We want to be our own gods, create our own reality and control it, as seen in pornography, reality TV, cyberspace social networks, positive thinking, fiat money, and salvation by technology.Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:3-19; Ephesians 6:10-20Sermon Notes:
- There are only two sources of power, knowledge and authority; we either have power from God (above) or from Satan (below).
- Saul rejected God’s word and sought secret knowledge so that he could gain control over his circumstances.
- Our culture is saturated in occultism, as seen in popular movies, and the personal lives of influential people.
- If we are our own gods, then we determine our own path.
- We want to be our own gods, create our own reality and control it, as seen in pornography, reality TV, cyberspace social networks, positive thinking, fiat money, and salvation by technology.
- Likewise, pragmatism is about autonomous control and says I’ll believe and obey God only if He “works” for me.
- Whenever we seek power and knowledge outside God and His Word, we’re rebelling against God and His reality.
- When these things are pursued outside of God and His word the goal is to predestinate reality in terms man’s will.
- Hypocrisy is an attempt to appear to be something other than what we really are in order to gain the influence or power of the thing we are pretending to.
- Hypocrisy and attempts to manipulate other people are instances of rebellion against God.
- God’s word and law gives us the structure for reality and truth.
- Knowledge, truth, and power come from God alone. We cannot control anything by our thinking and techniques.
- Everything, even trials, comes from God (Job 12).
- The church is in a battle and Satan is our (defeated) adversary (2 Corinthians 10:5; Ephesians 6:10).
- God’s word is the offensive weapon to engage the enemy, confronting actions and ideas in rebellion against God.
- Satan and spiritual darkness are real, but we are not to fear Christ’s defeated enemies (1 John 4:4).
- Jesus encountered demons everywhere, and His ministry signaled their demise (Matthew 8:16-17, 12:28-29).
- Christ has accomplished total conquest over all darkness.
- The biblical image of the Church is that we are about to plunder the enemy’s house; the apostolic, evangelistic, pastoral, etc., ministry of the church cannot be thwarted.
- But we are not to rejoice in power over demons, but that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
- In our work, finances, and struggles over sin and temptation, we are to trust in God.
- Obedience is not the road to defeat; God is on the throne and He is faithful. If God be for us, who can be against us.
Application Questions:
- List several ways that people, past and present, have sought to gain control over their circumstances.
- How are both positive thinking and hypocrisy occultic?
- How is fiat money an instance of refusing to live in terms of God’s reality? What are the consequences?
- What is the consequence of well-intentioned rebellion? (1Samuel 15:22-23).
- Do we blame Satan to absolve ourselves of responsibility for our own lack of faith and obedience?
- Is the truth carrying me? Is God’s word living and active in my heart? Do I trust God to deliver me from attacks?
- How should Christ’s victory over Satan affect our lives?
- Do we rely on God’s armour in our daily battles?
- What disciplines can help us prepare for spiritual battle?
