When the Devil Knocks: Week 3 - The Destroyer

When the Devil Knocks – Part 3: The Destroyer Who Attacks With Pride

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Chronicles 21
• James 4

Other references

• 1 Peter 5:8
• 2 Chronicles 26:16
• Proverbs 16:18
• Isaiah 14

Overview

Spiritual warfare is real and constant; what we see with our eyes is not all there is. Satan’s mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, and one of his sharpest weapons is pride. In this message Pastor Craig shows how the destroyer lures believers to exalt themselves, using David’s census as a warning and James 4 as the antidote: humbly submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. We are never more vulnerable than when we’re full of pride—and never stronger than when we’re broken and dependent on Christ.

Context

• Series recap: Week 1 – Satan the deceiver attacks the mind; Week 2 – Satan the accuser targets the heart; Week 3 – Satan the destroyer targets the will with pride.
• Pastor Craig shares his own recent struggle with subtle pride when another pastor was praised.

Main Points

We are in a daily, unseen battle

• “Our battle is not against flesh and blood”—forces of darkness oppose believers (review of series verse).
• 1 Peter 5:8 warns that the devil prowls “like a roaring lion,” seeking to devour.

The destroyer targets your will with pride

• Pride says, “I deserve the glory,” and reassures you that you can handle life without God.
• Satan attacks not only when we’re weak but also when things are going well, when defenses are down.

David’s census: pride at the height of success

• At peak popularity David was “incited” by Satan to count his fighting men (1 Chronicles 21).
• Motive mattered: Moses counted people to honor God; David counted to honor himself.
• Joab sensed the sin and withheld two tribes; God still judged—70,000 died.

You may never be more vulnerable than when you’re full of pride

“You may never be more vulnerable than when you’re full of pride.”

• Pride often hides in plain sight—easy to spot in others, hard to see in ourselves.
• Examples: spiritual superiority, self-made attitude, refusal to ask for help, blame-shifting.

God’s response to pride and His path to freedom (James 4)

• God “opposes” (military term: lines up against) the proud.
• He “shows favor to the humble.”
• Steps:
  1. Submit—voluntarily rank under God.
  2. Resist—the devil must flee.
  3. Draw near—God draws near.
  4. Humble yourself—He will lift you up.

Pride’s origin: Lucifer vs. Jesus

• Isaiah 14 records Lucifer’s five “I will” statements—self-exaltation led to his fall.
• Jesus in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Thy will.” Ultimate model of humility.

Fighting back with the armor and the Word

• Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, belt of truth, shoes of peace, sword of the Spirit (Word of God).
• Use Scripture to confront pride and declare dependence on God.

Humility is true strength

• Dependence on God brings His power: “When you are weak, He is strong.”
• Community matters—two or three gathered in His name stand together against the destroyer.

Key Truths

• Pride is the root that often feeds more visible sins.
• God actively resists the self-sufficient but pours grace on the humble.
• Submission comes before resistance; God’s strength equips our stand against Satan.
• Lucifer fell through pride; Jesus triumphed through submission.
• The Word of God is the believer’s primary offensive weapon in spiritual warfare.

Response

• Examine your motives; ask God to reveal hidden pride.
• Voluntarily rank yourself under God’s authority each day.
• Confess areas where you’ve said, “I’ve got this,” and invite accountability.
• Speak Scripture when self-exaltation rises; replace “I will” with “Thy will.”
• Celebrate victories by giving glory to God, not to self.

Closing

Pastor Craig reminded the church that the battle is not hypothetical—we are in it now. Pride signals independence from God; humility declares total dependence. When we submit, God supplies power to resist, and the destroyer must flee. Many responded openly for salvation, confessing Christ before people, refusing to hide any longer.

“Less of me and more of You … my life is not my own—I give it to You.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I surrender to You.
I submit to You—Your will, not my will.
Forgive me of my sins; make me brand-new.
I believe Jesus died for me and rose again so I could live for You.
Fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You, live for You, and show Your love.
Thank You for new life—now You have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.