2. Introduction This morning we gave warnings about the devices of the devil and how to overcome them. Satan tries to discredit God’s word but the Scriptures are reliable and will lead you to heaven (Acts 20:32). Satan wants you to curse God or blame Him for your trials but remember that it is through them that we learn to persevere in our faith (James 1:2-4, 12). Satan tries to distort God’s word and appear righteous but remember that the truth will bring down every false argument so that we will be obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-6; 1 Peter 3:15). We will study three more devices that the devil uses tonight.

3. Device #4- Distract you from Serving God If Satan can’t get you to submit to him through doubt, distress, or deception, he can keep you distracted so that you are too busy to serve God. When the invitation came for the great supper, they all made excuses why they couldn’t come (possessions, profession, and social ties) Luke 14:18ff Others may be worried about their investments (houses, stock market, bank account, etc.) and bear no fruit for God (Matthew 13:22). You may not be doing things that are wrong but they take up too much time (overtime, travel, TV, movies, hobby, etc.) which choke out the word. (Luke 8:14; Mark 4:19)

4. Device #5- Discourage you from Faithfulness If Satan can get you to be deprived of confidence, hope and encouragement he can get you to fail. The Israelites were discouraged after 10 out of the 12 spies gave a bad report of the land (Ex. 13:30-33). They cried, complained, and even after Joshua stated that God will keep His promise to give us the land, they wanted to stone them (Ex. 14:1-10). Even Elijah was discouraged and was willing to give up after God gave him a great victory at Mt. Carmel over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-4). He can discourage you by saying that you are a failure (I’m too great a sinner) or the weaknesses of the members (hypocrites, they don’t care about me)

5. Device #6- Delay You from Obedience Maybe Satan’s greatest weapon is delay. If he can get a young people to ignore His creator instead of remembering Him… (Eccl. 11:9-12:1). …If he can get the young couple with a baby to think that they will be a disruption in services…. …If he can get the older couple with teenagers to go to ballgames instead of going to worship… …If he can get the elderly couple to retire so that they will be too busy pursuing pleasure to hear the word of the Lord…but Judgment is Coming (Lk. 12:16-21). Felix delayed and never obeyed (Acts 24:24-27).

6. Conclusion When Satan tries to distract you from serving God remember to prioritize by seeking God’s kingdom first (attend, pray, study, serve, etc.) (Mt. 6:33) When Satan tries to discourage us as we grow weary in well doing remember to look to Jesus and encourage your brethren (Heb. 12:1-3; 3:13). When Satan tries to delay your obedience, remember that today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). You can’t do anything about yesterday’s failures (only get forgiveness) and you can’t worry about the future (Matt. 6:34). Press on to the goal toward the goal of heaven. (Phil. 3:13-14)