The Serpent of Old: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - September 1, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-serpent-of-old River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message discusses the ongoing spiritual battle between God and the devil, referencing Revelation 12:9 where the devil is cast down as the 'serpent of old.' The speaker emphasizes that following Christ makes one the enemy of the devil, and God uses wilderness experiences to prove His power in believers. Understanding the devil's tactics, as revealed in scripture, is crucial for believers to avoid spiritual pitfalls.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Satan relies on spy informationBecause Satan cannot read our thoughts, he acts as an expert spy by observing our behavior, inclinations, and affections over time to predict how we will think and act.
Learning from David's inclinationsDavid was a man after God's own heart, yet he had an inclination toward women and polygamy that the devil ultimately exploited during a moment of laziness.
God's warning against multiplying wivesDeuteronomy explicitly warned that kings should not multiply wives lest their hearts turn away, a warning David failed to heed.Deuteronomy 17:14
Guard your heartProverbs commands us to guard our hearts with all diligence because the issues of life flow directly from the inner life.Proverbs 4:23
Satan plans the source of temptationThe devil custom-chooses agents in our lives, such as friends or family members, who have the greatest advantage to influence us away from God's calling.
The cost of discipleshipJesus taught that true discipleship requires a supreme devotion to Him that supersedes even our closest family relationships.Luke 14:26
Well-meaning believers can be used as stumbling blocksWhen well-meaning believers tried to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem, Paul recognized that human emotion and fear were being used to test his resolve.Acts 21:7
Satan chooses how and when to temptThe devil tailors his temptations to the moment, shifting tactics from physical desires to pride, and waiting for times when we let down our guard.
Facing recurring giantsJust as David faced enemies late in life that resembled past battles, believers may face recurring temptations designed to make them question past victories.2 Samuel 21:15
The danger of an unoccupied houseJesus warned that when an unclean spirit leaves, if the house is left unoccupied and the owner is napping, the spirit returns with even worse companions.
God's word as our warningGod's precepts and laws are given to us as a warning so we can recognize the devil's traps and stay alert.
