Sermon Central
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Capturing Victory: Recognizing Our Enemy Series
Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 19, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: "Recognizing Our Enemy" is the first of five sermons Dr. Vorce delivered at Lakewood Family Church in May and June of 2023. This message guides listeners through the scriptures to help them identify their enemy as they strive to live a life of victory.
"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
In this Series, we will discuss the following:
• Identifying our Enemy
• Discernment
• Inner Healing (and its practices today)
• A Correct View & Interaction with the Prophetic
• Demonology and Exorcism
I. Satan – Our Primary Enemy
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8)
A. Our defense is RESISTANCE!
"Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:9)
1. You are not alone. You are not the only one that has had to fight the devil. ("Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”)
2. Resist: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
a. While we yield to God in all things, we yield to the devil in none.
b. The correct way of meeting him is by direct resistance rather than by argument, by steadfastly refusing to yield in the slightest degree.
c. Example: A man, for example, is always safe from intemperance if he resists all allurements to indulgence in strong drink and never yields in the slightest degree; no one is certainly safe if he drinks even moderately.
3. Complete resistance is required. Make no deals with the devil!
B. Give NO PLACE to the devil: "Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27)
1. It's easy to take this scripture out of context when we do not note the two scriptures before it. (Context is critical in our understanding of the scriptures.
2. These two verses are as follows:
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:25-27)
a. Put away lying (by speaking the truth)
b. Anger can be sinful when we let it control us.
c. The tongue can no man tame (but God can!) – James 3:8-12 READ & EXPOUND
1) Our tongues can get us in trouble… That is why the Holy Ghost is so important!
C. Capturing Victory
1. 1 Peter 5:8 – Be Sober and Vigilant
2. James 4:7-12 – Notice the list:
a. V7 – Submit to God, Resist the Devil.
b. V8 – Draw near to God.
c. V8 – Cleanse your hands.
d. V8 – Purify your hearts.
e. V9 – Be serious (Spiritual Warfare is not a game).
f. V10 – Humble Yourself.
g. V11-12 – Don't speak evil of a brother or judge (No gossiping, backbiting, or slander. These are satanic traits).
II. The Influence of the World Around Us is Primary Enemy #2 – Not everything is the devil!
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15:18-19)
A. The battle is on three fronts:
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:16)
1. Lust of the Flesh refers to the sinful desires arising from our human nature.
a. It encompasses not only sexual immorality but also other cravings that can dominate our thoughts and actions, such as gluttony, greed, and addiction.
2. Lust of the Eyes refers to the covetousness that can consume our hearts when we fixate on the material possessions and worldly pleasures that surround us.
a. This form of temptation often manifests as envy, jealousy, and the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, or power.
b. Lust of the eyes may also lead to adultery, fornication, or any form of various sexual sins.
3. Pride of Life refers to the arrogance and self-centeredness that can lead us to believe we are superior to others and independent of God.
B. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh - Ga 5:24
Victory comes through an awareness of the conflict.
1. The Spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another - Ga 5:17
2. As long as we are in the flesh, there will be warfare! We MUST live a life of surrender to God!
3. With awareness of the conflict, we are on the road to Victory.
C. Capturing Victory
