Following Our Lord's Lead

1THESS. 1:6-9

Subject: Discipleship

Theme: Authentic conversion result in altered lifestyles of grace as we decidedly follow our Lord’s lead.  

Introduction:

Just as the Lord Jesus invited His very first disciples to follow His lead, He still today summons us to a journey of a lifetime. The fact is we all will follow someone’s lead—permit another to influence the course we choose. Sometimes we are fully aware and make conscious decisions respective to a certain bit of advice, a necessary change of trajectory, a new more appealing career path, or to a prestigious university. Other times we follow another’s lead rather unaware…. Fashion trends, catch phrases, buzzwords, popular hair styles and the like are adopted without any idea of their origins. Yeah, following the crowd is alive and well.

In contrast, the Thessalonian believers had been gloriously saved and are consciously following the example of Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ. They know who is shaping their dreams, honing their values, fashioning their plans, and charting their course! While mere men will always follow mere men, Christ calls us to follow Him as the Lord of our existence and purpose. Beloved, our lives take on fuller and richer meaning when we are walking in Christ’s steps! Since we all will follow somebody, are you willing to follow Him?

It was Dr. Wiersbe who said, “From the very inception of this church, Paul looked to them with joy and gratitude as Christians worthy of the name. They were examples in several areas of their lives.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

So then…what can we learn from their example? How can we follow the Lord today?

Lesson:

A.     BY FOLLOWING HIS WAY (VS. 6)

1.      This Involves His Preachers (vs. 6) “followers of us”

a. Clearly this is the normal Christian experience. They became imitators of their spiritual parents, the missionaries.

b.Certainly Paul was careful to live a pure, real, and devoted life to Christ.

1.      1 Cor 11:1,   Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2.      1 Cor 4:14-17, I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15, For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. [Bear spiritual children as soul winners] 17, For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

3.      The first introduction to the Lord Jesus for many lost people will be through your life as a Christian. It is sobering to think that people are supposed to be able to see Christ in us. We should be able to say with Paul, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

4.      Clearly Paul encouraged believers to become his imitators in his tireless love and service for his fellow believers also.

c. Preachers and Christian leaders have a responsibility to be wholesome example for other believers to follow. Unfortunately many reject Christ because of a preacher or Christian worker with a poor testimony.

1.      1 Tim 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word [expressions and communications], in conversation [lifestyle, behavior], in charity [volitional love, acts of love by choice], in spirit [mental disposition or excited attitude], in faith [belief & fidelity]  in purity.[chastity and cleanness]

2.      1 Pet 5:3, Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

d.One reason sinners avoid churches is the hypocrisy of Christians (See Matt 23).  The Church may have a bad reputation in the community.

1.      Example & Experiences in Schweinfurt

2.      As witnessing believers we must guard our lives against hypocrisy and make sure that we are living for Christ sincerely.  WHY? Because others are watching and following us—some child, some adult, some neighbor, some friend, some co-worker.  Therefore it behooves us to follow Christ as devotedly as possible.

2.      This Involves His Person (vs. 6) “followers…of the Lord”

a. They also went on to imitate the Lord. This too is natural, and the order is true to all our experiences. A new Christian first looks to other believers as his pattern, but then as he matures he realizes that Jesus Christ is his best “model” (1 Peter 2:21).

b.Jesus is the believer’s true leader in life!  It is Christ we must live to imitate ultimately! Christ still commands us to “follow” him. 

c. The primary goal is always to help people walk with the Lord personally and intimately. 

B.     BY RECEIVING HIS WORD (VS. 6-7) (Salvation—Regeneration)

1.      The Word was key to their Pardon (vs. 6) “having received the Word”

a. The Gospel came to them through the ministry of Paul and his associates.  The Holy Spirit used the Word in great power, and the Thessalonians responded by receiving both the message and the messengers.

b.In spite of the persecution in Philippi, Paul and Silas had been “bold... to speak... the Gospel” (1 Thes. 2:2); and the people believed and were saved. They never lost that eagerness for the Word of God (1 Thes. 2:13).

c. We must believe and receive the Word to be saved (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 10:8; Jas. 1:18; 1Pet. 1:23; Jn. 1:13)

2.      The Word was their Priority (vs. 6) “in much affliction”

a. They received the word in spite of affliction.1Thes 1:6,  …having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1.      There was great trouble in the city because of Paul’s witness and the unbelieving Jews of Acts 17. 

2.      Persecution was heavy and hard on these new Christians and the threat was real to those who were contemplating salvation.  But they believed anyway!  

b.Despite severe suffering the Thessalonians welcomed the message.

1.      The Jews among them must have felt the hatred of their unbelieving brothers who were especially antagonistic to the gospel in that city.

2.      The Gentile converts must have had to swim against the swift current of paganism that flowed like a torrent through the conduit of commercial Thessalonica.

3.      The city’s chief men’s wives, who had become Christians, had to go home to unbelieving husbands who would not have appreciated their newly sensitized consciences.

4.      But still they trusted Christ; God had arrested their souls through the gospel!

c. Persecution has always been a friend of Christianity, not an enemy. 

1.      It insured that those professing Christians were true converts.

2.      The Martyrs testified to the reality and supremacy of Christ, therefore winning others through their testimony and blood!

d.What place does the Word occupy in your priorities? Don’t allow the response of others to discourage you from coming to Christ.

3.      The Word was their Pleasure (vs. 6) “joy in the Holy Ghost”

a. They received the word with joy.  

1.      Yet in spite of trials without, the Thessalonian believers possessed joy within, the joy of sins forgiven. It is interesting that Christians who have tribulations in their daily walks often seem to have greater joy in the Lord than those who live in more comfortable spiritual climates. A Christian’s joy should be determined not by his circumstances but by his relationship with Christ. This was true of the Thessalonians. The source of their joy was the indwelling Holy Spirit. –The Bible Knowledge Commentary

2.      Joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God (Ps.71:14-16; 21:1; 71:23; 31:7; 33:1-6). God's characteristics and actions are the cause for rejoicing.

3.      The Lord also affords joy through His Word.  The Word imparts faith (Rom. 10:17) and brings joy (Acts 8:8, 39; Jer. 15:16).

b.The joy we need is:

1.      Produced by the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:22).

2.      Looks beyond the present to our future (Rom. 5:2; 8:18; 1Pet. 1:4, 6).

3.      Looks to our sovereign God, who works out all things for our ultimate good, which is Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-30).

c. This kind of joy is different from mere happiness. It is possible, even in the midst of sorrow (2 Cor. 6:10; 7:4).

4.      The Word was their Practice (vs. 7) “ye were examples to all”

a. They made good impressions on others locally and abroad; Christ could be seen in their lives.  Matt. 5:14-16—this is vitally important!

b.Their faithfulness to follow Christ made them a model for others.  As an evangelist I am to model real Christianity; also as a parent, as a citizen, as a friend, as a husband, as a church member, as an employee I am charged by Christ to be the correct kind of example for others.

C.     BY SHARING HIS WITNESS (VS. 8-9)

1.      They Spread the Word Thoroughly (vs. 8) “you sounded out the world of the Lord”

a. They “Sounded Out” the Gospel—they preached Christ or sounded the Gospel Trumpet and it had a rippling effect throughout all Greece and beyond.  Like the ripples in a pool the word of the Lord spread out in ever-widening circles: first in Macedonia and Achaia and then every place else.

1.      “Every Place” points to Thessalonica as not only the capitol of Macedonia but also a great commercial center where tradesmen and businessmen visited from all over the world. 

2.      Secondly, the city of Thessalonica was situated on the Egnatian Highway which was a major Roman highway connecting east and west.  (Aegean and Adriatic Coasts)

3.      Because the church took advantage of its natural opportunities, they were successful in getting the gospel out to much of what would become modern Greece. 

4.      But what about us?  I can recall serving the Lord for years as a pastor to military families and European nationals. In a military work we had the opportunity to touch every church the members transitioned into from there.  We took the gospel to regions where missionaries cannot go via Uncle Sam.  We ministered to the refugees and European nationals there who went back to their home lands to reach the people there with the Gospel.  We need to seriously think about the opportunities God affords us individually and collectively!

b.They were known for their zealous mission work (Vs 8)   “but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad...” (See also 2Cor 8:1-3). What kind of reputation do we have in our home, city, community, or region?  Is there a zeal for spreading the gospel to the world?

2.      They Served God Exclusively (vs. 9) “turned to God from idols”

a. They were changed radically by the gospel (Vs 9)

b.They had turned to God from idols

1.      The church was comprised of both Jews and Greeks (Acts 17:2-4). Some were complete heathens, idol worshipers, and pagans, but now they have been saved and are living for God.

2.      This proves that no one is beyond the grace of God and salvation.

3.      Thessalonica was a wealthy city and it attracted it share of sensual pagan religions (1 Thess. 4:3-5) and other vices.  The population was about 200,000 people. 

4.      Cultured, affluent, impoverished, pedigree, idolatry, religious, educated, or corrupted…it does not matter if the sinner will repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Weather it is a professor at Harvard University or a savage head hunter in the South American jungles.  They are not beyond the grace of God! God can save the hard cases!

c. They exercised faith in Christ first with the result that their idols were forsaken.

1.      It was not mere reformation but genuine regeneration—repentance and faith!  They didn’t clean up their lives to get saved! They simply were saved and God cleaned up their lives afterwards!

2.      This change also means that they were so satisfied with Jesus that they dropped their idols! It wasn’t that they became fed up with their idols and then decided to give God a chance.  No they turn to God and found HIM so satisfying that they dropped their idols. 

3.      If you are not satisfied with Jesus, it is because you are looking for him in the wrong place! Christ satisfies (Jn. 4:14; 6:35)!

d.They Now Served The Living and True God. (Vs 3 and vs 8)

1.      Now they were Sunday school teachers, discipleship workers, deacons, pastors, missionaries and evangelist! They became godly moms, dads, teens, and youths…and so can we.   

2.      They have turned from idols to serve the living and true God!

3.      They Served God Encouragingly.

a. Their steadfastness in the Lord was a real source of encouragement for Paul

1.      Persecution and difficulty will discourage your average person.  But not these infant Christians!

2.      No doubt Paul could recall the excitement he had when God first called him to Macedonia.  (Act 16:6-10)

3.      I’m sure he was a little discouraged because of the opposition and difficulties which came so frequently, thereby hindering and frustrating his work.   

b.But now his heart explodes into words of praise and thanksgiving for what God did in these precious lives.

1.      He rejoiced for the steadfastness of the people of God in the midst of their persecutions!  There is no greater encouragement then seeing your church and new converts progressing in the Lord.

2.      God provided his servant with the encouragement he needed at the very moment he needed it. 

3.      Ultimately, child of God, we are not called to be terminals for blessings but channels through which God’s blessings can flow.  God wants to shine in our lives so that His light can shine through us unto others.  “Who is it that God wants you to be a channel of blessing to?”

Conclusion: 

Simply stated, a few believers went into a heathen city with the word of the Lord Jesus.  They preached in the power of the Spirit and people were saved—regenerated!  Men and Women became so enraptured with the Savior that they abandoned their idols. As a result we see an assembly of believers praising God, living lives of holiness, bravely enduring persecution, and winning others to Christ.  True the Lord’s service is the prince of callings!

No matter how hideous and wicked our society is, the miracle of regeneration will still make a difference.  We can still live for God if we really want to!  Daniel is a beautiful illustration of one who lived for God in spite of his surrounding wicked culture! You can still progress in the faith if you really want to!

If you labor in spiritual things you can be reassured that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. We need not be threatened by the wickedness of our day, but be concerned with the sounding out of the Gospel.  As we do, we have God’s promise that it will not return to Him void.   Isa 55:11, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Don’t give up on the ‘hard cases’ whether they are harden sinners or religious lost people.  Keep praying and witnessing as the Lord affords opportunity, and he will save these also. Beloved, this is how we decidedly follow our Lord’s lead. 

Real Evidence of Salvation

1THESS. 1:3-4

Theme: The Church of the Thessalonians is a positive example because the members gave evidence of real spiritual life and salvation. As such they provide us with a wonderful model to follow.

Introduction:  

1Thes 1:3, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4, Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

Why did Paul claim he knew their “election of God”? How could he confidently state he ‘knew’ someone else is actually saved? Today we commonly hear believers say, “I cannot see another person’s heart…if they profess to be saved then I am inclined to believe them.” Others have said it differently, “The only person I know for certain is saved is me.”  In contrast, Paul knew that these Thessalonians were saved! What did he know that we have perhaps overlooked?

The simple answer is Paul saw how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ had impacted their daily lives! A changed life is still a powerful argument for the reality of salvation. Just take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9, where Paul testifies to how significantly different their lives were in Christ saying, “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thes 1:9). 

Literally, they were not who they use to be, and they did not live the way they once did! You see, the person who claims to be one of God’s people, but whose life has not changed, is only fooling himself. Beloved, God changes every person He chooses! Paul could see the difference Jesus makes in a life. Now, I must hasten to say, that all of this does not suggest believers are perfect or sinless, but this truth asserts that God’s life in real believers will show up! In great darkness, light will be more than evident, and in corrupt cultures, integrity is certain to stand out.

So what specifically did Paul witness in the lives of these believers at Thessalonica? Actually, faith, hope, and love are the three prime qualities of the Christian life; they are real evidences of salvation. Evidence is “the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.” Consider then how these three characteristics stood out among these believers.

Message:

Paul Remembers Their Work of Faith (Vs. 3)

Yes, an important evidence of real salvation is faith in action and service to Christ Jesus.

A. Their Conversion Was By Faith (Acts 17:1-4; 2Thess 2:13-14; Jn. 6:28, 29).

          1. “In this sense, faith is an act or deed. But it is not toil by which a man earns merit or in which he can boast. In fact, it is the only work that man can perform without robbing Christ of His glory as Savior and without denying his own status as a helpless sinner. Faith is a non-meritorious work by which the creature acknowledges his Creator and the sinner acknowledges his Savior.” –MacDonald, William

           2.    1Thess 1:9, mentions that they had turned to the true God from idols.

a.      Faith in Christ had produced true repentance.

b.      “Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in walking with God in the way of his commandments.” –Easton, M.G.: Easton's Bible Dictionary

c.      If the Thessalonians had continued to worship their dead idols while professing faith in the living God, it would have been proof positive that they were not among God’s people.

B.  They Also Lived and Worked By Faith.

         1.      They were performing important works produced by faith in Christ.

a.      Faith must always lead to works of service (James 2:14–26).

b.      It has been said, “We are not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.”

c.      Though believers are saved through faith alone (Eph 2:9) that faith should produce good works in each of us. We work not to be saved but because we are saved.

         2.     The work is through our churches and for the kingdom of God. The character of that work will be different for every believer, but the motivation (faith) and the desire (to bring more people to saving faith) are the same.

a.      When we give to missions to start new churches, it is a work of faith.  When we share the Gospel and distribute tracts, it is a work of faith.  When we teach, preach, parent, and serve these are works of faith.  When we bring people to church it’s a work of faith.

b.      To do work produced by faith does not mean that new believers have to leave their jobs and become full-time Christian workers. Believers can work for the kingdom in almost any vocation, for as we rub shoulders with nonbelievers, we can have a positive impact for Christ. Our faith in him prompts our work for him in our present vocations.

c.      Remember, we may not see the results or the immediate fruit of all our work, but we are to continue to work in faith without becoming discouraged.

i.      Isa 55:11, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

ii.      Isa 46:10,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

iii.      This is a tremendous trait in a strong church!

Anyone may claim to have faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, but what about us? Are we motivated to promote his kingdom, advance God’s will, or spread Christ’s gospel?  

Paul Remembers Their Labor of Love (Vs 3)

Another viable evidence of authentic salvation is laboring motivated by godly love.

A.      Love Is an Evidence of Salvation: “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom. 5:5). We are “taught of God to love one another” (1 Thes. 4:9).

1.      2 Cor 5:14-15, For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15, And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (See Rom 5:8)

2.      Christ-like love presses and compels us to serve (Acts 18:5).

B.      Love Is A Motive For Service. They were motivated to serve God because they love the Lord Jesus. We serve Christ because we love Him; this is a “labor of love.” “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

1.      They performed labor prompted by love for Christ. This consisted in their serving the true and living God (v. 9) in the midst of persecution (v. 6).

2.      Heb 6:10, For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

3.      Why is it that Missionaries say good-bye to their parents, Pastor, Church, Family and Friends and go half way around the world to reach a people that really don’t want them there?  How is it that they stay in the work for years, and decades without complaining.  Because it’s a labor of love!

C.       Love Also Motivates Believers To Work Hard.

1.      Note the contrast between work and labor. Whereas work may be pleasant and stimulating, labor often involves strenuous effort to the point of fatigue and even exhaustion.

2.      Labor is toil, or wearisome effort, generally. Labor denotes not so much the actual exertion which a man makes, but the weariness which he experiences from that exertion. Labor speaks of what Christians ought to render to the Lord as labor in the Christian ministry (John 4:38; 1Cor 3:8; 15:58; 2Cor 6:5; 10:15; 11:23, 27).

3.      Unsaved people live for themselves (Eph. 2:1–2), but as true believers we are willing to toil because of love. We have a new motive for living; we love Christ and love others (Heb. 10:24–25).

D.      Love Should Compel Us to Serve; not cheap motives for profit (money, fame, self-glory, prestige, or personal honor ect.)

1.      MISSIONARIES TO JAPAN—BRO. & SIS. FENCH (71 yrs old)

2.      MISSIONARIES TO ZIARE, AFRICA—BRO. & SIS. DEAL (72 yrs old).  No doubt these missionaries were driven by the love of Christ!

A person may claim to love Jesus Christ, but what about us? When serving in Christ’s church becomes labor—real work, do we begin to back off or conveniently shifts our priorities?

Paul Remembers Their Patience of Hope Vs 3

The final evidence of real salvation in this passage is hope that sustains patience.

A.       They Steadfastly Waited For the Lord Jesus to Return

1.      “This speaks of their steadfast waiting for Jesus. They had been undergoing persecution as a result of their valiant stand for Christ. But no cracks had appeared in what Phillips calls their “sheer dogged endurance.” –MacDonald, William

2.      The believers at Thessalonica fixed their hope solidly on the return of Jesus Christ (v. 10).  –Nelson Study Bible

B.      This Is the True Hope of Believers—the Coming of Christ in the Rapture. This is mentioned at the closing of each chapter of this book.

1.      “To wait for His Son from Heaven” (1:10)

2.      “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming” (2:19)

3.      “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (3:13)

4.      “caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (4:17)

5.      “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:23)

C.       This Hope Is The Third Evidence Of Salvation, Waiting For Jesus Christ To Return (1 Thes. 1:10).

1.      The return of Jesus Christ is the dominant theme of both of both Thessalonian letters. Unsaved people are not eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return. In fact, when our Lord catches His saints up into the air, unsaved people will be totally surprised (1 Thes. 5:1–11). Let us be watchful for our Lord’s coming in the rapture for we know not when He will return for us.

2.      Faith, hope, and love are evidences of genuine salvation. These spiritual qualities are bound together and can come only from God (1 Cor 13:13; Rom 5:1–5; Gal 5:5–6; Col 1:4–5; Heb 6:10–12; 10:22–24; 1 Pet 1:21–22).

D.      They Could Patiently Endure the Suffering and Persecution in Light of the Lord’s Return

1.      “Patience” or endurance is “a bearing up continually and cheerfully under a heavy load” (2 Thes. 1:4).

2.      Such patience is inspired by hope in Christ. Specifically waiting for God’s Son from heaven (1 Thes. 1:10). This is why Paul kept this encouraging theme before them—he knew it would help them endure the pains they were facing.

3.      The lost have no hope. Believers have endurance in life’s trials because we know Christ is coming again. We need not give up in times of trial because we know the Savior is coming to deliver us (1 Pet 1:1–9; 4:12–16).

An individual may claim to hope in Jesus Christ as the one in control of his or her life, but what about us? When faced with difficulty or disappointment, do you endure in the faith or basically turns away in frustration?

Beloved, these three fundamental virtues should mark every genuine child of God—faith, love, and hope (1 Cor. 13:13). They testify to the reality that these Thessalonian were truly saved people. Paul knew they were saved because of the changes in their lives. God’s life was demonstratively evident in these Thessalonian believers. Faith, hope, and love must result in work, labor, and patience that will motivate us throughout life—signifying that we really “got the goods” when we trusted the Savior. How are faith, hope, and love evident in you?

Satan's M.O.

Through this series we have not only seen the beginning of Satan and sin, but we have also discovered the evil character of the Devil. Actually keeping his personality in mind will prove helpful as we work through this material. I also want you to carefully think about his power, potential, and plan relative to our lives today. Remember, he is one of your greatest threats as a child of God. The world and the flesh are the other two.

Ultimately he lives, tricks, and deceives so that he can be worshipped as God. Beloved, this is the Devil’s M.O.—modus operandi. “M.O.” is short for this Latin phrase referring to his typical method or mode of operation. Quite frequently the police use the term when discussing crime and a criminal’s methods. In criminal profiling it can help with gaining insight into the offender’s psychology. Accordingly, the suspect’s modus operandi can lead to their identification, apprehension, or repression. Furthermore, these behavioral sketches can also be used to discover links between crimes.

Here I am referring to Satan’s habit of working; in street terms, that’s how he rolls! The primary goal in all facets of his criminal activities against us and the Lord Jesus is to have our worship. Knowing this not only enables us to beware of his strategies, but we must formulate defenses against his assaults for ourselves, our families, our churches, and businesses. Now ponder these thoughts as they help us prepare ourselves adequately for real spiritual warfare.

SATAN IS A PROUD PERSON; THEREFORE, HIS PLAN IS TO ENGENDER PRIDE.

1 Tim. 3:6, Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Paul agrees with the idea that Satan fell and his pride is the reason. The Devil was condemned and rejected by God because of his incredible arrogance. His sin was pride. He wanted to be like God, not in the sense of possessing God’s holy character, but by possessing authority equal to God’s (1 Timothy 3:6; Isaiah 14:13–15).

Satan was an exalted angelic being, one of God’s creatures, who became proud and ambitious. He determined to take over the throne of God for himself. But God removed him from his position of great dignity and honor. Read carefully Satan’s very own words expressing his desire to replace the Almighty. 

Isaiah 14:13-15, For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Ambitious, arrogant, self-centered, self-aggrandizing, and presumptuous in the extreme! This is the record of Satan’s private musings in anticipation of overthrowing the Most High God. The shocking thing is he seeks to engender the same spirit of pride and gross arrogance in others. Beware!

SATAN IS A POWERFUL PERSON; THEREFORE, HIS PLAN IS TO WORK AGGRESSIVELY AGAINST BELIEVERS.  

While we may find it difficult to do, a healthy dose of respect will help us as we fight evil and the Devil. We cannot and will not worship him under any circumstances, but we must respect his incredible power and ability.

      1.  Beware of Satan’s Desire to Engage You  in Hand to Hand Combat.

Ephes. 6:11-13, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I believe realizing who we are dealing with motivates us to truly rely on God’s special armor as we join the spiritual war that has been under ways since the Garden of Eden. It is vital to commit every area of personal struggle to the Lord. Ask him to arm you in whatever way is necessary so that you can withstand spiritual attacks.  

   

             A.  Because Satan Aims to Destroy Us.  He blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they might not believe the Gospel. As the ruler over all the demons, he employs them to defeat us, and he tempts us to sin (Matthew 12:24–27; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:11–12; 1 Corinthians 7:5).

             B.  Because Satan Is Extremely Powerful. He is the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is not God's equal in any way at all, but he is extremely powerful. Only trust the armor God provides!

      2.  Remember That Satan Is Not All Powerful - Job 1:9-12; 2:3-7; Jude 9.

Jude 1:9,  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Rev. 20:1-3, And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, [3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.  (Also vs. 7, 10)

Satan's abilities, impressive as they are, are not limitless. His power is subject to God's restrictions (Job 1:12; Luke 4:6; 2 Thess 2:7-8). The reins of God on his activities are illustrated by Satan’s request to God for permission to afflict Job (Job 1:7-12). He cannot defeat the child of God who consistently lives according to the Word and the power of God! Remember, greater is He that is in you!

SATAN IS A JEALOUS PERSON; THEREFORE, HIS PLAN IS TO BE WORSHIPED LIKE GOD. Isa. 14: 14, “I Will Be Like The Most High.”    

This sums up the heart intent of Satan—he wants to be God. Here his counterfeit is crystal clear. Satan wanted to be like, not unlike, God. The name Elyon for God stresses God’s strength and sovereignty (Gen. 14:18). Satan wanted to be as powerful as God. He wanted to exercise the authority and control in this world that rightfully belongs only to God. His sin was a direct challenge to the power and authority of God.

      1.  This Explains Why He Sought the Worship of the Lord Jesus Christ

Matt 4:9-10, And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

As the Lord Jesus refused the Devil worship so must we. There is but one God and He alone is worthy of our worship, adoration, praise and honor. There is absolutely no one else we honor in this manner!

      2.  This Reveals His Desire for Every Man, Woman, and Child—To Become Devil Worshipers   

2 Cor 4:3-4, But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Rev. 13:3-4, And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. [4] And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Rev. 13:12, And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

These passages convey the Devil’s intent to blind people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, trick them into Satan worship, and they indicate incredible success for Satanism during the Tribulation Period. All of these developments are present realities, but on a smaller scale.

More and more people are involving themselves in witchcraft, the occult, and Satanism in the United States and around the world. In the state of California the Church of Satan has been formally organized since the mid-60s, and in the state of Michigan there is a Satanic Temple. The Satanic Bible was published in 1969. There are thousands of self-identified Satanists and they even have after school clubs for children. LeVey’s brand of Satanism is actually atheism; they reject any notions of a deity—they are fundamentally secularists. There is no common belief system uniting all the various groups and organizations. Some are religious, others are atheistic, while yet some are political in their orientation. Self-indulgence, a few basic tenets/creeds and an interest in magic and rituals are fairly common treads.

SATANISM AN EPIDEMIC IN WEST GERMANY

“In West Germany, the government has declared Satanism a social epidemic. More than 200,000 German youths, called "Gothic Punks," wear black clothing, camp out in graveyards, sleep in coffins, and worship Satan.”   (Plymouth Rock Foundation's FAC-Sheet, # 59, "Satanism and the Occult")

             A.  This Reveals His Personal Plans for the Future.

II Th 2:4, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Clear statements regarding the future activities of the Anti-Christ are portrayed in the Word of God. Satan yearns for the worship of all mankind.

             B.  This is Why There is a Satanic Triad in Scripture.  Rev. 13

                        1. Satan - who seeks to usurp God the Father.   Vs 2 & 4 “Dragon”

                        2.  Antichrist -  who will imitate God the Son.   Vs 1-5 “the Beast”

                        3.  False Prophet -  who counterfeits God the Spirit.   Vs 11-16 “another Beast”

These persons are seen in Revelation 13, and they represent a false trinity of sorts.

             C.  Expect God to Judge Such Arrogance and Pride!

Prov 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov 11:2, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Prov 29:23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Prov 1:5-7, A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6, To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  

Clearly, God hates pride and arrogance in a fantastic way. He will confront it and deal with it wherever it is found. There is no form of pride that God sanctions. The Scriptures never present any practice of pride in a positive light. Such presumptuous arrogance is always condemned and discouraged. This is why Satan seeks to engender pride in the human heart. You see, such rebellion actually honors him while dishonoring the Most High God!

To protect our loved ones, we must not sit idly by and merely ‘hope’ our families will turn out right and continue to serve God. We must provide our families with instructions to help them live victorious over our enemy—Satan. Therefore, home training must encompass a biblical view of the person and plans of Satan as a sound defense against his attacks. This requires unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus, submission to the Holy Spirit, and a comprehension of the Word of God. In doing so, we can be certain of victory against our rootless enemy-the Devil.