Satan and Problems

Satan’s Strategy On Problems . . .

so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Cor. 2:11 (NLT)

THREE LIES OF THE DEVIL

1. YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE THIS PROBLEM

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials James 1:2

Satan’s Goal: SELF-PITY

The truth: We live in a fallen world and we will have problems

2. NOTHING GOOD CAN COME FROM THIS PROBLEM

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Cor. 12:10 (ESV)

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:3-4

Satan’s Goal: DEPRESSION

The truth: God can redeem these problems for the Christian.

3. YOU ARE POWERLESS IN FACE OF THIS PROBLEM

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:8-9 (ESV)

Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me." Psalm 50:15 (GW)

Satan’s Goal: FEAR

The truth: God has promised His help in the time of trouble

(Listen to this sermon at sermonplace)

My Father Will Put It All Together

This is my grandson Brody. He loves to work puzzles. He decided to work a 100 piece puzzle which was a lot for a little guy. He tried and tried but finally it got the best of him. Off to sleep he went. While he was asleep his dad came home from work and finished the puzzle for his son. When Brody woke up you can imagine his surprise at the completed puzzle.

Life is like that, a puzzle that we can't figure out.
One day when we get home to heaven we will understand that our heavenly Father was putting all the pieces together behind the scenes. We may fall asleep thinking there is so much unfinished in our lives. Waking up to realize our Father had it all under control.


And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Preaching

PREACHING MATTHEW 13:51-52

Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:51-52

What is a sermon? (vs. 52)

· a religious talk

· a long and tedious lecture on behavior

· a declaration of God’s truth for the purpose of life change

On the average Sunday in America 55 million people will hear over one billion words in sermons.

A sermon is God’s chosen vehicle to get His truth out

But has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; Titus 1:3

God uses human instruments to explain His word

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)

The purpose of the sermon is not information but life transformation

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. Luke 11:32

What is the goal of a sermon? (VS. 51)

To understand and apply the truth of God’s Word

HUMAN And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. Acts 20:9

1. What kind of learner are you?

2. Get plenty of rest the night before.

3. Sit where you are not distracted.

4. Wear comfortable clothes.

5. Be sure you can hear clearly.

DIVINE And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 1 Cor. 2:4

1. Pray during the week in preparation to hear the sermon.

2. Look for an action point God has for you.

3. Expect God to speak to you personally.

4. Plan to obey what God reveals to you.

5. Pray during the sermon that God will empower the preacher.

6. Meditate the following week on the truth God revealed.

(Wednesday Handout from Faith Baptist in Covington VA)