If I Were “The Devil”? 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:  9Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.

Two Drawing Powers of Universe God is a drawing power in the universe God draws by the power of his word Jn 6:44-45 1 Thess 1:6 2 Thess 2:14 Satan is the other drawing power on Earth Satan draws through the lust of the flesh 1 Jn 4:1

An Adversary is not a friend 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: He is the opponent in a lawsuit Opposite to helping – life or death – he is death Knowingly makes false charges, deceptive, deliberate, ungrateful, inconsiderate, and is unconcerned about you and your needs Not hideous monster with horns and tail but could even be disguised as an angel of light 2 Cor 11:14

He Is Called A “Roaring Lion” He strikes with fierceness and stalks with zeal He roars like a predator for prey He is strong and determined He walketh about – Indicates restless energy – he prowls about looking and seeking his prey ( it will often be you ) Never can rest from our constant watching

We Are Warned Or Admonished Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Crafty, deceitful, cunning, scheming devices We are warned he will do all he can to defeat the love of God

Notice Some Of His Devices

Keep People Out of the Church Term “church” is disguised to mean different things to different people We need to define the word church Greek word “EKKLESIA” ( the called out) or (assembly) The church of the NT is not a part of anything, it is the whole Not a denomination – it belongs to Christ It is his body in name, creed and organization

WHY ? Only two kingdoms Col 1:13 Reconciled to God Eph 2:16 The Lord Adds - Saved / Church Acts 2:47 He is the “Savior Of The Body” Eph 5:23, 25-27 How does Satan deceive so many Eph 5:23, Eph 4:4, 1 Cor 12:20, Ax 20:28, James 4:14

Get One Back Into The World Luke 8:13-14 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Get One Back Into The World Why? Worked in the past 2 Tim 4:10, Jas 4:14 Know they will be worse than before 2 Pet 2:20-22 How? By leading one back into sin Gal 6:7-8 By deceiving you – It won’t hurt you to sin a little surrounding you with evil companions 1 Cor 15:33

Render You Worthless to the Church It weakens the church like a dead cylinder in an automobile How does he make members useless Help them think they don’t need to study Getting them involved with world so there is no time left for study or work for God By convincing them that there is no time left to work for the Lord and his church

Disrupt The Worship Of The Saints Why? disrupt worship service to God Jn 4:24 keep sinners from hearing word Jn 8:32 make bad impression on visitors – cold church How? whispering and talking during services- distract chewing gum, writing notes – show no interest no realization of what is required – 1 Tim 3:15

Cause Trouble And Division Why? Unity is pleasant Psa 133:1 Every kingdom divided Matt 12:25 No division 1 Cor 1:10 How? Gossip about a brother or sister Gal 5:15 Self willed – my way or the highway Always criticizing what others do

Conclusion Is Where We Started 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: