts 5:29; Revelation 13

Scripture repeatedly shows governments attempting to control:

• Worship 

• Prayer 

• Conscience 

• Truth 

• Allegiance to God 

Historical examples of totalitarian rule include:

• Nazi Germany — Adolf Hitler 

• Soviet Union — Joseph Stalin 

• Communist China — Mao Zedong 

• Khmer Rouge Cambodia — Pol Pot 

• Iran — authoritarian Islamic theocracy 

The biblical danger is greater than any single political ideology. Government becomes dangerous when it claims authority over conscience, worship, truth, and human life that belongs to God alone.

Acts 5:29:

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

VIII. Christians Must Recognize the Real Battle

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–12

Our ultimate struggle is not merely against people.

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”

Therefore:

• Recognize spiritual opposition. 

• Know God's Word. 

• Resist Satan. 

• Remain faithful to Christ. 

• Depend upon the Holy Spirit. 

THE GREAT CONTRAST

Satan is the accuser.

Christ is our Advocate.

Satan is the liar.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.

Satan seeks to condemn.

God justifies.

Satan seeks to destroy.

Christ saves.

Key Truth

Satan may bring the accusation, but Satan does not control the courtroom.

God is the Judge.

Christ is our Advocate.

The Holy Spirit is our Helper.

Romans 8:33–34

“Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.”