Not Today Satan: What Can Satan Really Do?

What can Satan really do and what can he not do? In this message from our Not Today, Satan series, Pastor Kevin reminds us that while the enemy is real, he is also defeated. As Christians, we are called not to fear him but to stand firm in the victory of Jesus.

Seeing the Enemy Clearly
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Satan masquerades as an angel of light. He does not show up in a way that is obviously evil. He comes in ways that seem reasonable, attractive, or even familiar. The enemy’s greatest weapon is deception—making something destructive look desirable.

That is why we need discernment. Sometimes what feels like your own thoughts, your past, or your insecurities might actually be a spiritual attack. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize when it is not just life happening but the enemy trying to steal, kill, and destroy.

Recognizing His Strategy
John 10:10 (NIV) says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
Satan’s plan is not always about hell. Often, it is about hindering your purpose, distracting your focus, and delaying your calling.
He often uses:

1. Intimidation, making you feel smaller than God says you are.
2. Confusion, pulling you off the mission God has for you.
3. Temptation, that sounds logical or feels deserved.
4. Offense and unforgiveness, the bait that keeps churches divided.

Pastor Kevin reminded us, “If you really believed bitterness was from the devil, you would run from it like poison.”

Unforgiveness is one of Satan’s oldest schemes, and it keeps many Christians bound when they should be free.

Understanding His Limits
The devil is not God’s equal. He is not all-powerful, all-knowing, or everywhere at once. He is a created being, a fallen angel. That means he cannot read your mind or predict your future.

His power is limited to what we allow. As believers, we do not need to defeat him again. Jesus already did that on the cross. Our role is to enforce the victory, to resist him, and to stand firm in faith.

Practical Discernment
Not everything bad in life is from the devil. Sometimes it is our own choices, habits, or human limitations. Spiritual maturity means knowing the difference.
Pastor Kevin taught, “Spiritual warfare begins with discernment.” Some battles are spiritual, but others require us to grow, rest, or simply make better decisions.

It is not always Satan attacking your finances. Sometimes it is overspending. It is not always a spirit of infirmity. Sometimes it is stress or exhaustion. If the enemy cannot make you sin, he will try to wear you down, which is why it is important to guard your rest and refuel your spirit.

Victory in Jesus
The message ended with this powerful reminder:
“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
Satan is real, but Jesus is greater. Every time we pray, forgive, love, and obey, we remind the enemy that he has already lost.
Let us be a church in Orlando that is not afraid of the devil but aware of his tactics and committed to walking in truth, love, and power.

“What’s happening here?”
God is awakening His people to live with spiritual awareness, not spiritual fear. The goal is not to find the devil. It is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

PASTOR KEVIN'S SERMON NOTES
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