Big idea
You might have heard the quote, "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." While we might remember this quote from pop culture or movies, we have seen that its origin is much earlier. Some French writers referred to this idea in the 1800s. Even the early church had an understanding that we have an enemy who is often elusive. We see in the Bible that Satan is cunning and deceitful. He sometimes works in plain sight, but he most often works in the shadows. People often miss this Forgotten War that happens daily. This study takes a look at Satan's efforts to steal, kill, and destroy us in light of Jesus' plan to protect His people.
Break the ice
When you think of the Devil, what comes to mind?
Small group questions
- What are some effects that you have seen of evil in our world?
- Read John 10:1-10. How is Satan framed as a thief and robber in this passage?
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
1“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
6Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me[1] were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.[2] They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Translation notes (2)
- 10:8 Some manuscripts do not include before me.
- 10:9 Or will find safety.
- How are Satan's and Jesus' intentions completely different in these scriptures?
- How have you personally experienced the evil one leading you away from the pack or the Shepherd? What have been some of the consequences for you of being led astray?
5. How have you seen Satan isolate you? How have you seen him twist God's Word (Luke 4:9-13)? How did you stand up to these attacks?
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
6. Read John 10:11-15. How does it feel to know that Jesus put His life on the line for His followers (sheep)?
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
7. How can you rely on Jesus this week to overcome the wolves all around you?
Moving forward
Our struggle against Satan can be exhausting, especially when we try to fight alone. Our enemy knows the pressure points for each of us and leverages those places against us in our lives where we are most vulnerable to compromise. We want you to reinforce the importance of fighting for one another. Carve out time in your meeting for each person in your group to assess where they are being attacked or are most vulnerable by using the following questions: "What are you doing, watching, saying, and thinking that is moving you away from God?" "Where are you most likely to compromise, and why?" Then, we want your group to pray for each person and their battle as they take steps to address these areas. If you are in a couples group, we want you to divide the men & women into separate spaces for this activity. Take the time as a group to address and deal directly with the struggles of your group members.
Monthly memory verse
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
16Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
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