Destroying the Works of the Devil- Part 2-Santosh Poonen
Destroying the Works of the Devil (1 John 3:8b) Part 2- Being Freed From the Lie of the Deceiver By Santosh Poonen Weekend of Fellowship 2015 - Austin CFC -Nov. 7-8 www.austincfc.com
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true ministry should aim not to impress, but to point people back to the source of truth—the Chef in the kitchen. He warns against the danger of accepting partial truths presented by the devil, whose greatest tactic is deception rather than overt evil. Ultimately, destroying the works of the devil involves recognizing this deception and allowing the Holy Spirit to restore what has been stolen.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Seeing oneself as a simple servantThe speaker compares his role as a minister to a waiter simply bringing plates of food from the kitchen, with the goal of pointing people toward the chef rather than impressing them with his delivery.
Impressing versus blessingBelievers have a choice in ministry to either seek human applause and impress others or quietly be a blessing, mirroring the nature of God which expects no commendation for simply being holy.
The danger of the deceiverThe most dangerous aspect of the devil is not overt evil, but his role as a deceiver who presents near-truth to lead people astray.
Fearing a compromised devotionPaul expressed fear that believers would be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, settling for a 99 percent standard while ignoring the holy spirit's conviction on specific areas.
The risk of quenching the Holy SpiritWhen people repeatedly reject and quench the voice of the Holy Spirit, God may allow a deluding influence because they did not receive the love of the truth.2 Thessalonians 2:11
How the serpent deceived EveThe devil began his deception by subtly questioning God's word, introducing a crack in the door that quickly corrupted what God had made very good.
The true aim of the serpentThe devil's ultimate goal was not just to make them eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but to prevent them from eating from the tree of life.
What eternal life truly meansEternal life is defined as knowing God intimately, moving beyond a rule-based knowledge of good and evil into a genuine relationship with the Father.John 17:3
Doing mighty works without truly knowing HimJesus warns that many will perform miracles, prophesy, and cast out demons in His name, yet He will declare that He never knew them because they lacked intimate fellowship with Him.
Going outside the camp to meet JesusThe writer of Hebrews points to an altar outside the camp where Jesus suffered, calling believers to leave public religious service behind to meet Christ in a secret, intimate place.Hebrews 13:10
Counting everything as loss to know ChristPaul considered all his achievements, religious standing, and even good things as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus intimately.
Abraham's ultimate test of surrenderGod tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating what it means to give God one hundred percent devotion rather than holding anything back.
Overcoming deception and embracing eternal lifeThe speaker concludes with a call to overcome the devil's deceptions, abandon worldly attachments, and respond to the invitation of Jesus to enter into deep, intimate fellowship with Him.
