Pastor David L. Hicks
September 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM
pastor_dave_september_10_2023.docx
Don’t Let the Enemy of Your Faith Wear You Down
The word “Angel” in the scripture means “Messenger”. Satan, the “Devil” (Greek--diabolos), which means “to oppose” is a fallen angel. As a “Messenger”, Satan primarily speaks to our mind – hence, his strategy is to deceive us that we might embrace something that is not true, that is contrary to God’s Word.
The real battle is Satan’s opposition to God, God’s Glory, God’s Power, God’s Truth.
In Romans 8:28 Paul says, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, those who are called according to His purpose.” We are not blaming God for what happens to us. But we recognize the providence and sovereignty of God – That He can take any disaster or tragedy, the grief experiences of life, and has the power and ability to bring good out of it. He can use it for our welfare and blessing. In the same way, Satan doesn’t cause all trials and adversities in life, but if we believe him rather than God, he can use those same circumstances for evil to defeat us and rob us of victory. He is the “Messenger” who distorts God’s Truth and seeks to change our perspective on our circumstances and daily experiences by his lies and deception.
We defeat the enemy of our Faith by our devotion to God. Luke 10:38-42
While Martha was trying to be Martha Stewart, Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus.
A position of devotion and humility. A position of worship, listening and learning.
The story of Martha and Mary speaks of the need of priority in life and personal intimacy with God. Our busy-ness doesn’t get the Lord’s attention as our devotion will.
Jesus said, “Only one thing is necessary, there is only one really most important thing in life; our intimacy and devotion to God.” Just like David of old in Psalms 27:4, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His Temple.
