Sermon Central
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How To Slay A Lying Lion (Satan)
Contributed by Jennifer Casto on Oct 11, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: JESUS identifies Satan as “the father of lies”, and “the master of deceit” IT IS THE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD THAT DISPELS ALL DARKNESS AND EXPELS THE LIES…WE MUST USE THE WORD AGAINST HIM TO SUCCESSFULLY FIGHT THE ENEMY. THE DEVIS IS A LIAR!!!
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11 (AMP)
8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
The enemy IS NOT a lion…but takes on characteristics and appearance of a lion to put the spirit of fear on us…
Let’s examine verse 8 again…
8 Be of sober {spirit,} be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in {your} faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (NAS)
Introduction Quote from Billy Graham. He said, “I believe in the devil for three reasons:
1. The Bible plainly says he exists.
2. I see his work everywhere.
3. Great scholars have recognized his existence.”
• Many people think that dealing with evil/Satan requires some deep level of knowledge and super-spirituality
• Many people think dealing with the enemy involves a long, labored struggle
JESUS identifies Satan as “the father of lies”, and “the master of deceit”
IT IS THE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD THAT DISPELS ALL DARKNESS AND EXPELS THE LIES…WE MUST USE THE WORD AGAINST HIM TO SUCCESSFULLY FIGHT THE ENEMY. THE DEVIS IS A LIAR!!!
Dealing with AND SLAYING A Lying Lion Calls for Sobriety in The Spirit, Awareness, Alertness, and Assurance AND FAITH IN GOD’S WORD.
1. Sober Awareness. v 8 a
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NAS Be of sober {spirit,}. . ." KJV Be sober, . . . " NIV Be self-controlled . . . " TLB Be careful. . . "
Illustration
A little kid said no I don’t believe there is a devil.
The devil has tricked a whole lot of people into thinking he is some kind of imaginary character.
A. Sober Awareness of the Devils Methods.
1. He Loves Weakness..
a. A Lion always attacks the weakest of the Flock.
b. A Lion will attack at your weakest Point.
c. Pride will destroy us – Prov. 16:18 (NAS)
18 Pride {goes} before a destruction, and a haughty spirit before a stumbling.
d. No Sheep ever killed a Lion – The Good SHEPHERD has and will continue through THE WORD OF GOD (it IS THE WEAPON in SPIRITUAL WARFARE WITH putting on and keeping on The WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD AND IT IS Jesus working through THE Shepherd/SHEPHERDESS (pastors) duty, responsibility and POSITION TO EQUIP, INSTRUCT, AND PUT THAT WARFARE INTO MOTION AS THE SHEEP PUT ON AND LEARN TO USE THAT ARMOR) that you may be able to stand against Him. NOT THAT YOU BE LEAD TO SLAUGHTER----
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms (principalities), against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.]
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
