Living Under The Shadow Of Satan's Throne

Living Under The Shadow of satan's Throne

PPT 1 Series Title "Shadows"

Shadows for this series simply means a sphere of influence. We can live under the shadow of our past, the shadow of the Most High, shadow of fear, the shadow of satan's throne, and all these things will create an influence and atmosphere over our lives.

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The big Idea: Where you live impacts your life in very significant ways, but that doesn't mean it has to control your life.

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Re 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

Re 2:13 "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antis, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Illus: Recently I went on vacation to a country that has very wealthy areas (compared to the locals) and areas where there is a lot of crime and violence. I stayed at a place where the "wealthy," stay. Many of these places are very close to each other, that was the case where I stayed. I had read of US State Department warnings about crime and violence and I was somewhat concerned about the situation. It turns out the place I stayed at was right next to the national police training academy, and the national drug enforcement academy. Those places have an influence on the area around them, so even though I was near a crime ridden area I felt very safe.

In contrast to that the church in Pergamum lived under the shadow of satan's throne. There is a vast difference of atmosphere between living next to police headquarters and living next to satan's throne. As believers though we may live under the shadow of satan's throne, we are always living under the shadow of the most High, and in the same way that Moses' staff ate the snakes of Pharaoh's magicians, God's shadow overrules satan's shadow. But that is not to say we do not feel any of the influence of the devil's shadow.

Let me now give you an observation and then a couple of encouraging thoughts.

Observation 1:

The devil probably has a physical location or headquarters on planet earth. I think it used to be in the middle east. Daniel had to fight against and live in an atmosphere that was dominated by what the bible calls, "the Prince of Persia." Paul in Ephesians speaks of spiritual wickedness in high places implying demonic entities. In Revelation the throne of satan was located in what is known as modern day Turkey. I am sure he probably has moved his headquarters around from time to time.

The main thing I want to get across is that there are places you can live that are more subject to, and influenced by, evil powers. (Don't get worried good news coming!) If you live near an evil stronghold your live will feel it's impact. The letter to Church of Pergamum has reference to any segment of the church that is living near and influenced by demonic strongholds. In fact if you read more of Revelation 2 you will see how evil ideas and behaviors had impacted many in that church. If you live near satan's throne you will have to work harder to protect yourself from the influence of his shadow.

Helpful thought 1:

Whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord.

This goes back to the story of the 12 spies in Numbers 13, and 14. One group were influenced by their fears the other was motivated by their faith. As it relates to this message, let me ask you a very important question... "Whose shadow are you living under?" If you answer I live near the devil's throne that will give vent to fears, and doubts and defeat. If you recognize you live near satan's throne but declare, "I live under the shadow of the most High," that will give vent to faith, strength, courage and victory. Though we live near satan's throne we can cast off most of it's influence, by believing and declaring, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to have a target on his back that the devil was constantly aiming at. Many times the Jews tried to kill him, but they couldn't because until he finished his assignment he was beyond the power of hell to kill. Beyond that he taught that no matter who is against you, you will always have access to the love and presence of God:

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