POWER STUDY - B36

[Albert Finch]

Satan’s Domain - 2 - The Realm of Darkness
(Read Isaiah 14 & 2 Corinthians 11)

Jude 6 6And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day,

(Some debate whether the devil is on earth or in hell – can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be. When Satan rebelled against God he was placed under eternal judgment, in what the bible calls “pits” and “bonds of darkness”. The devil and the fallen angels with him have been relegated to live in darkness. This darkness does not simply mean lifeless regions or areas void of visible light. The eternal darkness to which scripture refers is essentially a moral darkness, which does ultimately degenerate into literal darkness. However it’s cause is not simply the absence of light, it is the absence of God who is light.)

Ephesians 6:12 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

(Facts about spiritual warfare:
1. The thought of facing evil spirits in battle is unsettling, especially since we came to Jesus as lost sheep, not warriors.
2. We must face the fact that the devil has initiated warfare against us.
3. It is essential to our well being that we discern the areas of our life that are unguarded and open to Satan’s assault.)

Colossians 1:12-13 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

(We are not trapped in darkness if we have been born of light. But if we tolerate darkness through the tolerance of sin, we leave ourselves vulnerable to satanic assault. For wherever there is willful disobedience to the word of God, there is spiritual darkness and the potential for demonic activity.)

Proverbs 20:27 27The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.

(Your spirit which is illuminated by the Spirit of Christ becomes the “lamp of the Lord” through which He searches your heart. There is a holy radiance surrounding a true spirit filled Christian.)

Luke 11:35 35“Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness."

(When you harbor sin, the “light which is in you is darkness”. Satan has a legal access given to him by God to dwell in the domain of darkness. The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that can exist in a Christian’s soul.)

2 Timothy 2:19-22 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

(Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips; but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart. Satan will be allowed to come against the area of your weakness until you realize that God’s only answer is to become Christ-like. The adversary will withdraw as you appropriate the Christ Nature.)

James 4:6-7 6But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

(It is in the context of repentance, humility, and submitting to God's word that we find Satan fleeing from us.)