Get Thee Behind Me, Satan
We can overcome Satan's influence by ignoring it, detaching ourselves from it, and trusting in faith to dispel the troubling spirit.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rejecting the influence of our old selves, which he describes as a deceptive force instigated by Satan. He encourages believers to ignore these negative thoughts and affirm their identity in Christ, asserting that by doing so, they can dispel the power of evil and experience the victorious life that Jesus offers. Simpson illustrates that neglecting Satan's temptations will lead to their disappearance, allowing the believer to embrace the risen life of Christ. He concludes with the assurance that a mightier power resides within us, cleansing and empowering us to overcome sin.
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If when it seems your old self has come back, you listen to it, fear it, believe it, it will have the same influence upon you as 'f it were not dead. It will control you and destroy you. Instead, simply ignore it and say: "You are not I, you are Satan trying to make me believe that my old self is not dead. I refuse you. I treat you as a demon power outside of me, I detach myself from you." The evil thing will disappear, the shadow will vanish, the wand of faith will dispel the troubling spirit and send it back to the abyss. In its place we will find Christ there instead with His risen life to back up our confidence and seal our victory. Satan can stand anything better than neglect.
If we ignore him he becomes disgusted and disappears.
Jesus turned His back upon him and said, Get thee behind me, Satan. So let us refuse him, and we shall find that he will be compelled to act according to our faith. Once I believed I must always be stumbling For my old nature was poisoned with sin; Now there's a mightier Power upholds me, Cleansing and keeping and dwelling within.
Sermon Outline
- Understanding the Enemy
- Resisting the Enemy
- Victory Over Satan
- Faith dispels the troubling spirit
- Satan becomes disgusted with neglect
Key Quotes
“If we ignore him he becomes disgusted and disappears.” — A.B. Simpson
“Jesus turned His back upon him and said, Get thee behind me, Satan.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must learn to ignore our old self and not give in to its influence.
- By detaching ourselves from Satan's power, we can find victory over sin and live a life of faith.
- Neglecting Satan is a powerful way to resist his influence and live a life of freedom in Christ.