The Devil’s Devices – John Lindell – JRC

 

2 Cor. 2:10-11 – Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭10-11‬ ESV)

• Paul is telling the church to offer and extend forgiveness in full.
• Many people don’t forgive because they are oblivious of the spiritual warfare that is going on around their lives.
• There is a real devil plotting against us.

Eph 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ESV)
Warfare is in progress constantly, whether we acknowlege it or not

1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary (the devil) prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ESV)

• Satan is refered to or mentioned 250 times in the NT.
• God wants us to know our enemy.

1. He is on the hunt – prowling.
2. He is seeking the weak ones to devour.

• Are we alert enough to be aware of the schemes of Satan?

6 Devices or Designs of the Devil

1. Unforgiveness 

• Unforgiveness has as much to do with us as it does with others.
• It is for the sake of the church – Not Just for Your  self!

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭25-26‬ ESV)

• Do not be outwitted by Satan.
• Unforgiveness may well be one of Satan’s favorite tools of distraction and destruction. (pride, hurt feelings, grudges, divisive feelings and attitudes)
• Without forgiveness communities are divided and conquered.
• Sanctification is not a do it yourself project. It requires community. Unforgiveness destroys community.
  

The Testimony of Our Conscience

2 Cor 1 – Paul is defending himself against personal attacks.

• They are saying that Paul is not a man of his word.
• They are saying Paul is not an apostle.
• They are saying that he is a false teacher.

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” (‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ESV)

So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ESV)

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ESV)

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ESV)

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:18-19‬ ESV)

• Maintaining a clear conscience is of vital importance to Paul
• Conscience is a God-given gift for everyone which helps them sense right and wrong.
• Everyone has a conscience.

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (‭Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭14-16‬ ESV)

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. (‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬ ESV)
 

• If one’s conscience isn’t maintained it can lead to greater sin.
• BUT – one’s conscience is not infallible.

My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ NLT)

• One’s conscience doesn’t tell us what is right or wrong.

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ NLT)

These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ NLT)

• Those with dead/seared conscience cannot discern truth anymore.
• They have been given over to a depraved mind.

Rom 1:28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. (‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬ NLT)

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ NLT)

• A weak conscience
• Consciences must be trained, with God’s truth, to distinguish between good and evil.
• Don’t ignore your conscience – you may ignore a legitimate warning.

Robert Murray McCheyne: “for every look at self, take 10 looks at God.”

Charges leveled against Paul by his critics.

1st. Charge: Personally, Paul had hidden sin in his life.

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭2, 12‬ NLT)

• For Paul, it’s not about himself. It’s about God. He boasts in his weekness.

We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ NLT)

• There is no highter court than that of conscience.
• Unvarnished truth

3 Things That Must Happen for Change to take Place

Perry Noble – Sermon Notes – (Extremely Rough)

Video Link: https://newspring.cc/watch/change/three-things-that-must-happen-for-change-to-happen

– What’s your flat tire?

Keys to Life Change:

1. See Change as Necessary
– People will not change/be helped until they see the value in changing.
– Just because change is necessary doesn’t mean that it is easy, which is why I need his strength in me.

2. Take Responsibility
– You will not change (your flat tire) until you own it.
– “You might have been born that way, but you weren’t reborn that way. ”
– Victims never walk in victory.

3. Live Obediently
– obedience doesn’t guarantee that all is well. Change is not
instantaneous. It is a process.
– Change doesn’t take place until the relationship is fixed.
– God gives new robes, a ring, and new sandals, not the prodigal son.
– The son was dirty, but it was the ‘father’ who provided the new garments.
– God will not lead us to change that He will not lead us through (alongside us).

Edited with BlogPad Pro

The God Who Is In Control

James River Church – Sermon Notes – John Lindell

John 19:30-42 ESV – When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:30-42 ESV)

John 20:1-10 ESV – Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. (John 20:1-10 ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23 ESV)

• God is in Control – No matter what we think or see…
• It doesn’t matter what you are going through…God is at work.
• Our steps our ordered by God. If we get on the “same page” with God.
• HIS power, grace, and direction extends to the smallest details

3 Areas of Control:

Jesus Paid it All

James River Church Sermon Notes 03/16/2014  Brandon Lindell

John 19:16-30 – So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:16-30 ESV)

• When you look at your relationship with God. Do you wonder if you can afford it?
• Does it seem like a committment that costs more than you can give (or afford to give.)
• Jesus paid it all!

1. Silence regarding the crucifixion

The Incredible Work of The Holy Spirit – JRC – 11/17/2013

John 16:4-15
But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:4-8, 10-13, 15 ESV)

(Beware: Rough-Cut Sermon Notes)

• Pentecostals focus on HS (Holy Spirit) gifts, tongues, and more, but they are not the most significant thing the HS does.
• He, The Holy Spirit (HS) is a person, and has a personality.
• Gen 1- The Spirit hoovered over the deep…
• All throughout the Old Testament (OT) one sees the empowerment of the HS.

The Promise of Persecution

JRC Sermon Notes & Discussion Questions 11/10/2013 – John Lindell 

John 15:18-16-4
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:18-27 ESV) “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” (John 16:1-4 ESV)

 

• Jesus is in the upper room.
• Telling the disciples what they need to know, before he leaves to be crucified.
• Loving others, preparing a place, abiding,…and now persecution.
• If people hate me and get riled up in anger at me, they will also be riled up by your Christian witness.
• The story of Christianity is a story of persecution, martyrdom, and death.
• Consider the deaths of nearly all of the disciples/apostles. John was the only one to die a natural death, but he was boiled in oil and exiled to the Isle of Patmos.
• For more see: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. (Story of Polycarp & others)
• Just because we, in America, have it easy doesn’t mean that other Christians throughout the world have it easy.

————————

• There is no guarantee that following Christ is easy.

(This is your) Permission Slip, Get to Give

Steven Furtick : Elevation Church

This was a great message that I watched while previewing video podcasts as potential messages for our men’s life group.  I thought I would pass it on for your benefit and blessing…

Malachi 3:6-12
“I am God —yes, I Am. I haven’t changed. And because I haven’t changed, you, the descendants of Jacob, haven’t been destroyed. You have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven’t done a thing I’ve told you. Return to me so I can return to you,” says God -of-the-Angel-Armies. “You ask, ‘But how do we return?’ “Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you rob me day after day. “You ask, ‘How have we robbed you?’ “The tithe and the offering—that’s how! And now you’re under a curse—the whole lot of you—because you’re robbing me. Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. For my part, I will defend you against marauders, protect your wheat fields and vegetable gardens against plunderers.” The Message of God -of-the-Angel-Armies. “You’ll be voted ‘Happiest Nation.’ You’ll experience what it’s like to be a country of grace.” God -of-the-Angel-Armies says so.” (Malachi 3:6-12 MSG)

Deuteronomy 6:16  “for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth. “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” (Deuteronomy 6:15, 16 ESV)

• Why does God seem to contradict himself after first telling the nation of Israel not to test him.
• Because, In this 1 case God wants to more than prove himself to us…Bring it on…challenge me!!! God is eager…to show himself faithful to you!!!

Different Approaches to Tithing:

1. Got to give – So that God can….cover the expenses, evangelize the world. (Guilt to give)
2. Give to get – God becomes a robot – blessing becomes a formula. (Celestial Vending)
3. Get to give – It is a privilege to give to God. It is a blessing to give back what was given (Obligation -versus- Opportunity.)

A Timely Warning

Quoted From:  Gurnall, William The Christian in Complete Armour. Abridged ed. Vol. 1. publication place: Banner of Truth, 1986.

“Here is a timely warning when you find your soul adrift in a heavy fog of tribulation:  Neither accuse God foolishly of your enemy’s mischief, nor charge yourself with belonging to the enemy.  God can chart a straight course in the worst storm.  Do not over-react to changes in your temporal estate.  Christ told us to expect some rought sailing before we reach heaven’s shore.  Your perspective should be very different from that of the unregenerate.  Like naive children, they think everyone loves them who gives them chocolates.  

I want to go back to sleep

Have you ever encountered a day where you simply struggled to get out of bed?  A moment where the comfort and warmth of your bed and blankets create a temporary haven of sublime perfection protecting you from the stress and struggles of the day to come.  Of course you have.  There are none of us who are not human.  Today was one of those days for me.  Today was the last day of the current cycle of 6 AM men’s Bible studies at church, and it was cold and rainy.  Fortunately for me, I had a morning appointment cancel, so the (rationalization) possibilty of attending, and then returning home to the “comfort of my covers” blazed in my mind like a shining, golden, hot and ready Krispy Creme donut. So, with the carrot dangling in front of me, I made it to the final men’s Bible study.