Mar 13, 2016
We know our enemy is serious about doing damage because:
He takes the time to come up with schemes; he is tricky and
crafty.
Genesis 3:1 – Satan questioned God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – Appears as an angel of light
We know our enemy is serious about doing damage because:
We see the results of his very effective system that plays on
our weakness.
Ephesians 6: 12 – He has a large, well-organized group of fallen
angels that work for him. This organization has brought him a lot
of success.
Examples: Satan has had success with …
those who were dedicated to God from birth (Samson’s story in
Judges 13-16)
those who had a parent involved in ministry (the priest Eli and his
sons, 1 Samuel 2-3)
even the wisest man who ever lived! (Solomon, 1 Kings 11) Even his
heart was turned away from God.
No one is immune to being targeted by the enemy.
2nd Fact about our enemy: He is not in total control
Ephesians 6:13 With God it is possible to stand firm!
Reminders for us that Satan is not in total control:
He was cast out of heaven by God (Ezekiel 28:12-13, Isaiah
14:12-15, Luke 10:18)
He has to submit to God’s limitations on how far he can go in
hurting people (Job 1)
We see Jesus casting out demons, and others who cast them out in
Jesus’s name (New Testament)
One day, God will put Satan away forever! (Revelation 20:10)
The first area of attack is against our respect for the truth of
God’s Word, so the armor we need is the Belt of Truth (Ephesians
6:14)
Steps for living with the Belt of Truth:
Example from King Josiah
Allow it to command our attention (2 Kings 22:10)
Allow it to move us emotionally (2 Kings 22: 11-19)
Seek God (2 Kings 22: 13) Find out how this truth applies to our
life and circumstances.
Allow God’s truth to move us to action (2 Kings 23:1-25)
King Josiah dedicated himself to following God and then led his
people to do the same. He made major changes in the land. Because
Josiah decided that the truth of God’s Word would command his
highest respect, he was able to have good judgment to make the
right choices. And that is what the Belt of Truth can do for us in
life!