The Scriptures describe Satan as being active. In Job’s day, we see Satan “going to and fro on the earth, and … walking up and down on it” (Job 1:7, 2:2). Satan was walking all over the earth looking for a righteous man. In the New Testament, Peter warned, “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Pet. 5:8). In nature, a lioness will creep and wait patiently for her time to strike and kill her prey. In hunting, she is active and has a goal in mind — food for herself and her cubs. Notice, Satan is also described as being as active as that hungry, hunting lion! Jesus said that Satan was a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). He is the author of lies and murder, and his actions continue to this day.

     Notice the terminology used in reference to Satan. Satan is not sitting somewhere on a beach relaxing. We do not get the impression that Satan gets up some mornings and says, “Today, I will take the morning off.” Look at this world. Satan has his hand in the TV stations, in the newspaper, in magazines, in radios. He is in our schools, our military, our government, and in our homes. No, friends, Satan does not rest! Satan works overtime!

Satan Works Overtime In Families

Observe the character and content of most families, and we will see Satan’s work. Divorce, abuse, (verbal, physical, etc.), ungodly behavior, being lax in training the children, hypocritical behavior, and many other things are present in families due to Satan’s influence. Remember, as goes the home, so goes the nation. Therefore, we find Satan working “overtime” in the home, and especially in the homes of Christians to try and lure them away from God and His will so as to have an impact on the home, and by extension, the church and government.

Satan Works Overtime In Government.

When laws of men are enacted which encourage and sanction sin (ex: gambling/lotteries, legalized alcohol, abortion of babies, homosexuality, etc.), you can rest assured that Satan has been working overtime among government’s leaders! He has been working among the nations of men ever since government began. Consider the wicked kings God names among the Jews and the Gentiles in the Old Testament! Then, look into the New Testament and be reminded of the sins of Herod the Great, Agrippa I and II, Caesar, etc. In studying these leaders, we find such sins as pride, lying, stealing, murder, homosexuality, etc. were committed. When we look at government leaders today, we find many of them falling into the same trap! These facts all bear record to the fact that Satan has been at work in the government!

Satan Works Overtime Among Individuals.

The book of I John lets us know that men are tempted with the lusts of the flesh and eyes, and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17). Truly, Satan walks around as a lion looking for his next meal (I Pet. 5:8)! Satan has not stopped yet, but continues to look for the “weak,” “sickly,” and those who are just unaware of their surroundings. When we see folks caught up in alcoholism, abusive behavior with others, lying, stealing, pornography, being unfaithful to God, ignorant of His word, not praying, not living as we should in Christ, etc., we are seeing the evidence of a people who are victims of Satan. Yes, Satan works overtime!

     My observation is that many Christians are lax in their attitude toward Satan and his work. For this, we can also thank Satan. He wants folks to be unimpressed with him, and make light of his tactics. If folks think Satan is a myth, or a joke, he is happy with this, for he knows those who will not take him seriously, will not take the salvation of their souls seriously, either (contrast Jesus’ teaching: Matt. 16:26). Solomon wrote, “Fools mock at sin” (Prov. 14:9). How Satan loves those “fools”! He wants even more people to be foolish, and works “overtime” to make this happen!

Conclusion

Can we fight against Satan? Absolutely! He is powerful, but Christ has given us the weapons and armor for fighting Satan (Eph. 6:10-17; Rom. 13:12, 14; II Cor. 10:3-5). Now we must use them!! Perhaps we forgot that we are at war with Satan. Let us awake from sleep and be busy fighting temptation, as well as living a faithful life (I Cor. 15:58). Look to God (not self) for strength (Phil. 4:13). Exercise your senses (Heb. 5:14). We can win!

The Old Paths (Nov. 11, 2012)

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

Why Some Christians Keep Living in Sin (Part 1)

1. A Christian can fall away and be lost, Lk. 8:13; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 3:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-22.
2. Why do some Christians fall away and remain in sin? What are we to do?

I. HEBREWS 3:12-13: DUE TO AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF. 

  A. Evil: A Heart that Degenerates into Unbelief, 3:12, 6, 18-19; 4:11; 3:13.
    -Sin is a decision of the will; it is not forced on any one.

  B. What Are We to Do?
    1.  Beware, 3:12; 1 Cor. 10:12.
    2.  Exhort one another daily, 3:13; Tit. 2:15
    3.  Hear God’s voice, 3:6-8; Psa. 119:11.
    4.  Hold fast your confidence with diligence to the end, 3:14; 4:11.

II. HEBREWS 6:1-6: DUE TO A LACK OF GROWTH TO MATURITY.

  A. Immaturity in Knowledge and Living, Heb. 5:11-14; Col. 1:9-11.
    1.  Discernment and use of God’s word is decisive to growth and strength, 5:14.
    2. Previous condition.
    3. Present condition.
    4. Future condition.

  B. What Are We to Do?
    1.  Bear the burdens of the weak and help them grow, Gal. 6:2; 1 Ths. 5:14.
    2.  Pray God to help the weak, the faltering and the fallen, Phil. 4:6.

Conclusion

1.  “Lord, I’m coming home” – Home to faithful diligence, home to spiritual growth, and home to truth and godly living – home to God.
2.  Repent and return to living with diligent faith today, Heb. 3:7-8, 14; 4:11.

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  12/30/2012