AM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5.6-11

This Morning’s Speaker: Brent T. Willey

THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

Introduction:

1. During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson once said to his bickering troops: “Gentlemen! Let’s remember, the enemy is over there.”

2. Spiritually, who is our real enemy? (1 Pet. 5.8)

3. Our adversary the devil is a formidable opponent. (Eph. 6.11)

4. Beware of his schemes…

1. DISTRACTION

1. Satan seeks to distract us from godliness.

   1. By temptation. (1 Cor. 10.12-13; 1 John 2.15-17)

   2. By time. (Acts 24.25; cf., 2 Cor. 6.1-2; James 4.14)

2.  The correct mind-set offsets this distraction! (Rom. 8.1-8)

2. DISCOURAGEMENT

1. This is one of Satan’s most potent weapons!

   1. Consider Elijah’s discouragement (1 Kings 18-19)

   2. Satan glories in his successes!

2.  Focus upon Christ’s sacrifice! (Heb. 12.1-3; cf., Psa. 31.24)

3. DISCONTENTMENT

1. Satan longs to have us dissatisfied with life’s circumstances.

   1. Discontent with material things. (Matt. 6.19-21)

   2. Discontent with life’s inequities. (Job 14.1; Eccl. 3.16)

   3. Discontent with self. (Psa. 38.8-10; Rom. 7.24-25)

2. His desire is that our discontentment will draw us away from the truth! (John 8.44; 2 Cor. 2.11; 11.3)

4. DISCORD & DIVISION

1. Satan sows seeds of discord & division! How?

   1. He preys on the weak. (1 Pet. 5.8)

   2. He wants us to “bite & devour one another” (Gal. 5.15).

   3. One of the quickest ways to foster strife is for cliques to develop from within the congregation. (1 Cor. 3.1-3)

2.  The enemy of the people and the church hates the unity of the Spirit! (Eph. 6.4-6; cf., Psa. 133.1; 1 Cor. 1.10; Phil. 2.1-5)

Conclusion: Ultimately, Christ will win the war – and those who remain in His camp will rejoice in the greatest victory of all!