Sunday Sermons
The Perfect Storm
The Perfect Storm
As I ponder Scripture and the lives of those in Scripture and in my life-time who have fallen away, I find that Satan often uses many things and brings them together to form what I call "A Perfect Storm". The job of the faithful Christian is to make sure that I am not giving Satan anything to work with (Ephesians 4:27 "Do not give the devil an opportunity"; Romans 13:14 "And make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts").
Everything Comes Back for a Visit
When God said, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). He was reminding us that whatever disconnect we might presently see between sowing and reaping, whether someone not reaping the evil they have sown or anyone not presently being rewarded for righteousness - is a temporary condition. Everything, all our choices do come back to visit.
Another Look at Temptation
Satan wants us to believe that sin is all-powerful, yet consider note this about temptation. Admittedly there are people who sell for souls for virtually nothing, like Esau who sold his birthright for a single meal and not even a fancy one at that (Hebrews 12:16). On the other hand, the devil has to offer Jesus complete dominion of every world power, and yet Jesus did not yield (Matthew 4:8). When I look at the lives of many people I know who have fallen away, I typically find that one single temptation did not bring them down. Rather, they were worn down by many assaults. If sin were all-powerful, Satan would not have had to hit them numerous times before they finally fell. Be ready for the ambush. Determine to arm yourself for Satan's blitz.
The Multiplication of Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness
Most of the life you are experiencing is simply many of your small choices strung together. If these are good choices, they can add up to become an unbreakable chain of faith you can hold onto during Satan's perfect storm. For example:
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If we do what 2 Peter 1:5-7 says, if we add each virtue to the next, then the promise is that we will be useful, fruitful, and "as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble" (1:10).
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In like manner, if we pick up, put on and use all the armor that God has provided in Ephesians 6:10-18, then the promise is that when the evil day comes, or the day or trial and temptation, if we have done what God has said we can "stand firm" (6:13).
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I believe that this is the proper context for the encouraging statement the apostle John made, "...greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 5:4).
In other words, if I ignore God's plan for faithfulness and spiritual growth, then it will "look" like to some people that 1 John 5:4 can't possibly be true, but if I do what those verses say, then the superiority of the gospel and faith will be seen. It will be seen like it was seen in the lives of men such as Joseph, Daniel, Jeremiah or John the Baptist.
Sometimes Failure is Guaranteed
On the other hand, if we ignore the above plan for spiritual growth, then the percentage of those who fail will be 100% (2 Peter 1:8-9). I have to get it though my head that anything less than my best effort will result in failure. What does my best effort look like? This:
Avoid This!
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A lot of Empty-Calorie Friendships
Simply put - hanging out with and spending a lot of time with people who offer you nothing spiritually and who either aggressively or quietly seek to move you away from God (1 Corinthians 15:33) is not worth the risk. The same goes for books, websites, movies, television programs, music, or video games such people produce. Rather, choose friends who challenge you to grow, who will refine your biblical understanding and love you enough to offer correction if you are moving in the wrong direction (Proverbs 27:17). Remember. You will become like those with whom you befriend - guaranteed. Satan is hoping such will happen slow enough that you won't notice.
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Being a Loner: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
You were put in this world to sharpen and be sharpened. Love to and be loved. To serve and accept the service of others in your time of need. Don't be guarded. Reach out to those that hurt. Celebrate the successes and accomplishments of your brethren. Enjoy people. Show hospitality. And don't keep score of social "pay backs".
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A Limited View of Non-Christians
It is so easy to see just a small portion of a person's life and draw all the wrong conclusions. I might see a sinner who looks like they are healthy, fun, happy, enjoying life, having a great marriage, good kids, making sharp financial decisions and so on. I might even be tempted to think that they have a far better life than I do - although I am the one serving God! (Psalm 73:3-12). Satan wants to weaken you by putting into your heart the lie that all your efforts of serving God have amounted to nothing (73:13). He wants you to feel sorry for yourself because you have so many responsibilities on your shoulders. He wants you to envy:
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The supposed "freedom" of the sinner.
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The "ignorance" of the sinner - he or she isn't worried about hell, losing their children, church discipline, fellowship, falling away or many other things.
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The brashness or arrogance of the sinner.
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The "easy path" that the sinner is allowed to take, and so few demands of him or her.
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The Wrong View of Yourself
King David battled this wrong attitude. "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence. For I have been stricken all day long, and chastened every morning" (Psalm 73:13-14). Yet later in clearer moments he would say, "They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors" (73:19).
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Thinking The Entire Reward Is Here
There have been many people since the writing of the above Psalm that have said almost exactly those same words. Yet the Psalmist avoided the trap that often follows. I have seen a number of people who sacrificed and did the right thing, conclude that since it does not seem to be paying off big rewards right now, that they are going to go out and grab whatever "happiness" is left before they get too old. Yet if that thought enters your mind, stop and think. Is whatever earthly reward you are wanting worth trading your eternal destiny? Jesus noted that those living for earthly rewards are rewarded "in full" in this life (Matthew 6:2), that is, whatever they got for compromising, that is it, that is all the reward they are ever going to get. Besides, I think you'll find living hedonistically does not deliver the happiness it appears to offer. Living selfishly certainly takes away all self-respect and leaves an ugly trail of broken relationships. Onlookers often pay the high price for other's gusto grabbing. You're made for things better than that.
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Believing The Fantasy Rather Than Reality
We live in a world that hits reality hard, especially the reality presented in Scripture, while fantasy is often given free ride. Despite the reality of alcoholism, and all the crimes related to its abuse, alcohol is still presented as the ticket to fun and success. Despite the reality that living together arrangements do not prepare a person for marriage, they are still presented as something "cool" to do. Many who know that sin is deceptive (Hebrews 3:13) just hope that they will be the exception, and that this time it will work out well, and not let them down.
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Neglecting the Word of God: Hebrews 5:11-14
God's word is nutrition for the soul. You can't expect to stand in the day of battle if you have been on a starvation diet of eating once per week. Feed your soul heartily.
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A Weak Prayer Life
God is your source of strength, and prayer is the way we access that strength. Our battle is too fierce to attempt to overcome by our own power. Be daily devoted to prayer.
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Trusting in Sudden Wealth
Proverbs 30:8-9. Is the only thing holding you back from giving into serving sin and self, the resources to fund it? This does not have to be incredible wealth or even millionaire type wealth. Simply getting a little more comfortable financially can be a temptation. Having "enough" to "live on your own without needing anyone else". Decide to be faithful both during times of plenty and times of want. Look at material blessings as an opportunity to do even more in service to God.
Solomon was an incredibly wise man and very successful (Ecclesiastes 1:16). If he were alive today he would be sought out by all the players and you would see him on all the talk shows and places to be seen. He would be advising Presidents, heading Peace Delegations, talking before Congress, and so on. Yet he did not listen to God on a very important point. He ignored God's warnings in Scripture concerning marrying foreign women (1 Kings 11:1ff). It appears that Solomon might have thought He could resist their influence, and maybe he did for a while. Yet his choices caught up to him. "It came about when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods" (1 Kings 11:4). As God had warned (Deut. 7:1-4), he eventually lost the battle. Even the aged must remember that Satan never considers them no longer a target. We all must draw near to God and stand ready to conquer temptation.
Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017
www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net
