“HOW SATAN TRIES TO KEEP YOU FROM DOING GOD’S WILL”

 Text:  Hebrews 10:34/Malachi 3:13-14

·        Comments on Hebrews 10: 34-37 in Life Application Bible.

·        Romans 5:3 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

·        Comments on Hebrews 10:35-38 in Life Application Bible.

·        Turn to Romans 8:12-25.  Then Read Galatians 3:10-13 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

I.                   SATAN SEEKS TO DECEIVE THE SAVED

ABOUT FINDING GOD’S WILL. (I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be  vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.)

1. BY CONFUSING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WILL  Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. CONFUSION

a.   By putting a question to our knowledge of God’s will. (ARE   

      YOU  SURE?)

b.   By pointing to others that are better qualified to do it.

2.        BY OFFERING US A SUBSTITUTE WILL.

 Eph. 4:3-Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all  SUBSTITUTION

 3.BY OPENING GREAT DOORS INTO RELIGION.

Jeremiah 6:16-Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. I Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.RELIGION

a.   One that offers popularity and prestige in religious circles.

2.       BY PROVING THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF OUR FULFILLING

       GOD’S WILL NOW

Lk 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”  Phill. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” PROCRASTINATION

a.       He makes us believe things are not fulfilling God’s will now

b.      He makes uss believe we have waited too late to do it.

c.       He makes us to think God is too hard, to expect us to do his will.

II.                SATAN SEEKS TO DETOUR US OUT OF GOD’S WILL  AFTER WE FIND IT—

1-He seeks to make God’s will a road of obstacles.

    a-He tempts by opposition and oppression

                b-He can always point to a smoother path to travel.

            2-He seeks to mix his will with God’s will in our Lives.

                a-He seeks to mix a little of his program at a time into our life.

                b-His program slowly crowds out God’s will for our lives.

            3-He makes his will more appealing than the Lord’s will.

                a-He can get more backing for his program.

III.             SATAN TRIES TO DESTROY OUR FAITH IN GOD’S WILL AFTER WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO PERFORM IT.---

1-He tries to make us think God is in debt to us for doing his will.

    a-He seeks to get us to demand of God now (Lk 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.)

2-By proving that God’s plan has failed.  (I Kings 19:4-14 Satan 

    made Elijah to think this.)

    a-He points out the unfaithfulness of other people

    b-He points out the prosperity of the wicked. (Psa. 73:1-3)

    c-He points out our lack of provision.

3-By attacking God’s concern for his children.

    a-If God pays well, Where is your pay?