How does Satan work to destroy us? n As a young Christian I did not understand the dangers in the works of the flesh. (Gal 5:19-21)

How does Satan work to destroy us?How does Satan work to destroy us?

As a young Christian I did not understand As a young Christian I did not understand the dangers in the works of the flesh. the dangers in the works of the flesh. (Gal 5:19-21)(Gal 5:19-21)


Galatians 5:19-21Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ambitions, dissensions, heresies,


21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told just as I also told you you in time past, that those in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.kingdom of God.


It was hard for me to understand how men It was hard for me to understand how men would be overcome by these things.would be overcome by these things.


It was hard for me to understand how men It was hard for me to understand how men would be overcome by these things.would be overcome by these things.

I also thought that Christians would see I also thought that Christians would see their sin and repent and then move on!their sin and repent and then move on!


As years have gone by experience has As years have gone by experience has taught me that the Lord’s warnings were taught me that the Lord’s warnings were

precisely where Satan could precisely where Satan could potentially defeat them.potentially defeat them.


As years have gone by experience has As years have gone by experience has taught me that the Lord’s warnings were taught me that the Lord’s warnings were

precisely where Satan could precisely where Satan could potentially defeat them.potentially defeat them.

One of the most surprising truths I have One of the most surprising truths I have observed is how these sins can take away observed is how these sins can take away the ability of a man to reason! the ability of a man to reason!


Again as a young man all I thought I needed Again as a young man all I thought I needed to do was find the proper reasoning and to do was find the proper reasoning and convince a person it was right and then they convince a person it was right and then they would obey!would obey!


Again as a young man all I thought I needed Again as a young man all I thought I needed to do was find the proper reasoning and to do was find the proper reasoning and convince a person it was right and then they convince a person it was right and then they would obey!would obey!

The Lord indeed wants us to help others to The Lord indeed wants us to help others to reason right. reason right.


Jesus as the master teacher that knew men’s Jesus as the master teacher that knew men’s hearts. He always saw the heart of the hearts. He always saw the heart of the problem and sought to open the heart to problem and sought to open the heart to expose it. expose it. (Lk 2:34-35)(Lk 2:34-35)


Luke 2:34-35Luke 2:34-35 - Then Simeon blessed them, - Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child Child is destined for the fall and rising of is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a sword will spoken against 35 "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that pierce through your own soul also), that the the thoughts of many hearts may be revealedthoughts of many hearts may be revealed."."

The Danger of Sexual Sins (Gal 5:19)The Danger of Sexual Sins (Gal 5:19)

Galatians 5:19-21Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: flesh are evident, which are: adulteryadultery, , fornicationfornication, , uncleannessuncleanness, , lewdnesslewdness, ,


When you chose to enter a word of lies you When you chose to enter a word of lies you may never come out.may never come out.


When you chose to enter a word of lies you When you chose to enter a word of lies you may never come out.may never come out.

The only relationships that will last will The only relationships that will last will have the love of God in it! have the love of God in it! (1 Cor 13:4-7)(1 Cor 13:4-7)


1 Corinthians 13:4-71 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love - Love suffers longsuffers long and and is kindis kind; love ; love does not envydoes not envy; love ; love does does not parade itselfnot parade itself, is , is not puffed upnot puffed up; 5 does ; 5 does not behave rudelynot behave rudely, does , does not seek its ownnot seek its own, is , is not provokednot provoked, thinks , thinks no evilno evil; 6 does ; 6 does not not rejoice in iniquityrejoice in iniquity, but , but rejoices in the truthrejoices in the truth; ; 7 7 bears all thingsbears all things, , believes all thingsbelieves all things, , hopes hopes all thingsall things, , endures all thingsendures all things..


The dog-eat-dog relationships of the world The dog-eat-dog relationships of the world cause you to live in a world of throw away cause you to live in a world of throw away people. Consider the fool Amnon. people. Consider the fool Amnon. (2 Sam 13:12-15)(2 Sam 13:12-15)


2 Samuel 13:12-152 Samuel 13:12-15 - And she answered - And she answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me, for him, "No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 "And I, not do this disgraceful thing! 13 "And I, where could I take my shame? And as for where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you."king; for he will not withhold me from you."


14 However, he would not heed her voice; 14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. 15 and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her Then Amnon hated her exceedinglyexceedingly, so that the hatred with which , so that the hatred with which he hated her he hated her was was greater than the lovegreater than the love with with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "her, "Arise, be goneArise, be gone!“!“


The very nature of immorality involves The very nature of immorality involves hiding and deceit. hiding and deceit. (Prov 7:9-14)(Prov 7:9-14)


Proverbs 7:9-14Proverbs 7:9-14 - - In the twilightIn the twilight, in the , in the evening, evening, In the black and dark nightIn the black and dark night. 10 And . 10 And there a woman met him, there a woman met him, With With the attire of a the attire of a harlot, and harlot, and a crafty hearta crafty heart. 11 She . 11 She was was loud and loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. 12 rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times At times she was she was outside, at times in the open outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. 13 So she square, Lurking at every corner. 13 So she caught him and kissed him; With an caught him and kissed him; With an impudent impudent faceface she said to him: she said to him:


14 "14 "I have I have peace offerings with me; Today I peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows.have paid my vows.


Who do you want to spend the rest of your Who do you want to spend the rest of your life with?life with?



The sexual bond carries very strong The sexual bond carries very strong emotional forces with it. God has designed emotional forces with it. God has designed it that way for marriage!it that way for marriage!



The sexual bond carries very strong The sexual bond carries very strong emotional forces with it. God has designed emotional forces with it. God has designed it that way for marriage!it that way for marriage!

Should you let “love” and passion Should you let “love” and passion determine a companion?determine a companion?


The one who The one who ignores God’s wayignores God’s way beforebefore marriage will likely do so marriage will likely do so afterafter marriage in marriage in many ways. Proud people will never admit many ways. Proud people will never admit wrong! wrong! (Prov 30:20)(Prov 30:20)


Proverbs 30:20Proverbs 30:20 - This - This is is the way of the way of an an adulterous womanadulterous woman: She eats and wipes her : She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "mouth, And says, "I have done no I have done no wickednesswickedness.“.“


Married couples need to always be on Married couples need to always be on guard!guard!


One young woman I baptized years ago One young woman I baptized years ago found an old boyfriend on the internet.found an old boyfriend on the internet.



An elder and I met with her several times An elder and I met with her several times and she admitted in tears that she was and she admitted in tears that she was wrong and knew what God wanted. She wrong and knew what God wanted. She would not do right!would not do right!



An elder and I met with her several times and An elder and I met with her several times and she admitted in tears that she was she admitted in tears that she was wrong and knew what God wanted. She wrong and knew what God wanted. She would not do right!would not do right!

I will never forget the power of sin that had I will never forget the power of sin that had captured this young lady.captured this young lady.


It was in this same spirit that the idolaters It was in this same spirit that the idolaters sacrificed their children to Molech.sacrificed their children to Molech.


One can lose control of their heart to the One can lose control of their heart to the powerful thoughts of lust and infatuation. It powerful thoughts of lust and infatuation. It is as powerful as drugs.is as powerful as drugs.

The Danger of False Religion (Gal 5:20)The Danger of False Religion (Gal 5:20)

Galatians 5:20Galatians 5:20 …. ….idolatryidolatry, , sorcerysorcery, , hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresiesheresies,,


Whenever you enter any realm that runs Whenever you enter any realm that runs from reason, you will be affected!from reason, you will be affected!


Whenever you enter any realm that runs Whenever you enter any realm that runs from reason, you will be affected!from reason, you will be affected!

The essence of idolatry is running from God The essence of idolatry is running from God and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. (Rom 1:21-23)(Rom 1:21-23)


Romans 1:21-23Romans 1:21-23 - because, although they knew - because, although they knew God, they did not glorify God, they did not glorify Him Him as God, nor were as God, nor were thankful, but became thankful, but became futile in their thoughtsfutile in their thoughts, and , and their foolish hearts were darkenedtheir foolish hearts were darkened. 22 . 22 Professing to be wiseProfessing to be wise, they became fools, 23 , they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.things.


Our God gave us minds that with honest Our God gave us minds that with honest inquiry can find Him and His way! inquiry can find Him and His way! (Heb 11:6; Jn 7:17)(Heb 11:6; Jn 7:17)


Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith - But without faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he who comes for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and to God must believe that He is, and that that He He is is a rewarder of those who diligently seek a rewarder of those who diligently seek HimHim..


John 7:17John 7:17 - "If anyone - "If anyone wants to do His wants to do His willwill, he , he shall know concerning the doctrineshall know concerning the doctrine, , whether it is from Godwhether it is from God or or whether whether I speak I speak on My own on My own authority.authority.


The religions of the world operate “behind The religions of the world operate “behind closed doors” and despise open debate closed doors” and despise open debate and investigation. and investigation. (Ezek 8:12)(Ezek 8:12)


Ezekiel 8:12Ezekiel 8:12 - Then He said to me, "Son of - Then He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen man, have you seen what the elders of the what the elders of the house of Israel do in the darkhouse of Israel do in the dark, every man in , every man in the room of his idols? For they say, 'The the room of his idols? For they say, 'The LORD does not see us, the LORD has LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.' forsaken the land.'


The world will try to close minds by The world will try to close minds by dishonest whispering. dishonest whispering. (Acts 14:1-2)(Acts 14:1-2)


Acts 14:1-2Acts 14:1-2 - - Now it happened in Iconium Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned poisoned their minds against the brethrentheir minds against the brethren..


There are real dangers in the church where There are real dangers in the church where pride and bitterness are spread in secret and pride and bitterness are spread in secret and minds are shut down.minds are shut down.

The Danger of Anger and Bitterness The Danger of Anger and Bitterness (Gal 5:20)(Gal 5:20)

Galatians 5:20Galatians 5:20 ….idolatry, sorcery, ….idolatry, sorcery, hatredhatred, , contentionscontentions, , jealousiesjealousies, , outbursts of outbursts of wrathwrath, , selfish ambitions, dissensionsselfish ambitions, dissensions, , heresiesheresies, ,


Have you ever tried to reason with a “crazy Have you ever tried to reason with a “crazy man?”man?”


Have you ever tried to reason with a “crazy Have you ever tried to reason with a “crazy man?”man?”

When one is filled with uncontrolled anger, When one is filled with uncontrolled anger, Satan has control! Satan has control! (Eph 4:26-27)(Eph 4:26-27)


Ephesians 4:26-27Ephesians 4:26-27 - " - "Be angry, and do not Be angry, and do not sinsin": do not let the sun go down on your ": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 wrath, 27 nor give place to the devilnor give place to the devil..


Bitterness will turn against any friend, Bitterness will turn against any friend, break any commandment and even fight break any commandment and even fight God without a blink of the eye. God without a blink of the eye.


Bitterness will turn against any friend, Bitterness will turn against any friend, break any commandment and even fight break any commandment and even fight God without a blink of the eye. God without a blink of the eye.

Most church splits have this spirit at the Most church splits have this spirit at the heart of the cause.heart of the cause.


You can be hurt by another and then You can be hurt by another and then act just act just like they dolike they do because of anger! because of anger!


Who do we want in control of our lives? Who do we want in control of our lives? (Rom 12:17-21)(Rom 12:17-21)


Romans 12:17-21Romans 12:17-21 - Repay no one evil for - Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge do not avenge yourselvesyourselves, but , but rather rather give place to wrath; give place to wrath; for it is written, "for it is written, "Vengeance Vengeance is is Mine, I will Mine, I will repayrepay," says the Lord. ," says the Lord.


20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with goodovercome evil with good..


I want to warn our young about “anti-I want to warn our young about “anti-church” movements. Are you hearing church” movements. Are you hearing about bad attitudes of others to stir you up about bad attitudes of others to stir you up to bitterness? to bitterness?


You need to discern the difference between You need to discern the difference between reason and shared anger. reason and shared anger. (Heb 12:14-15)(Heb 12:14-15)


Hebrews 12:14-15Hebrews 12:14-15 - - Pursue peace with all Pursue peace with all peoplepeople, , and holiness, without which no one and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone anyone fall short of the grace of Godfall short of the grace of God; lest ; lest any any root of bitterness springing uproot of bitterness springing up cause cause trouble, and by this trouble, and by this many become defiledmany become defiled;;


There are many scoffers that post poison on There are many scoffers that post poison on the internet to appeal to pride and the internet to appeal to pride and bitterness. Please do not join the scoffers. bitterness. Please do not join the scoffers. (Psa 1:1)(Psa 1:1)


Psalm 1:1Psalm 1:1 - Blessed - Blessed is is the man Who walks the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the sits in the seat of the scornfulseat of the scornful;;

The Danger of Addictions (Gal 5:21)The Danger of Addictions (Gal 5:21)

Galatians 5: 21Galatians 5: 21 - envy, murders, - envy, murders, drunkennessdrunkenness, , revelriesrevelries, , and the likeand the like; of ; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told told you you in time past, that those who in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.kingdom of God.


Many have fallen to alcohol and drugs. Many have fallen to alcohol and drugs. (Prov 23:31‑35)(Prov 23:31‑35)


Proverbs 23:31-35Proverbs 23:31-35 - Do not look on the wine - Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When When it swirls around smoothly; 32 At the last it swirls around smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viperit bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. . 33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your 33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:saying:


35 "They have struck me, 35 "They have struck me, but but I was not I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel feel it. it. When shall I awake, that I may seek When shall I awake, that I may seek another another drinkdrink?“?“


It is not uncommon in addictions to see It is not uncommon in addictions to see buried anger and depression.buried anger and depression.


It is not uncommon in addictions to see It is not uncommon in addictions to see buried anger and depression.buried anger and depression.

This obsession like the others listed will pay This obsession like the others listed will pay any price for a temporary high.any price for a temporary high.


Dishonesty is a way of life for the addict.Dishonesty is a way of life for the addict.


They deny its danger.They deny its danger.


They deny its danger.They deny its danger. They then deny the seriousness of their own They then deny the seriousness of their own

situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not have a problem!”)have a problem!”)



situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not have a problem!”)have a problem!”)

Lying becomes a way of life. The biggest Lying becomes a way of life. The biggest lie they tell to themselves!lie they tell to themselves!



situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not have situation. (Example: In Lincoln, “I do not have a problem!”)a problem!”)

Lying becomes a way of life. The biggest lie Lying becomes a way of life. The biggest lie they tell to themselves!they tell to themselves!

In short they trust no one who will tell them In short they trust no one who will tell them the truth and help.the truth and help.


““Friends” and Associates go with drugs.Friends” and Associates go with drugs.


One of the reason people start is to be with One of the reason people start is to be with the “in” crowd.the “in” crowd.



Sadly, this becomes a major hurtle to Sadly, this becomes a major hurtle to quitting.quitting.



Sadly, this becomes a major hurtle to Sadly, this becomes a major hurtle to quitting.quitting.

Many are blind to the “dog-eat-dog” nature Many are blind to the “dog-eat-dog” nature of these people. of these people. (Jn 15:18-19; 1 John 3:13)(Jn 15:18-19; 1 John 3:13)


John 15:18-19John 15:18-19 - " If the world hates you, - " If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before you know that it hated Me before it hated it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, the world, therefore the world hates youtherefore the world hates you..


1 John 3:131 John 3:13 - Do not marvel, my brethren, - Do not marvel, my brethren, if if the world hates youthe world hates you..


If you really cared for a friend in this kind If you really cared for a friend in this kind of group, what would you do?of group, what would you do?

How to come to your senses (Gal 5:22-26)How to come to your senses (Gal 5:22-26)

Galatians 5:22-26Galatians 5:22-26 - But - But the fruit of the Spiritthe fruit of the Spirit is is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those those who are who are Christ's Christ's have crucified the flesh have crucified the flesh with its passions and desireswith its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the . 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.envying one another.


In future studies we will look at the fruit of In future studies we will look at the fruit of the spirit.the spirit.



This kind of thinking allows us to see the This kind of thinking allows us to see the cross of Christ and God’s grace to us.cross of Christ and God’s grace to us.



This kind of thinking allows us to see the This kind of thinking allows us to see the cross of Christ and God’s grace to us.cross of Christ and God’s grace to us.

What kind of mind do you want? What kind of mind do you want? (2 Tim 1:7, 13)(2 Tim 1:7, 13)


2 Timothy 1:72 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but spirit of fear, but of power and of loveof power and of love and and of of a sound minda sound mind..


2 Timothy 1:132 Timothy 1:13 - Hold fast the pattern of - Hold fast the pattern of sound wordssound words which you have heard from which you have heard from me, me, in faith and lovein faith and love which are in Christ which are in Christ Jesus.Jesus.

Documents

How does Satan work to destroy us? n As a young Christian I did not understand the dangers in the works of the flesh. (Gal 5:19-21)