Outline 2
Delivered from the Lion (Part 2)
Truth
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
—John 8:44 NIV
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
—John 8:34 NIV
The second principle of spiritual warfare is the principle of truth. Truth is like light to darkness; when it is present, darkness flees.
Lies flow like silk coming out of a spider and spin a web of deception. Satan is a liar, and lies are his native language. He has filled the world with his web that holds billions of people in deception in the following areas:
The origin of man—evolution or creation?
Human sexuality—homo- or hetero-?
Economics and finances—communism or free market?
Politics and government—dictatorship or freedom?
Marriage and children—cohabitation or covenant?
Media and music—violence, sex, and profanity or edification?
Religion and history—the problem or the solution?
Sin and consequences—death or eternal judgment?
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He inspired the Word of truth. The Bible is the truth: “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17 KJV), and “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NKJV). Therefore, truth is the number one weapon to use against the devil. Jesus exposed the devil by using the truth.
The Lie: Satan’s Web
“Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Rom. 1:25 NKJV).
Truth: I am a sinner (Rom. 3:23). My sin is disobedience to the truth of God’s Word. God gave me freedom to choose, and I have made wrong choices that have brought me into bondage.
Satan says, “You are not a sinner—you are a victim. If it’s right for you, it’s right. If you are not hurting anybody else, it is right.”
Adam and Eve are an example of how we blame others and even blame God for our own disobedience. But we are the ones at fault.
Truth: God is a judge, and all sin will end in eternal death (Rom. 6:23).
Satan says, “You shall not surely die. God is unjust, harsh, and unfair. Everyone has sinned, and surely God will not send everyone to hell. A loving God would never send anyone to hell. Besides, hell is not real. Hell is nothing more than medieval fiction.”
Hell is a literal place, reserved for the devil and all who reject Christ.
Truth: God sent Jesus, His Son, to die in my place (Rom. 5:8).
Satan says, “Jesus was not God’s Son, but the son of Mary and Joseph. Jesus was not perfect, and He was actually the husband of Mary Magdalene. Jesus is not the only way to God; there are many others besides Him. All roads lead to the same God.” The strategy is to pull down Jesus and elevate man.
Jesus is the Son of God, perfect and sinless, who died on the cross to pay for the sins of all mankind.
Truth: Jesus physically rose from the dead on the third day and is coming back to judge all mankind (Rom. 6:4–9).
Satan says, “He did not rise; His bones have been found in a box in the Holy Land. He is dead and cannot save you if you call on His name. You might as well do whatever you feel like doing. There is no eternity, and there are no consequences for sin.”
Jesus didn’t just swoon or rise as a glorious spirit, as some claim. He physically rose from the dead and will return in a physical body to the earth.
Truth: God’s Word, the Bible, is inspired of the Holy Spirit and infallible (2 Tim. 3:16).
Satan says, “It was written by men and is full of contradictions and inconsistencies.”
The Dead Sea Scrolls have proven the authenticity of the Scriptures.
Truth: When I receive the word of truth, I am born again by the word of truth (1 Pet. 1:23). My inner nature becomes truthful instead of remaining deceptive. The nature of Satan is removed, and the nature of God is placed within my spirit.
Satan says, “You are not saved. You still sin; therefore, you must not be saved.”
You are born again of imperishable seed, and your salvation is sure.
Truth: I have power over Satan by the word of truth (1 John 2:14).
Satan says, “I control your life and destiny. You will always be broke, bound, guilty, and afraid. Your marriage is ruined, your kids are hopeless, your health is gone, and your life is over.”
The truth is, Satan is defeated! Jesus cast him out. His roar is his last weapon. The Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
The Truth: God’s Word is a Perfect Ten
I am saved from sin and declared to be righteous (2 Cor. 5:21).
I am free from bondage and am setting others free (Gal. 5:1).
I am full of love, and I am a healer of relationships (1 Thess. 4:9).
I am not afraid of circumstances and challenges because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Him, I am more than a conqueror (Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:37).
I am not afraid of any earthly thing or even death, because for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21).
I am filled with the Spirit of truth and have power to heal the sick and cast out demons (Acts 10:38).
I am blessed financially because my God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).
I have favor upon my life that makes me the head and not the tail, above and not beneath (Acts 2:47).
My marriage, family, children, and home are blessed and coming into the knowledge of the truth (Ps. 128).
I have a purpose, destiny, and calling that I will fulfill before I leave this earth to receive my eternal rewards in heaven forever (2 Tim. 4:7).
