Being Aware of Satan's Tactics - Zac Poonen - March 31, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/being-aware-satans-tactics River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of repeatedly hearing and studying the truth of the Gospel, citing Peter's example of persistently reminding people of what they already know. He warns that Satan's schemes often involve causing us to withhold forgiveness or become proud, which allows him to take advantage of us. Awareness of these tactics is gained by diligently reading the Bible, which reveals the spiritual warfare we are engaged in.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why we need to keep hearing the truthPeter was committed to repeatedly reminding believers of the truth rather than seeking a reputation as a great preacher, showing we need to hear God's word until it becomes a reality in us.2 Peter 1:12
Avoiding Satan's traps through forgivenessThe Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of forgiving others so that Satan cannot take advantage of us through bitterness or division.2 Corinthians 2:10
Recognizing Satan's schemesUnlike in the Old Testament where direct confrontation with Satan was rare, New Testament believers have the Holy Spirit to resist temptation within the limits of God's faithful boundaries.
Satan as the accuser and deceiverRevelation identifies Satan as the deceiver and the accuser who constantly accuses believers before God, meaning we must be discerning without joining in his accusations.
How Satan deceived Eve in the beginningSatan undermined God's simple command by adding doubt, encouraging humans to add their own rules, and falsely promising that disobedience would have no fatal consequences.
The modern echo of Satan's lieJust as he told Eve she would not surely die, the devil whispers to believers today that living according to the flesh will carry no spiritual consequences.Romans 8:12–13
Fearing sin more than sicknessPeople often take medical warnings about health very seriously while ignoring spiritual warnings about sin, yet sin destroys the soul eternally.
The church as a powerful magnetRather than trying to search everywhere for seekers, a church that lives radically by God's standards acts as a magnet drawing those who genuinely want to follow Jesus along the narrow way.
Jesus preaching the hard truthWhen large crowds followed Him, Jesus did not water down His message for popularity; He clearly explained the cost of discipleship, leading to a sifting of followers.
Two different messages on being like GodSatan tempted humanity with the false promise of being like God through power, authority, and control, whereas Jesus demonstrated being like God through humility, love, and foot-washing service.
The foolishness of hiding from GodAdam and Eve's attempt to hide behind trees and cover themselves exposed the foolishness and shame that sin brings into human relationships and our view of God.
Jesus refusing to condemn the brokenWhen confronted with a woman caught in adultery, Jesus refused to pick up a stone to condemn her, demonstrating that God's heart is to redeem and forgive broken people.
The full gospel of grace and transformationThe full message of Jesus combines unfailing forgiveness with a clear call to turn away from sin and walk in newness of life with His help.
