The Serpent of Old: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - August 25, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-serpent-of-old River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the nature of family, asserting that its strength is determined by love, not by numbers. He then transitions to studying the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 3-4, using this as a model to show how the devil operates. The core message is that understanding the devil's tactics, as revealed in scripture, allows believers to be aware of the traps they must avoid in their spiritual lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Temptation of Jesus in the WildernessThe speaker reads the account of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness after His baptism to be tempted by the devil.
The Serpent of OldLooking at Revelation, the devil is identified as the serpent of old who deceives the whole world, highlighting his long history and expertise in tempting mankind.Revelation 12:9
Tempted in All Points as We AreHebrews 4 teaches that Jesus was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin, giving us a snapshot of how the devil operates.
Led into the WildernessJust after His baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led into the wilderness, showing that the Holy Spirit leads believers into testing to prove His power within them.
The Battle is in the MindJesus was presented with temptations in His mind while in the wilderness, showing that the devil works on our thoughts long before an outward sin is committed.
Walking According to the SpiritRomans 8 contrasts the mind set on the flesh, which is death and hostile toward God, with the mind set on the spirit, which brings life and peace.Romans 8:4–6
Setting Your Mind on Things AboveBelievers are urged to put off the old self-centered way of thinking and to renew their minds daily, as spiritual maturity is directly tied to what we think about.
Understanding Siege TacticsJust as armies surround a city to wear down its inhabitants, the devil observes believers and waits patiently for their patience and strength to run out.
Waiting for the Moment of HungerSatan waited until Jesus had fasted for forty days and became hungry before tempting Him to turn stones into bread to satisfy His flesh.
God Provides a Way of EscapeWhen under intense pressure and duress, believers can take courage in 1 Corinthians 10:13, knowing God is faithful and always provides a way of escape.1 Corinthians 10:13
Leaving the Door Slightly AjarInstead of kicking down the door, the devil asks you to leave it slightly open through small allowances, eventually working his way into taking over the whole house.
The Craftiness of the SerpentIn Genesis 3, the serpent approached Eve with craftiness and a subtle question, casting doubt on what God had clearly said.
A Sense of EntitlementThe devil tempts believers with a sense of entitlement, whispering that they deserve to please themselves after being so faithful for so long.
