WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.919 Let's turn to Ephesians chapter 6. 00:00:03.060 --> 00:00:04.759 Ephesians chapter 6. 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:11.439 As we look at the real war that is going on behind the scenes in our world, 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:15.080 it's important that we know some facts. 00:00:19.100 --> 00:00:23.100 What is what's unseen is more real than what's seen. 00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:28.400 What's going on that you can't see 00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:32.759 influences and changes what happens, 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:36.079 the things that you can see, 00:00:36.239 --> 00:00:37.079 but in reality, 00:00:38.140 --> 00:00:40.799 what's unseen is more real than what's seen. 00:00:43.460 --> 00:00:48.359 Second thing I want you to get is the devil wants to make us think that he's more than he is. 00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:56.000 And then he also wants to make us think that we're less than we are in Christ. 00:00:58.399 --> 00:01:03.500 The reality is he wants us to think less of Christ. 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:14.239 And he makes an all-out effort to make sure he does everything he can to make us think less of Christ. 00:01:14.239 --> 00:01:19.539 It's upon those principles that I want us to look at what the enemy knows. 00:01:21.079 --> 00:01:23.879 Ephesians chapter 6, beginning verse 12, says this, 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:31.339 For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, 00:01:32.560 --> 00:01:39.019 against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 00:01:39.019 --> 00:01:43.439 So what does Satan know? 00:01:45.119 --> 00:01:48.280 Well, he knows a lot, but he's not omniscient. 00:01:48.899 --> 00:01:50.179 He's not all-knowing. 00:01:50.979 --> 00:01:55.640 You may want you to think that, but he just watches and listens quite honestly. 00:01:56.640 --> 00:01:59.259 He also knows some things about salvation. 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:01.679 He knows things about his future. 00:02:01.680 --> 00:02:04.540 And so what does the enemy know? 00:02:05.640 --> 00:02:09.599 First thing I want you to get that he knows is he knows we have weaknesses. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:12.159 He knows that. 00:02:12.760 --> 00:02:16.000 When you go on the Internet, somebody's watching you. 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:18.439 It's not a person. 00:02:18.800 --> 00:02:20.659 It's not exactly AI. 00:02:21.140 --> 00:02:23.640 It's logging, really. 00:02:24.920 --> 00:02:27.780 Computers are logging your every activity. 00:02:28.620 --> 00:02:30.740 What you look at is calculated. 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:35.040 What kind of content you're interested in is considered. 00:02:35.219 --> 00:02:41.879 And how popular your posts are determine a lot of what is made available to you. 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:51.260 The algorithms that determine such a complex calculation are determined when somebody looks at this site. 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:55.960 And when someone interacts with this product. 00:02:55.960 --> 00:03:01.040 People that look at this site and interact with this product. 00:03:01.439 --> 00:03:04.240 They're usually interested in these other things. 00:03:05.340 --> 00:03:11.540 It's those kind of algorithms that work to try to figure us out. 00:03:11.539 --> 00:03:18.639 In addition to that, our phones listen to us and interact with our interest. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:26.500 It really got my attention when I was in a Southeast Asia country teaching underground to the church. 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:30.120 And they told us not only to cut our phones off. 00:03:31.379 --> 00:03:33.560 But to remove them from the room. 00:03:36.860 --> 00:03:38.560 To get them out of earshot. 00:03:39.879 --> 00:03:41.360 Of what we were talking about. 00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:46.340 In a country that produces such as that. 00:03:46.340 --> 00:03:50.620 Have you ever talked about someone. 00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:55.159 And then notice you got a friend's suggestion on Facebook for that person. 00:03:57.180 --> 00:03:59.719 Well for one you ought to be ashamed of yourself for talking about people. 00:03:59.900 --> 00:03:59.980 Alright. 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:02.580 But that's a whole other subject for another matter. 00:04:02.580 --> 00:04:07.540 What about having a conversation about a product. 00:04:08.820 --> 00:04:13.160 And then go on Amazon and it suggests that product to you. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:15.900 Somebody's listening. 00:04:18.360 --> 00:04:20.840 And that's what happens in the spiritual world. 00:04:23.340 --> 00:04:24.819 To put it bluntly. 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:27.360 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 8 says. 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:28.439 Be sober minded. 00:04:28.580 --> 00:04:29.319 Be watchful. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:32.560 Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. 00:04:32.579 --> 00:04:35.439 Seeking someone to devour. 00:04:35.579 --> 00:04:37.959 Much like a lion hiding in the bush. 00:04:38.500 --> 00:04:41.919 Waiting for a hyena to be alone. 00:04:42.500 --> 00:04:44.740 To get a little bit further away from the pack. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:46.519 And become vulnerable for attack. 00:04:47.019 --> 00:04:49.259 The evil one and his army are looking. 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:52.299 Out for our vulnerabilities. 00:04:53.639 --> 00:04:55.199 They are unseen forces. 00:04:55.379 --> 00:04:57.579 But they are more real than what we see. 00:04:58.599 --> 00:04:59.779 And I want to be clear today. 00:04:59.879 --> 00:05:01.000 The devil don't want to give you a headache. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:04.000 He wants to destroy your life. 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:05.720 He wants to attack your peace. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:07.839 He wants to attack your joy. 00:05:08.779 --> 00:05:12.180 He wants to bring confusion and frustration in your life. 00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:16.639 He wants to decrease your eagerness. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:18.579 If you're a Christian. 00:05:18.579 --> 00:05:22.439 He wants to decrease your eagerness to share your faith with others. 00:05:23.979 --> 00:05:25.199 And if you were honest this morning. 00:05:25.300 --> 00:05:25.560 You may say. 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:27.740 Pastor I don't really have a desire to share my faith. 00:05:28.360 --> 00:05:29.360 Well there you go. 00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:30.519 It's working. 00:05:34.519 --> 00:05:36.319 And let me tell you where he often looms. 00:05:36.360 --> 00:05:38.740 And I'm always reluctant to bring up certain examples. 00:05:38.939 --> 00:05:39.419 Because it's. 00:05:39.420 --> 00:05:44.660 You may clue out if it don't involve you. 00:05:45.780 --> 00:05:47.140 And even if it does involve you. 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:48.520 You want to act like you clue out. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:52.120 Let me tell you where he often looms. 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:54.400 And where we are often weak. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:56.520 Two subjects. 00:05:57.800 --> 00:05:58.160 Sex. 00:05:58.639 --> 00:05:59.340 And money. 00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:03.620 He loves to hang out in those areas. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:07.740 The devil wants to keep you impure. 00:06:09.220 --> 00:06:10.819 He'll work overtime for it. 00:06:11.980 --> 00:06:14.780 He'll do it through lusts that lead to pornography. 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:16.819 He'll lead it. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:20.220 That'll lead to crossing sensual boundaries. 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:23.300 It'll lead to fornication. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:25.139 It'll lead to adultery. 00:06:26.139 --> 00:06:27.459 Sometimes it leads to assault. 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:30.360 It all starts in the mind. 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:34.819 And he strives to keep it before us. 00:06:36.280 --> 00:06:37.600 Through worldliness. 00:06:37.900 --> 00:06:38.980 Through social media. 00:06:39.220 --> 00:06:40.060 Through television. 00:06:40.980 --> 00:06:43.860 Through the loose morals of society. 00:06:45.139 --> 00:06:47.720 And when we are sexually impure. 00:06:48.080 --> 00:06:50.600 We have a hindrance to coming to Christ. 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:54.360 It becomes a barrier for us. 00:06:55.600 --> 00:06:58.020 It's a barrier in our walk with Christ. 00:06:58.019 --> 00:07:01.599 It's a barrier in us coming to Christ. 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:03.000 And you may be like David. 00:07:03.500 --> 00:07:06.579 Who after he confessed his adultery. 00:07:06.839 --> 00:07:08.979 After he was confronted with his adultery. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:11.500 And the fact that he tried to cover it up. 00:07:12.419 --> 00:07:14.159 And a man died because of it. 00:07:15.979 --> 00:07:17.519 In his prayer to God. 00:07:17.620 --> 00:07:18.740 His confessional prayer. 00:07:18.859 --> 00:07:21.439 He said my sin is ever before me. 00:07:22.419 --> 00:07:23.439 It's right there. 00:07:23.599 --> 00:07:24.959 It looms on me. 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:28.120 And I'm telling you. 00:07:28.399 --> 00:07:29.839 It can weigh you down. 00:07:30.339 --> 00:07:32.039 It can steal your joy. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:36.199 Or your persistence in that sin. 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:39.259 Can lead to a dullness of conviction. 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:41.359 It's often referred to. 00:07:41.399 --> 00:07:43.099 And I've referred to it already in this series. 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:45.359 Of a darkening of the mind. 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:47.879 You just. 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:51.879 When Satan darkens the mind. 00:07:52.300 --> 00:07:52.759 We just. 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:55.400 We just attempt to justify our action. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:57.580 Or possibly. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:07:59.819 Not even see it as wrong anymore. 00:08:00.520 --> 00:08:02.040 But justify it. 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:06.000 The apostle Paul warned married couples. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:08.319 About our weaknesses. 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:12.439 And he said in 1 Corinthians 7 verse 5. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:14.759 He said do not deprive one another. 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:15.660 Except perhaps for. 00:08:16.699 --> 00:08:18.500 By agreement for a limited time. 00:08:18.639 --> 00:08:20.439 That you may devote yourselves to prayer. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:22.139 But then come together again. 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:24.500 So that Satan may not tempt you. 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:27.939 Because of your lack of self control. 00:08:29.100 --> 00:08:30.680 Satan knows our weaknesses. 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:35.639 It often happens with sex. 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:36.980 And it can also happen with money. 00:08:37.639 --> 00:08:39.559 Money is what led Judas to portray Christ. 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:40.659 Instead of follow Christ. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:42.600 And he's not the only one. 00:08:43.699 --> 00:08:45.279 The rich young ruler. 00:08:45.719 --> 00:08:47.219 Walked away from Christ. 00:08:47.539 --> 00:08:47.919 Sad. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:49.299 Because he had a lot of money. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:53.899 He didn't want to part from it. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:56.319 The early church was a. 00:08:57.319 --> 00:08:58.199 Generous church. 00:08:58.299 --> 00:08:59.379 Was very strong. 00:08:59.459 --> 00:09:01.379 And I'm talking about the early church in the book of Acts. 00:09:01.679 --> 00:09:03.319 That we read about in the book of Acts. 00:09:03.699 --> 00:09:05.480 It was marked by generosity. 00:09:06.079 --> 00:09:08.079 And it was expected among believers. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:10.400 In 2 Corinthians 9. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.300 Verse 6 through 8. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:12.280 The apostle Paul says. 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:13.520 The point is this. 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:15.180 Whoever sows sparingly. 00:09:15.300 --> 00:09:16.520 Will also reap sparingly. 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:18.220 And whoever sows bountifully. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:19.440 Will also reap bountifully. 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:21.960 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart. 00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:22.900 Not reluctantly. 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:25.200 Or under compulsion. 00:09:25.540 --> 00:09:28.180 For God loves a cheerful giver. 00:09:28.600 --> 00:09:31.920 And God is able to make all grace abound to you. 00:09:32.140 --> 00:09:33.560 So that having all sufficiency. 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:34.940 And all things at all times. 00:09:34.940 --> 00:09:38.060 You may abound in every good work. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:42.220 Yet it becomes a huge stumbling block. 00:09:42.620 --> 00:09:44.280 For way too many people. 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:47.240 It was in that kind of generous atmosphere. 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:49.200 That Ananias and Sapphira said. 00:09:49.280 --> 00:09:49.520 Listen. 00:09:49.640 --> 00:09:50.320 We sold property. 00:09:50.560 --> 00:09:52.840 We brought all the money to the church. 00:09:55.300 --> 00:09:57.160 And they found out they were lying. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:58.780 They didn't find out. 00:09:58.820 --> 00:09:59.460 They knew they were lying. 00:10:00.040 --> 00:10:01.820 They tried to act as if they were faithful. 00:10:01.820 --> 00:10:02.640 In giving to the Lord. 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:03.660 Well above the tithe. 00:10:03.659 --> 00:10:04.419 Very generous. 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:05.600 But they lied about it. 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:08.199 And either the shock of being found out. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:09.159 They lied about it. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:11.019 Or either the Lord's judgment. 00:10:11.139 --> 00:10:12.860 And I've heard sermons both ways. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:14.319 And you pick whatever. 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:15.819 Scripture don't really tell us why. 00:10:15.959 --> 00:10:17.959 But it led to both of their deaths. 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:19.199 That very day. 00:10:19.899 --> 00:10:21.439 That they lied about what they gave. 00:10:22.100 --> 00:10:22.860 And on that note. 00:10:22.939 --> 00:10:24.079 We're going to take another offering. 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:36.300 Simon the magician. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:38.560 In Acts chapter 8. 00:10:39.160 --> 00:10:41.000 He wasn't just an illusionist. 00:10:42.280 --> 00:10:43.840 He dealt with black magic. 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:47.980 It's a real thing. 00:10:51.020 --> 00:10:52.280 Powered by the evil one. 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:56.179 Simon got gloriously saved. 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:57.579 His life was changed. 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:01.659 He stopped entertaining crowds with his magic. 00:11:02.079 --> 00:11:03.579 And started following the ways of Christ. 00:11:04.699 --> 00:11:08.899 And when he saw the way that God was changing lives in the ministry of Philip. 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:10.919 In miraculous ways. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:13.159 He was amazed at seeing that. 00:11:13.559 --> 00:11:15.519 Then he saw Peter and John. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.819 And he offered them money. 00:11:16.819 --> 00:11:18.639 Because he saw what God was doing through them. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:24.100 He offered them money to buy the ability to give the spirit to whoever he touched. 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:25.639 Peter told him. 00:11:25.720 --> 00:11:26.419 I don't know how it works. 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.539 You need to repent. 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:29.039 And he did. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:34.340 Jesus said in Matthew 6. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:35.759 Verse 24. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:37.960 You can't love both God's money. 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:40.340 You'll love the one and you'll hate the other. 00:11:40.340 --> 00:11:43.200 But we do at times. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:48.720 And I want you to know my point of this. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.580 The devil and his demons can't read our minds. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:55.580 But they see the evidence in our lives. 00:11:55.680 --> 00:11:56.620 And they know our weaknesses. 00:11:58.680 --> 00:11:59.920 And they go after them. 00:12:02.180 --> 00:12:03.139 They go after them. 00:12:04.300 --> 00:12:05.360 He knows our weaknesses. 00:12:06.060 --> 00:12:06.980 Tell you what else he knows. 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:09.060 He knows he's limited. 00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:17.080 He doesn't want you to know what I'm about to tell you. 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:20.920 He wants you to believe that. 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:23.840 Like they do in the TV shows. 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:26.100 You got an angel on one shoulder. 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:27.779 You got a demon on the other shoulder. 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:30.240 And there's a 50-50 chance. 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:31.519 Of you doing whatever. 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:33.180 There's an equal balance. 00:12:33.300 --> 00:12:35.399 That somehow he's co-equal with God. 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:38.240 And that you have just as much chance to do this as this. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:38.600 Or whatever. 00:12:38.799 --> 00:12:40.240 It's not the case at all. 00:12:41.959 --> 00:12:44.039 What he don't want you to know is that. 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:47.779 He is a mere created being by God. 00:12:47.860 --> 00:12:49.179 He's not a co-equal with God. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:55.259 And the hope of Jesus Christ changes everything. 00:12:55.419 --> 00:12:55.819 Everything. 00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:57.919 Job teaches us that. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:01.299 He can't mess with us outside of the permission of God. 00:13:03.579 --> 00:13:04.360 He's limited. 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:07.399 So he makes the most of his opportunities. 00:13:07.399 --> 00:13:10.659 He makes himself appear bigger than he really is. 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:14.879 He makes his temptations seem so much more delicious than they really are. 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:17.000 He makes the weight feel very. 00:13:17.399 --> 00:13:20.720 He makes the weight feel heavier than it has to be. 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:25.580 He makes God's very best for your life. 00:13:26.539 --> 00:13:29.399 Seems so far-fetched and so unattainable. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.940 That you stop trying. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:31.039 Stop trying. 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.080 Stop trying. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.360 Stop trying. 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:42.419 Scientists took a wall-eyed pike out of the lake and put it in an aquarium. 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:49.379 May the atmosphere and the temperature of the water match the lake as much as possible. 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:51.079 Then they threw a lot of minnows in. 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:57.519 And that pike thought he had died and went to heaven. 00:13:57.519 --> 00:14:04.220 Then he was eating a buffet in that aquarium. 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:18.439 Then they stuck a clear glass cylinder down in the water and put all the minnows inside that cylinder. 00:14:18.440 --> 00:14:26.800 So when the wall-eyed pike came close to it, he'd bunk his nose on that glass. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:30.640 He'd see another minute and he'd bunk his nose again. 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:33.080 And again. 00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:35.360 And again. 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:37.540 And again. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:41.120 As much as he saw, he couldn't get any of it. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:44.379 So he just rested. 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:47.879 Down to the bottom of the aquarium and just sat there. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:15:01.000 They took that cylinder back out of the water and let those minnows swim freely. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:06.960 Those minnows swam right by that wall-eyed pike's nose. 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:09.419 But he never reached for them. 00:15:10.759 --> 00:15:12.220 He never bothered them. 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:15.740 He starved to death. 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:23.580 Because he thought he could never get what was right before him. 00:15:25.679 --> 00:15:27.039 That's what the devil does. 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:33.860 He makes us believe that we're held back from God's very best for our lives. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:40.000 He leads us into a temptation and we fall for it. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:44.719 And we miss God's very best when it was right there in our grasp. 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:46.659 Right there before us. 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:52.240 Sin patterns develop in our lives and we settle in and we sink into sinful patterns. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:55.759 While God's very best is swimming right by us. 00:15:55.759 --> 00:15:58.659 So easy to grasp that we fail to. 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.559 I want you to understand today. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:02.799 Satan is limited in what he can do. 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:04.819 And he's very aware of his limitations. 00:16:05.319 --> 00:16:07.299 He wants us to think that he is almighty. 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:09.700 And he can do all things that he wants to. 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:14.399 He wants you to think that you cannot have God's very best for your life. 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:16.679 And he will starve us out if we'll let him. 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:20.019 But do not fall for his schemes. 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:23.720 He's a liar and he's limited. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.779 And he knows it. 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:28.819 Third thing I want you to get is this. 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:35.480 If you're a child of God today and you've surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:36.199 --> 00:16:37.360 Committed your life to follow him. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.720 We are sealed. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.919 We're sealed. 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:46.379 Now there's a difference when someone surrenders his or her life to Christ. 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:49.479 There's a decision that needs to be made. 00:16:50.439 --> 00:16:51.979 You didn't come up with that on your own. 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:54.039 The Lord is pursuing you. 00:16:54.979 --> 00:16:56.759 And as he lays that upon your heart. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.120 You respond to that in obedience. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:01.079 Ask God to forgive you of your sins and come into your life. 00:17:01.079 --> 00:17:05.159 He'll change you forever as you surrender your life to him. 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:11.640 And when that happens, not only is your eternity secured forever. 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:16.080 But the reality is that you're indwelled with the Holy Spirit of God. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:21.060 And scripture says that we are sealed for the day of redemption. 00:17:22.140 --> 00:17:23.880 I want to hang out there for just a few moments. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:26.880 Ephesians chapter 1 verse 13 and 14. 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.440 Listen to this. 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:28.060 It says, 00:17:28.059 --> 00:17:47.299 I want you to know what that means today. 00:17:47.299 --> 00:17:50.019 Because the devil knows what that means. 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:55.779 When the Bible describes the salvation warranty that's placed upon our life. 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:59.879 It describes it as a sealing of the Holy Spirit of God. 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:03.980 Now, when you go to the first century when they're talking about this. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:12.059 A seal was made when the wax from a candle was dripped upon maybe a seal of an envelope for instance. 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:15.480 Large drop of wax. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:17.359 And they would take that signet ring. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:20.639 That person of authority would take that signet ring. 00:18:20.640 --> 00:18:26.220 And would drop it into that wax and place his mark upon that document. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:33.660 If there was a struggle over property rights, a sealed deed would solve the issue. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:35.160 Like a signature will today. 00:18:35.520 --> 00:18:37.020 Like a notary public will today. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:39.660 The seal would solve the issue. 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:45.540 When a letter was sealed, it better not be tampered with if it's been sealed by one with authority. 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:48.420 When a door is sealed, it better not be opened. 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:53.100 A Roman sealed tomb, for instance, in the death of Christ. 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:56.600 No need for a notary if there's a seal. 00:18:56.759 --> 00:19:04.940 And if a courier was carrying a sealed document from somebody of authority, every door would open. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:10.180 Not based on the mailboy, but based upon the authority of the seal. 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:17.680 The authority behind the seal is where the power was. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:19.180 Christian, I want you to understand something. 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:21.480 I want you to know what the enemy knows. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:24.519 Once we are in Christ, we're sealed. 00:19:25.580 --> 00:19:33.420 Upon the authority of the shed blood of Christ and upon the power of the gospel, we're sealed with an eternal protection. 00:19:33.940 --> 00:19:41.080 We're sealed with the Holy Spirit's power that has set us free to say no to the snares that the devil sets. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:42.140 We're free from that. 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:43.420 We don't have to do those things. 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:47.360 We're sealed with the promise of an eternity with Christ forever. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:54.279 And there's nothing that the devil can do to stop any of that for us as children of God. 00:19:54.920 --> 00:19:56.259 So you know what he does? 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:57.820 He can't change that. 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:58.779 And he knows that. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:04.400 So he spends his time distracting us from knowing that. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:14.460 He spends his time darkening our view of what we have in Christ and doing all that he can to keep us from coming to Christ. 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:24.160 If you're here this morning and you've never surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, I want you to know there's a spiritual war for your soul going on right now. 00:20:24.280 --> 00:20:29.440 Because the devil wants his best for you not to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:33.960 Because when you surrender your life to him, you are changed forever. 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:36.480 And you're sealed. 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:42.080 I'm so thankful. 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:49.140 I'm so thankful that we're sealed in the Holy Spirit of God. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.460 And he knows that. 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:52.580 And we need to know. 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:58.180 Child of God in Christ, we're sealed. 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:01.840 I'll tell you what else he knows. 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:05.519 He knows he's defeated. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.980 He knows he's defeated. 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.940 And he's a sore loser. 00:21:13.080 --> 00:21:14.460 He's read the back of the book. 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.720 And if you haven't, you need to. 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:18.140 He's familiar with it. 00:21:19.600 --> 00:21:22.500 He took it out of context when he spoke to Jesus in the desert. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:26.240 Revelation 12, 10 through 12. 00:21:26.320 --> 00:21:27.980 And I'm talking about the word, not Revelation 12. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:30.180 But he took the word out of context. 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:33.539 Revelation 12, 10 through 12 says this. 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:35.120 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, 00:21:35.799 --> 00:21:40.180 Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ has come. 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:43.380 For the accuser of our brothers have been thrown down. 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:47.360 Who accused them day and night before our God. 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:52.599 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:56.139 For they loved not their lives even unto death. 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:59.699 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:01.359 But woe to you, O earth and sea. 00:22:01.419 --> 00:22:04.099 For the devil has come down to you in great wrath. 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:09.240 Because he knows his time is short. 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:11.740 He knows his time is short. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.620 Leave it up for just a moment. 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:13.519 I want you to see this. 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:23.700 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:27.400 That's where the power is. 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:32.100 His demise is already set. 00:22:33.560 --> 00:22:36.440 Christ's death on the cross solved it all. 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:44.259 And Satan is well aware that the shed blood of Christ in the confession of our faith is where we find our victories. 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:47.180 It is not in our abilities. 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:50.680 It is not in our own righteousness because we're all wretched. 00:22:51.640 --> 00:22:52.720 We've all fallen. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:54.140 We still fall. 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.840 It's not in our righteousness. 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.860 It's not in our heritage. 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.560 I don't care who your grandpa is. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:06.280 It does not come from our heritage. 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:08.780 It does not come from our place of worship. 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.860 I'm glad you're here. 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:10.600 Don't misunderstand me. 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:12.600 But you're not sealed because you're here. 00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:15.960 You don't have victory because you showed up. 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:17.620 That's not where it comes from. 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:20.160 It comes from being in Christ is what it comes from. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.580 It all comes back to the shed blood of Christ. 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:29.919 It's by the shed blood of Christ that we win the victory. 00:23:31.419 --> 00:23:37.799 Hebrews chapter 2 verse 14 tells us that it was by Christ's death that he destroyed the one who has the power of death. 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:39.019 That is the devil. 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.879 I love the way Adrian Rogers put it. 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:47.440 He said he may be active but he sails a sinking ship and rules a ruined domain. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:50.600 He's a loser and he knows it. 00:23:52.600 --> 00:23:54.440 By the shed blood of Christ we win the victory. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:57.860 Not only that, it's also by the shed blood of Christ that we walk cleanly. 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:01.259 The only hope we have is in the blood of Christ. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:03.500 And the blood that he shed for us. 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:06.119 1 John chapter 1 verse 7 says this. 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:09.559 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:13.859 And the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all our sins. 00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:21.680 There's no reason to know these things if we're not going to claim these things. 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:28.200 As a matter of fact, if you know those things and don't respond to those things, you're responsible for those things. 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:35.240 So there's no need for us to know those things if we're not going to claim them and to live by them and to be changed by them. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:41.380 And if you want victory over sin, we have to commit to walk cleanly before the Lord. 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.740 There's no other way for that. 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:45.680 We've got to commit to be clean before him. 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:51.620 We're more vulnerable by every unconfessed sin in our lives. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:57.580 If I have a bear on my back porch, okay? 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:59.140 And some of y'all do. 00:24:59.880 --> 00:25:00.700 My soul. 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:07.299 But if I have a bear on my back porch, you don't crack the door so he can come in the kitchen. 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:12.220 No, I've seen you on Facebook. 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:15.620 You go in the house and you shut the door and lock it. 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:20.620 Try your best to keep him out. 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:29.819 And the reality is, unconfessed sin is just cracking doors open when the enemy's lurking. 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:30.799 It's just right there. 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.619 Just being susceptible. 00:25:36.619 --> 00:25:42.919 Not only, when you have unconfessed sin in your life, not only are you not in the foxhole of protection in the battle, 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:47.880 but you've crossed over into enemy's territory when you're unclean. 00:25:48.840 --> 00:25:50.240 You're on his territory. 00:25:53.300 --> 00:25:56.320 I've said this several times over the last few weeks if you've been with us. 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:57.820 James 4, 7. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:04.600 When I spoke of it, God spoke to me about it, and I've just leaned on it for several weeks. 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:08.099 He says, resist the devil and he'll flee from you. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:15.179 And I've told you before, now he may flee for a minute and he may be coming back. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:21.779 And he may wait five minutes and he may be coming back. 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:23.019 And he may wait 30 minutes. 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:25.680 He may wait an hour or two days. 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:27.480 But he's coming back, I'll tell you. 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.539 And the more you resist him, 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:35.279 the less he keeps coming back 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:39.220 because he knows he's beaten your life. 00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:43.839 Not because of you, but because you're leaning upon the shed blood of Christ. 00:26:44.860 --> 00:26:46.019 Because you're trusting the Lord. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:48.319 Resist the devil and he'll flee from you. 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:49.400 But I want you to see the rest of that 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:52.240 because I always skip over the first part of that, and I shouldn't. 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:56.200 As I was studying for this week, I thought, man, I need to deal with this too. 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:58.180 Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:03.440 And then after that, it says in verse 8, 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.799 submit yourself, therefore, to God. 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:08.259 After that, excuse me, it says, draw near to God, 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.339 and he'll draw near to you. 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.240 Now, let's put all that together. 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.720 James 4, 7 through 8. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.759 And I want you to get this. 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:18.839 I want you to take this home, and I want you to... 00:27:18.839 --> 00:27:20.920 I'm praying God will speak to you through this. 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.839 Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:27.879 Resist the devil. 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:30.779 And he'll flee from you. 00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:32.359 When I read this, I thought about this, boy. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:34.420 When I was in the ninth grade, I was scrawny. 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:36.879 I know that's hard to imagine, but I was. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:43.279 And I had this boy messing with me, just picking at me. 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:46.299 He's a bully, and he scared me. 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:51.480 And when I read this passage, I thought, man, I wish so-and-so years ago, 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:53.980 I'd have popped that old boy in the nose and just dealt with it, 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:56.960 because I could have took him and didn't even know it. 00:27:56.960 --> 00:28:03.240 If I had resisted him, he'd have fleed. 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.960 Because I got friends. 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:07.299 We'd have hunted him down. 00:28:07.880 --> 00:28:08.900 That's a whole other message. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:14.440 Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. 00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:15.319 Resist the devil. 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:16.600 He'll flee from you. 00:28:18.400 --> 00:28:19.779 Draw near to God. 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:22.660 This is a promise. 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:25.660 Draw near to God. 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:28.019 And he'll draw near to you. 00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:32.000 Cleanse your hearts, you sinners. 00:28:33.339 --> 00:28:36.119 And purify your hearts, you double-minded. 00:28:36.119 --> 00:28:43.019 It's by the shed blood of Christ that we walk cleanly. 00:28:44.159 --> 00:28:46.799 And lastly, it's by the shed blood of Christ that we testify. 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:51.759 We need to change the way we talk. 00:28:53.740 --> 00:28:55.159 We need to change the way we pray. 00:28:58.500 --> 00:29:00.519 Instead of saying, Lord, give me the victory, 00:29:01.819 --> 00:29:05.720 if you're a child of God today, you need to say, Lord, you are my victory. 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:08.500 Send you, I have victory. 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:12.180 Instead of saying, Lord, defeat Satan, 00:29:12.859 --> 00:29:16.319 say, Lord, thank you for defeating Satan. 00:29:17.799 --> 00:29:19.659 Instead of saying, Lord, give me strength, 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:21.240 say, Lord, you are my strength. 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:22.440 You're my shield. 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:24.139 You're my deliverer. 00:29:24.419 --> 00:29:25.839 You're who I put our confidence in. 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:28.839 Instead of saying, Lord, make me stronger, 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:31.599 say, Lord, I yield my life to you. 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:34.700 I'll fight for your cause. 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:38.240 My hope is firmly in you. 00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:42.059 And because of you, I will have victory today. 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:48.079 You see, Satan already knows that. 00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:52.359 And we need to know it. 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:56.059 And we need to live by it. 00:29:58.460 --> 00:30:00.359 Romans 16, verse 20. 00:30:01.399 --> 00:30:03.119 I don't want you to miss this. 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:11.959 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. 00:30:13.719 --> 00:30:18.559 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:21.679 I'm going to tell you something. 00:30:23.919 --> 00:30:25.119 He knows it. 00:30:26.919 --> 00:30:27.519 Do we? 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:33.480 And if we do, do we live like it? 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:36.599 With every head bowed and every eye closed, 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:39.279 if you've never surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:30:39.359 --> 00:30:40.940 I want you to know today is the day of salvation. 00:30:40.940 --> 00:30:45.559 There's not anything in you that draw you to God in yourself. 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:48.840 No, in fact, he is the one tugging at you. 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:51.460 He is the one leading you. 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:54.380 We'll stand in just a moment and we'll sing, 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:56.519 but if you've never surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus, 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:59.440 and today you say, Lord, I don't want to do this on my own anymore. 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:02.559 I want you to forgive me to come into my life and to change me, 00:31:02.620 --> 00:31:03.680 then I encourage you to come. 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:05.860 I'd love to guide you in that process. 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:10.939 Maybe you're here and you have done that privately, 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.319 but you've never done it publicly. 00:31:13.219 --> 00:31:15.379 Jesus, by his commission and by his example, 00:31:15.500 --> 00:31:17.059 told us that we need to follow that up 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:19.639 with a public confession of our faith through baptism. 00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:22.019 Next Sunday we're baptizing. 00:31:23.679 --> 00:31:25.159 If you've never been baptized as a believer, 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:27.519 you come. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:29.419 We'd love to guide you in that process. 00:31:30.719 --> 00:31:32.759 Maybe God's drawing you to First Baptist Church. 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:34.240 God's doing a wonderful work in our church, 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.119 and I thank God for that. 00:31:35.119 --> 00:31:37.119 Maybe he's drawing you to be a part of that. 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:39.979 You come. 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:41.459 We'll guide you in that process. 00:31:42.659 --> 00:31:44.939 Or maybe you're here this morning like a lot of us, 00:31:45.839 --> 00:31:46.739 and they're just stuff, 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:49.399 stuff you need to lay down before the Lord, 00:31:49.459 --> 00:31:51.199 and you need to deal with it before God, 00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:55.419 and you need to walk out of here as clean folks before the Lord, 00:31:56.679 --> 00:31:58.679 invigorated by the Spirit of God, 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:00.819 leading you to walk out of the valleys 00:32:00.819 --> 00:32:02.279 that you've walked yourself into. 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:06.740 So I encourage you to do business with God today. 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.460 We're going to stand and we're going to sing, 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:11.559 but more important than singing a song is getting your heart right with God. 00:32:11.619 --> 00:32:13.720 And I realize you can do that in the pew where you are. 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:16.160 You can do it at this altar right down here, 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:18.299 or you can do it with a pastor praying for you. 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:20.440 I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:25.299 I have no clue what God's telling you to do, 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:28.799 but I know you'll never be satisfied 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:32.240 if you do anything more or anything less 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:34.259 than what God leads you to do. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.619 So be obedient. 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:38.319 Follow his will and his way. 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:42.059 Lord Jesus, lead us, Father. 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:46.000 You give us understanding through your word. 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:48.899 Help us to live in response to it, dear God. 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:51.220 Move and work in our lives, 00:32:51.579 --> 00:32:53.879 in our midst, as only you can, God, I pray. 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:57.439 In Jesus' precious name, amen. 00:32:57.439 --> 00:32:57.579 Amen. 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:57.639 Amen.