What Would Satan Say About Christmas?

What Would Satan Say About Christmas?

Dec. 4, 2005 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction:

A Last week we looked at what Santa, Sinter Klaas, would say about how we celebrate Christmas.

1 Focus (Xmas vs. Christmas)

2 Faith (Jesus vs. Santa)

B Satan in our interviewee today!

1 Difficult because his presence is here this morning

a He never misses a service

b Either him or a demonic spirit attends every church service, business meeting, Sunday School class, etc.

2 What does the fallen angelic choir director of heaven have to say to us this morning.

a Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, ’You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ’You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ " 4 The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! 5 "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Gen 3:1-5 (NASB)

b And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 6and said* to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ’HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ’ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’ 9 and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me." Matt 4:3, 6, & 9 (NASB) "If" used 3 x’s= doubt!

3 Jesus called the devil a liar & the father of all lies (murderer)

a One of the biggest weapons in his arsenal against God’s people is DOUBT.

b If Satan can get us to doubt our beliefs about our Savior’s birth, he’s been effective.

c What would he have us question, doubt, wonder "if" it’s true?

4 (TS) Let’s look at two things I think Satan would say to us today.

I Do you really believe Jesus was virgin-born?

A Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. Matt 1:18-25 (NASB)

1 If Satan were here in bodily form he’d have something to say about this passage.

a Young man & woman in love, engaged, & she suddenly becomes pregnant? COME ON!

b The idea of a girl who was never sexually active, God miraculously puts a baby in her womb...ludicrous!

2 He may even get us to question the necessity of the virgin birth altogether!

a It doesn’t really matter if Mary was a virgin or not.

b LIE: He can still be a good man, taught life truths, even die on a cross for your sins.

c Nothing could please the enemy more than for us to doubt the virgin birth occurred...but it did!

B You may be wondering what difference does it make. The doctrinal importance is seen in at least 3 areas:

1 The virgin birth shows that salvation must ultimately come from the Lord.

a And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel." Gen 3:15 (NASB) Gen. 3:15 is God’s response to Satan’s deception on Eve.