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Scripture Reading: John 8:43-47

Nots in the Devil's Tale

 

Intro.

1.  The devil has many tales to tell, and  they are all lies! Jno. 8:44 (Devil: slanderer, accuser; Satan: “Adversary”).

2.  Many of the devil’s lies have a “not” in them.

 

I.  “THERE IS NOT A GOD.”

  A.  The Devil does not Believe His Own Lie.

    1.  Throughout the Bible, devil always acknowledges God, Gen. 3:1; Job 1:6-7; Matt. 4:3.

    2.  Yet, through deception, slander and accusations he convinces many there is no God, Psa. 10:4, 11...

      a.  “There is so much suffering in the world; how can there be a God?”

      b.  “If God is real and loves me, why doesn’t He help me?”

  B.  Overwhelming Evidence for God. (First Cause; Design/Designer)

    1.  Evidence has been provided by God, Acts 14:15-17; Rom. 1:20.

    2.  Heavens declare His power, Psa. 19:1.

    3.  The earth shows His excellence, Psa. 8.

    4.  The one who believes the devil’s tale is a fool, Psa. 14:1-4.

    5.  The wise fear and acknowledge Him, Prov. 9:10.

 

II. “YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE”, Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-5.

  A.  He has Deceived Many into Forgetting the Danger/Power of Sin.

    1.  Makes prohibition greater than privilege, 3:1.

    2.  Denies the severity of God, 3:4.

    3.  Attacks the goodness of God, 3:5.

    4.  Today: “God will not punish sinners in hell; Else, God is not good.”

    5.  Cannot fall from grace: “You will not surely die!” Lk. 8:13; Gal. 5:4

    6.  Spiritual moorings have been abandoned: Men and women are floundering in the despair and desperation of sin, Gal. 5:19-21.

  B.  Sin is Still Real.

    1.  Sin is powerful, Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 6:23.

    2.  Sin is dangerous, 1 Jno. 3:4; 5:17; Jas. 4:17; Rom. 14:23.

    3.  Only Christ can save you from your sins, Lk. 19:10; Acts 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 9:28.

 

III.  “THE CHURCH IS NOT IMPORTANT.”

  A.  The Devil Offers You the “Church of Your Choice”. Jer. 10:23

    1.  “One church is not better than another.” Denominations, ecumenism, etc.

    2.  To the devil, every church is better than Christ’s church!

  B.  The Bible Offers and Endorses Only One Church:

    1.  Built by Jesus, Matt. 16:18.

    2.  Purchased with His blood, Acts 20:28.

    3.  Body and fullness of Christ, Eph. 1:22-23.

    4.  Cleansed and saved by Christ, Eph. 5:25-26, 23.

    5.  We know why the devil says it is not important; So people will be lost!

  C.  “The Church of Christ You are a Member of is Not Important.” Rev. 2:16; 3:16; 1 Jno. 2:18-19

    1.  When individuals fall away, the churches they form are apostate, 2 Jno. 9-11.

    2.  The word of the Lord must go forth from a congregation; not error, 1 Ths. 1:8.

 

IV.  “THERE IS NOT A ‘PLAN OF SALVATION.’”

  A.  Many False Teachings on How to be Saved (Faith only; sinner’s prayer; etc.).

    1.  God’s word is plain; There is a plan of salvation (cf. Heb. 12:25).

      a.  Hear the gospel, Rom. 10:17 (Jno. 6:45).

      b.  Believe in God and Christ, the Son of God, Heb. 11:6; Jno. 8:24.

      c.  Confess your faith in Jesus Christ, Rom. 10:9-10.

      d.  Repent of your sins, Acts 2:38.

      e.  Be baptized, Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:27.

  B.  Some Brethren already Question the Exclusive Nature of God’s Plan of Salvation.

    1.  “Things aren’t as simple as simple as a ‘5 step plan’ like we teach.”

    2.  There are “Christians” in all the churches. How did they get there?

    3.  We ask: Have they obeyed Christ, in His way, in order to be saved?

 

Conclusion

1.  Many other “nots” in the devil’s “tale.” He is a liar! Jno. 8:44

2.  Beware his lies and deceptions, and submit to God’s truth, Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9.

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: December 13, 2013