Scripture Reading: John 8:40-47
What the Devil Wants
Intro.
1. We wrestle against the devil and his evil forces, Eph. 6:12.
-Wrestling: A contest between two in which each tries to throw the other, and which is decided when the victor is able to hold his opponent down with his hand upon his neck.
2. The devil is the father of lies, John 8:44.
a. The devil’s desires find place in the hearts and lives of people who do not hear (believe) the word of Christ, John 8:43-47.
b. He gains his advantage when we ignore him, 2 Cor. 2:11.
c. Like a wrestler, we must anticipate his next move and counter it; Be aggressive with truth and put our foot on his neck (Rom. 16:20).
3. Consider some of the desires of the devil.
I. DEVIL WANTS LIES WHERE THERE SHOULD BE TRUTH, John 8:44.
A. The Truth of God’s Word, John 8:45-47 (8:37-38, 31-32).
B. The Truth of Honest Speech, Eph. 4:25.
-Gird your loins with truth- (Eph. 6:14)
II. DEVIL WANTS DARKNESS WHERE THERE SHOULD BE LIGHT, 2 Cor. 4:3-4.
A. Light has Come, Exposing Evil, John 3:19-21.
-Gospel light of the knowledge of God’s glory in Christ, 2 Cor. 4:6.
B. Christians are Children of Light, Eph. 5:8. Walk as children of light.
-Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace- (Eph. 6:15)
III. DEVIL WANTS A PLACE TO STAND WHERE NONE SHOULD BE GIVEN, Eph. 4:27 (Don’t give Satan an opportunity, a foothold, an occasion to act.)
A. Give No Place for Sin, Eph. 4:25-26 (2 Cor. 2:11).
-Satan wants to sift us like wheat, Luke 22:31-34.
B. Stand in the Faith, 1 Cor. 16:13; Col. 2:6-7.
-Shield of faith- (Eph. 6:16)
IV. DEVIL WANTS CONFUSION WHERE THERE SHOULD BE ORDER, 1 Cor. 14:33. (Instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, chaos)
A. Heavenly Wisdom Reflects Good Conduct in Meekness, James 3:13.
B. Self-Seeking: Bitter Envy, Boasting, Lying … Confusion of Evil, James 3:14-16.
-Breastplate of righteousness- (Eph. 6:14) Integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling and acting
V. DEVIL WANTS PEACE WHERE THERE SHOULD BE WAR, Jer. 6:14.
A. War Against the World, Sin and Error, 2 Cor. 10:3-5.
B. The Separating Power of Truth and Godly Living, Matt. 10:34 (Luke 12:51).
-Whole armor of God, to stand- (Eph. 6:13)
VI. DEVIL WANTS WAR WHERE THERE SHOULD BE PEACE, James 4:1.
A. Conflict and Strife Among Brethren, Gen. 13:8; Rom. 12:16-18, 19-21.
-Praying always…watchful…all perseverance- (Eph. 6:18)
VII. DEVIL WANTS SENSELESSNESS TO ABOUND WHERE PEOPLE SHOULD COME TO THEIR SENSES, 2 Tim. 2:24-26.
A. The Correction of Truth Calms the Spirit and Restores Sober Thinking and Watchful Living, Eph. 5:15.
-Helmet of salvation- (Eph. 6:17)
VIII. DEVIL WANTS TOLERANCE TOWARD SIN WHERE THERE MUST BE RESISTANCE, James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9.
A. Humility Cures Worldliness, James 4:6-10.
B. Devil is Resisted “in the faith,” Not in the Opinions of Men, Jude 3; Gal. 2:4-5.
-Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might- (Eph. 6:10)
Conclusion
1. Christians are in a battle against the devil. Our enemy is cunning, crafty, deceptive and powerful (Eph. 6:11-12; 2:2).
2. Devil wants our surrender when Christians should take a stand, Eph. 6:11, 13.
-Sword of the Spirit- (Eph. 6:17)
3. Victory is assured in Jesus (1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:9-11).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted January 19, 2022