Satanic Strategies

11.29.20

2 Corinthians 2:10, 11 NIV

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

1.Realization

2.Reaction

3.Recovery

I.Persecution (Acts 4)

Key Verse: Acts 4:19-20 NIV But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

II.Pollution (Acts 5)

Key Verse: Acts 5:11-15 NIV Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

III.Preoccupation (Acts 6)

Key Verse: Acts 6:1-4 NIV In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jewsamong them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Christian Life Lessons

1. The Response to Persecution is prayer and support.

The Result: The Church will grow.

2. The Response to Pollution is unhindered openness to the Spirit.

The Result: The Church will gain respect.

3. The Response to Persecution is Refocusing.

The Result: The Saints are freed to their calling.

The Saints develop new ministries.

The Saints have their needs met.

Many come to the Lord.