Why Satan Hates the Child of God
Satan hates true Christians because they remind him of God, are a threat to his government, and have access to the throne of God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that as Christians grow in their faith, they will face increased opposition from Satan, who despises them for several reasons: God's love for them, their resemblance to God, their former status as slaves freed from sin, and their power through prayer. Tozer explains that Satan's hatred stems from his jealousy of God and the threat that true Christians pose to his dominion. The enemy seeks to undermine new converts early on to prevent them from becoming powerful agents of change in the world. Understanding this spiritual battle is crucial for Christians to navigate their faith journey effectively.
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As we move farther on and mount higher up in the Christian life we may expect to encounter greater difficulties in the way and meet increased hostility from the enemy of our souls. Though this is seldom presented to Christians as a fact of life it is a very solid fact indeed as every experienced Christian knows, and one we shall learn how to handle or stumble over to our own undoing. Satan hates the true Christian for several reasons. One is that God loves him, and whatever is loved by God is sure to be hated by the devil.
Another is that the Christian, being a child of God, bears a family resemblance to the Father and to the household of faith. Satan's ancient jealousy has not abated nor his hatred for God diminished in the slightest. Whatever reminds him of God is without other reason the object of his malignant hate. A third reason is that a true Christian is a former slave who has escaped from the galley, and Satan cannot forgive him for this affront. A fourth reason is that a praying Christian is a constant threat to the stability of Satan's government.
The Christian is a holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from what direction the danger will come. Who knows when another Elijah will arise, or another Daniel? or a Luther or a Booth? Who knows when an Edwards or a Finney may go in and liberate a whole town or countryside by the preaching of the Word and prayer? Such a danger is too great to tolerate, so Satan gets to the new convert as early as possible to prevent his becoming too formidable a foe.
Sermon Outline
- Satan's Hatred for the Child of God
- Satan's Ancient Jealousy
- The Christian as a Holy Rebel
- Satan's Tactics
- Targeting New Converts
- Preventing Christian Growth
- Family Resemblance to God
Key Quotes
“Whatever reminds him of God is without other reason the object of his malignant hate.” — A.W. Tozer
“A true Christian is a former slave who has escaped from the galley, and Satan cannot forgive him for this affront.” — A.W. Tozer
“The Christian is a holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, you are a holy rebel with access to the throne of God, and you should use this privilege to pray and seek God's guidance.
- Satan will try to prevent your growth in faith, but you can overcome his tactics by staying close to God and seeking His strength.
- Your prayers are a threat to Satan's government, and you should continue to pray and seek God's will in your life.