Sermon Central
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The One Time Satan Was Right!
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Dec 2, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Satan is a liar and the father of it but there were two times he was right. One was in this passage. The other is found in Matthew 4:6. This outline looks at the significance of the "hedge" God has put about His children.
THE ONE TIME SATAN WAS RIGHT
"Then Satan answered the Lord, ’Does Job fear God for nothing? Hast Thou not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." Job 1:9-10.
I. "HAST THOU NOT MADE A HEDGE ABOUT HIM?"
This indicates that the hedge was God’s doing…not Job’s. The protection Job was experiencing was not of his own merit but was a manifestation of God’s grace.
II. WHAT THE HEDGE GOD HAS MADE ABOUT HIS PEOPLE SIGNIFIES!
We are able to conclude the following things:
A. A hedge signifies planning and purposeful design.
“…to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
B. A hedge signifies ownership and defines a specific area.
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Corinthians 6:20.
C. A hedge signifies esteemed value.
“…So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. ‘They shall be Mine,’ saith the Lord, on the day that I make them My jewels.” Malachi 3:16b-17a.
D. A hedge signifies protection.
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27.
E. A hedge has a purpose.
“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5.
III. THE EXTENT OF THE HEDGE: “ON EVERY SIDE”!
Elisha’s servant was allowed to see this great truth with his own eyes!
“…And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ Elisha answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And he prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:15b-17.
IV. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE “HEDGED LIFE”!
A. Joy:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I will say, rejoice!” [Philippians 4:4]
B. Assurance:
“The Lord thy God is with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 1:9b].
