Satan’s Weapons of Mass Destruction: Part 2 - Suffering!

Sermon Notes – October 23, 2011

Church-Wide Bible Study 2011

Book: The Strategy of Satan

By Warren W. Wiersbe

Satan’s Weapons of Mass

 Destruction: Part 2 - Suffering!

First Read Job 2:1-10

Sermon Audio Available at agfchurch.org

                         

1.    First remember that suffering has different origins:

a)     Natural suffering because we are humans in a fallen world!  

·        Romans 8:18-23 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

b)     Suffering as the result of God’s Discipline for our disobedience! 

·        Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

·        Psalm 32:3-5 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

c)      Suffering as the result of being Obedient to God!   

·        Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

• 1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

d)     Suffering as the result of Satanic Attack to God!   

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO JOB – IT ALSO HAPPEN TO PAUL

·        2 Corinthians 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

2.    Satan attacks our bodies because they are God’s…:

a)     Temple, God’s grace on display! Romans 8:18-23)

·        Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

·        Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

b)     Tool God’s grace at work!  

&        Romans 6:12-13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

c)      Treasury the ”storehouse” of God’s grace

&        2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

d)     Testing ground where God’s grace is perfected!

·        2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

&        Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship.

3.    Satan hope is to make you Impatient with God!     

·        James 5:11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

·        James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

4.    Our only defense is God’s GRACE!   

·        2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Submit yourself to the will of God like Job!

·        Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

           

Be thankful, remain faithful – It’s the only way to live the Christian life under the pain of suffering, for the glory of God!

·        Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Sermon Follow-Up Study & Discussion

Read and meditate over Psalm 32:1-10.  

1.      Write down your thoughts and response to verses 1 & 2.

2.      What do you think David is driving at in this context when he says “in whose heart there is no deceit” at the end of verse 2.

3.      According to verse 3 & 4 what happens when we are not open and honest with the Lord? Why?

4.      According to verse 5 on what basis did the Lord forgive?  Can you find other verses in the New Testament that support this same truth? 

5.      Look at verses 6 & 7. What happens when we run from God and don’t seek Him?  What happens when we do?

6.      Compare verses 9 & 10 to James 3:13-18. How does one obtain wisdom form the Lord?  On what basis does He grant it

Part 1: Satan’s Weapons of Mass Destruction: Deception!

Sermon Notes – October 16, 2011

Church-Wide Bible Study 2011

The Strategy of Satan

Part 1: Satan’s Weapons of

Mass Destruction: Deception!

Genesis Chapter 3:1-13

THE AUDIO FOR THIS SERMON IS AVAILABLE FREE ON OUR CHURCH WEBSITE: agfchurch.org

Key Passage: Genesis 3:2b-5 "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"  but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

1.   Satan’s key strategy is to create  Unbelief against God through deception! 

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

•     Satan question God’s Word! [Did God really say…]
•     Satan denied God’s Word! [You will not surely die," ]
•     Satan substituted his own lie in place of God’s Word! [you will be like God, knowing good and evil."]

2.   Though deception Satan creates Confusion about God’s Word and Ignorance of God’s will in our minds!  

Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen

•      Eve took away from God’s Word! [omitted “freely” = all you want]
•      Eve added to God’s Word! [… must not touch it]
•      Eve changed God’s Word! [Lest = surely A CERTAIN RESULT]

 For the believer in Christ, since Satan longer has dominion over your soul, he wants to render you completely ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ (see also

Matthew 13:22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

Matthew 13:19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

3.   Satan desires to take the place of God!

Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Satan has literally “flipped the script” on us.

God’s Divine Order	Satan’s Distorted Order
GOD	SATAN
MAN – WOMAN	ANIMALS
ANIMALS 1:28	WOMAN – MAN
SATAN	GOD

Satan wants you to believe that you too can take the place of God in your own life.  That’s what most false religions are all about!

 

4.   Our only defense is to: 

Know God’s Word!  

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Memorize God’s Word!

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Meditate on God’s Word!

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Use God’s Word!

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

IF CHRIST HAD TO USE SCRIPTURE TO DEFEAT SATAN HOW CAN THERE BE ANY OTHER WAY FOR US TO DEFEND OURSELVES TODAY!!!

That is also why we can always count on Christ in our times of testing, temptation and trouble!

Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.

GOING DEEPER

Sermon Follow-Up Study & Discussion

This exercise in the scriptures in can be used in our Sunday School and Grace Group ministries. You are also invited to use it for family or personal bible study.

Read and meditate over Ephesians 4:17-24. 

1.      Who is Paul referring to when he mentions “the Gentiles”?

2.      What does Paul mean “the futility of their thinking or mind”? (see also Romans 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 2:14 & Colossians 2:18 before you answer)

3.      Why does Paul say that these people are separated or “alienated” from “the life of God”?

4.      What are the consequences of living in spiritual darkness?

5.      What is the remedy for spiritual darkness according to verses 20-24?

6.      Now read Ephesians 4:25 to 6:23.  List all the practical ways you can practically apply the above teaching to your own life.

Feel free to post your comments for my feedback as well as general discussion.

Remember: “Knowledge apart from application falls short of God’s desire for His children.  He wants us to apply what we learn so the we will change and grow.” – Chuck Swindoll

Part 3: Prayer For The Purpose Of Godliness!

July 3, 2011

AGF Summer Boot Camp Series       

 …Train Yourself To Be Godly (1 Timothy 4:7)

Part 3: Prayer For

The Purpose Of Godliness!

  

Key Verse: if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14)

The main ingredients of an effective prayer life are:

1.    The right Attitude! (& 2 Chronicles 7:14 …will humble themselves )

Humble = he who bends himself…to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish: KJV - bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue.

The greatest example of a humble attitude in prayer is Christ in the garden:

Matthew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

A sample of God’s view of pride vs. humility

James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.

Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

2.    Prayer!  (& 2 Chronicles 7:14…and pray)

Jesus expects us to pray!

Matthew 6:5-9 "And when you pray, … 6 But when you pray, go …. 7 And when you pray, 9 "This, then, is how you should pray.

Luke 11:9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

3.    Knowing where to Look! (& 2 Chronicles 7:14…and seek my face)

See Psalm 27 in it’s entirety

Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Psalm 105:4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

4.    Knowing where to Turn! (& 2 Chronicles 7:14…(& 2 Chronicles 7:14…and seek my face)

Repentance means to turn your bak on your sin and turn back to god!

2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

5.    Knowing what to Expect! (& 2 Chronicles 7:14…then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land)

a.    Answered prayer! (& (& 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 116:1-2)

&        Psalm 34:15-17 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

&        Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Prayer is the only way to build and intimate relationship with the Lord!

b.   Sins Forgiven! (& 2 Chronicles 7:14)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

c.    Freedom!

See all of Psalm 30

Psalm 30:10-12 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help." You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

GOING DEEPER:

The primary pathway to spiritual healing is effective prayer. Freedom from shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, persecution, etc. can all be dispelled by developing a disciplied lifestyle of effective prayer.

So what is “effective prayer”?

How does if bring spiritual healing and freedom?

How does this help us become more godly?

Let me know what you think