Sermon Central
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Most Wanted Series
Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 11, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the 2nd study in the study "War On Terror".
MOST WANTED
Jude 1:5-13, 16-19
As we continue our study on the “War On Terror”, let’s identify those who are on the “Most Wanted” list. Who are some of the enemies’ top agents from the past and the present? What are their characteristics?
We will first look at three groups of the enemy that have already been captured and dealt with; and then we will look at some descriptions of those agents “at large”.
Secret Agents Captured
Unbelieving Israelites
This verse is referring us back to the days of Moses. God had freed the Nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt. As the Israelites left the land they were chased by the Egyptians; but God saved them. God provided food and water for them. God protected them, provided for them, and put up with their disobedience.
When the Israelites reached the “Promised Land”, God had Moses send out 12 men, 1 from each Tribe, to explore the land. When they returned, 2 men- Joshua and Caleb- said, “Let’s take what is ours from God”. The other 10 men saw giants and obstacles and convinced the people this was a bad decision. The people began grumbling and griping. They decided they were choosing a leader to take them back to Egypt.
Because of their continual rebellion, God told Moses to tell them that anyone 20 years old or older would not see the “Promised Land”. They would wander in the desert for 40 years until they all died off. The only exceptions were Joshua and Caleb. The other 10 that explored the land were struck down with a plague and died.
Fallen Angels
Before this world was created, God lived with one of His creations- angels. Lucifer, one of the angels decided he was going to overthrow God and take over. One-third of the angels joined Lucifer and these fallen angels were cast out of Heaven.
Many scholars believe that some of these fallen angels are found in Genesis 6. These are the “sons of God” that married women and had children which were giants. In this same chapter, we read of God preparing Noah for the flood. When the world was flooded, these fallen angels whom died were chained in Hell awaiting their final judgment where they will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
Now we do know that not all fallen angels- demons- are locked up in Hell. Some are out serving Satan. Their final destination will be the Lake of Fire.
In the days of Abraham, there were two cities that were very evil. Abraham’s nephew lived in Sodom. God told Abraham that He was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham pleaded with God to spare the city if 50 righteous people could be found. Abraham then asked for 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally asked God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if 10 righteous people could be found.
Not even 10 righteous people could be found. God to Lot, his wife, and Lot’s 2 daughters out of Sodom and then destroyed it with burning sulfur that fell from the sky.
Secret Agents At Large
Description #1
These agents reject authority, both human and spiritual beings. Not even Michael the archangel fights the devil on his own. He lets God deal with the devil. These men are constantly tearing down what God is trying to do. They generally do this destruction with their tongues.
Description #2
There is reference here to the following in the footsteps of 3 different trouble makers found in Scripture.
Cain
Cain killed his brother because he was mad at God. God found Abel’s sacrifice acceptable but not Cain’s; so Cain killed Abel.
The “way of Cain” is the way of religion without faith.
Balaam
Balaam, a prophet of God, was told by the King of Moab, Balak, to put a curse upon Israel because he was afraid of them. Balak offered Balaam some money and after Balaam said no, the “pay-off” got even higher. God had told Balaam he could not go see the king; but after the money got higher, Balaam asked God again. This time, God allowed Balaam to go but told him he could do nothing without God telling him to.
When Balaam began to go astray, God placed an angel with a sword to block the road. The donkey saw the angel; but Balaam did not. After Balaam had beaten the donkey 3 times, the donkey spoke to Balaam and then Balaam saw the angel. Although God would not let Balaam place a curse upon Israel, Balaam did tell Balak how to defeat Israel. All they had to do was invite Israel to their feast and be good neighbors. That is what Balak and his people did and it wasn’t long before many of the Israelites were participating in worship of other gods and pagan orgies. Therefore, many Israelites died and Balaam was killed by a Midianite.
