WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.060 I want to turn to James chapter 1, James chapter 1. 00:00:04.219 --> 00:00:11.019 The death of Christ on the cross is the event of all of human history 00:00:11.019 --> 00:00:15.500 that everything else in human history revolves around. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:24.539 Among other things, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross did two things. 00:00:24.539 --> 00:00:33.200 One is it gave us the opportunity to have salvation and to be made right with God. 00:00:34.019 --> 00:00:37.740 If we acknowledge that we've sinned against God and done wrong, 00:00:38.759 --> 00:00:45.120 and we ask God to forgive us, and we commit to follow Him with our lives, 00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:49.420 and to live for His cause, He will forever save us. 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:57.260 Because of the cross, He will forgive you, empower you, 00:00:57.560 --> 00:01:03.280 and provide you an opportunity to spend eternity with the security of being with Him 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:05.019 because of the cross. 00:01:07.840 --> 00:01:12.799 The second thing the cross does for us is it defeats Satan. 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:16.140 Satan has been defeated. 00:01:16.140 --> 00:01:22.540 The cross of Christ has established the eternal fate of the evil one. 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:29.219 Revelation 20 verse 10 tells us that He will be cast into the lake of fire. 00:01:30.040 --> 00:01:32.659 He has some time until then. 00:01:33.740 --> 00:01:38.640 And Scripture teaches us that He has given permission to test our wills 00:01:38.640 --> 00:01:40.840 and to tempt us in the meantime. 00:01:40.840 --> 00:01:46.380 But oh, when He tempts us, how we must be careful. 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:52.560 Do not take the ploys of the evil one lightly. 00:01:54.020 --> 00:01:56.200 I want you to listen to what James says about it. 00:01:56.300 --> 00:01:59.359 In James chapter 1 verse 13, he says, 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:03.260 Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:07.100 for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 00:02:07.099 --> 00:02:12.759 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 00:02:13.759 --> 00:02:17.479 Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin. 00:02:18.459 --> 00:02:24.159 And sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:32.500 Trials, temptations, and turmorals will come from the evil one. 00:02:32.500 --> 00:02:40.000 And I want to share this morning some demoralizing devices that he uses. 00:02:40.659 --> 00:02:42.180 It is not exhaustive. 00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:44.680 There are other measures, I'm sure. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:51.379 But I've tried to somehow scripturally summarize some things for us to look for. 00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:55.420 If you're not a note taker, today's the day to take notes, 00:02:55.719 --> 00:02:57.759 to just write down these seven things. 00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:01.560 Because I want you to have this list before you. 00:03:02.099 --> 00:03:04.379 When you face things in life, 00:03:04.959 --> 00:03:08.019 and you're wondering what in the world is going on, 00:03:08.679 --> 00:03:09.840 I want you to look at this list. 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:17.120 And I want you to notice the demoralizing devices that the devil uses. 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:20.479 First one is deception. 00:03:20.479 --> 00:03:26.799 His key and his most used snare is his deception. 00:03:28.159 --> 00:03:31.039 Revelation 12, verse 9, 00:03:31.659 --> 00:03:34.479 And the great dragon was thrown down that ancient serpent 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:36.219 who is called the devil and Satan. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.579 Listen to how he's described. 00:03:38.099 --> 00:03:39.939 The deceiver of the whole world. 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:43.159 He was thrown down to the earth and his angels were thrown down with him. 00:03:43.159 --> 00:03:51.340 That speaks of, in history, when he came out of heaven and was cast down. 00:03:51.579 --> 00:03:57.379 But I want you to notice how he's identified there as the deceiver of the world. 00:03:58.240 --> 00:04:00.780 Jesus said in John 8, verse 44, 00:04:01.539 --> 00:04:08.539 He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:11.919 because there is no truth in him. 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:13.619 Listen to this last sentence. 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:16.539 When he lies, he speaks out of his own character. 00:04:17.919 --> 00:04:21.620 For he's a liar and the father of lies. 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:27.759 Satan lies and always has a ring of truth to it. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:31.779 It's kind of like a counterfeit bill. 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:37.579 It looks real, but it's really worthless. 00:04:39.219 --> 00:04:40.639 And so is the devil's doings. 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:41.439 They look real. 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:42.099 They look good. 00:04:43.719 --> 00:04:44.560 But they're worthless. 00:04:45.419 --> 00:04:48.079 Listen to the passion of the Apostle Paul for God's people. 00:04:48.639 --> 00:04:50.399 In 2 Corinthians 11, 3, he says, 00:04:50.500 --> 00:04:53.659 But I'm afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, 00:04:53.779 --> 00:04:59.199 your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 00:05:00.159 --> 00:05:01.339 You know why we're led astray? 00:05:01.419 --> 00:05:04.879 Because he tries to convince us that what's wrong is right, 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:07.139 and what's right is wrong. 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:12.719 He's not good, but he looks, likes to look good 00:05:12.719 --> 00:05:16.740 and to use good things to lead us astray. 00:05:18.399 --> 00:05:24.800 For instance, Satan has never used the ploy, 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:28.500 I'm going to turn you into an alcoholic. 00:05:30.759 --> 00:05:31.939 He never said that. 00:05:34.180 --> 00:05:39.080 But I want you to hear what the writer of Proverbs warns us about in chapter 23. 00:05:40.080 --> 00:05:40.400 He says, 00:05:40.399 --> 00:06:09.919 Oh, my friend, it looks winsome. 00:06:10.399 --> 00:06:11.359 It looks so winsome. 00:06:11.359 --> 00:06:16.799 But so often, so very often, 00:06:17.899 --> 00:06:24.599 this lie from the evil one becomes a sin plague in a family's life 00:06:24.599 --> 00:06:31.319 that affects generations. 00:06:33.319 --> 00:06:35.299 He never sells it like that. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:39.759 He never says, 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:43.020 Let's destroy your marriage and your family. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:46.400 That's not a ploy of his. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:47.220 He don't say that. 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:50.780 Instead, he whispers to a man, 00:06:51.319 --> 00:06:52.319 Don't she look fine? 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:55.660 And to a woman, 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:58.199 He listens to you. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:00.939 He cares about you. 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:04.360 He gives you more attention than you get at home. 00:07:05.719 --> 00:07:10.920 He just tries his best to lead us to a mirage, 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:13.339 an illusion, 00:07:13.899 --> 00:07:17.740 what seems like an oasis in the desert, 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:19.579 but it's not. 00:07:19.579 --> 00:07:22.759 It's not. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:25.699 It'll make you more parched than you think you are. 00:07:27.800 --> 00:07:31.819 He deceptively draws you to the attractive, 00:07:32.539 --> 00:07:34.259 but it's a setup. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:37.219 One of his keep, 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:41.060 I think the main snare is deception. 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:45.139 He also uses destruction. 00:07:50.660 --> 00:07:54.780 Apollyon, in Revelation 9, verse 11, is what he's called, 00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:57.040 and that word means destroyer. 00:07:58.660 --> 00:08:02.500 It means to create chaos and to lay waste and to ruin 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:04.060 and to make desolate. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:09.259 For the devil loves to smash and to mangle and to twist 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:14.019 and to mutilate and to disfigure every way that he can. 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:17.300 Satan makes nothing. 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:22.160 He destroys just about anything that he tries. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:29.639 Vandalism, looting, mayhem in the streets. 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:31.120 It's demonic. 00:08:31.519 --> 00:08:32.299 It's what it is. 00:08:32.299 --> 00:08:33.299 It's demonic. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:36.779 How can you turn a national championship 00:08:36.779 --> 00:08:38.739 or a world championship on the pro level? 00:08:38.839 --> 00:08:41.739 How do you turn that in as a celebration of a city 00:08:41.739 --> 00:08:46.259 into turning over cars and lighting things on fire 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:47.959 and busting out windows? 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:50.039 How is that a celebration? 00:08:51.739 --> 00:08:52.819 Because it's evil. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:55.359 It's demonic. 00:08:57.059 --> 00:09:00.359 When people don't get their way and they tear up stuff, 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:02.659 it's of the evil one. 00:09:02.659 --> 00:09:06.799 And quite honestly, it's not just cars and buildings. 00:09:06.980 --> 00:09:07.679 It's lies. 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:12.319 Those riots are just an evidence of a greater evil 00:09:12.319 --> 00:09:15.439 that he does and lies. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:19.019 He does it by lying. 00:09:19.159 --> 00:09:20.299 He does it by distorting. 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:21.539 He does it by counterfeiting. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:22.699 He does it by clouding. 00:09:23.059 --> 00:09:26.100 But Paul calls it the devil's schemes. 00:09:26.100 --> 00:09:27.920 He destroys. 00:09:27.920 --> 00:09:28.460 He destroys. 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:32.240 Wreeks havoc. 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:38.700 The third demoralizing device is darkening. 00:09:38.700 --> 00:09:44.379 I don't know how else to put it 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:45.720 because that's the way Scripture puts it. 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:48.100 But Satan darkens the mind 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:50.400 to the light of the Word of God. 00:09:51.300 --> 00:09:54.820 He hates the Word of God. 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:56.440 He hates it. 00:09:57.280 --> 00:09:59.660 God's Word is living and breathing and active. 00:09:59.800 --> 00:10:01.280 It cuts to the heart of the matter 00:10:01.280 --> 00:10:02.640 and God uses it. 00:10:02.639 --> 00:10:07.600 And so Satan works hard to keep folks out of God's Word. 00:10:07.699 --> 00:10:09.980 He'll tell you that it sounds archaic. 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.659 He'll tell you the same kind of thing 00:10:14.659 --> 00:10:16.019 that he told Eve in the garden. 00:10:16.179 --> 00:10:17.819 Did God really say? 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:20.899 Making you question what God's Word really says. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:24.459 I was on the phone this week with somebody 00:10:24.459 --> 00:10:27.100 who lives a long way from here, 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:29.679 who's made decisions in his life, 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:32.740 led by the evil one, 00:10:33.559 --> 00:10:34.720 caused a lot of destruction. 00:10:38.819 --> 00:10:41.199 And one of the things he wanted to talk about was 00:10:41.199 --> 00:10:44.860 does the Bible really say? 00:10:47.379 --> 00:10:48.779 Does this really apply? 00:10:48.779 --> 00:10:51.799 What does this really mean? 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:55.000 And I'm prepping for this sermon 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:56.480 when I'm having this conversation, 00:10:57.959 --> 00:11:00.559 at least in those same days. 00:11:02.339 --> 00:11:04.259 And I thought, and I said, 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:08.039 Satan's darkening the mind. 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:13.879 It's as if it is evening outside 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:16.459 and we lost power in this room. 00:11:17.819 --> 00:11:18.539 It just darkens. 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:20.339 Sometimes it's on a dimmer 00:11:20.339 --> 00:11:22.439 and sometimes it's real quick. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:24.759 But he just darkens. 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:28.199 He'll lead pastors away from preaching it. 00:11:31.339 --> 00:11:32.699 Give folks advice. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.439 Teach leadership. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:40.319 Teach how to be a good person. 00:11:40.459 --> 00:11:41.579 I mean, all that's attractive 00:11:41.579 --> 00:11:43.039 and there's a place for all of that. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:44.039 It's not bad to hear. 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:47.759 But it should never be absent from the Word of God. 00:11:49.099 --> 00:11:51.799 The Word is not just something that you tag on 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:54.019 to a self-help talk that you came up with 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:55.919 but needs something to tag on to it. 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:57.679 That's not preaching the Word of God. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:12:00.899 Honestly, all of life will not be a blessing. 00:12:01.199 --> 00:12:01.480 Okay? 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:03.279 I don't care how much you give. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.599 I encourage you to give. 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:07.899 Be faithful to the Lord. 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:09.500 But I'm not going to lie to you. 00:12:11.419 --> 00:12:13.600 All of life's not going to be dandy for you. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:17.120 We live in a sinful, fallen world 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.480 and even if we didn't, we're sinners. 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:21.860 We make our own messes if nobody else made it for us. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:24.940 But the combination of all that makes for a concoction 00:12:24.940 --> 00:12:27.279 where life can be very difficult. 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:29.560 Smiley preachers will tell you different. 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:31.680 That's what you want to hear. 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.300 But it's not true. 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:38.720 2 Timothy 4, verse 3-4. 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:40.259 I believe we're living in these days. 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:43.120 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:46.620 but have itching ears that they'll accumulate for themselves teachers 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:48.320 to suit their own passions 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:49.860 and will turn away from listening to the truth 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:51.600 and wander off into myths. 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:53.200 You know why? 00:12:53.300 --> 00:12:54.879 Because he darkens the mind. 00:12:56.860 --> 00:13:01.240 He'll also darken the unbeliever's mind to the truth of God's word. 00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:04.000 Jesus said in John 14, 6, 00:13:04.060 --> 00:13:05.379 I am the way, the truth, and the life. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:08.940 No man comes unto the Father except through me. 00:13:09.460 --> 00:13:12.379 And the devil will tell folks that is not the truth. 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:17.279 That your salvation and your hope of eternity 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:20.019 is somehow a balance, a scale. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:23.279 And if you can get enough good right 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:25.100 to outweigh the bad, 00:13:25.659 --> 00:13:26.559 you'll be okay. 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:31.360 That smells of smoke 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:33.199 and it's a lie. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:40.180 He'll try to convince us of that. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:47.640 He'll try to make us think 00:13:47.640 --> 00:13:50.340 that we are all right with the man upstairs. 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:55.360 When I hear somebody speak like that, 00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:56.600 you know the first thing I think? 00:13:58.680 --> 00:13:59.560 He's lost. 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:04.819 You don't know the Lord if you talk about him 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:06.839 like he's a crazy uncle in the attic. 00:14:11.839 --> 00:14:14.179 You're not all right with God 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:16.779 if that's what you think. 00:14:16.839 --> 00:14:19.119 That it's all just going to weigh out at all. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.659 As a matter of fact, 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:22.399 the first step to salvation 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:24.620 is to acknowledge that we're not all right. 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:28.159 The first step is to say, 00:14:28.299 --> 00:14:29.080 I need help. 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:32.539 I need the forgiveness of God. 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:37.120 And I don't expect you to clean me up 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:38.539 without me committing my life 00:14:38.539 --> 00:14:39.740 because it don't work that way. 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:42.240 I commit my life to follow him. 00:14:42.440 --> 00:14:44.299 Our only hope is in Christ, friend. 00:14:44.299 --> 00:14:48.459 And the gospel will enlighten the darkened mind. 00:14:48.819 --> 00:14:51.299 The gospel will enlighten the darkened mind. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.659 So stick to the word of God 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:55.439 because Satan does not want us in the word of God 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:58.959 because it's living and breathing and active 00:14:58.959 --> 00:15:01.099 and it enlightens the mind. 00:15:03.479 --> 00:15:04.679 Fourth thing is doubt. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:07.659 Satan loves to cause doubt. 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:11.279 He'll cause doubt about the existence of God. 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:14.779 He'll cause doubt about the reality of Christ. 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:16.879 I mean, there'll be things that pop up in your mind 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.839 just out of nowhere 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:20.220 that don't make any sense at all. 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:24.240 Pop up in your mind about the reality of Christ. 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:26.559 Is Christ really who he says he is? 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.720 And for the Christian, 00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:34.939 it's all to cause doubt about your salvation. 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:38.220 I mean, if you're a child of God, 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:41.759 Satan does not want you feeling secure in that. 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:43.100 He'll ask you, are you really saved? 00:15:43.180 --> 00:15:44.480 I mean, can somebody really be saved 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:45.660 and think the things you think 00:15:45.660 --> 00:15:48.220 and say the things that you say? 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.480 Can somebody really be saved? 00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:53.220 I mean, if you doubt your salvation, 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:55.160 does that even mean that you can't be saved? 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:56.700 That's the kind of stuff he'll tell you. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:16:01.600 Very popular evangelist of yesteryear 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.820 in Southern Baptist life 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:04.920 used to say, I heard him say, 00:16:04.919 --> 00:16:08.919 if you've ever had a doubt, you're lost. 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:13.079 If you're 99% sure you're saved, 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.099 you're 100% lost. 00:16:15.199 --> 00:16:15.879 Well, I'm telling you, 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.679 that'll preach 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:18.659 and that'll make people make decisions 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:20.099 and do whatever they got to do 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:21.539 to jump through the hoops as necessary 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:23.099 to make sure that's taken care of. 00:16:23.199 --> 00:16:24.240 But it's not scriptural. 00:16:24.339 --> 00:16:25.139 Read James. 00:16:28.099 --> 00:16:30.000 We're going to have doubts along the way. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:34.279 And if that was true, 00:16:34.419 --> 00:16:36.820 our salvation would be based on our feelings. 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:37.620 And it's not. 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:40.820 Our salvation is based on the cross of Christ. 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:43.159 Our salvation is based on our response 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:44.519 to the invitation of Christ. 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:46.419 Now, I want you to understand something this morning. 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:48.600 If you doubt your salvation, 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:50.639 that is a huge red flag, 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:54.340 a huge red flag that you need to pay attention to. 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:56.139 Do not dismiss that. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:57.639 When doubt comes, 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:02.879 it is time to go back to the day and the place. 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:05.059 How did you come to Christ? 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:09.639 What happened in your life? 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:13.079 On what basis did you commit your life to Christ? 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:15.700 Nail down that experience. 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:20.920 I work hard with each child that I have part 00:17:20.920 --> 00:17:22.420 in leading to Christ 00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:24.079 to nail down that experience, 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:26.339 to archive that experience. 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:29.240 And if a child comes down this morning 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:29.919 and they're young 00:17:29.919 --> 00:17:31.559 and I don't know their story 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:32.359 and I don't know what, 00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:33.579 and they say they want to give their heart and life, 00:17:33.659 --> 00:17:35.039 I will tell them, 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:37.359 let's get together and let's talk about this. 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:41.980 Because I don't want you to follow somebody else 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:42.759 down the aisle 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:44.179 and to do something 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:45.579 that you don't know what you're doing 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:47.379 and wonder about it for the rest of your life. 00:17:47.439 --> 00:17:48.379 I don't want that to happen. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:50.279 I want us to know what we know. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:54.279 I want you to know that you know that you know 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:55.639 that you know that you're saved 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:57.379 and rest in that 00:17:57.379 --> 00:18:00.420 because the devil loves to cause doubt. 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:01.559 That's why I believe 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:02.980 when somebody gives their heart and life 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.920 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:04.779 I've told you, 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.079 we're going to baptize in the coming weeks 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:07.500 and I've told you when we baptize, 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.059 listen, 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.059 when, 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:12.980 about everybody won yesterday, 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:13.319 I think, 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:13.660 but, 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:15.099 but, 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:16.299 but man, 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:16.660 when they, 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:17.619 when they score, 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:20.339 I was giving it to them 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:22.359 for a team that I don't even care about, 00:18:22.460 --> 00:18:24.500 but I love seeing somebody else get scored on, 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:24.880 so I, 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:27.099 I was giving it to them last night on the couch, 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.220 excited. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:31.220 We roar and carry on 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:33.460 like it all makes a difference, 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.759 like we're going to remember in two weeks 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:35.819 what we just watched. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:39.859 When somebody gives their heart and life 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:40.539 to the Lord Jesus 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:42.799 and publicly proclaims that through baptism, 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:44.579 we ought to celebrate, folks. 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:48.039 Those families ought to have a party at the house. 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:48.279 They, 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:48.799 they should. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:50.059 You can invite all of us, 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:52.079 but they ought to have a party at the house. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:53.720 I, 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:55.240 I think about when Joshua 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:57.240 crossed the Jordan 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.799 and God stopped him and said, 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:03.200 take 12 stones 00:19:03.200 --> 00:19:04.859 and put them in the banks of this river 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:06.920 as memorial stones 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:07.800 to remember what, 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:09.039 how God brought you through, 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:11.860 to remember how God brought you across the desert, 00:19:12.080 --> 00:19:14.680 to remember how God's brought you through the promised land, 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:16.300 to mark this time down. 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:18.440 And when your children say, 00:19:18.580 --> 00:19:19.740 what do these stones mean? 00:19:19.820 --> 00:19:21.600 Tell them how God brought you through. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:24.440 We got to be laying memorial stones in our life 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.660 for when God moves. 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.779 There's no greater time when God moves 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.840 than in salvation, 00:19:28.840 --> 00:19:30.620 when somebody's life is changed. 00:19:30.619 --> 00:19:34.239 So if you doubt your salvation, 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.639 let's talk about that. 00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:37.519 I'm serious. 00:19:37.639 --> 00:19:38.299 I got all day. 00:19:38.379 --> 00:19:39.319 Let's talk about it. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:40.959 However, 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:44.399 if you know you've surrendered your life to Christ, 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:48.259 no one can snatch you out of the hand of the Father 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:51.619 and don't you dare let the devil make you think you can fall out. 00:19:51.699 --> 00:19:53.579 That's a ploy of the evil one. 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:56.220 He dogs Christians with doubt 00:19:56.220 --> 00:19:59.279 because doubtful Christians are miserable Christians 00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:02.339 and you're not going to share a faith that you doubt. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.799 And so the best way to get you to be quiet 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:07.159 about what God's doing in your life 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:08.559 is to make you doubt. 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:10.960 He wants to steal your zeal 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:12.579 and destroy your joy. 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:14.039 And he works overtime on it. 00:20:16.159 --> 00:20:17.079 Not only that, 00:20:17.139 --> 00:20:18.139 but he causes division. 00:20:20.399 --> 00:20:22.299 It's a demoralizing device. 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:23.259 He loves division. 00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:25.819 We serve a God that is a unifier. 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:30.599 Nothing helps relationships like the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.519 Nothing does. 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.940 It is the gospel that unifies us with God 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:38.119 and what once was separated by sin 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:40.720 is now united when we're in Christ. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:44.460 God's also a multiplier. 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:47.099 He multiplies. 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.039 When God gets in it, 00:20:48.339 --> 00:20:48.899 things grow. 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:50.720 When you walk with the Lord, 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:51.359 you grow. 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:53.119 When two people walk with the Lord, 00:20:53.219 --> 00:20:53.919 they grow together. 00:20:54.459 --> 00:20:56.599 When a church faithfully seeks the face of God, 00:20:56.719 --> 00:20:58.819 God will grow in them. 00:20:59.139 --> 00:21:00.359 Whereas God multiplies, 00:21:01.179 --> 00:21:02.359 the evil one divides. 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:06.479 The devil has a strategic plan 00:21:06.479 --> 00:21:08.579 to separate husbands and wives. 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.199 Tear down the family. 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.899 You'll tear down the nation. 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:18.720 He wants to divide parents from kids. 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:21.220 In the workplace, 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:24.180 he wants there to be disunity among coworkers. 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:26.940 You know why? 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.560 Because you take that home with you. 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.000 If you're mad at everybody, 00:21:31.080 --> 00:21:32.040 not speaking to anybody at work, 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:33.200 you're not sharing your faith. 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:36.040 You're not speaking of what God's doing in your life. 00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:38.780 You're not encouraging anybody to come worship with you. 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:39.880 You're not going to do those things 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.500 if you don't like them. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:43.279 You can't get along with them. 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.380 Not only that, 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:45.859 but it is hard. 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:49.480 We don't live life in a cafeteria-style plate 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.880 where the meat's here 00:21:50.880 --> 00:21:51.759 and the taters are here 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.619 and the peas are here 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:53.380 and the fruit's here 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:55.240 and they all got edges. 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:56.599 No, it all runs together. 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:58.519 The gravy gets in the peas and the whole bit. 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:01.200 And you come home, 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.200 destroy your family 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.440 because you work with a jerk. 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:07.400 And so the devil will do it 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:08.100 wherever he has to. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:13.019 He loves to divide. 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:15.700 Jesus said, 00:22:15.860 --> 00:22:16.680 no house divided 00:22:16.680 --> 00:22:19.200 against itself will stand. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:23.460 And that is the plan of the evil one. 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.460 Good, godly friendships 00:22:26.460 --> 00:22:29.320 can fall victim to the division of the evil one. 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:31.639 When we wander into pettiness. 00:22:31.939 --> 00:22:32.460 Pettiness. 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.700 And pettiness. 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.960 I don't even know if that's a word. 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:36.299 But anyway, 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.500 pettiness. 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:39.639 When things get flared, 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:42.019 listen to me. 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:43.839 This might be all you hear today. 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:45.019 When things get flared, 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.759 back off. 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.659 Back off. 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:48.700 Back off. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:53.039 Just because you have the fastest tongue in the West 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.240 don't mean you have to use it. 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.240 Amen. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:59.700 If you don't use it, 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.339 use it right. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:04.279 Take a breather. 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:07.660 Ask God to show you 00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:08.880 what's really going on. 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:11.940 Follow the advice of the psalmist. 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:13.440 Psalm 39 verse 1. 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:13.759 He says, 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:15.940 I will guard my ways 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:18.559 that I might not sin with my tongue. 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:21.940 I will guard my mouth with a muzzle 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:25.120 so long as the wicked are in my presence. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:27.960 Muzzle it. 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.740 We got muzzles. 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:32.220 We're going to give out at the end of worship. 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.720 Take him home. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.440 Get one for you. 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:37.099 No, don't get one for somebody else. 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.779 This is for you. 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.400 We'll have to go back to division. 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:41.299 Do I need to cover that again? 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:43.120 Walk away. 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:44.019 Walk away. 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:44.500 Chill. 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.019 Pause. 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:46.579 Because the devil divides. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.460 He divides. 00:23:47.460 --> 00:23:51.180 And it's amazing what a 10-second pause can do. 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:52.799 It's amazing. 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:54.620 Just swallow hard. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.460 And hold it for a moment. 00:23:58.539 --> 00:24:00.859 There will be a lot less division 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:06.559 that the evil one thrives off of. 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.480 I'll tell you what else he does. 00:24:10.200 --> 00:24:10.720 Discouragement. 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:14.480 He loves to discourage us. 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:15.039 Loves to. 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:18.159 I want you to hear the cry of a man who loved God's people 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:20.019 and was struggling in his time away from them. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:23.319 In 1 Thessalonians 2, verse 17 and 18, 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.460 the apostle Paul said, 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:27.119 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.740 for a short time in person, not in heart, 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:31.139 we endeavored the more eager and with great desire 00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:32.159 to see you face to face. 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:35.940 Because we wanted to come to you. 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.940 Listen to this. 00:24:38.140 --> 00:24:39.000 Listen to his passion. 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:42.880 I, Paul, again and again. 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:45.720 But Satan hindered us. 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:49.660 Satan hindered us. 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.960 He loves to hinder. 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:52.039 Hinder. 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:55.680 And hindrance can cause a great discouragement. 00:24:57.220 --> 00:25:00.960 I spoke of Joshua crossing the Jordan River. 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:03.579 Do you remember what God said to Joshua? 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:07.319 As Joshua stood on the banks of the Jordan River, 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:09.440 he was about to cross over into the promised land. 00:25:10.600 --> 00:25:12.500 God's people had been wandering in a desert 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:15.360 that should have took a few weeks for 40 years. 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:18.419 And now Moses is not able to go over 00:25:18.419 --> 00:25:20.559 and claim the promised land 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:22.439 that he's been speaking of all this time. 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:26.419 Joshua is put in an impossible position 00:25:26.419 --> 00:25:28.319 to fill the shoes of Moses. 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:32.259 And he is standing on one side of the Jordan, 00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:34.059 ready to cross that Jordan and go in. 00:25:34.139 --> 00:25:35.240 And when he gets across, 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:39.559 it's not like they opened the gate at Disney or something. 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.939 He's going to face battles. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:43.759 It's going to be war. 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:48.439 He's going to have to fight for the land 00:25:48.439 --> 00:25:49.659 that God's already promised him. 00:25:49.699 --> 00:25:50.759 But God will give it to him, 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:51.959 but he's going to have to fight for it. 00:25:52.219 --> 00:25:54.179 And he's standing on the edge of that. 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:57.899 And God tells him, be strong and courageous. 00:25:58.819 --> 00:25:59.879 Now I want you to notice something. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.719 When I read this, I want you to notice 00:26:01.719 --> 00:26:05.939 how Joshua was to be strong and courageous. 00:26:07.859 --> 00:26:09.740 Joshua 1, verse 7 through 9 says this, 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:11.519 Only be strong and very courageous, 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:13.379 being careful to do according to all the law 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:15.019 that Moses, my servant, commanded you. 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:18.959 Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left 00:26:18.959 --> 00:26:23.219 that you may have good success wherever you go. 00:26:24.179 --> 00:26:27.240 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:30.819 but you shall meditate on it day and night 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:32.139 so that you may be careful to do 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:33.919 according to all that is written in it. 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:36.240 For then you will make your way prosperous, 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:39.039 and then you will have good success. 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:43.500 And then as God needs to do in so many of our lives, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.759 he reiterated it. 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:48.200 Have I not commanded you? 00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:50.859 Be strong and courageous. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.380 Do not be frightened. 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:54.279 Do not be dismayed, 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:57.180 for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:59.380 What do you do when you get discouraged? 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.400 Be strong and courageous, 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:04.799 and do not depart from the word of God. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:07.059 Meditate on it day and night. 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.539 What does that mean? 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.279 Chew on it. 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:11.720 Like a cow chews its cud. 00:27:11.839 --> 00:27:12.980 Chew on God's word. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.460 Think through it. 00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:17.259 It's our hope. 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:24.680 And the devil loves to get you discouraged, 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:27.200 because then you'll talk discouragement with somebody else, 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:28.700 and you'll discourage them. 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:31.240 Before long, we'll all be sad leaving this place. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:33.900 And that's what Satan loves to do. 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.559 Be strong and courageous. 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:36.720 Trust God's word. 00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:39.720 And in distraction, he uses distraction. 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:42.620 The devil loves to distract us from what really matters. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:44.160 You know what really matters? 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.120 Knowing the Lord Jesus. 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:48.579 Jesus said in John 10, 10, 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:50.440 the thief comes but for to steal, kill, and destroy. 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:53.640 There's no better way to steal the opportunity, 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:56.819 kill the possibility, or destroy one's eternity, 00:27:57.160 --> 00:27:59.700 than keeping someone from Christ. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:01.960 And he does it a lot of ways. 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:05.940 But all of it is focused on keeping us distracted 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:08.000 from seeing our need for Christ. 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:11.340 If one dies without Christ, 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:15.980 he or she will spend all of eternity apart from God 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:18.740 in a devil's hell of agony. 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.960 That is not mythical. 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:22.779 It's real. 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:26.920 And Satan knows he'll be cast into the lake of fire, 00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:28.580 and he don't want to go alone. 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:31.960 He wants to take all possible with him, 00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:34.220 and he does that by distractions. 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:38.920 He'll distract the lost by telling them there's more time. 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:40.860 Not today. 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:41.700 There's more time. 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:45.299 He'll distract the lost by telling them 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:47.539 that a life right with God is not that big a deal. 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.440 You'll have time. 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:53.140 He'll distract folks from salvation 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:55.120 by making all of life seem more important. 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:58.379 When in reality, none of it is. 00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:59.299 None of it is. 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:03.439 But he don't only distract those without Christ. 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:04.619 He distracts those with Christ. 00:29:05.159 --> 00:29:06.579 Satan will distract the Christian. 00:29:09.339 --> 00:29:10.279 Do me a favor. 00:29:10.699 --> 00:29:12.039 Watch what catches your eye. 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.500 Watch what catches your eye. 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:17.419 Watch. 00:29:17.419 --> 00:29:20.179 Watch what grabs your attention. 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:25.320 Watch what takes up your time. 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:29.920 Even good things can come in the way 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:32.880 of what God wants for our lives. 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:36.779 And the devil would love to distract us 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:40.519 any way he can from God's very best for our lives. 00:29:41.860 --> 00:29:44.039 He loves to distract us from his word. 00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:47.920 J.I. Packer put it this way. 00:29:47.920 --> 00:29:50.060 He said, if I were the devil, 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:52.039 one of my first aims would be to stop folk 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.320 from digging into the Bible. 00:29:54.060 --> 00:29:55.340 Knowing that it's the word of God, 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:59.300 teaching men to know and love and serve the God of the word, 00:29:59.440 --> 00:30:03.340 I should do all that I could to surround it 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:06.060 with the spiritual equivalent of pits, 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:10.500 thorn hedges, and man traps to frighten people off. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:13.400 At all costs, I should want to keep them 00:30:13.400 --> 00:30:16.000 from using their minds in a disciplined way 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:18.720 to get the measure of its message. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.759 And that's what he does. 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:26.279 Among other things, he distracts. 00:30:27.299 --> 00:30:29.240 So let me review and we'll go home. 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:30.960 He deceives. 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.400 He lies. 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:35.259 He tries to color the bad in a good light 00:30:35.259 --> 00:30:36.420 to say what's wrong is right. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.000 He's a liar. 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.180 He's a liar. 00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:40.460 He destructs. 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:42.099 He attempts to tear down 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:44.159 and destroy every good thing 00:30:44.159 --> 00:30:45.639 that God has built up in your life. 00:30:46.719 --> 00:30:47.879 And if you're a child of God, 00:30:47.939 --> 00:30:49.699 he knows he can't take one's salvation, 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:50.839 so he tries his best 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:53.899 to tear down everything else around you. 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.500 He darkens. 00:30:57.659 --> 00:30:58.379 He darkens. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:31:00.599 Jesus told us in John 8, 12, 00:31:01.159 --> 00:31:02.719 Jesus said, I am the light of the world. 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:05.179 And then in Matthew 5, verse 14, 00:31:05.179 --> 00:31:07.240 he told us to be the light of the world. 00:31:07.240 --> 00:31:10.259 And then in Matthew 5, verse 16, 00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:12.960 he said, in the same way, 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.620 let your light shine before others 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:16.099 so that they may see your good works 00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:19.460 and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:21.559 But I want to be clear, 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.839 Satan works overtime to try to darken. 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:26.700 Don't you dare let him snuff you out. 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:30.079 He causes doubts. 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:32.799 He causes doubts. 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:33.799 Now, I want to be clear about something. 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:34.940 Don't talk to Satan. 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:37.400 Don't bargain with Satan. 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:38.840 Don't argue with Satan. 00:31:40.640 --> 00:31:42.860 I have a large, goofy dog. 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:47.779 I inherited it from my daughter 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:49.559 who got it from an ex-boyfriend 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:52.799 that if I see him alone, 00:31:54.200 --> 00:31:55.660 for a couple of reasons. 00:31:55.820 --> 00:32:00.140 But I got a big old, goofy dog, 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:01.680 and my neighbor's got cats. 00:32:04.940 --> 00:32:07.000 And I take the dog out on a leash, 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:08.400 and the cats come in the yard. 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:13.600 And if there's a cat in the yard, 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:15.279 I'm skiing across the yard 00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:19.740 because she wants to follow that trail. 00:32:20.900 --> 00:32:22.320 She wants to get to that cat. 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:27.039 When I learned that when dogs sniff around, 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:28.779 somebody told me that when dogs sniff around, 00:32:28.820 --> 00:32:29.960 it's like they're on social media. 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:33.200 I decided to take my time with my dog outside. 00:32:33.720 --> 00:32:35.380 I get my phone on social media. 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:37.740 The dog gets her nose in the grass, 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:40.579 and we just enjoy seeing what's going on 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:43.220 unless there's a cat in the yard, 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:45.740 unless there's been a cat in the yard. 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.900 So I don't want them in the yard. 00:32:50.340 --> 00:32:51.819 I don't negotiate with them. 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:54.559 I don't bargain with them. 00:32:55.379 --> 00:32:57.779 Now, before some cat lover gets after me, 00:32:57.919 --> 00:32:59.659 I don't hurt cats, okay? 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:01.579 I just want to walk my dog. 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.579 So when I see one in the yard, 00:33:05.659 --> 00:33:05.960 I'll say, 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:07.019 it's a cat! 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:08.679 Get out! 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:13.960 And don't leave a scent behind. 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:14.960 Get out. 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:18.439 I'm not trying to be hateful. 00:33:18.440 --> 00:33:20.440 I don't just... 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:27.100 That's how you need to handle Satan. 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:31.440 You don't need to bargain with him. 00:33:32.860 --> 00:33:34.539 You don't need to discuss it with him. 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:36.840 Just say, 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.259 scat. 00:33:38.620 --> 00:33:39.340 Get out. 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:41.740 More particularly, 00:33:42.600 --> 00:33:44.360 by the blood of the Lamb of God. 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.660 Get out! 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:54.680 Check any doubt you have 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:57.140 with the gospel. 00:33:58.940 --> 00:34:00.420 And if you still have doubt, 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.019 let's talk. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:04.200 He divides. 00:34:05.220 --> 00:34:06.860 If there's division in your life, 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:08.340 I want you to recognize where it comes from. 00:34:09.740 --> 00:34:11.679 If there's a behavior or attitude 00:34:11.679 --> 00:34:13.340 that causes division in your life, 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:15.159 I want you to recognize where it's come from. 00:34:15.159 --> 00:34:17.099 Because I don't know what it is, 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:18.359 but I got a stinking suspicion 00:34:18.359 --> 00:34:19.460 that Satan's lurking somewhere 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.379 around that situation. 00:34:21.779 --> 00:34:23.019 I don't think we ought to give him credit 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:23.539 for everything. 00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:24.359 I think we ought to give him credit 00:34:24.359 --> 00:34:24.940 for a bunch. 00:34:26.759 --> 00:34:27.879 Because he loves to divide. 00:34:28.259 --> 00:34:29.019 He discourages. 00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:31.139 Christian, be strong and courageous. 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:33.379 Don't let the evil one drag you down. 00:34:33.460 --> 00:34:34.379 He'll knock down others. 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:36.199 If he drags you down, 00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:36.759 he'll knock down others. 00:34:36.839 --> 00:34:37.839 It's kind of like bowling. 00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:41.460 If you can hit the head pin 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:42.360 at the right angle, 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:43.680 you can knock them all down. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.840 And if he can discourage you enough 00:34:46.840 --> 00:34:49.340 and you can drag enough people down with you, 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.940 he'll take down all of us 00:34:50.940 --> 00:34:51.920 in discouragement. 00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:53.440 And that's his strategy. 00:34:53.579 --> 00:34:54.660 That's what he wants to do. 00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:56.220 Don't fall for that mess. 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:57.840 He distracts. 00:34:58.579 --> 00:34:59.200 He distracts. 00:34:59.579 --> 00:35:01.240 He's done it during this worship hour. 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:03.000 I don't know how, 00:35:03.100 --> 00:35:04.360 but I'm sure he has. 00:35:04.360 --> 00:35:06.420 And he'll do it 00:35:06.420 --> 00:35:07.320 when you're striving 00:35:07.320 --> 00:35:08.260 to grow in the Lord. 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:10.480 So hear me, 00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:12.720 do not fall for the shiny, 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.360 flashy things 00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:15.860 that he throws in front of you. 00:35:15.940 --> 00:35:18.000 They are not what they appear to be. 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:19.720 They are not. 00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:22.700 I like the way Adrian Rogers put it. 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:24.680 He said, 00:35:24.760 --> 00:35:25.860 Satan's like a hobo. 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:28.360 He has no rights 00:35:28.360 --> 00:35:29.660 that we don't give him. 00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:32.480 We can demand that he leave. 00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:34.740 And after he's gone, 00:35:35.300 --> 00:35:37.099 we'll have to clean up the mess. 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:40.480 We'll have to remove the trash. 00:35:41.440 --> 00:35:42.219 My friend, 00:35:42.860 --> 00:35:44.440 let's understand 00:35:44.440 --> 00:35:46.699 what we're dealing with. 00:35:47.340 --> 00:35:48.980 Let's recognize it 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:51.800 and live in response to it. 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:54.199 And if you're here this morning 00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:56.960 and you've never surrendered your life 00:35:56.960 --> 00:35:58.260 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:35:58.340 --> 00:35:59.280 I want you to know 00:35:59.280 --> 00:36:00.960 Satan wants so bad 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:02.240 to darken your mind, 00:36:02.760 --> 00:36:04.920 to distract you, 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:07.019 to deceive you, 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:08.199 oh, I could go through the list. 00:36:10.099 --> 00:36:11.260 Surrender to the Lord Jesus. 00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:12.420 He'll change your life. 00:36:13.940 --> 00:36:14.760 And if you're here 00:36:14.760 --> 00:36:15.780 and you've done that privately 00:36:15.780 --> 00:36:17.260 but you've never done that publicly, 00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:18.420 he don't want you 00:36:18.420 --> 00:36:19.179 to do that publicly. 00:36:19.300 --> 00:36:19.639 You know why? 00:36:19.720 --> 00:36:20.860 Because you encourage other people. 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.480 Because they're going to cheer you on. 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:24.039 Because it's going to help somebody else 00:36:24.039 --> 00:36:25.059 make a decision for the Lord. 00:36:25.179 --> 00:36:26.260 He'll use that. 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:27.120 And so he'll love it. 00:36:27.340 --> 00:36:30.380 He'd love to just keep your faith private 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:31.680 just between you and God. 00:36:31.800 --> 00:36:32.820 That sounds wonderful 00:36:32.820 --> 00:36:34.760 but there's nothing scriptural about it. 00:36:37.160 --> 00:36:38.800 You come acknowledging publicly 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:39.620 if you never have. 00:36:40.820 --> 00:36:41.520 Maybe you're here 00:36:41.520 --> 00:36:42.620 and God's drawing you 00:36:42.620 --> 00:36:43.360 to this church. 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:44.880 He'd love for us all 00:36:44.880 --> 00:36:46.520 to be not committed to anything. 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:48.460 Just to hang out. 00:36:49.300 --> 00:36:49.940 Check it out. 00:36:51.220 --> 00:36:52.600 I don't want to rush anything 00:36:52.600 --> 00:36:54.000 that God's working in your life. 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:55.139 But if God's leading you, 00:36:55.360 --> 00:36:55.920 you follow. 00:36:56.840 --> 00:36:57.860 Don't let the evil one 00:36:57.860 --> 00:36:58.559 be a distraction. 00:36:59.739 --> 00:37:00.579 We'll walk through it 00:37:00.579 --> 00:37:01.719 and guide you through the process. 00:37:03.039 --> 00:37:04.239 Or maybe you're here. 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:05.820 Probably all of us here. 00:37:07.119 --> 00:37:08.739 We've got the D's in our life 00:37:08.739 --> 00:37:09.980 that we're struggling with. 00:37:11.059 --> 00:37:13.039 We've given Satan too much space. 00:37:14.199 --> 00:37:15.679 And we need to take this time 00:37:15.679 --> 00:37:16.780 before we leave this room 00:37:16.780 --> 00:37:18.780 to just settle things with God. 00:37:19.079 --> 00:37:20.480 You can do that where you stand 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:21.760 when we sing in just a moment. 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:23.000 You can do it at this altar. 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:24.519 I'll be happy to pray with you. 00:37:26.599 --> 00:37:28.360 Let's live victorious for the Lord. 00:37:29.559 --> 00:37:30.940 Don't only recognize it, 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:32.179 but live in response to it. 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:34.880 Lord Jesus, I love you. 00:37:35.659 --> 00:37:36.780 Thank you for your word. 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:37.699 Thank you for the guidance 00:37:37.699 --> 00:37:38.679 that you give us. 00:37:39.280 --> 00:37:40.159 God, oh God, 00:37:40.219 --> 00:37:41.739 help us respond to it 00:37:41.739 --> 00:37:42.739 in obedience. 00:37:43.179 --> 00:37:44.539 In all of our lives, 00:37:44.599 --> 00:37:45.539 every day of our life, 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:45.980 I pray. 00:37:46.699 --> 00:37:48.000 In Jesus' precious name. 00:37:48.420 --> 00:37:48.719 Amen. 00:37:48.719 --> 00:37:48.820 Amen.