God Does Not Promise Good Health
Some believe that God promises good health and long life to those who follow Him. While faithfully serving God does remove many things that cause life to be shortened, there is no promise that those who are faithful will enjoy good health all their life.
I Timothy 5:23 -Timothy’s frequent illnesses
I Corinthians 12:7-12 -Paul’s thorn in the flesh
Galatians 4:12-14 -Paul’s sickness when preaching to the Galatians
James 5:13-18 -Prayer for the sick
God Does Not Promise Wealth
Some believe that God promises great wealth to those who follow Him. Some even put a specific amount on it (7, 10, 100, etc. times what is contributed). God makes no such promise to Christians. Much to the contrary, what we are shown is poverty.
II Corinthians 8:1-5 -The great poverty of the Macedonians
Romans 15:26-27 -The poor among the saints of Jerusalem
Matthew 19:23-26 -A camel through the eye of a needle
Matthew 6:19-34 -Needs (not wants) will be met
God Does Promise Persecution
God does not promise an easy life if you choose to follow Him. Quite the contrary, He promises persecution. You can expect to suffer various forms of persecution as a Christian.
Revelation 2:8-11 -The poverty and persecution of the church in Smyrna
II Timothy 3:1-13 -All who want to live a godly life will be persecuted
II Corinthians 4:7-11 -Persecuted and being delivered over to death
II Thessalonians 1:1-5 -Their persecution was as sign of their worthiness
God Does Promise Eternal Life
God does promise eternal life to those who follow Him. This is surely a greater promise than any promise of temporary health, wealth that is easily consumed or lost, or status among the world.
James 1:12 -Endure, for the Lord has promised a crown
Titus 1:1-4 -God, who cannot lie, has promised eternal life
II Peter 1:1-11 -Great and precious promises if we add these qualities
Revelation 21:1-8 -The one who overcomes shall inherit
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What Must I Do? - 10/25/09am
Mark 10:17-22 -The rich young ruler
This man asks a question which is a familiar one that has been asked many times. He asks the question of what a person’s duty is in order to receive salvation and eternal life.
Acts 2:37-41 -What shall we do?
Acts 16:25-34 -What must I do to be saved?
Question Denotes a Degree of Faith
…That God has made salvation available
Titus 2:11-14 -Grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all men
I Timothy 2:1-6 -God our Saviors wants all men to be saved
…That Jesus is the Christ
I John 5:1-5 -Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
John 6:66-69 -Christ, the Holy One of God, has words of eternal life
The Answer Requires Obedient Action
We see that Christ’s response to the rich young ruler began with reminding him of the commandments that had been given. The meaning is clear: if we wish to receive eternal life, we must do what the Lord has said to do, and avoid those things which the Lord forbids.
I John 2:1-6 -We know Him if we keep His commandments
Acts 3:17-21 -Repent and convert, that yours sins may be removed
Romans 10:5-13 -Confess with the mouth
Galatians 3:23-29 -As many as have been baptized
The Answer Requires Focus
The rich young man went away sad because he lacked the proper focus. His wealth was more important to him than was eternal life. We must be diligent to always have the proper focus and priorities in our life. We must be focused on Christ.
Mark 10:23-31 -Leave all for Christ to receive the reward
Matthew 10:32-39 -Love Christ more than family or life
Hebrews 12:1-2 -Cast off every weight, looking unto Jesus
Hebrews 11:17-19 -Abraham loved God more than he loved Isaac
Hebrews 11:24-29 -Moses loved God more than Egypt’s riches
Matthew 6:33 -Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness
This man asks a question which is a familiar one that has been asked many times. He asks the question of what a person’s duty is in order to receive salvation and eternal life.
Acts 2:37-41 -What shall we do?
Acts 16:25-34 -What must I do to be saved?
Question Denotes a Degree of Faith
…That God has made salvation available
Titus 2:11-14 -Grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all men
I Timothy 2:1-6 -God our Saviors wants all men to be saved
…That Jesus is the Christ
I John 5:1-5 -Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
John 6:66-69 -Christ, the Holy One of God, has words of eternal life
The Answer Requires Obedient Action
We see that Christ’s response to the rich young ruler began with reminding him of the commandments that had been given. The meaning is clear: if we wish to receive eternal life, we must do what the Lord has said to do, and avoid those things which the Lord forbids.
I John 2:1-6 -We know Him if we keep His commandments
Acts 3:17-21 -Repent and convert, that yours sins may be removed
Romans 10:5-13 -Confess with the mouth
Galatians 3:23-29 -As many as have been baptized
The Answer Requires Focus
The rich young man went away sad because he lacked the proper focus. His wealth was more important to him than was eternal life. We must be diligent to always have the proper focus and priorities in our life. We must be focused on Christ.
Mark 10:23-31 -Leave all for Christ to receive the reward
Matthew 10:32-39 -Love Christ more than family or life
Hebrews 12:1-2 -Cast off every weight, looking unto Jesus
Hebrews 11:17-19 -Abraham loved God more than he loved Isaac
Hebrews 11:24-29 -Moses loved God more than Egypt’s riches
Matthew 6:33 -Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gideon: Let Baal Contend - 10/18/09pm
Hebrews 11:32-34 -Heroes of faith, including Gideon
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Working in the Vineyard - 10/18/09am
Matthew 20:1-16 -Parable of the workers in the vineyard
The Promise
Each worker was made a promise of a denarius for their labor. We have a promise for our labor. Our promise, however, is far greater than a day’s worth of pay. Our promise is of Christ’s return and of eternal life to follow.
I Timothy 4:1-11 -Godliness holds the promise of life
II Peter 3:1-13 -The promise of His coming
I John 2:25 -The Lord has promised eternal life
Luke 14:25-33 -Count the cost...is the promise worth the work?
The Work
In order to carry out their part of the arrangement, the hired men had to spend the rest of the day working. The same is very much true for us. We must spend our time working if we wish to receive what has been promised. The promise is conditional.
Matthew 9:35-38 -The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Timothy, the fellow worker
Ephesians 4:11-16 -Prepared for works of service, each does his own work
Titus 2:1-15 -Instruction on good works
The Payment
It is not too late to begin working. It is not to late to start serving the Lord, carrying out His will. Whether you have never obeyed the gospel or whether you have obeyed but have not been a diligent worker, it is not too late to start...if you start now. You are not guaranteed a later. But if we are His workers, we will receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 11:6 -He rewards those who seek Him
James 1:12 -Receive the crown of life that God has promised
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever
Hebrews 10:19-25 -He who promised is faithful
The Promise
Each worker was made a promise of a denarius for their labor. We have a promise for our labor. Our promise, however, is far greater than a day’s worth of pay. Our promise is of Christ’s return and of eternal life to follow.
I Timothy 4:1-11 -Godliness holds the promise of life
II Peter 3:1-13 -The promise of His coming
I John 2:25 -The Lord has promised eternal life
Luke 14:25-33 -Count the cost...is the promise worth the work?
The Work
In order to carry out their part of the arrangement, the hired men had to spend the rest of the day working. The same is very much true for us. We must spend our time working if we wish to receive what has been promised. The promise is conditional.
Matthew 9:35-38 -The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Timothy, the fellow worker
Ephesians 4:11-16 -Prepared for works of service, each does his own work
Titus 2:1-15 -Instruction on good works
The Payment
It is not too late to begin working. It is not to late to start serving the Lord, carrying out His will. Whether you have never obeyed the gospel or whether you have obeyed but have not been a diligent worker, it is not too late to start...if you start now. You are not guaranteed a later. But if we are His workers, we will receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 11:6 -He rewards those who seek Him
James 1:12 -Receive the crown of life that God has promised
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever
Hebrews 10:19-25 -He who promised is faithful
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Corrupt Priesthood - 10/11/09pm
Malachi 1:6-8 -The vain offering of the priests
Malachi 2:1-9 -The sins of the priests
The priesthood in the days of Malachi had become corrupt. Sadly, this had often been the case for the priesthood. Let us take a few moments and consider some of the times in scripture where God’s priests had chosen to stray.
Leviticus 10:1-7 -Nadab and Abihu offer strange fire
I Samuel 2:12-25, 34 -Eli’s sinful sons
Micah 3:1-12 -The priests teach for pay
Nehemiah 13:28-31 -The defiled priesthood
Matthew 26:1-5 -The chef priests plot to kill Jesus
Matthew 27:15-26 -The chief priests ask for Jesus’ crucifixion and Barabbas’ release
Acts 26:9-13 -The priests send Paul to persecute the church
So what is the lesson in this for us?
I Peter 2:1-10 -You are a holy priesthood
Revelation 1:4-6 -You are kings and priests
Under the new covenant, all Christians are priests. All Christians have that obligation to God and to man. If we grow corrupt, if we choose not to fulfill our responsibilities, we include ourselves among those that we just read of a few minutes ago. We must each remain pure, blameless, and undefiled before God. We must serve God, we must teach, we must be dedicated and offer ourselves up as an offering to Him.
Malachi 2:1-9 -The sins of the priests
The priesthood in the days of Malachi had become corrupt. Sadly, this had often been the case for the priesthood. Let us take a few moments and consider some of the times in scripture where God’s priests had chosen to stray.
Leviticus 10:1-7 -Nadab and Abihu offer strange fire
I Samuel 2:12-25, 34 -Eli’s sinful sons
Micah 3:1-12 -The priests teach for pay
Nehemiah 13:28-31 -The defiled priesthood
Matthew 26:1-5 -The chef priests plot to kill Jesus
Matthew 27:15-26 -The chief priests ask for Jesus’ crucifixion and Barabbas’ release
Acts 26:9-13 -The priests send Paul to persecute the church
So what is the lesson in this for us?
I Peter 2:1-10 -You are a holy priesthood
Revelation 1:4-6 -You are kings and priests
Under the new covenant, all Christians are priests. All Christians have that obligation to God and to man. If we grow corrupt, if we choose not to fulfill our responsibilities, we include ourselves among those that we just read of a few minutes ago. We must each remain pure, blameless, and undefiled before God. We must serve God, we must teach, we must be dedicated and offer ourselves up as an offering to Him.
You Owe Him - 10/11/09am
Sometimes people feel that God requires too much, or that simply assembling is enough, or that they’ve already done enough for God. When we examine the scriptures we see that we owe God everything, and should be spending our lives dedicated to His service.
Because He Created You
God created you. Not only that, but everything you have enjoyed in this life, He created. Everything you have needed in this life is there by His Hand. Ever enjoy a day at an outdoor barbeque with family and loved ones? The sunshine you enjoyed, the food you ate, the people you were around, the ground you stood on, the air you breathed…all there because God created it.
Genesis 1:1-31 -Creation
Because His Son Died for You
Not only did God create all things, but He put in motion a plan by which men can be saved. He sacrificed His Son that we might have salvation. The cost was paid for our sin with the blood of God’s only begotten.
Romans 5:6-11 -While we were sinners, Christ died for us, allowing for reconciliation
Luke 23:26-46 -Crucifixion
Because He has Blessed Us in Life
In this life God has given us each many blessings and gifts. There are many nonessentials that we enjoy. There are also spiritual blessings, such as the word of God that have been provided for us.
James 1:16-18 -Every good and perfect gift is from God
II Peter 1:2-4 -God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness
Because He Has Given Us Hope
Lastly, because of the sacrifice made by His Son, we can have hope of eternal life. Not that we deserve it or have earned it (or ever can earn it), but we owe God a great deal for making such a thing available to us.
Revelation 21:1-22:5 -The eternal reward
Because He Created You
God created you. Not only that, but everything you have enjoyed in this life, He created. Everything you have needed in this life is there by His Hand. Ever enjoy a day at an outdoor barbeque with family and loved ones? The sunshine you enjoyed, the food you ate, the people you were around, the ground you stood on, the air you breathed…all there because God created it.
Genesis 1:1-31 -Creation
Because His Son Died for You
Not only did God create all things, but He put in motion a plan by which men can be saved. He sacrificed His Son that we might have salvation. The cost was paid for our sin with the blood of God’s only begotten.
Romans 5:6-11 -While we were sinners, Christ died for us, allowing for reconciliation
Luke 23:26-46 -Crucifixion
Because He has Blessed Us in Life
In this life God has given us each many blessings and gifts. There are many nonessentials that we enjoy. There are also spiritual blessings, such as the word of God that have been provided for us.
James 1:16-18 -Every good and perfect gift is from God
II Peter 1:2-4 -God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness
Because He Has Given Us Hope
Lastly, because of the sacrifice made by His Son, we can have hope of eternal life. Not that we deserve it or have earned it (or ever can earn it), but we owe God a great deal for making such a thing available to us.
Revelation 21:1-22:5 -The eternal reward
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Running Man - 10/4/09pm
Running from a Task
Jonah 1:1-2 -God gives directions to Jonah
Jonah 1:3 -Jonah chooses to flee to avoid the task God had given him
Jonah 1:4-8 -God sends a storm
Jonah 1:9-16 -Jonah is thrown overboard to quiet the storm
Jonah 1:17 -Jonah is swallowed by a great fish
I Corinthians 3:1-15 -Each has a task to carry out, one should neither be proud about or avoid theirs
Running back to God
Jonah 2:1 -Jonah prays to God
Jonah 2:2-9 -Jonah’s prayer
Jonah 2:10 -Jonah is saved from the great fish
Acts 8:18-24 -Simon is told to repent and pray
Running to Condemn
Jonah 3:1-5 -Jonah preaches Nineveh’s punishment
Jonah 3:6-9 -The people of Nineveh repent, hoping for God’s mercy
Jonah 3:10 -The Lord relents against Nineveh
Philippians 1:12-18 -Teaching done form good and wrong motives
Running from Love
Jonah 4:1-4 -Jonah is angry that the Lord relented against Nineveh
Jonah 4:5-11 -Jonah is provided an example of God’s compassion
I John 4:7-21 -God’s love, our love for Him, our love for one another
Jonah 1:1-2 -God gives directions to Jonah
Jonah 1:3 -Jonah chooses to flee to avoid the task God had given him
Jonah 1:4-8 -God sends a storm
Jonah 1:9-16 -Jonah is thrown overboard to quiet the storm
Jonah 1:17 -Jonah is swallowed by a great fish
I Corinthians 3:1-15 -Each has a task to carry out, one should neither be proud about or avoid theirs
Running back to God
Jonah 2:1 -Jonah prays to God
Jonah 2:2-9 -Jonah’s prayer
Jonah 2:10 -Jonah is saved from the great fish
Acts 8:18-24 -Simon is told to repent and pray
Running to Condemn
Jonah 3:1-5 -Jonah preaches Nineveh’s punishment
Jonah 3:6-9 -The people of Nineveh repent, hoping for God’s mercy
Jonah 3:10 -The Lord relents against Nineveh
Philippians 1:12-18 -Teaching done form good and wrong motives
Running from Love
Jonah 4:1-4 -Jonah is angry that the Lord relented against Nineveh
Jonah 4:5-11 -Jonah is provided an example of God’s compassion
I John 4:7-21 -God’s love, our love for Him, our love for one another
Demonic Faith - 10/4/09am
James 2:19 -Even the demons believe that there is one God
Demons Believe in Christ
Matthew 8:28-33 -Jesus is recognized as the Son of God by demons
Mark 1:32-34 -The demons knew who Jesus was
Luke 4:31-37 -Jesus is called the Holy One of God by a demon
Demons Believe and Submit to Christ’s Authority
Matthew 8:16-17 -Jesus casts out demons
Matthew 5:13-19 -Apostles given authority to cast out demons
Luke 11:14-26 -Jesus was using the authority of God, which the demons heeded because it was stronger
Faith that is in Common with Demonic Faith
James 2:14-26 -Faith without works is dead
Profitless Faith (v 16)
Matthew 25:14-30 -The unprofitable servant
Dead Faith (v 17)
Romans 6:1-22 -Must be dead to sin, alive to God
Unseen Faith (v 18)
Matthew 7:15-20 -By their fruits you shall know them
Unperfected Faith (v 22)
Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Go on to perfection
Unjustifiable Faith (v 24)
Galatians 2:6-17 -A faith in Christ that justifies
Demons Believe in Christ
Matthew 8:28-33 -Jesus is recognized as the Son of God by demons
Mark 1:32-34 -The demons knew who Jesus was
Luke 4:31-37 -Jesus is called the Holy One of God by a demon
Demons Believe and Submit to Christ’s Authority
Matthew 8:16-17 -Jesus casts out demons
Matthew 5:13-19 -Apostles given authority to cast out demons
Luke 11:14-26 -Jesus was using the authority of God, which the demons heeded because it was stronger
Faith that is in Common with Demonic Faith
James 2:14-26 -Faith without works is dead
Profitless Faith (v 16)
Matthew 25:14-30 -The unprofitable servant
Dead Faith (v 17)
Romans 6:1-22 -Must be dead to sin, alive to God
Unseen Faith (v 18)
Matthew 7:15-20 -By their fruits you shall know them
Unperfected Faith (v 22)
Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Go on to perfection
Unjustifiable Faith (v 24)
Galatians 2:6-17 -A faith in Christ that justifies
Two Kings' Pride - 9/27/09pm
Proverbs 11:2 -Pride brings disgrace, humility brings wisdom
Proverbs 16:18 -Pride goes before a fall
Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 4:1-37 -Nebuchadnezzar is full of pride, but is humbled
Belshazzar
Daniel 5:1-31 -Belshazzar is proud, and does not humble himself
James 4:6-10 -Humble yourself
I Peter 5:1-9 -Humble yourself
Proverbs 16:18 -Pride goes before a fall
Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 4:1-37 -Nebuchadnezzar is full of pride, but is humbled
Belshazzar
Daniel 5:1-31 -Belshazzar is proud, and does not humble himself
James 4:6-10 -Humble yourself
I Peter 5:1-9 -Humble yourself
The Prince of this World - 9/27/09am
John 16:5-11 -The prince of this world stands condemned
These three passages speak of the prince of this world in relation to Christ’s crucifixion. It is at this time that prince of this world will be defeated. And the fulfillment of the first prophecy of Christ will be fulfilled (Genesis 3:15).
II Corinthians 4:3-6 -The god of this age has blinded unbelievers’
Minds
Satan is not only the prince of this world, but its god. It is he that so many follow, even without realizing it. We must be aware of what it means to make Satan your king.
What can we learn about Satan from scripture?
It is easy to follow him
It is easy to follow Satan. All you have to do is…nothing. Do whatever you want, whatever seems good to you, and you are following him. He doesn’t ask anything of you, except that you do what it easiest, and ignore whether it is right or wrong. You don’t have to actively follow him, you can passively serve him if you choose.
Romans 6:12-23 -Slave to sin = serve sin = serve Satan
James 4:17 -Not doing the good you should be doing is sin
I John 3:8 -He who does what is sinful is of the devil
He constantly seeks new subjects
Satan is always on the lookout for more people to serve under him. He’s always looking for people to convert to his banner.
I Peter 5:8 -Like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour
-He is always prowling, looking for someone new
Luke 4:2 -Satan even tempted the Christ
-If he was tempted God‘s Son, he’ll tempt us
Luke 8:12 -Takes the word from their hearts
-He will do what it takes to make people ignore
the word of God
He is crafty
While he is looking for new subjects, he is crafty and deceptive. He will lie and disguise himself, doing whatever it takes to gain followers.
Matthew 13:37-39 -Satan places his followers among the good
Ephesians 6:11 -The devil schemes
Matthew 4:1-11 -Satan twists the word of God to his own ends
Genesis 3 -Adam, Eve, the serpent, and the fruit
He is deceptive
Satan is a liar. He lies about what it means to serve him, he lies about what is good and righteous, he lies about eternity, he lies about who is saved and who is not. Those who follow him are deceived, and we must be careful to not be so deceived!
II Corinthians 11:14-15 -Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
John 8:44 -He is a liar and the father of lies
II Timothy 3:12-14 -Evil men and imposters deceive and are
Deceived
He is limited in power
For a prince, a king, he is limited in power. He does not possess the power and might of the Lord God, but is hampered in what he does. He is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. Would you want to serve a king who is so weakened?
Job 1-2 -Satan is limited in what harm he can cause
The reward for following him will be to spend eternity with him
We are promised that if we live according to what he wants, if we serve him in this life, if we follow him as our king, that we will be rewarded with spending eternity with him, in the place prepared for him.
Revelation 20:10-15 -Those not written in the book of life are thrown
into the lake of fire
Matthew 25:41-43 -Those who sinned through omission sent to the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels
These three passages speak of the prince of this world in relation to Christ’s crucifixion. It is at this time that prince of this world will be defeated. And the fulfillment of the first prophecy of Christ will be fulfilled (Genesis 3:15).
II Corinthians 4:3-6 -The god of this age has blinded unbelievers’
Minds
Satan is not only the prince of this world, but its god. It is he that so many follow, even without realizing it. We must be aware of what it means to make Satan your king.
What can we learn about Satan from scripture?
It is easy to follow him
It is easy to follow Satan. All you have to do is…nothing. Do whatever you want, whatever seems good to you, and you are following him. He doesn’t ask anything of you, except that you do what it easiest, and ignore whether it is right or wrong. You don’t have to actively follow him, you can passively serve him if you choose.
Romans 6:12-23 -Slave to sin = serve sin = serve Satan
James 4:17 -Not doing the good you should be doing is sin
I John 3:8 -He who does what is sinful is of the devil
He constantly seeks new subjects
Satan is always on the lookout for more people to serve under him. He’s always looking for people to convert to his banner.
I Peter 5:8 -Like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour
-He is always prowling, looking for someone new
Luke 4:2 -Satan even tempted the Christ
-If he was tempted God‘s Son, he’ll tempt us
Luke 8:12 -Takes the word from their hearts
-He will do what it takes to make people ignore
the word of God
He is crafty
While he is looking for new subjects, he is crafty and deceptive. He will lie and disguise himself, doing whatever it takes to gain followers.
Matthew 13:37-39 -Satan places his followers among the good
Ephesians 6:11 -The devil schemes
Matthew 4:1-11 -Satan twists the word of God to his own ends
Genesis 3 -Adam, Eve, the serpent, and the fruit
He is deceptive
Satan is a liar. He lies about what it means to serve him, he lies about what is good and righteous, he lies about eternity, he lies about who is saved and who is not. Those who follow him are deceived, and we must be careful to not be so deceived!
II Corinthians 11:14-15 -Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
John 8:44 -He is a liar and the father of lies
II Timothy 3:12-14 -Evil men and imposters deceive and are
Deceived
He is limited in power
For a prince, a king, he is limited in power. He does not possess the power and might of the Lord God, but is hampered in what he does. He is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. Would you want to serve a king who is so weakened?
Job 1-2 -Satan is limited in what harm he can cause
The reward for following him will be to spend eternity with him
We are promised that if we live according to what he wants, if we serve him in this life, if we follow him as our king, that we will be rewarded with spending eternity with him, in the place prepared for him.
Revelation 20:10-15 -Those not written in the book of life are thrown
into the lake of fire
Matthew 25:41-43 -Those who sinned through omission sent to the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels
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