Overcoming Satan’s Wiles Text: Genesis 3:1-5
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Satan has been around for a long time, he knows our weakness’, he has many tactics, Satan uses people, he uses our battles against us, he tempts us through our past failures, low self-esteem and even people hurting you in the past.
II. Cor. 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
What’s the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ? It’s found in the gospels; it’s Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection!
Remember, Satan is called the god of this world. However, it’s important to point out that the light of this gospel (God’s word) is the exact image of God; therefore, when you stay rooted in God during trouble God’s very image is with you! (In fear, depression etc.)
Let’s read this story together about a man that trusted in God. II. Chron. 20: 1-5 1 It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
Vs. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you…
The devil loves to exalt the situation! #1.We have to take control over our thoughts!
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
II Cor. 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
#2. When you are tempted you need to make sure you make the right decisions! Vs. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Jehoshaphat asks for help.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
#3. Jehoshaphat found his help in the sanctuary! Vs.5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
Listen to Jehoshaphat’s prayer in II Chron. 20: 6-13 (Read)
Vs.14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
When you are faithful unto God’s task He will show Himself strong!
