Opposing Forces Measuring our Opponents Providence March 6 th, 2011

Understanding Our Opponent Luke 14:28-33 Preparation, calculating the cost Proper planning always requires knowledge of the risks – Stock market / investments – Surgery – Road conditions We must understand how our enemy works and thinks

“Your Adversary, the Devil” I Peter 5:8 James 4:7- “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you” Ephesians 6:11-17 – Not flesh and blood, so don’t use physical tools alone – Whole armor of God

The Whole Armor of God (Eph. 6:11-17) Truth Righteousness Preparation Faith Salvation Word of God

“Attributes” of the Devil

The Character of the Devil 1.He is Brazen and Bold – Matt. 4:3 Tempted Jesus – Job 1:6 Appeared boldly to God – He will tempt us no matter how strong we feel we are – I Cor. 10:12 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall”

Should We be Brazen and Bold? Ephesians 6:19-20 Paul hoped to be bold in his preaching – He approached the leaders who might see him put to death Acts 4:20 – Peter and John could not stop speaking John 14:4 – John the Baptist boldly spoke truth Could we learn to boldly but gently speak to others

The Character of the Devil 1.He is Brazen and Bold 2.He is Optimistic and Positive

The Devil is Optimistic He thinks he can get anyone – King David – Demas (II Timothy 4:10) – The Apostles (Judas, Peter) – Strong and seasoned preachers – Young and naïve Christians – Our children

Do We Have Reason to be Optimistic? God is with us “I can do all things….” Phil.4:13 There is always someone in the world who will listen Do you feel like you have any power at all to change things?

The Character of the Devil 1.He is Brazen and Bold 2.He is Optimistic and Positive 3.He is Knowledgeable, Wise and Persuasive

Knowledge and Wisdom Knowledge is merely knowing facts Wisdom- the ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results – Understanding of how to use the knowledge – Consider the difference between education and experience

The Devil is Knowledgeable and Wise He knows scripture – Luke 4:10- he quoted and misapplied scripture – Gen. 3:1-4 – he twisted what God had said He knows God (Gen. 3:1-4) He knows you and me – He watches our situation and waits to tempt us – Job 1:10- he has the power to manipulate our life to tempt us

Which is More Attractive to a 16 Year Old?

The Importance of Our Knowledge and Wisdom Knowledge is attainable Wisdom is attainable (James 1:5) Increasing age does not always equal wisdom We can learn to use our knowledge to counter the Devil’s persuasiveness

Which Looks More Attractive Family PicnicDrunk Driving Accident

The Importance of Our Knowledge and Wisdom Knowledge is attainable Wisdom is attainable (James 1:5) Increasing age does not always equal wisdom We can learn to use our knowledge to counter the Devil’s persuasiveness We can look for ways to help others see their need for Christ “Be ye wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16)

The Character of the Devil 1.He is Brazen and Bold 2.He is Optimistic and Positive 3.He is Knowledgeable, Wise and Persuasive 4.He is Patient

The Devil is Patient He wears people down and waits for the right moment He is always ready at the “turning point” in our life to seize the opportunity He understands that there is rarely an instant victory The Devil generally wins! (Matt. 20:16)

Our Need for Patience Patience with each other’s faults Patience with our own investments – Consider your retirement savings – A child’s growth to adulthood (or your own) – Marking where you were on a certain date and then look for the difference much later Your retirement account will not grow if you never make an investment Remember that we are to sow the seed and we don’t know what kind of fertilize someone else or God may be applying

Are You a Christian? Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17) Believe the Gospel (John 3:16) Confess Jesus (Romans 10:9-10) Repent (Acts 2:38) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38)