Spiritual Warfare // Acts 19:11-20 // Watermark Community Church

Well, several years ago when we were Well, several years ago when we were living in College Station, It was pretty living in College Station, It was pretty living in College Station, It was pretty normal for me to wake up early on Sunday normal for me to wake up early on Sunday normal for me to wake up early on Sunday mornings and drive to a church in mornings and drive to a church in mornings and drive to a church in Houston to speak. I would do that Houston to speak. I would do that Houston to speak. I would do that several Sundays throughout the year, several Sundays throughout the year, several Sundays throughout the year, which just meant that I was leaving. I which just meant that I was leaving. I which just meant that I was leaving. I was waking up and leaving and I would was waking up and leaving and I would was waking up and leaving and I would drive to Houston in the dark. And drive to Houston in the dark. And drive to Houston in the dark. And because it was a Sunday morning, there because it was a Sunday morning, there because it was a Sunday morning, there just wasn't many people normally on the just wasn't many people normally on the just wasn't many people normally on the road. uh one particular Sunday woke up road. uh one particular Sunday woke up road. uh one particular Sunday woke up really early and I'm making my way really early and I'm making my way really early and I'm making my way towards Houston from College Station and towards Houston from College Station and towards Houston from College Station and it's pitch dark outside. I'm one of the it's pitch dark outside. I'm one of the it's pitch dark outside. I'm one of the only cars on the road and as I'm driving only cars on the road and as I'm driving only cars on the road and as I'm driving I get an iPhone emergency weather alert I get an iPhone emergency weather alert I get an iPhone emergency weather alert that says tornado warning in this area. that says tornado warning in this area. that says tornado warning in this area. Take shelter now. Take shelter now. Take shelter now. Now, I just want you to think about Now, I just want you to think about Now, I just want you to think about that. I'm driving in a car, that. I'm driving in a car, that. I'm driving in a car, pitch dark. get a warning, tornado pitch dark. get a warning, tornado pitch dark. get a warning, tornado warning in this area. Take shelter now. warning in this area. Take shelter now. warning in this area. Take shelter now. Like I don't know how you would respond, Like I don't know how you would respond, Like I don't know how you would respond, but like I began to evaluate options but like I began to evaluate options but like I began to evaluate options very quickly.

very quickly. very quickly. You know, one option was like, uh, you You know, one option was like, uh, you You know, one option was like, uh, you know, is it really in this area? Because know, is it really in this area? Because know, is it really in this area? Because it could be like 20 miles away, but I it could be like 20 miles away, but I it could be like 20 miles away, but I just happen to be kind of in the the just happen to be kind of in the the just happen to be kind of in the the area that they send the warning. That's area that they send the warning. That's area that they send the warning. That's one thought. So maybe I should just keep one thought. So maybe I should just keep one thought. So maybe I should just keep driving. But then the next thought is driving. But then the next thought is driving. But then the next thought is like if I keep driving, I'm trying to like if I keep driving, I'm trying to like if I keep driving, I'm trying to look and see if there's a tornado, but look and see if there's a tornado, but look and see if there's a tornado, but it's pitch dark. I can't see a thing. So it's pitch dark. I can't see a thing. So it's pitch dark. I can't see a thing. So I could be thinking like, am I just I could be thinking like, am I just I could be thinking like, am I just driving straight into the tornado? I driving straight into the tornado? I driving straight into the tornado? I mean, I've seen the movie Twister. Is it mean, I've seen the movie Twister. Is it mean, I've seen the movie Twister. Is it just going to be me and the cow being just going to be me and the cow being just going to be me and the cow being lifted up into the eye of the tornado? lifted up into the eye of the tornado? lifted up into the eye of the tornado? So that's another thought. Another So that's another thought. Another So that's another thought. Another thought is like, well, I've heard that thought is like, well, I've heard that thought is like, well, I've heard that if you're driving in a car, you should if you're driving in a car, you should if you're driving in a car, you should stop the car, get out of the car, and stop the car, get out of the car, and stop the car, get out of the car, and like curl up in a ditch, but I'm like curl up in a ditch, but I'm like curl up in a ditch, but I'm supposed to preach, so I'm wearing like supposed to preach, so I'm wearing like supposed to preach, so I'm wearing like my preaching clothes. So, if I do get my preaching clothes. So, if I do get my preaching clothes. So, if I do get out and like get into a ditch, and now out and like get into a ditch, and now out and like get into a ditch, and now I'm covered in mud going to guest speak I'm covered in mud going to guest speak I'm covered in mud going to guest speak at this church, and there ends up being at this church, and there ends up being at this church, and there ends up being no tornado, what am I going to do? Just no tornado, what am I going to do? Just no tornado, what am I going to do? Just stand up and be like, "Well, there was stand up and be like, "Well, there was stand up and be like, "Well, there was supposed to be a tornado. There wasn't.

supposed to be a tornado. There wasn't. supposed to be a tornado. There wasn't. That's this deal. Jesus loves you. Glad That's this deal. Jesus loves you. Glad That's this deal. Jesus loves you. Glad to be with you this morning." to be with you this morning." to be with you this morning." So, I'm like processing all of those So, I'm like processing all of those So, I'm like processing all of those things. But here's what I'll tell you. things. But here's what I'll tell you. things. But here's what I'll tell you. In that moment, when I got that message In that moment, when I got that message In that moment, when I got that message on my phone, I was a I was not on my phone, I was a I was not on my phone, I was a I was not completely asleep, but those Sunday completely asleep, but those Sunday completely asleep, but those Sunday drives took me a minute to wake up. And drives took me a minute to wake up. And drives took me a minute to wake up. And when I got that warning, I was alert. when I got that warning, I was alert. when I got that warning, I was alert. Like, I didn't blink. Like, I didn't blink. Like, I didn't blink. Like, I was glued to the windows trying Like, I was glued to the windows trying Like, I was glued to the windows trying to see anything that I could see. And I to see anything that I could see. And I to see anything that I could see. And I chose to just keep driving. That's the chose to just keep driving. That's the chose to just keep driving. That's the decision that I made in that moment. decision that I made in that moment. decision that I made in that moment. But I'll tell you this, the reality in But I'll tell you this, the reality in But I'll tell you this, the reality in that moment was there was a force at that moment was there was a force at that moment was there was a force at play in the darkness and its aim was play in the darkness and its aim was play in the darkness and its aim was destruction. destruction. destruction. And when I became aware of that, I was And when I became aware of that, I was And when I became aware of that, I was alert and I was watchful and I was alert and I was watchful and I was alert and I was watchful and I was thinking about what do I need to do in thinking about what do I need to do in thinking about what do I need to do in this situation to live. The reason I this situation to live. The reason I this situation to live. The reason I tell you that is because as we step back tell you that is because as we step back tell you that is because as we step back into the book of Acts today, we're in into the book of Acts today, we're in into the book of Acts today, we're in Acts chapter 19. And Acts chapter 19 is Acts chapter 19. And Acts chapter 19 is Acts chapter 19. And Acts chapter 19 is going to prompt a conversation today going to prompt a conversation today going to prompt a conversation today about Satan and demons.

about Satan and demons. about Satan and demons. So, if you're visiting today, I'm so So, if you're visiting today, I'm so So, if you're visiting today, I'm so sorry. sorry. sorry. And if you brought your friend, like And if you brought your friend, like And if you brought your friend, like really encourage them to come back. But really encourage them to come back. But really encourage them to come back. But I'm glad you made it. Welcome to I'm glad you made it. Welcome to I'm glad you made it. Welcome to Watermark. But Acts chapter 19 is going Watermark. But Acts chapter 19 is going Watermark. But Acts chapter 19 is going to prompt this discussion about Satan to prompt this discussion about Satan to prompt this discussion about Satan and demons. And what you need to and demons. And what you need to and demons. And what you need to understand is that there is a force of understand is that there is a force of understand is that there is a force of darkness that is at work and its aim is darkness that is at work and its aim is darkness that is at work and its aim is destruction. destruction. destruction. And so what I hope happens today is I And so what I hope happens today is I And so what I hope happens today is I hope that our eyes will be opened, that hope that our eyes will be opened, that hope that our eyes will be opened, that we will live awake, that we will be we will live awake, that we will be we will live awake, that we will be watchful. watchful. watchful. But even more than becoming aware of But even more than becoming aware of But even more than becoming aware of Satan and demons work, my hope is more Satan and demons work, my hope is more Satan and demons work, my hope is more than ever you would become clear on than ever you would become clear on than ever you would become clear on Jesus Christ's work and the power Jesus Christ's work and the power Jesus Christ's work and the power available to you because of the available to you because of the available to you because of the relationship you have with him. So if relationship you have with him. So if relationship you have with him. So if you have a Bible, I want to invite you you have a Bible, I want to invite you you have a Bible, I want to invite you to turn with me to Acts chapter 19.

to turn with me to Acts chapter 19. to turn with me to Acts chapter 19. Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to be. be. be. And I'm just going to warn you today, And I'm just going to warn you today, And I'm just going to warn you today, people, I'm going to teach a lot more people, I'm going to teach a lot more people, I'm going to teach a lot more than I'm going to preach. Like, I am than I'm going to preach. Like, I am than I'm going to preach. Like, I am about to inundate you with content. And about to inundate you with content. And about to inundate you with content. And we're gonna we're going to rifle through we're gonna we're going to rifle through we're gonna we're going to rifle through so much scripture, but it's so so much scripture, but it's so so much scripture, but it's so important. We're going to let the word important. We're going to let the word important. We're going to let the word of God do the talking for us today. of God do the talking for us today. of God do the talking for us today. So, what I want to do is I just want to So, what I want to do is I just want to So, what I want to do is I just want to read you the story first so that you can read you the story first so that you can read you the story first so that you can even see what we're dealing with. We even see what we're dealing with. We even see what we're dealing with. We find it in Acts 19 11-20. Here's the find it in Acts 19 11-20. Here's the find it in Acts 19 11-20. Here's the story. It says, "And God was doing story. It says, "And God was doing story. It says, "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of extraordinary miracles by the hands of extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were aprons that had touched his skin were aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their carried away to the sick, and their carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits diseases left them, and the evil spirits diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. came out of them. came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish Then some of the itinerant Jewish Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists [snorts] undertook to invoke exorcists [snorts] undertook to invoke exorcists [snorts] undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those the name of the Lord Jesus over those the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims."

you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Skeva were doing this. But the evil Skeva were doing this. But the evil Skeva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know and spirit answered them, "Jesus I know and spirit answered them, "Jesus I know and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" Paul I recognize, but who are you?" Paul I recognize, but who are you?" And the man in whom was the evil spirit And the man in whom was the evil spirit And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them, leaped on them, mastered all of them, leaped on them, mastered all of them, and overpowered them, so that they fled and overpowered them, so that they fled and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. out of that house naked and wounded. out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the And this became known to all the And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and residents of Ephesus, both Jews and residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon them all. In Greeks, and fear fell upon them all. In Greeks, and fear fell upon them all. In the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now Also many of those who were now Also many of those who were now believers came confessing and divulging believers came confessing and divulging believers came confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those their practices. And a number of those their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought who had practiced magic arts brought who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in their books together and burned them in their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the the sight of all. And they counted the the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to value of them and found it came to value of them and found it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and the Lord continued to increase and the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. prevail mightily. prevail mightily. So that's the story. In the story, we So that's the story. In the story, we So that's the story. In the story, we see evil spirits. Those are demons. see evil spirits. Those are demons. see evil spirits. Those are demons. There's Jewish exorcists. I don't know There's Jewish exorcists. I don't know There's Jewish exorcists. I don't know if you knew that that was a thing, if you knew that that was a thing, if you knew that that was a thing, but what we see happening is these but what we see happening is these but what we see happening is these Jewish exorcists, they see Paul casting Jewish exorcists, they see Paul casting Jewish exorcists, they see Paul casting out demons in the name of the Lord out demons in the name of the Lord out demons in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they like what they see Jesus, and they like what they see Jesus, and they like what they see happening, and they want to experience happening, and they want to experience happening, and they want to experience it themselves. So, they try and exert it themselves. So, they try and exert it themselves. So, they try and exert the authority that they saw Paul had, the authority that they saw Paul had, the authority that they saw Paul had, but it doesn't go well for them. They're but it doesn't go well for them. They're but it doesn't go well for them. They're trying to drive out a demon. Instead, trying to drive out a demon. Instead, trying to drive out a demon. Instead, what the demon does is overpower them, what the demon does is overpower them, what the demon does is overpower them, beat them up, and send them out naked. I beat them up, and send them out naked. I beat them up, and send them out naked. I still remember the first time I heard

still remember the first time I heard still remember the first time I heard this passage taught over 20 years ago. I this passage taught over 20 years ago. I this passage taught over 20 years ago. I will never forget Matt Chandler saying, will never forget Matt Chandler saying, will never forget Matt Chandler saying, "If you leave a fight naked, you lost." "If you leave a fight naked, you lost." "If you leave a fight naked, you lost." I can't say it any better than that. He I can't say it any better than that. He I can't say it any better than that. He was right. Well said. was right. Well said. was right. Well said. So, the question becomes when we read So, the question becomes when we read So, the question becomes when we read this, what do you do with a passage like this, what do you do with a passage like this, what do you do with a passage like this? What do you do with this kind of this? What do you do with this kind of this? What do you do with this kind of story? is the conclusion that this was story? is the conclusion that this was story? is the conclusion that this was an extraordinary circumstance in the an extraordinary circumstance in the an extraordinary circumstance in the midst of an extraordinary season in the midst of an extraordinary season in the midst of an extraordinary season in the life of the first century church. life of the first century church. life of the first century church. I is that is that how we respond to it? I is that is that how we respond to it? I is that is that how we respond to it? That might be true. But the reality is That might be true. But the reality is That might be true. But the reality is is if you were to go and read the rest is if you were to go and read the rest is if you were to go and read the rest of the New Testament, what you see is of the New Testament, what you see is of the New Testament, what you see is the same dark forces that are at work in the same dark forces that are at work in the same dark forces that are at work in Acts 19 are still at work today. Acts 19 are still at work today. Acts 19 are still at work today. And we need to wake up to it. We better And we need to wake up to it. We better And we need to wake up to it. We better live awake to the destructive darkness live awake to the destructive darkness live awake to the destructive darkness at work. at work. at work. French poet Charles Bodilair said this.

French poet Charles Bodilair said this. French poet Charles Bodilair said this. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled The greatest trick the devil ever pulled The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't was convincing the world he didn't was convincing the world he didn't exist. exist. exist. We don't want to be those people We don't want to be those people We don't want to be those people who either disbelieve in devil and who either disbelieve in devil and who either disbelieve in devil and demons at worst or ignore them alto demons at worst or ignore them alto demons at worst or ignore them alto together at best. And yet we need guard together at best. And yet we need guard together at best. And yet we need guard rails. And I think CS Lewis puts it rails. And I think CS Lewis puts it rails. And I think CS Lewis puts it really well. He gives us the guard really well. He gives us the guard really well. He gives us the guard rails. He says there are two equal and rails. He says there are two equal and rails. He says there are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can opposite errors into which our race can opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to fall about the devils. One is to fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other disbelieve in their existence. The other disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive is to believe and to feel an excessive is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They and unhealthy interest in them. They and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both themselves are equally pleased by both themselves are equally pleased by both errors. errors. errors. They hail a materialist or a magician They hail a materialist or a magician They hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. with the same delight. with the same delight. If the people of Watermark were to lean If the people of Watermark were to lean If the people of Watermark were to lean one way or the other, I think our one way or the other, I think our one way or the other, I think our tendency will be would be to lean tendency will be would be to lean tendency will be would be to lean towards the materialist. It's to towards the materialist. It's to towards the materialist. It's to disbelieve in the devil and demons at disbelieve in the devil and demons at disbelieve in the devil and demons at worst and to just ignore them at best.

worst and to just ignore them at best. worst and to just ignore them at best. And yet what I don't want to do today is And yet what I don't want to do today is And yet what I don't want to do today is talk about the reality of the devil and talk about the reality of the devil and talk about the reality of the devil and demons and cause you to swing towards demons and cause you to swing towards demons and cause you to swing towards being a magician where you become being a magician where you become being a magician where you become obsessive about spiritual warfare. So I obsessive about spiritual warfare. So I obsessive about spiritual warfare. So I feel like I'm I'm walking a tightroppe feel like I'm I'm walking a tightroppe feel like I'm I'm walking a tightroppe today where I want you to become aware today where I want you to become aware today where I want you to become aware without becoming obsessed. without becoming obsessed. without becoming obsessed. So where I want to start today is I just So where I want to start today is I just So where I want to start today is I just want to talk about the reality of the want to talk about the reality of the want to talk about the reality of the devil and demons. I want to unpack for devil and demons. I want to unpack for devil and demons. I want to unpack for you what the scriptures say about the you what the scriptures say about the you what the scriptures say about the one called the devil, Satan, the one called the devil, Satan, the one called the devil, Satan, the accuser, the ancient serpent, the evil accuser, the ancient serpent, the evil accuser, the ancient serpent, the evil one, the tempter, the father of lies, one, the tempter, the father of lies, one, the tempter, the father of lies, the prince of this world, the god of the prince of this world, the god of the prince of this world, the god of this age, the enemy, this age, the enemy, this age, the enemy, and his workers, demons. and his workers, demons. and his workers, demons. First, I want you to know that the devil First, I want you to know that the devil First, I want you to know that the devil schemes. And and with each point, I'm schemes. And and with each point, I'm schemes. And and with each point, I'm just going to use the the name for the just going to use the the name for the just going to use the the name for the evil one that the scriptures use. So, evil one that the scriptures use. So, evil one that the scriptures use. So, first the devil's schemes. Ephesians first the devil's schemes. Ephesians first the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand God that you may be able to stand God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

against the schemes of the devil." against the schemes of the devil." Do do you ever think about the the fact Do do you ever think about the the fact Do do you ever think about the the fact that there are dark forces strategically that there are dark forces strategically that there are dark forces strategically working and scheming every day to working and scheming every day to working and scheming every day to deceive you, tempt you, and lure you deceive you, tempt you, and lure you deceive you, tempt you, and lure you away from God. Strategically. away from God. Strategically. away from God. Strategically. strategically scheming strategically scheming strategically scheming to lure you away from God. to lure you away from God. to lure you away from God. The devil lies. John 8:44. When he lies, The devil lies. John 8:44. When he lies, The devil lies. John 8:44. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character. For he speaks out of his own character. For he speaks out of his own character. For he is a liar and the father of lies. he is a liar and the father of lies. he is a liar and the father of lies. Have you ever thought about the fact Have you ever thought about the fact Have you ever thought about the fact that there is a voice in your life that that there is a voice in your life that that there is a voice in your life that is lying to you about God, lying to you is lying to you about God, lying to you is lying to you about God, lying to you about himself, and lying to you about about himself, and lying to you about about himself, and lying to you about you? Have you ever thought about that? you? Have you ever thought about that? you? Have you ever thought about that? that there is a voice in your life lying that there is a voice in your life lying that there is a voice in your life lying to you about God himself in yourself. to you about God himself in yourself. to you about God himself in yourself. Just think if you're frustrated with Just think if you're frustrated with Just think if you're frustrated with God, bitter towards God, if you're God, bitter towards God, if you're God, bitter towards God, if you're disappointed with God, if you're bored disappointed with God, if you're bored disappointed with God, if you're bored with God, if you're too busy for God, if with God, if you're too busy for God, if with God, if you're too busy for God, if you're uninterested in God, or you're you're uninterested in God, or you're you're uninterested in God, or you're unmoved by God, let me just tell you unmoved by God, let me just tell you unmoved by God, let me just tell you what's happening. What's happening is what's happening. What's happening is what's happening. What's happening is you've been lied to and you've believed you've been lied to and you've believed you've been lied to and you've believed the lie you've been told about God.

the lie you've been told about God. the lie you've been told about God. I think about 2 Corinthians 11:3 which I think about 2 Corinthians 11:3 which I think about 2 Corinthians 11:3 which says this, "But I am afraid that as the says this, "But I am afraid that as the says this, "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his coming, your serpent deceived Eve by his coming, your serpent deceived Eve by his coming, your thoughts, thoughts, thoughts, your thoughts will be led astray from a your thoughts will be led astray from a your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. You sincere and pure devotion to Christ. You sincere and pure devotion to Christ. You have an enemy who's consistently lying have an enemy who's consistently lying have an enemy who's consistently lying to you to lead you away from God." How to you to lead you away from God." How to you to lead you away from God." How does he do it? Well, what we find out does he do it? Well, what we find out does he do it? Well, what we find out about demons in the scripture is that about demons in the scripture is that about demons in the scripture is that demons spread false doctrine. So, Satan demons spread false doctrine. So, Satan demons spread false doctrine. So, Satan lies and demons take those lies and lies and demons take those lies and lies and demons take those lies and spread them. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, "Now spread them. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, "Now spread them. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, "Now the spirit expressly says that in latter the spirit expressly says that in latter the spirit expressly says that in latter times, later times, some will depart times, later times, some will depart times, later times, some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to from the faith by devoting themselves to from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of deceitful spirits and teachings of deceitful spirits and teachings of demons." How does this play out? I mean, I think How does this play out? I mean, I think about people about people about people that we have known who we've seen walk that we have known who we've seen walk that we have known who we've seen walk with Jesus, love God's word, and be very with Jesus, love God's word, and be very with Jesus, love God's word, and be very invested in Christ Church. And then invested in Christ Church. And then invested in Christ Church. And then something happens where they get something happens where they get something happens where they get enlightened.

enlightened. enlightened. They get enlightened to the point where They get enlightened to the point where They get enlightened to the point where now the Bible doesn't mean what they had now the Bible doesn't mean what they had now the Bible doesn't mean what they had been taught that it means. been taught that it means. been taught that it means. And there's a better way to now And there's a better way to now And there's a better way to now understand Jesus. understand Jesus. understand Jesus. And now they've come to understand that And now they've come to understand that And now they've come to understand that the church is dysfunctional and can no the church is dysfunctional and can no the church is dysfunctional and can no longer be trusted. longer be trusted. longer be trusted. So you just shouldn't go. So you just shouldn't go. So you just shouldn't go. Satan accuses Satan accuses Satan accuses Zechariah 3:1. Then he showed me Joshua Zechariah 3:1. Then he showed me Joshua Zechariah 3:1. Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the the high priest standing before the the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord and Satan standing at angel of the Lord and Satan standing at angel of the Lord and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. his right hand to accuse him. his right hand to accuse him. Do you realize that you have an accuser Do you realize that you have an accuser Do you realize that you have an accuser in your life? You know what's in your life? You know what's in your life? You know what's interesting? If I were to ask by show of interesting? If I were to ask by show of interesting? If I were to ask by show of hands, I'm not going to do that. I'm not hands, I'm not going to do that. I'm not hands, I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to ask you to participate right going to ask you to participate right going to ask you to participate right now, but I just want you to think if you now, but I just want you to think if you now, but I just want you to think if you would raise your hand. If I were to say would raise your hand. If I were to say would raise your hand. If I were to say by show of hands, and if everyone in by show of hands, and if everyone in by show of hands, and if everyone in here was to be completely honest, here was to be completely honest, here was to be completely honest, if I were to ask by show of hands, who if I were to ask by show of hands, who if I were to ask by show of hands, who here consistently battles feelings of here consistently battles feelings of here consistently battles feelings of being a failure?

being a failure? being a failure? Or who here consistently battles Or who here consistently battles Or who here consistently battles feelings of being unlovable? feelings of being unlovable? feelings of being unlovable? I bet it would be sobering the amount of I bet it would be sobering the amount of I bet it would be sobering the amount of hands that would be raised in this room hands that would be raised in this room hands that would be raised in this room of people saying,"I consistently feel of people saying,"I consistently feel of people saying,"I consistently feel like a failure or I consistently feel like a failure or I consistently feel like a failure or I consistently feel unlovable." Where do you think that unlovable." Where do you think that unlovable." Where do you think that comes from? comes from? comes from? You have an accuser You have an accuser You have an accuser who's accusing you, telling you you are who's accusing you, telling you you are who's accusing you, telling you you are a failure and you are unlovable. Satan plants sinful plans in mind. Think Satan plants sinful plans in mind. Think about this. Satan plants sinful plans about this. Satan plants sinful plans about this. Satan plants sinful plans and minds. Acts 5:3. and minds. Acts 5:3. and minds. Acts 5:3. But Peter said, "Ananas, why has Satan But Peter said, "Ananas, why has Satan But Peter said, "Ananas, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy filled your heart to lie to the Holy filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself Spirit and to keep back for yourself Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?" part of the proceeds of the land?" part of the proceeds of the land?" What's interesting is Ananas since fire What's interesting is Ananas since fire What's interesting is Ananas since fire were part of the church. They they were part of the church. They they were part of the church. They they thought that they could somehow still thought that they could somehow still thought that they could somehow still glorify God and sin against God at the glorify God and sin against God at the glorify God and sin against God at the same time. And what happens is the enemy same time. And what happens is the enemy same time. And what happens is the enemy will plant sinful plans in people's will plant sinful plans in people's will plant sinful plans in people's minds to where they think that they can minds to where they think that they can minds to where they think that they can glorify God while sinning against them.

glorify God while sinning against them. glorify God while sinning against them. Here's what this can look like. There Here's what this can look like. There Here's what this can look like. There are people who can believe that it is are people who can believe that it is are people who can believe that it is actually God's will for them to leave actually God's will for them to leave actually God's will for them to leave their spouse for a mistress because their spouse for a mistress because their spouse for a mistress because they've grown to believe that that they've grown to believe that that they've grown to believe that that mistress is their true soulmate. mistress is their true soulmate. mistress is their true soulmate. And so it's God's will for them to be And so it's God's will for them to be And so it's God's will for them to be with the person that they were supposed with the person that they were supposed with the person that they were supposed to be with in the first place, which is to be with in the first place, which is to be with in the first place, which is the mistress. Think about this. Demons inspire false Think about this. Demons inspire false wisdom. This is interesting. Did you wisdom. This is interesting. Did you wisdom. This is interesting. Did you know that these verses are in James know that these verses are in James know that these verses are in James chapter 3 says, "But if you have bitter chapter 3 says, "But if you have bitter chapter 3 says, "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your jealousy and selfish ambition in your jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the hearts, do not boast and be false to the hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth." This is not the wisdom that truth." This is not the wisdom that truth." This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, comes down from above, but is earthly, comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. unspiritual, demonic. unspiritual, demonic. Isn't that interesting? Isn't that interesting? Isn't that interesting? What this is saying is like, hey, there What this is saying is like, hey, there What this is saying is like, hey, there there can be jealousy in your hearts. there can be jealousy in your hearts. there can be jealousy in your hearts. There can be bitterness in your heart.

There can be bitterness in your heart. There can be bitterness in your heart. And that jealousy, insecurity, And that jealousy, insecurity, And that jealousy, insecurity, bitterness can grow and cause you to bitterness can grow and cause you to bitterness can grow and cause you to think, you know what, I should do this think, you know what, I should do this think, you know what, I should do this or this is the best thing for me to do. or this is the best thing for me to do. or this is the best thing for me to do. And it seems wise to you. It seems wise And it seems wise to you. It seems wise And it seems wise to you. It seems wise to cut this person out, to ghost this to cut this person out, to ghost this to cut this person out, to ghost this person, to be rude to this person, to person, to be rude to this person, to person, to be rude to this person, to lash out. It it seems right for you to lash out. It it seems right for you to lash out. It it seems right for you to operate in certain ways. And what James operate in certain ways. And what James operate in certain ways. And what James is saying is when there's that jealousy is saying is when there's that jealousy is saying is when there's that jealousy and that bitterness and you're operating and that bitterness and you're operating and that bitterness and you're operating in according to what seems best in the in according to what seems best in the in according to what seems best in the moment, that actually isn't wisdom moment, that actually isn't wisdom moment, that actually isn't wisdom coming down from God. You're actually coming down from God. You're actually coming down from God. You're actually operating based on wisdom that is operating based on wisdom that is operating based on wisdom that is demonic in nature. The God of this world blinds the minds The God of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4. In of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4. In of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4. In their case, the God of this world has their case, the God of this world has their case, the God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to blinded the minds of the unbelievers to blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the keep them from seeing the light of the keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is gospel of the glory of Christ, who is gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

the image of God. the image of God. This past week, uh, my wife called a This past week, uh, my wife called a This past week, uh, my wife called a family member. This is someone that has family member. This is someone that has family member. This is someone that has been antagonistic to the faith ever been antagonistic to the faith ever been antagonistic to the faith ever since I joined the family 20 years ago. since I joined the family 20 years ago. since I joined the family 20 years ago. And we've been praying for this person And we've been praying for this person And we've been praying for this person and she's got some stuff going on right and she's got some stuff going on right and she's got some stuff going on right now that prompted Cat to call her. And now that prompted Cat to call her. And now that prompted Cat to call her. And Cat told her just straight out. She Cat told her just straight out. She Cat told her just straight out. She says, "I hope you find Jesus during this says, "I hope you find Jesus during this says, "I hope you find Jesus during this time." And she said, "We have different time." And she said, "We have different time." And she said, "We have different Jesuses." Jesuses." Jesuses." You know what that is? You know what that is? You know what that is? That is that is Satan blinding her to That is that is Satan blinding her to That is that is Satan blinding her to the truth [snorts] the truth [snorts] the truth [snorts] about Jesus Christ. The devil and demons can cause sickness. The devil and demons can cause sickness. Devil and demons can cause physical Devil and demons can cause physical Devil and demons can cause physical sickness, mental sickness, and emotional sickness, mental sickness, and emotional sickness, mental sickness, and emotional sickness. Let me just give you a couple sickness. Let me just give you a couple sickness. Let me just give you a couple examples in the scriptures. Luke 13 is examples in the scriptures. Luke 13 is examples in the scriptures. Luke 13 is talking about a woman who has been bent talking about a woman who has been bent talking about a woman who has been bent over for 18 years, unable to stand up over for 18 years, unable to stand up over for 18 years, unable to stand up straight. And here's what 13:16 says. It straight. And here's what 13:16 says. It straight. And here's what 13:16 says. It says, "And ought not this woman, a says, "And ought not this woman, a says, "And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for 18 years, be loosed from this bond for 18 years, be loosed from this bond for 18 years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day." You know what Jesus on the Sabbath day." You know what Jesus on the Sabbath day." You know what Jesus is saying? She He's He's saying that the is saying? She He's He's saying that the is saying? She He's He's saying that the reason she's been bent over is that she reason she's been bent over is that she reason she's been bent over is that she has been inflicted or afflicted by has been inflicted or afflicted by has been inflicted or afflicted by Satan.

Satan. Satan. She is physically She is physically She is physically afflicted by Satan. Mark 5 1-5. They afflicted by Satan. Mark 5 1-5. They afflicted by Satan. Mark 5 1-5. They came to the other side of the sea to the came to the other side of the sea to the came to the other side of the sea to the country of the Garrison. And when Jesus country of the Garrison. And when Jesus country of the Garrison. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately had stepped out of the boat, immediately had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man there met him out of the tombs a man there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among with an unclean spirit. He lived among with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. No one could bind him the tombs. No one could bind him the tombs. No one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. anymore, not even with a chain. anymore, not even with a chain. [clears throat] For he had often been [clears throat] For he had often been [clears throat] For he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he bound with shackles and chains, but he bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke wrenched the chains apart, and he broke wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the the shackles in pieces. No one had the the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him night and day strength to subdue him night and day strength to subdue him night and day among the tombs and on the mountains. He among the tombs and on the mountains. He among the tombs and on the mountains. He was always crying out and cutting was always crying out and cutting was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. himself with stones. himself with stones. You see it? You have a man that is You see it? You have a man that is You see it? You have a man that is afflicted physically. He's afflicted afflicted physically. He's afflicted afflicted physically. He's afflicted mentally. He's afflicted emotionally mentally. He's afflicted emotionally mentally. He's afflicted emotionally by demonic forces. by demonic forces. by demonic forces. Now, here's where I want to be clear. Now, here's where I want to be clear. Now, here's where I want to be clear. Not everything Not everything Not everything is demonic. Not all physical pain is due is demonic. Not all physical pain is due is demonic. Not all physical pain is due to a demon. Not all mental illness is to a demon. Not all mental illness is to a demon. Not all mental illness is because of Satan's work. The reality is because of Satan's work. The reality is because of Satan's work. The reality is we still live in a broken world, which we still live in a broken world, which we still live in a broken world, which is because of the work of the devil. I'm is because of the work of the devil. I'm is because of the work of the devil. I'm just saying just saying just saying that not everything that not everything that not everything is demonic.

is demonic. is demonic. Sometimes there there's there there's Sometimes there there's there there's Sometimes there there's there there's trauma and trauma is trauma and trauma and trauma is trauma and trauma and trauma is trauma and sometimes it came about it's always come sometimes it came about it's always come sometimes it came about it's always come about by some darkness that has happened about by some darkness that has happened about by some darkness that has happened but there's trauma there's family of but there's trauma there's family of but there's trauma there's family of origin herds origin herds origin herds there's mental illness which are there's mental illness which are there's mental illness which are realities realities realities of what's going on in our world. Look of what's going on in our world. Look of what's going on in our world. Look I'm going to do something real quick I'm going to do something real quick I'm going to do something real quick because I just feel like the Lord because I just feel like the Lord because I just feel like the Lord pressing on me right now pressing on me right now pressing on me right now after reading this passage. I didn't do after reading this passage. I didn't do after reading this passage. I didn't do this in the 9:00 a.m., but I I just feel this in the 9:00 a.m., but I I just feel this in the 9:00 a.m., but I I just feel like I need to do it. There's a there's like I need to do it. There's a there's like I need to do it. There's a there's a there's a homeless guy that stands on a there's a homeless guy that stands on a there's a homeless guy that stands on the corner right here, which so many of the corner right here, which so many of the corner right here, which so many of us see every Sunday when we're leaving us see every Sunday when we're leaving us see every Sunday when we're leaving and he's consistently yelling and he is and he's consistently yelling and he is and he's consistently yelling and he is he's clearly not in his mind. I just he's clearly not in his mind. I just he's clearly not in his mind. I just want us to pray for him right now for want us to pray for him right now for want us to pray for him right now for the Lord to have his way. So Lord, you the Lord to have his way. So Lord, you the Lord to have his way. So Lord, you know his name. know his name. know his name. And Lord, if there is any demonic And Lord, if there is any demonic And Lord, if there is any demonic activity in his life, I pray right now activity in his life, I pray right now activity in his life, I pray right now in the powerful mighty name of Jesus in the powerful mighty name of Jesus in the powerful mighty name of Jesus Christ that you would drive it out and Christ that you would drive it out and Christ that you would drive it out and you would set him free just as you did you would set him free just as you did you would set him free just as you did in Mark 5 that you would restore him to in Mark 5 that you would restore him to in Mark 5 that you would restore him to his right mind and you would bring about his right mind and you would bring about his right mind and you would bring about hope and healing in Jesus name. Amen.

hope and healing in Jesus name. Amen. hope and healing in Jesus name. Amen. Next, Satan attacks marriages. 1 Corinthians 7:5. He he attacks 1 Corinthians 7:5. He he attacks marriages. Some of y'all are like, "Uh, marriages. Some of y'all are like, "Uh, marriages. Some of y'all are like, "Uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, because you have your best fights on the because you have your best fights on the because you have your best fights on the way to church." Sunday morning is like way to church." Sunday morning is like way to church." Sunday morning is like it's prime fight time. it's prime fight time. it's prime fight time. 1 Corinthians 7:5, "Do not," this is 1 Corinthians 7:5, "Do not," this is 1 Corinthians 7:5, "Do not," this is talking about sexual intimacy. It says, talking about sexual intimacy. It says, talking about sexual intimacy. It says, "Do not deprive one another except "Do not deprive one another except "Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for a limited time perhaps by agreement for a limited time perhaps by agreement for a limited time that you may devote yourselves to that you may devote yourselves to that you may devote yourselves to prayer, but then come together again so prayer, but then come together again so prayer, but then come together again so that Satan may not tempt you because of that Satan may not tempt you because of that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. your lack of self-control. your lack of self-control. Satan will seek to tempt one another Satan will seek to tempt one another Satan will seek to tempt one another away from the marriage." Satan divides 2 away from the marriage." Satan divides 2 away from the marriage." Satan divides 2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Corinthians 2:10-11. Corinthians 2:10-11. "Anyone whom you forgive, I also "Anyone whom you forgive, I also "Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been if I have forgiven anything, has been if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, for your sake in the presence of Christ, for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by so that we would not be outwitted by so that we would not be outwitted by Satan. For we're not ignorant of his Satan. For we're not ignorant of his Satan. For we're not ignorant of his designs. You know what Satan does to the designs. You know what Satan does to the designs. You know what Satan does to the people of God as he seeks to divide the people of God as he seeks to divide the people of God as he seeks to divide the people of God. So look, let me just tell people of God. So look, let me just tell people of God. So look, let me just tell you, if you belong to this church and you, if you belong to this church and you, if you belong to this church and you're letting bitterness grow inside of you're letting bitterness grow inside of you're letting bitterness grow inside of you, if you have cut someone out of your you, if you have cut someone out of your you, if you have cut someone out of your life, if you're refusing to enter into life, if you're refusing to enter into life, if you're refusing to enter into reconciling conversations, let me just reconciling conversations, let me just reconciling conversations, let me just tell you, the evil one is at work tell you, the evil one is at work tell you, the evil one is at work seeking to divide.

seeking to divide. seeking to divide. The spirit of God unifies. The spirit of God unifies. The spirit of God unifies. The spirit of God allows that heal herds The spirit of God allows that heal herds The spirit of God allows that heal herds to be healed and us to be reconciled to be healed and us to be reconciled to be healed and us to be reconciled because the gospel is a message of because the gospel is a message of because the gospel is a message of reconciliation. Finally, Satan tests our reconciliation. Finally, Satan tests our reconciliation. Finally, Satan tests our faith. God tests our faith. But you look faith. God tests our faith. But you look faith. God tests our faith. But you look at the life of Job and Satan tested Job at the life of Job and Satan tested Job at the life of Job and Satan tested Job to see the genuiness of his faith. Why to see the genuiness of his faith. Why to see the genuiness of his faith. Why do I spend the time going through all of do I spend the time going through all of do I spend the time going through all of that scripture about the works of the that scripture about the works of the that scripture about the works of the devil in demons? It's because I think devil in demons? It's because I think devil in demons? It's because I think Clinton Arnold Clinton Arnold Clinton Arnold has said it really well. has said it really well. has said it really well. He says, "Spiritual warfare is He says, "Spiritual warfare is He says, "Spiritual warfare is all-encompassing. all-encompassing. all-encompassing. It touches every area of our lives, our It touches every area of our lives, our It touches every area of our lives, our families, our relationships, our families, our relationships, our families, our relationships, our churches, our neighborhoods, our churches, our neighborhoods, our churches, our neighborhoods, our communities, our places of employment. communities, our places of employment. communities, our places of employment. There is virtually no part of our There is virtually no part of our There is virtually no part of our existence over which the evil one does existence over which the evil one does existence over which the evil one does not want to maintain or reassert his not want to maintain or reassert his not want to maintain or reassert his unhealthy and perverse unhealthy and perverse unhealthy and perverse influence.

influence. influence. Now, this is where I want to be careful Now, this is where I want to be careful Now, this is where I want to be careful because if we only spent all of the time because if we only spent all of the time because if we only spent all of the time talking about the works of the devil and talking about the works of the devil and talking about the works of the devil and demons, you know what the response would demons, you know what the response would demons, you know what the response would be? The response would be fear and the be? The response would be fear and the be? The response would be fear and the response would be obsessiveness. response would be obsessiveness. response would be obsessiveness. People would become um preoccupied People would become um preoccupied People would become um preoccupied with spiritual warfare. But what I want with spiritual warfare. But what I want with spiritual warfare. But what I want to do right now is I want to talk about to do right now is I want to talk about to do right now is I want to talk about something so much more important than something so much more important than something so much more important than the works of the devil and demons. the works of the devil and demons. the works of the devil and demons. What I want to talk about is Jesus's What I want to talk about is Jesus's What I want to talk about is Jesus's victory over Satan and demons. victory over Satan and demons. victory over Satan and demons. This is why we don't become obsessed This is why we don't become obsessed This is why we don't become obsessed with spiritual warfare. with spiritual warfare. with spiritual warfare. This is why we don't become preoccupied This is why we don't become preoccupied This is why we don't become preoccupied with it. When we talk about Satan and with it. When we talk about Satan and with it. When we talk about Satan and demons and then we talk about Jesus's demons and then we talk about Jesus's demons and then we talk about Jesus's victory over Satan and demons, the right victory over Satan and demons, the right victory over Satan and demons, the right response is worship. It's reverence. response is worship. It's reverence. response is worship. It's reverence. It's gratitude for Christ. It's inviting It's gratitude for Christ. It's inviting It's gratitude for Christ. It's inviting his rule and reign into our lives even his rule and reign into our lives even his rule and reign into our lives even more.

more. more. Where do we see this in the the story? Where do we see this in the the story? Where do we see this in the the story? Well, if you think about how the story Well, if you think about how the story Well, if you think about how the story started, the story started with Paul started, the story started with Paul started, the story started with Paul driving out evil spirits in the name of driving out evil spirits in the name of driving out evil spirits in the name of Jesus. We know that Paul was driving out Jesus. We know that Paul was driving out Jesus. We know that Paul was driving out evil spirits in the name of Jesus evil spirits in the name of Jesus evil spirits in the name of Jesus because the seven sons of Ska tried to because the seven sons of Ska tried to because the seven sons of Ska tried to do what they had seen Paul do. They were do what they had seen Paul do. They were do what they had seen Paul do. They were trying to drive out evil spirits in the trying to drive out evil spirits in the trying to drive out evil spirits in the name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. And what's interesting is the response And what's interesting is the response And what's interesting is the response that we see people have when they hear that we see people have when they hear that we see people have when they hear about the seven sons of getting beaten about the seven sons of getting beaten about the seven sons of getting beaten up by the evil spirit. Listen to the up by the evil spirit. Listen to the up by the evil spirit. Listen to the response in verse 17. It says, "And this response in verse 17. It says, "And this response in verse 17. It says, "And this became known to all the residents of became known to all the residents of became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon them all in the name of the fell upon them all in the name of the fell upon them all in the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled." Isn't that Lord Jesus was extolled." Isn't that Lord Jesus was extolled." Isn't that interesting? Their response was fear. interesting? Their response was fear. interesting? Their response was fear. Fear of what? Fear of what? Fear of what? Fear of evil spirits. No. Fear of Jesus. Fear of evil spirits. No. Fear of Jesus. Fear of evil spirits. No. Fear of Jesus. What's the response? They extolled Jesus What's the response? They extolled Jesus What's the response? They extolled Jesus Christ. Why?

Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. That's instructive. We don't fear Satan That's instructive. We don't fear Satan That's instructive. We don't fear Satan and demons. We become aware of them. But and demons. We become aware of them. But and demons. We become aware of them. But we fear Jesus. We revere Jesus. Why? we fear Jesus. We revere Jesus. Why? we fear Jesus. We revere Jesus. Why? Because Jesus has conquered Satan and Because Jesus has conquered Satan and Because Jesus has conquered Satan and demons. demons. demons. We fear Jesus because 1 John 3:8 says We fear Jesus because 1 John 3:8 says We fear Jesus because 1 John 3:8 says this, "The reason the son of God this, "The reason the son of God this, "The reason the son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the appeared was to destroy the works of the appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." That's why Jesus Christ came. devil." That's why Jesus Christ came. devil." That's why Jesus Christ came. And we see this in the gospels as he And we see this in the gospels as he And we see this in the gospels as he drives out demons. We see demons tremble drives out demons. We see demons tremble drives out demons. We see demons tremble at the sight of Jesus. We see demons at the sight of Jesus. We see demons at the sight of Jesus. We see demons powerless before Jesus. powerless before Jesus. powerless before Jesus. Demons met their destruction when they Demons met their destruction when they Demons met their destruction when they met Jesus. Colossians 2:15 tells us met Jesus. Colossians 2:15 tells us met Jesus. Colossians 2:15 tells us this. He that's God the father disarm this. He that's God the father disarm this. He that's God the father disarm disarm the rulers and authorities and disarm the rulers and authorities and disarm the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing put them to open shame by triumphing put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him in Christ. over them in him in Christ. over them in him in Christ. So do you see what this is saying? It's So do you see what this is saying? It's So do you see what this is saying? It's saying saying saying that God through Christ has disarmed that God through Christ has disarmed that God through Christ has disarmed Satan and his demons. How has he Satan and his demons. How has he Satan and his demons. How has he disarmed them? This is important.

disarmed them? This is important. disarmed them? This is important. He has disarmed them He has disarmed them He has disarmed them by taking away our sin. by taking away our sin. by taking away our sin. Because by taking away our sin, the sin Because by taking away our sin, the sin Because by taking away our sin, the sin that Satan and demons would use to that Satan and demons would use to that Satan and demons would use to accuse us and condemn us and hold us in accuse us and condemn us and hold us in accuse us and condemn us and hold us in slavery has now been taken away. slavery has now been taken away. slavery has now been taken away. He put them to open shame, triumphing He put them to open shame, triumphing He put them to open shame, triumphing over them. So listen to what this is over them. So listen to what this is over them. So listen to what this is saying. saying. saying. This is telling us how effective the This is telling us how effective the This is telling us how effective the cross and empty tomb truly were. It's cross and empty tomb truly were. It's cross and empty tomb truly were. It's telling us how effective the perfect telling us how effective the perfect telling us how effective the perfect life, the sacrificial death, and the life, the sacrificial death, and the life, the sacrificial death, and the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ truly were because it says Christ has truly were because it says Christ has truly were because it says Christ has already triumphed already triumphed already triumphed over Satan's sin and death. over Satan's sin and death. over Satan's sin and death. It's not that Jesus is winning. It's not It's not that Jesus is winning. It's not It's not that Jesus is winning. It's not that Jesus will win one day. He has that Jesus will win one day. He has that Jesus will win one day. He has already won. Satan has already lost. already won. Satan has already lost. already won. Satan has already lost. But we're still waiting for a day when But we're still waiting for a day when But we're still waiting for a day when Christ's rule and reign is realized Christ's rule and reign is realized Christ's rule and reign is realized throughout the earth. And when it is, throughout the earth. And when it is, throughout the earth. And when it is, you might not realize this, but if you you might not realize this, but if you you might not realize this, but if you go and read Revelation 20, the end go and read Revelation 20, the end go and read Revelation 20, the end result for Satan and demons is that they result for Satan and demons is that they result for Satan and demons is that they themselves will be permanently thrown themselves will be permanently thrown themselves will be permanently thrown into the lake of fire where they will be into the lake of fire where they will be into the lake of fire where they will be tormented for forever. So, it's tormented for forever. So, it's tormented for forever. So, it's theologically incorrect to think that in theologically incorrect to think that in theologically incorrect to think that in the lake of fire, Satan and demons are the lake of fire, Satan and demons are the lake of fire, Satan and demons are going to have a great time while going to have a great time while going to have a great time while everyone else is miserable.

everyone else is miserable. everyone else is miserable. No, they themselves will be tormented No, they themselves will be tormented No, they themselves will be tormented for forever for forever for forever while the people of God experience while the people of God experience while the people of God experience unending joy in the presence of Jesus unending joy in the presence of Jesus unending joy in the presence of Jesus with no more sin, no more pain, no more with no more sin, no more pain, no more with no more sin, no more pain, no more death. But a son of mine, one of my sons death. But a son of mine, one of my sons death. But a son of mine, one of my sons reminded me recently, just in the last reminded me recently, just in the last reminded me recently, just in the last week, that week, that week, that um snakes, um snakes, um snakes, if you cut off the head, the the snake, if you cut off the head, the the snake, if you cut off the head, the the snake, if you cut off the head of a snake, it if you cut off the head of a snake, it if you cut off the head of a snake, it can still bite even when the head's been can still bite even when the head's been can still bite even when the head's been severed. And so I went and looked it up severed. And so I went and looked it up severed. And so I went and looked it up and in 2018, there was a man in Texas and in 2018, there was a man in Texas and in 2018, there was a man in Texas who came across a rattlesnake and he cut who came across a rattlesnake and he cut who came across a rattlesnake and he cut the head of the rattlesnake off. 10 the head of the rattlesnake off. 10 the head of the rattlesnake off. 10 minutes later, he picked up the head and minutes later, he picked up the head and minutes later, he picked up the head and the head bit him and injected venom into the head bit him and injected venom into the head bit him and injected venom into him to where it had really intense side him to where it had really intense side him to where it had really intense side effects. He lived, but there was still effects. He lived, but there was still effects. He lived, but there was still side effects. And I tell you that just side effects. And I tell you that just side effects. And I tell you that just to say, look, Genesis 3:15, to say, look, Genesis 3:15, to say, look, Genesis 3:15, Jesus is foreshadowed as the one who had Jesus is foreshadowed as the one who had Jesus is foreshadowed as the one who had come and crushed the head of the come and crushed the head of the come and crushed the head of the serpent. And when Jesus Christ went to serpent. And when Jesus Christ went to serpent. And when Jesus Christ went to the cross and rose from the grave, what the cross and rose from the grave, what the cross and rose from the grave, what did he do? He crushed the head of the did he do? He crushed the head of the did he do? He crushed the head of the serpent. And yet Satan still has a bite serpent. And yet Satan still has a bite serpent. And yet Satan still has a bite for a little bit longer.

for a little bit longer. for a little bit longer. He still has a bite. He still has a bite. He still has a bite. It He can't kill you, but it can still It He can't kill you, but it can still It He can't kill you, but it can still hurt. hurt. hurt. And so because of that, And so because of that, And so because of that, like we move forward like we move forward like we move forward sober. sober. sober. We we become aware We we become aware We we become aware and we live on guard. and we live on guard. and we live on guard. But isn't that good news that Christ But isn't that good news that Christ But isn't that good news that Christ has already claimed victory over Satan's has already claimed victory over Satan's has already claimed victory over Satan's sin and death? I'm just asking you. sin and death? I'm just asking you. sin and death? I'm just asking you. That's good news. Right That's good news. Right That's good news. Right [applause] now, I want to continue the good news. now, I want to continue the good news. And now what I'm about to tell you, some And now what I'm about to tell you, some And now what I'm about to tell you, some of you are going to hear this and you're of you are going to hear this and you're of you are going to hear this and you're like, "Yeah, I don't know what to think like, "Yeah, I don't know what to think like, "Yeah, I don't know what to think about that." about that." about that." Some of you are going to immediately be Some of you are going to immediately be Some of you are going to immediately be like, "This sounds kind of I don't know like, "This sounds kind of I don't know like, "This sounds kind of I don't know what I think." Okay, I'm great with what I think." Okay, I'm great with what I think." Okay, I'm great with that. This is really good news. Now, I that. This is really good news. Now, I that. This is really good news. Now, I want to talk about our authority in want to talk about our authority in want to talk about our authority in Christ over Satan and demons. I want to Christ over Satan and demons. I want to Christ over Satan and demons. I want to talk about our authority in Christ talk about our authority in Christ talk about our authority in Christ over Satan and demons. The reason I want over Satan and demons. The reason I want over Satan and demons. The reason I want to talk about this is that if you think to talk about this is that if you think to talk about this is that if you think about it, the story is in some ways a about it, the story is in some ways a about it, the story is in some ways a story about authority.

story about authority. story about authority. Because the seven sons of Skva are Because the seven sons of Skva are Because the seven sons of Skva are trying to claim authority over an evil trying to claim authority over an evil trying to claim authority over an evil spirit. The reason they're trying to do spirit. The reason they're trying to do spirit. The reason they're trying to do that is because they had seen Paul that is because they had seen Paul that is because they had seen Paul exercise authority over evil spirits. exercise authority over evil spirits. exercise authority over evil spirits. And yet, when they tried to exert the And yet, when they tried to exert the And yet, when they tried to exert the authority that they had seen Paul exert, authority that they had seen Paul exert, authority that they had seen Paul exert, it didn't work out for them. Why? it didn't work out for them. Why? it didn't work out for them. Why? because they didn't know the Jesus that because they didn't know the Jesus that because they didn't know the Jesus that Paul knew. Paul knew. Paul knew. And what I want you to know is that if And what I want you to know is that if And what I want you to know is that if you know Jesus Christ, our reality is you know Jesus Christ, our reality is you know Jesus Christ, our reality is very different than the seven sons of very different than the seven sons of very different than the seven sons of Ska. Ska. Ska. We have authority in Christ over Satan We have authority in Christ over Satan We have authority in Christ over Satan and demons. Let me just tell you where I and demons. Let me just tell you where I and demons. Let me just tell you where I get that from. Follow me on this. get that from. Follow me on this. get that from. Follow me on this. I want to start in Ephesians 1:es 20 and I want to start in Ephesians 1:es 20 and I want to start in Ephesians 1:es 20 and 21. We're starting halfway through a 21. We're starting halfway through a 21. We're starting halfway through a verse, verse, verse, but here's what it says. but here's what it says. but here's what it says. It says that he worked in Christ when he It says that he worked in Christ when he It says that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him raised him from the dead and seated him raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places at his right hand in the heavenly places at his right hand in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and far above all rule and authority and far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name power and dominion and above every name power and dominion and above every name that is named. Not only in this age but that is named. Not only in this age but that is named. Not only in this age but also in the one to come. So here's what also in the one to come. So here's what also in the one to come. So here's what I want you to see. What I want you to I want you to see. What I want you to I want you to see. What I want you to see is that where Christ is seated is see is that where Christ is seated is see is that where Christ is seated is tied to his authority.

tied to his authority. tied to his authority. The text says that he is seated and the The text says that he is seated and the The text says that he is seated and the wording is far above all rule, wording is far above all rule, wording is far above all rule, authority, power and dominion. That is a authority, power and dominion. That is a authority, power and dominion. That is a reference to earthly power and also reference to earthly power and also reference to earthly power and also power in the spiritual realm over Satan power in the spiritual realm over Satan power in the spiritual realm over Satan and demons. So what this is saying is and demons. So what this is saying is and demons. So what this is saying is that Jesus Christ is seated far above that Jesus Christ is seated far above that Jesus Christ is seated far above them them them in the very next chapter of Ephesians, in the very next chapter of Ephesians, in the very next chapter of Ephesians, Ephesians 2, listen to what Paul goes on Ephesians 2, listen to what Paul goes on Ephesians 2, listen to what Paul goes on to say. Now he's talking about us. to say. Now he's talking about us. to say. Now he's talking about us. He says, "But God being rich in mercy, He says, "But God being rich in mercy, He says, "But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he because of the great love with which he because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our loved us, even when we were dead in our loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with trespasses, made us alive together with trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved." Christ, by grace you have been saved." Christ, by grace you have been saved." Watch this. And raised us up with him Watch this. And raised us up with him Watch this. And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly and seated us with him in the heavenly and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. places in Christ Jesus. places in Christ Jesus. So Christ's authority is tied to where So Christ's authority is tied to where So Christ's authority is tied to where he's seated. he's seated. he's seated. And where he is seated is far above all And where he is seated is far above all And where he is seated is far above all rule and authority. That includes Satan rule and authority. That includes Satan rule and authority. That includes Satan and demons. And when and demons. And when and demons. And when and when we were raised with Christ, and when we were raised with Christ, and when we were raised with Christ, we've actually been raised up and seated we've actually been raised up and seated we've actually been raised up and seated with him in the heavenly places. So I I with him in the heavenly places. So I I with him in the heavenly places. So I I finally brought the tubs back out. I've finally brought the tubs back out. I've finally brought the tubs back out. I've teased them a lot and I just figured it teased them a lot and I just figured it teased them a lot and I just figured it was time. No more teasing. Let's just was time. No more teasing. Let's just was time. No more teasing. Let's just get them back out here. And if you're get them back out here. And if you're get them back out here. And if you're like, you're talking like we've seen like, you're talking like we've seen like, you're talking like we've seen this before. That tells me that you this before. That tells me that you this before. That tells me that you missed like 10 sermons here at missed like 10 sermons here at missed like 10 sermons here at Watermark.

Watermark. Watermark. But what the tubs illustrate is a But what the tubs illustrate is a But what the tubs illustrate is a concept known as union with Christ. So I concept known as union with Christ. So I concept known as union with Christ. So I just want you to live with an just want you to live with an just want you to live with an understanding understanding understanding of your true reality of your true reality of your true reality in Christ. So let me just remind you. in Christ. So let me just remind you. in Christ. So let me just remind you. Okay, Okay, Okay, let's just assume this is you and this let's just assume this is you and this let's just assume this is you and this is me. According to the scriptures, is me. According to the scriptures, is me. According to the scriptures, when you know Jesus Christ, according to when you know Jesus Christ, according to when you know Jesus Christ, according to the scriptures, we have been united with the scriptures, we have been united with the scriptures, we have been united with Christ. When Christ died through faith Christ. When Christ died through faith Christ. When Christ died through faith in Jesus, we died with him. The old you in Jesus, we died with him. The old you in Jesus, we died with him. The old you died. The life of sin died. When Christ died. The life of sin died. When Christ died. The life of sin died. When Christ was raised from the dead through faith, was raised from the dead through faith, was raised from the dead through faith, we have been raised with him to walk in we have been raised with him to walk in we have been raised with him to walk in newness of life. The scriptures would newness of life. The scriptures would newness of life. The scriptures would say that when you put your trust in say that when you put your trust in say that when you put your trust in Christ, God comes to live inside of you. Christ, God comes to live inside of you. Christ, God comes to live inside of you. Christ lives inside of you by the Christ lives inside of you by the Christ lives inside of you by the presence of his spirit. So that is presence of his spirit. So that is presence of his spirit. So that is Christ in you, which is incredible news. Christ in you, which is incredible news. Christ in you, which is incredible news. If this is all that was true of us, this If this is all that was true of us, this If this is all that was true of us, this is an incredible reality that God lives is an incredible reality that God lives is an incredible reality that God lives inside of you. Ephesians 1 says that the inside of you. Ephesians 1 says that the inside of you. Ephesians 1 says that the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit because of the spirit in you, the same because of the spirit in you, the same because of the spirit in you, the same power that raised Christ from the dead power that raised Christ from the dead power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of us.

lives inside of us. lives inside of us. But the scriptures don't stop there. But the scriptures don't stop there. But the scriptures don't stop there. It's not just that Christ is in us. We It's not just that Christ is in us. We It's not just that Christ is in us. We are actually in Christ. are actually in Christ. are actually in Christ. In Colossians 3 would say that we are In Colossians 3 would say that we are In Colossians 3 would say that we are hidden with Christ in God. hidden with Christ in God. hidden with Christ in God. So this if you know Jesus Christ, this So this if you know Jesus Christ, this So this if you know Jesus Christ, this is your reality. is your reality. is your reality. You have been so united and tied up with You have been so united and tied up with You have been so united and tied up with Christ that you have been buried with Christ that you have been buried with Christ that you have been buried with Christ. You have been raised with Christ. You have been raised with Christ. You have been raised with Christ, but you have been raised up and Christ, but you have been raised up and Christ, but you have been raised up and you have been seated with Christ in the you have been seated with Christ in the you have been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. And Christ is seated heavenly realms. And Christ is seated heavenly realms. And Christ is seated far above all rule and authority, far above all rule and authority, far above all rule and authority, including Satan and demons. including Satan and demons. including Satan and demons. Now, thinking about that, now see John's Now, thinking about that, now see John's Now, thinking about that, now see John's words in a different light. In 1 John words in a different light. In 1 John words in a different light. In 1 John 4:4, he says, "Little children, you are 4:4, he says, "Little children, you are 4:4, he says, "Little children, you are from God from God from God and have overcome them." That's talking and have overcome them." That's talking and have overcome them." That's talking about evil spirits or demons. For he who about evil spirits or demons. For he who about evil spirits or demons. For he who is in you is greater is in you is greater is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

than he who is in the world. than he who is in the world. Now, think about Luke 10. Now, think about Luke 10. Now, think about Luke 10. I want you to follow me on this because I want you to follow me on this because I want you to follow me on this because Luke 10 is extremely important and Luke 10 is extremely important and Luke 10 is extremely important and powerful. powerful. powerful. Listen to Luke 10:1. It says this. After Listen to Luke 10:1. It says this. After Listen to Luke 10:1. It says this. After this, the Lord appointed 72 others sent this, the Lord appointed 72 others sent this, the Lord appointed 72 others sent and sent them on ahead of him two by two and sent them on ahead of him two by two and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he into every town and place where he into every town and place where he himself was about to go. Okay? So, all I himself was about to go. Okay? So, all I himself was about to go. Okay? So, all I want you to see about these 72 is that want you to see about these 72 is that want you to see about these 72 is that these are just normal followers of these are just normal followers of these are just normal followers of Jesus. These are nameless followers of Jesus. These are nameless followers of Jesus. These are nameless followers of Jesus. These are not the 12 disciples. Jesus. These are not the 12 disciples. Jesus. These are not the 12 disciples. These are not future apostles. These These are not future apostles. These These are not future apostles. These have no seminary training. They have no have no seminary training. They have no have no seminary training. They have no special position in the church. These special position in the church. These special position in the church. These are normal, average, nameless followers are normal, average, nameless followers are normal, average, nameless followers of Jesus Christ. Listen to what verse 17 tells us about Listen to what verse 17 tells us about them. them. them. It says, "The 72 returned with joy, It says, "The 72 returned with joy, It says, "The 72 returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are saying, Lord, even the demons are saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.

subject to us in your name. subject to us in your name. And he said to them, I saw Satan fall And he said to them, I saw Satan fall And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I like lightning from heaven. Behold, I like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on have given you authority to tread on have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the serpents and scorpions, and over all the serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, power of the enemy, power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. and nothing shall hurt you. and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but that the spirits are subject to you, but that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in rejoice that your names are written in rejoice that your names are written in heaven. That's one more reminder. Don't heaven. That's one more reminder. Don't heaven. That's one more reminder. Don't become obsessed with spiritual warfare. become obsessed with spiritual warfare. become obsessed with spiritual warfare. Let your rejoicing be Let your rejoicing be Let your rejoicing be in the fact that you've been saved by in the fact that you've been saved by in the fact that you've been saved by Jesus Christ. But what I want you to see Jesus Christ. But what I want you to see Jesus Christ. But what I want you to see is that Christ gives these nameless is that Christ gives these nameless is that Christ gives these nameless followers of Jesus the authority to to followers of Jesus the authority to to followers of Jesus the authority to to tread on serpents and scorpions. Is that tread on serpents and scorpions. Is that tread on serpents and scorpions. Is that talking literally? talking literally? talking literally? Like do you need God's power to step on Like do you need God's power to step on Like do you need God's power to step on a scorpion? Like just a little scorpion. a scorpion? Like just a little scorpion. a scorpion? Like just a little scorpion. No, this is talking figuratively. No, this is talking figuratively. No, this is talking figuratively. Serpents and scorpions were symbolic of Serpents and scorpions were symbolic of Serpents and scorpions were symbolic of demonic beings. demonic beings. demonic beings. And some scholars think that these 72 And some scholars think that these 72 And some scholars think that these 72 were foreshadowing the church, us today, were foreshadowing the church, us today, were foreshadowing the church, us today, and the authority that the people of God and the authority that the people of God and the authority that the people of God would have in Christ over Satan and would have in Christ over Satan and would have in Christ over Satan and demons. What's amazing is that in Luke demons. What's amazing is that in Luke demons. What's amazing is that in Luke chapter 10, like Christ hasn't even gone chapter 10, like Christ hasn't even gone chapter 10, like Christ hasn't even gone to the cross yet. He hasn't walked out to the cross yet. He hasn't walked out to the cross yet. He hasn't walked out of the tomb yet. And yet, these people of the tomb yet. And yet, these people of the tomb yet. And yet, these people have authority. Now think about us have authority. Now think about us have authority. Now think about us post cross, postresurrection through post cross, postresurrection through post cross, postresurrection through faith in Jesus Christ. We have the faith in Jesus Christ. We have the faith in Jesus Christ. We have the spirit of the living God. Resurrection

spirit of the living God. Resurrection spirit of the living God. Resurrection power living inside of us. We have been power living inside of us. We have been power living inside of us. We have been united with Jesus Christ. We have what united with Jesus Christ. We have what united with Jesus Christ. We have what the people in Luke 10 don't. We have authority in Christ. Not on our We have authority in Christ. Not on our own, but in in Christ. We have authority own, but in in Christ. We have authority own, but in in Christ. We have authority over Satan over Satan over Satan and demons. and demons. and demons. Listen to how Neil Anderson says it. He Listen to how Neil Anderson says it. He Listen to how Neil Anderson says it. He says, "Spiritual authority is not a says, "Spiritual authority is not a says, "Spiritual authority is not a tugof-war on a horizontal plane. It's a tugof-war on a horizontal plane. It's a tugof-war on a horizontal plane. It's a vertical chain of command." Jesus Christ vertical chain of command." Jesus Christ vertical chain of command." Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on has all authority in heaven and on has all authority in heaven and on earth. He's at the top. He has given us earth. He's at the top. He has given us earth. He's at the top. He has given us authority and power to his servants to authority and power to his servants to authority and power to his servants to be exercised in his name. We're be exercised in his name. We're be exercised in his name. We're underneath him. in Satan and his demons. underneath him. in Satan and his demons. underneath him. in Satan and his demons. They're at the bottom, subject to the They're at the bottom, subject to the They're at the bottom, subject to the authority Christ has invested in us. authority Christ has invested in us. authority Christ has invested in us. They have no more right to rule your They have no more right to rule your They have no more right to rule your life than a buck private has to order a life than a buck private has to order a life than a buck private has to order a general to clean the latrine.

So, if we have authority in Christ over So, if we have authority in Christ over Satan and demons, why does that matter? Satan and demons, why does that matter? Satan and demons, why does that matter? Don't miss what I'm telling you. Here's Don't miss what I'm telling you. Here's Don't miss what I'm telling you. Here's why it's so important. It matters why it's so important. It matters why it's so important. It matters because it means we can go to battle because it means we can go to battle because it means we can go to battle with the authority and power we only with the authority and power we only with the authority and power we only have in Christ have in Christ have in Christ and we can drive out the darkness at and we can drive out the darkness at and we can drive out the darkness at work in one another's lives. So let me just share like over the past So let me just share like over the past month month month over the past month what I would say is over the past month what I would say is over the past month what I would say is that our family has experienced some that our family has experienced some that our family has experienced some heightened spiritual attacks at heightened spiritual attacks at heightened spiritual attacks at different points. different points. different points. And it's been good for us to be able to And it's been good for us to be able to And it's been good for us to be able to recognize it for what it is. And I want recognize it for what it is. And I want recognize it for what it is. And I want to be clear, not everything is a demon. to be clear, not everything is a demon. to be clear, not everything is a demon. Sometimes bad days are just bad days. Sometimes bad days are just bad days. Sometimes bad days are just bad days. Like if you go to lunch and then you Like if you go to lunch and then you Like if you go to lunch and then you have a stomach ache after lunch, it's have a stomach ache after lunch, it's have a stomach ache after lunch, it's probably not a demon. probably not a demon. probably not a demon. Could be, probably not. Could be, probably not. Could be, probably not. Like if traffic is bad tomorrow, it Like if traffic is bad tomorrow, it Like if traffic is bad tomorrow, it might not be a demon. It's just reality, might not be a demon. It's just reality, might not be a demon. It's just reality, people. We live in a broken world.

people. We live in a broken world. people. We live in a broken world. That's the way it goes. And at the same That's the way it goes. And at the same That's the way it goes. And at the same time, time, time, like like like our battle is not against flesh and our battle is not against flesh and our battle is not against flesh and blood. We have a real enemy. Satan is at blood. We have a real enemy. Satan is at blood. We have a real enemy. Satan is at work. There is demonic work. work. There is demonic work. work. There is demonic work. And it was good over the past month for And it was good over the past month for And it was good over the past month for us to realize it for what it was. us to realize it for what it was. us to realize it for what it was. Spiritual attacks in our lives. And it Spiritual attacks in our lives. And it Spiritual attacks in our lives. And it was so helpful for us to call on people was so helpful for us to call on people was so helpful for us to call on people who understood the authority that they who understood the authority that they who understood the authority that they have in Christ. Let me just read you a have in Christ. Let me just read you a have in Christ. Let me just read you a text that I received from someone. And text that I received from someone. And text that I received from someone. And what I want you to hear is their what I want you to hear is their what I want you to hear is their understanding of the authority that they understanding of the authority that they understanding of the authority that they have in Christ. Here's what they wrote. have in Christ. Here's what they wrote. have in Christ. Here's what they wrote. They said, "In the name of Jesus and his They said, "In the name of Jesus and his They said, "In the name of Jesus and his authority over all, we ask that you authority over all, we ask that you authority over all, we ask that you protect and eradicate any demonic protect and eradicate any demonic protect and eradicate any demonic activity around the AI household right activity around the AI household right activity around the AI household right now. Thank you that they are yours and now. Thank you that they are yours and now. Thank you that they are yours and extinguish all flaming arrows in their extinguish all flaming arrows in their extinguish all flaming arrows in their midst." midst." midst." And what's been amazing is that I would And what's been amazing is that I would And what's been amazing is that I would say say say that we've seen the effectiveness of that we've seen the effectiveness of that we've seen the effectiveness of people's prayers, people's prayers, people's prayers, the prayers of those who have understood the prayers of those who have understood the prayers of those who have understood that Christ has given them authority to that Christ has given them authority to that Christ has given them authority to tread on serpents and scorpions.

tread on serpents and scorpions. tread on serpents and scorpions. I debated when I was preparing, I I debated when I was preparing, I I debated when I was preparing, I debated debated debated um spending as much time as I did on um spending as much time as I did on um spending as much time as I did on what Satan and demons do. But the reason what Satan and demons do. But the reason what Satan and demons do. But the reason that I did it was so that you could that I did it was so that you could that I did it was so that you could recognize his work in your life and in recognize his work in your life and in recognize his work in your life and in the lives of your loved ones and in the the lives of your loved ones and in the the lives of your loved ones and in the lives of your community members. Again, lives of your community members. Again, lives of your community members. Again, not everything is an attack. Sometimes not everything is an attack. Sometimes not everything is an attack. Sometimes difficult children are just difficult difficult children are just difficult difficult children are just difficult children. Sometimes sin is just as us children. Sometimes sin is just as us children. Sometimes sin is just as us walking in the flesh instead of the walking in the flesh instead of the walking in the flesh instead of the spirit. And yet we have an enemy. spirit. And yet we have an enemy. spirit. And yet we have an enemy. And look, if you recognize a spiritual And look, if you recognize a spiritual And look, if you recognize a spiritual attack in your life, attack in your life, attack in your life, the great news is that you can pray with the great news is that you can pray with the great news is that you can pray with authority in Christ and you can invite authority in Christ and you can invite authority in Christ and you can invite others to pray. And when you pray, So what this has looked like for me when So what this has looked like for me when I'm praying for people that it seems I'm praying for people that it seems I'm praying for people that it seems like there is this is more than just a like there is this is more than just a like there is this is more than just a bad day when it seems like there is an bad day when it seems like there is an bad day when it seems like there is an attack in their lives. What this looks attack in their lives. What this looks attack in their lives. What this looks like for me there's no formulaic prayer.

like for me there's no formulaic prayer. like for me there's no formulaic prayer. You don't just say it just the right You don't just say it just the right You don't just say it just the right way. But for me what this looks like is way. But for me what this looks like is way. But for me what this looks like is I I say God I just I want to remind uh I I say God I just I want to remind uh I I say God I just I want to remind uh we are reminding ourselves we pray Lord we are reminding ourselves we pray Lord we are reminding ourselves we pray Lord Jesus you are the one who has come. You Jesus you are the one who has come. You Jesus you are the one who has come. You have died and you have conquered Satan's have died and you have conquered Satan's have died and you have conquered Satan's sin and death through your resurrection. sin and death through your resurrection. sin and death through your resurrection. And because of that, you're the King of And because of that, you're the King of And because of that, you're the King of Kings and you're the Lord of Lords. And Kings and you're the Lord of Lords. And Kings and you're the Lord of Lords. And so, we claim your rule in your reign. so, we claim your rule in your reign. so, we claim your rule in your reign. And because of the authority that we And because of the authority that we And because of the authority that we have in Christ, any demonic activity at have in Christ, any demonic activity at have in Christ, any demonic activity at work right now must leave. I'm telling you that just to say, look, I'm telling you that just to say, look, you don't don't just go back and play you don't don't just go back and play you don't don't just go back and play the video and say exactly what TA said. the video and say exactly what TA said. the video and say exactly what TA said. What I'm trying to tell you to do is What I'm trying to tell you to do is What I'm trying to tell you to do is understand the authority that you have understand the authority that you have understand the authority that you have only in Christ. only in Christ. only in Christ. And this changes the way that we pray And this changes the way that we pray And this changes the way that we pray and engage and engage and engage in spiritual warfare.

in spiritual warfare. in spiritual warfare. The final thing I want to talk about The final thing I want to talk about The final thing I want to talk about is protecting ourselves from Satan and is protecting ourselves from Satan and is protecting ourselves from Satan and demons. Let me just remind you what happens. Let me just remind you what happens. Verse 18. Also, many of those who were Verse 18. Also, many of those who were Verse 18. Also, many of those who were now believers came confessing and now believers came confessing and now believers came confessing and divulging their practices. And a number divulging their practices. And a number divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts of those who had practiced magic arts of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned brought their books together and burned brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they them in the sight of all. And they them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it counted the value of them and found it counted the value of them and found it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So we're the word of the Lord continued to we're the word of the Lord continued to we're the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Don't increase and prevail mightily. Don't increase and prevail mightily. Don't miss what I'm telling you now. What I'm miss what I'm telling you now. What I'm miss what I'm telling you now. What I'm telling you right now is so important. telling you right now is so important. telling you right now is so important. Please track with me until the end. You Please track with me until the end. You Please track with me until the end. You know what we see the Christians in know what we see the Christians in know what we see the Christians in Ephesus doing? They sever all ties with Ephesus doing? They sever all ties with Ephesus doing? They sever all ties with the devil and demons. The magic here is the devil and demons. The magic here is the devil and demons. The magic here is it's dark arts. it's dark arts. it's dark arts. And what we see in them is zero And what we see in them is zero And what we see in them is zero tolerance for anything associated with tolerance for anything associated with tolerance for anything associated with the darkness. They didn't sell their the darkness. They didn't sell their the darkness. They didn't sell their books. they burned them. To have kept books. they burned them. To have kept books. they burned them. To have kept them would have kept a door open in them would have kept a door open in them would have kept a door open in their lives for the schemes of the devil their lives for the schemes of the devil their lives for the schemes of the devil and his demons. The reason that I'm and his demons. The reason that I'm and his demons. The reason that I'm bringing this up is that I think there bringing this up is that I think there bringing this up is that I think there are ways that we as Christians are ways that we as Christians are ways that we as Christians open up doorways for Satan and his open up doorways for Satan and his open up doorways for Satan and his demons to influence and affect our demons to influence and affect our demons to influence and affect our lives. And I want to identify a few of lives. And I want to identify a few of lives. And I want to identify a few of the ways that we open up those doorways.

the ways that we open up those doorways. the ways that we open up those doorways. Number one is through demonic practices Number one is through demonic practices Number one is through demonic practices and objects. I want to start with and objects. I want to start with and objects. I want to start with demonic practices and objects. And what demonic practices and objects. And what demonic practices and objects. And what I want to do is I want to move from the I want to do is I want to move from the I want to do is I want to move from the most obvious to the most subtle. most obvious to the most subtle. most obvious to the most subtle. The most obvious things are the things The most obvious things are the things The most obvious things are the things that are explicitly spiritual in nature that are explicitly spiritual in nature that are explicitly spiritual in nature that have nothing to do with Jesus. So that have nothing to do with Jesus. So that have nothing to do with Jesus. So if you are a Christian if you are a Christian if you are a Christian and you're engaged in astrology, palm and you're engaged in astrology, palm and you're engaged in astrology, palm reading, fortuneelling, Ouija boards, reading, fortuneelling, Ouija boards, reading, fortuneelling, Ouija boards, tarot cards, witchcraft, seances, tarot cards, witchcraft, seances, tarot cards, witchcraft, seances, incantations, purification rituals, incantations, purification rituals, incantations, purification rituals, energy cleansing, or Iawaska spiritual energy cleansing, or Iawaska spiritual energy cleansing, or Iawaska spiritual retreats. You need to know all of these retreats. You need to know all of these retreats. You need to know all of these things are influenced by Satan and things are influenced by Satan and things are influenced by Satan and demons. Do not take them lightly. demons. Do not take them lightly. demons. Do not take them lightly. Whether you realize it or not, you are Whether you realize it or not, you are Whether you realize it or not, you are opening up a doorway for demonic opening up a doorway for demonic opening up a doorway for demonic activity in your life. activity in your life. activity in your life. And what I would include in that is any And what I would include in that is any And what I would include in that is any objects in your possession that have objects in your possession that have objects in your possession that have been created for a spiritual purpose been created for a spiritual purpose been created for a spiritual purpose that has nothing to do with Jesus.

Crystals, good luck charms, amulets, Crystals, good luck charms, amulets, spiritual dolls, other spiritual spiritual dolls, other spiritual spiritual dolls, other spiritual jewelry, dream catchers, and on and on. jewelry, dream catchers, and on and on. jewelry, dream catchers, and on and on. You need to know these things are You need to know these things are You need to know these things are associated with Satan and demons. My associated with Satan and demons. My associated with Satan and demons. My strongest encouragement to you is to not strongest encouragement to you is to not strongest encouragement to you is to not take them lightly. Do not sell them. take them lightly. Do not sell them. take them lightly. Do not sell them. Don't give them away. Destroy them and Don't give them away. Destroy them and Don't give them away. Destroy them and discard them. You are inviting demonic discard them. You are inviting demonic discard them. You are inviting demonic activity and influence into your life activity and influence into your life activity and influence into your life through them. through them. through them. Another way that we open up a doorway is Another way that we open up a doorway is Another way that we open up a doorway is through unrepentant sin. James 4:8 says, "Submit yourselves James 4:8 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and therefore to God. Resist the devil and therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. But you can he will flee from you. But you can he will flee from you. But you can choose not to resist the devil. Resist choose not to resist the devil. Resist choose not to resist the devil. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. You the devil and he will flee from you. You the devil and he will flee from you. You can choose not to resist him. And if you can choose not to resist him. And if you can choose not to resist him. And if you don't resist him, he won't flee from don't resist him, he won't flee from don't resist him, he won't flee from you. So what does this look like to not you. So what does this look like to not you. So what does this look like to not resist him? It means to take sin resist him? It means to take sin resist him? It means to take sin lightly. It means to rationalize sin. lightly. It means to rationalize sin. lightly. It means to rationalize sin. God has told you no and you keep saying God has told you no and you keep saying God has told you no and you keep saying no. He's fine with it, no. He's fine with it, no. He's fine with it, but I like it, but I want it, so I'm but I like it, but I want it, so I'm but I like it, but I want it, so I'm going to keep it.

going to keep it. going to keep it. You just need to remember 1 John 3:8, You just need to remember 1 John 3:8, You just need to remember 1 John 3:8, whoever makes a practice of sinning is whoever makes a practice of sinning is whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil. What does that mean? Does of the devil. What does that mean? Does of the devil. What does that mean? Does that mean that if you sin, you're of the that mean that if you sin, you're of the that mean that if you sin, you're of the devil? No, that's not what I'm saying. devil? No, that's not what I'm saying. devil? No, that's not what I'm saying. It's saying if you make it your It's saying if you make it your It's saying if you make it your practice, meaning if you choose this is practice, meaning if you choose this is practice, meaning if you choose this is the way you're going to walk, no matter the way you're going to walk, no matter the way you're going to walk, no matter what God has said to walk in unrepentant what God has said to walk in unrepentant what God has said to walk in unrepentant sin, is to walk in step with the devil. sin, is to walk in step with the devil. sin, is to walk in step with the devil. Another way that we open up doorways is Another way that we open up doorways is Another way that we open up doorways is by failing to wear the armor of God. Go by failing to wear the armor of God. Go by failing to wear the armor of God. Go read Ephesians 6. Put on the whole armor read Ephesians 6. Put on the whole armor read Ephesians 6. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand of God that you may be able to stand of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. You against the schemes of the devil. You against the schemes of the devil. You read the armor of God, there's things read the armor of God, there's things read the armor of God, there's things that protect your mind, your thoughts. that protect your mind, your thoughts. that protect your mind, your thoughts. There's things that protect your heart There's things that protect your heart There's things that protect your heart and your soul and things that protect and your soul and things that protect and your soul and things that protect your body and your faith. your body and your faith. your body and your faith. Another way that we open up doorways is Another way that we open up doorways is Another way that we open up doorways is failing to pray for protection. Jesus failing to pray for protection. Jesus failing to pray for protection. Jesus tells us to pray in the Lord's prayer. tells us to pray in the Lord's prayer. tells us to pray in the Lord's prayer. He says, "And pray and lead us not into He says, "And pray and lead us not into He says, "And pray and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." temptation, but deliver us from evil." temptation, but deliver us from evil." Knowing that I was going to be talking Knowing that I was going to be talking Knowing that I was going to be talking with this this past week, with this this past week, with this this past week, I've been praying every day, multiple I've been praying every day, multiple I've been praying every day, multiple times a day for God's protection in each times a day for God's protection in each times a day for God's protection in each one of my family members' lives. And one of my family members' lives. And one of my family members' lives. And it's been convicting to me that I don't it's been convicting to me that I don't it's been convicting to me that I don't pray for protection pray for protection pray for protection like I should. And it's such a reminder like I should. And it's such a reminder like I should. And it's such a reminder that prayer is our greatest weapon in that prayer is our greatest weapon in that prayer is our greatest weapon in spiritual warfare. The final one I'm spiritual warfare. The final one I'm spiritual warfare. The final one I'm going to address, some of you are not going to address, some of you are not going to address, some of you are not going to like hearing it, but I feel a going to like hearing it, but I feel a going to like hearing it, but I feel a responsibility to say it as your pastor.

responsibility to say it as your pastor. responsibility to say it as your pastor. One of the ways that we open up doorways One of the ways that we open up doorways One of the ways that we open up doorways for the evil one's influence in our for the evil one's influence in our for the evil one's influence in our lives is just by enjoying darkness. lives is just by enjoying darkness. lives is just by enjoying darkness. Let me tell you what this looks like. I Let me tell you what this looks like. I Let me tell you what this looks like. I want to ask you to think about movies want to ask you to think about movies want to ask you to think about movies and shows that we watch. Some of y'all and shows that we watch. Some of y'all and shows that we watch. Some of y'all are going to automatically automatically are going to automatically automatically are going to automatically automatically just label this as legalism, but I want just label this as legalism, but I want just label this as legalism, but I want you to hear me on this. Have you ever you to hear me on this. Have you ever you to hear me on this. Have you ever thought about what you watch as opening thought about what you watch as opening thought about what you watch as opening a door to Satan's influence or demonic a door to Satan's influence or demonic a door to Satan's influence or demonic activity in your life? Have you ever activity in your life? Have you ever activity in your life? Have you ever thought about how watching some shows thought about how watching some shows thought about how watching some shows actually glorifies Satan? Let me give actually glorifies Satan? Let me give actually glorifies Satan? Let me give you an example. Not going to name shows, you an example. Not going to name shows, you an example. Not going to name shows, but I want you to think about shows that but I want you to think about shows that but I want you to think about shows that make graphic sex, casual sex, and make graphic sex, casual sex, and make graphic sex, casual sex, and infidelity a normal part of the plot. infidelity a normal part of the plot. infidelity a normal part of the plot. In Genesis 2, God created marriage and In Genesis 2, God created marriage and In Genesis 2, God created marriage and sex as one of his as some of his sex as one of his as some of his sex as one of his as some of his greatest gifts to humanity. What is greatest gifts to humanity. What is greatest gifts to humanity. What is Satan's goal been all throughout Satan's goal been all throughout Satan's goal been all throughout history? It's to take God's gifts and history? It's to take God's gifts and history? It's to take God's gifts and twist and distort them in the lives of twist and distort them in the lives of twist and distort them in the lives of God's people.

God's people. God's people. So, think about how Satan is glorified So, think about how Satan is glorified So, think about how Satan is glorified when Christians find themselves when Christians find themselves when Christians find themselves entertained by TV characters casually entertained by TV characters casually entertained by TV characters casually having sex and even cheating on their having sex and even cheating on their having sex and even cheating on their spouses. It is us finding enjoyment in spouses. It is us finding enjoyment in spouses. It is us finding enjoyment in Satan's distortion of sex and marriage. Satan's distortion of sex and marriage. Satan's distortion of sex and marriage. I'm just telling you, Satan will use it I'm just telling you, Satan will use it I'm just telling you, Satan will use it in your life. You think about horror in your life. You think about horror in your life. You think about horror movies that make demonization movies that make demonization movies that make demonization entertainment. When you become entertainment. When you become entertainment. When you become desensitized to and entertained by desensitized to and entertained by desensitized to and entertained by Satan's work, he will use that in your Satan's work, he will use that in your Satan's work, he will use that in your life. Let me just encourage you with the life. Let me just encourage you with the life. Let me just encourage you with the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. It says, words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. It says, words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. It says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever "So whether you eat or drink or whatever "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you do it all to the glory of you do, you do it all to the glory of you do, you do it all to the glory of God." Eating and drinking, those are the God." Eating and drinking, those are the God." Eating and drinking, those are the most basic functions of a human being. most basic functions of a human being. most basic functions of a human being. So if you're to glorify God in the most So if you're to glorify God in the most So if you're to glorify God in the most basic aspect of lives, it means that you basic aspect of lives, it means that you basic aspect of lives, it means that you can actually dishonor God in the most can actually dishonor God in the most can actually dishonor God in the most basic aspects of life. Our tendency is basic aspects of life. Our tendency is basic aspects of life. Our tendency is to say there's a there's a camp of to say there's a there's a camp of to say there's a there's a camp of there's a aspect of life which is there's a aspect of life which is there's a aspect of life which is glorifying to God which is just kind of glorifying to God which is just kind of glorifying to God which is just kind of a small aspect. There's small aspect of a small aspect. There's small aspect of a small aspect. There's small aspect of life that could be glorifying to Satan life that could be glorifying to Satan life that could be glorifying to Satan and then everything else is neutral.

and then everything else is neutral. and then everything else is neutral. Now, as followers of Jesus Christ, we're Now, as followers of Jesus Christ, we're Now, as followers of Jesus Christ, we're to glorify Christ in everything. to glorify Christ in everything. to glorify Christ in everything. In everything. And I'm going to invite you to close And I'm going to invite you to close your eyes. And here's how I want to your eyes. And here's how I want to your eyes. And here's how I want to respond. If there are ways that you need to If there are ways that you need to repent, repent, repent, if there are any ways that you have if there are any ways that you have if there are any ways that you have opened a door to Satan's influence, opened a door to Satan's influence, opened a door to Satan's influence, like I want to invite you right now to like I want to invite you right now to like I want to invite you right now to confess that to the Lord, to repent of confess that to the Lord, to repent of confess that to the Lord, to repent of that. You're welcome to come down front that. You're welcome to come down front that. You're welcome to come down front and get on your knees if that's how you and get on your knees if that's how you and get on your knees if that's how you want to respond. But this is a I want to want to respond. But this is a I want to want to respond. But this is a I want to invite you to respond in repentance. invite you to respond in repentance. invite you to respond in repentance. If you're here this morning and you If you're here this morning and you If you're here this morning and you don't have a relationship with Jesus don't have a relationship with Jesus don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, if you don't have a relationship with if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, maybe Satan blinded you to the truth for maybe Satan blinded you to the truth for maybe Satan blinded you to the truth for a long time and yet godness kindness is a long time and yet godness kindness is a long time and yet godness kindness is allowing you to see clearly for the allowing you to see clearly for the allowing you to see clearly for the first time.

first time. first time. I pray that you would trust in Christ. I pray that you would trust in Christ. I pray that you would trust in Christ. If you're here, if you just have If you're here, if you just have If you're here, if you just have something going on your your life that something going on your your life that something going on your your life that you want someone to pray for you for, you want someone to pray for you for, you want someone to pray for you for, our care team's going to be down front our care team's going to be down front our care team's going to be down front afterward. I invite you to respond. afterward. I invite you to respond. afterward. I invite you to respond. But Lord, we just come to you in the But Lord, we just come to you in the But Lord, we just come to you in the authority that we have solely through authority that we have solely through authority that we have solely through our union with Christ, that we have died our union with Christ, that we have died our union with Christ, that we have died with Christ, we've been raised with with Christ, we've been raised with with Christ, we've been raised with Christ, we've been seated with Christ in Christ, we've been seated with Christ in Christ, we've been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. the heavenly realms. the heavenly realms. I just ask and pray in the name of the I just ask and pray in the name of the I just ask and pray in the name of the Lord [music] Jesus Christ that you would Lord [music] Jesus Christ that you would Lord [music] Jesus Christ that you would drive out any darkness in this room drive out any darkness in this room drive out any darkness in this room for the those in the room who don't know for the those in the room who don't know for the those in the room who don't know you Jesus who have been blinded to the you Jesus who have been blinded to the you Jesus who have been blinded to the [music] truth. I pray right now you [music] truth. I pray right now you [music] truth. I pray right now you would open their eyes. would open their eyes. would open their eyes. You to open their eyes to see. You to open their eyes to see. You to open their eyes to see. For anyone walking in unrepentant sin, For anyone walking in unrepentant sin, For anyone walking in unrepentant sin, would you gently clearly convict them would you gently clearly convict them would you gently clearly convict them and call them to repentance? and call them to repentance? and call them to repentance? I pray for your hope and healing in this I pray for your hope and healing in this I pray for your hope and healing in this room where it's needed.