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Sermon:
No Contest
by Chris Cumming
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I recently encountered a biblical misconception floating around the Body
of Christ that has to do with God the Father and Satan. From the
descriptions, I received, it is a belief that the only choice for humans
in this world are:
1] Obeying God and coming under constant attack by Satan and the World.
2] Giving in to Satan and experiencing constant wrath from Almighty God.
Are either of these statements or choices expressing truth or reality?
Are either of them biblically sound? If I obey God, will I come under
constant attack from Satan and the World? If I give in to Satan and
temptation will I reap constant wrath from God?
Today we will answer these questions as I assure you that when it comes
to Godhead and Satan, it is no contest.
No Contest.
Being called by God and being a firstfruit is not an either/or
situation. That is, life is not a situation in which Satan has the same
power of God and we walk a puny human flesh between these two powers.
There are four primary reasons for this:
1] Whereas Satan has more power and means that a human, his total power
is absolutely nothing compared to Almighty God.
2] God is the refuge from Satan and any power he has.
3] Satan can do absolutely nothing without permission of God.
4] Firstfruits have a power in them that, if invoked, results in Satan
having to go away from you.
Let us take that third one first – “Satan can do nothing without the
permission of God.”
Job 1:9-12
9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about
all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands,
and his substance is increased in the land.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will
curse thee to thy face.
12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy
power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth
from the presence of the LORD.
Notice the commentary on verse 12:
All that he hath is in thy power -
Margin, as in Hebrew “hand.” That is, all this is now committed to thee,
for it is manifest that hitherto Satan had no power to injure even his
property. He complained that God had made a hedge around all that Job
possessed. Now it was all entrusted to him in order that he might make
full trim of the faith of Job. The grant extended to his sons and
daughters as well as to his property.
Note: Satan did not even have
power over his property. One even gathers that Satan is jealous of Job
because of his piety.
Only upon himself put not forth thine hand
- Job himself was not to be visited with sickness nor was his life to be
taken. The main accusation of Satan was, that Job was virtuous only
because God encompassed him with so many blessings, and especially
because he had endowed him with so much property. The trial, therefore,
only required that it should be seen whether his piety was the mere
result of these blessings. ~Barnes Notes
Note: Interesting point for
we ultimately see that Job’s piety had little to do with all the
blessings he experienced. Clearly we praise and thank God for each and
every blessing but our faith is not based solely on the countless
blessings of God. Blessings are the by-product of faith. The focus is
on each and every element of the salvation process.
Notice this from the Adam Clarke on verse 12:
All that he hath is in thy power - Satan
cannot deprive a man even of an ass, a sheep, or a pig, but by especial
permission of God. His power and malice are ever bounded, and under
control. ~Adam Clarke
Note: God is in absolute
control. God has absolute power over Satan.
And now this from the John Gill:
And the Lord said unto Satan, behold, all that
he hath is in thy power - This he said not as angry and
displeased with Job, or as entertaining any ill opinion of him through
the suggestions of Satan, nor as gratifying that evil spirit; but in
order to convince and confound him, and to try the grace of Job, that he
might shine the brighter; and it may be observed, that the Lord alone
had the sovereign dispose of all that Job had, and that Satan could have
no power over him or his, but what was given him.
~John Gill
Note: God did this; allowed
this, partly to try the “grace of Job.” That is, God was giving Job the
opportunity to invoke the power of God and to bring to bear all elements
of faith and salvation. Notice the results of all this, “that he might
shine the brighter.” Hence the reason for trials and tribulations.
From every trial and test, we shine brighter. Read again the end of the
book of Job to witness that all the blessings and possessions that were
restored to Job. Again, this is by-product to all that was going on
here
Let us go now to the second item on our list of four reasons why Satan
does not have the same power of God, namely, “God is the refuge from
Satan and any power he has.”
Let's go to scripture. I could give you these scriptures in subject
order but for your convenience I will give them in scripture order. The
subjects include God being our refuge, God being with us in tough times,
protection from enemies, safety from harm, and God's faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 31:8
...speaking specifically to Moses and Israel
in the Exodus but ultimately to all firstfruits
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee,
he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be
dismayed.
Psalm 9:9-10
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of
trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou,
LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 23:1-4
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 46:1-2
1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God
is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though
the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 91:1-6
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in
him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from
the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou
trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow
that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the
destruction that wasteth at noonday.
Psalm 91:9-10
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most
High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh
thy dwelling.
Psalm 91:14-16
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I
will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in
trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 118:6-7
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see
my desire upon them that hate me.
Psalm 121:7-8
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy
soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time
forth, and even for evermore.
Proverbs 1:33
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from
fear of evil.
Proverbs 12:21
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled
with mischief.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it,
and is safe.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide
satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:5
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's
heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and
it shall not stand: for God is with us.
Isaiah 41:13
For the Lord that God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear
not; I will help thee.
Notice the verses just prior to this:
Isaiah 41:10-12
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness.
11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and
confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee
shall perish.
12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that
contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and
as a thing of nought.
Isaiah 54:17
...a chapter about Zion's Vast Expansion and
the fact that God would lead her onward and upward to heights of endless
glory
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the
heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me,
saith the LORD.
Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil.
1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Even though God will protect you, never stand in front of danger and
play with fire.
Proverbs 27:12
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple
pass on, and are punished.
God can turn any bad situation into a good situation.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
The responsibility of all firstfruits in God being their refuge. I gave
you Proverbs 1 and verse 33:
Proverbs 1:33
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from
fear of evil.
Notice what it says leading up to this verse.
Proverbs 1:24-32
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand,
and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my
reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear
cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a
whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek
me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the
LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled
with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the
prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
I gave you Romans 8 and verse 31 that says, "What shall we then say to
these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Notice the
scriptures in front of this verse:
Romans 8:29-30
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.
I now want to discuss the fourth point I gave you above, "Firstfruits
have a power in them that, if invoked, results in Satan having to go
away from you."
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
Notice the commentary on this verse:
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
- While you yield to God in all things, you are to yield to the devil in
none. You are to resist and oppose him in whatever way he may approach
you, whether by allurements, by flattering promises, by the fascinations
of the world, by temptation, or by threats.
~Barnes Notes
Matthew 4:9-11
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt
fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered
unto him.
Note: Remember my Spring Holy
Day sermon, "Ascendancy"
in which I encourage all of us to use scripture to resist and rebuke
temptation, evil thoughts and even Satan, himself.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to the devil.
Notice the commentary on this from the John Gill:
Neither give place to the devil. - Or "to
the accuser", or "slanderer"; that is, to any adversary, that takes
delight in slandering and reproaching the saints; give such no room, nor
reason, to calumniate the doctrine and ways of Christ, through an
unbecoming conversation, by lying and sinful anger, or by other means;
or rather the devil, the great accuser of the brethren is meant; and the
Ethiopic version renders it, "do not give way to Satan"; which is done,
when men indulge any lust or corruption; and when they easily fall in
with his suggestions and temptations; when they are off of their watch
and guard; and when they do not resist, but quietly yield unto him.
~John Gill
Ephesians 6:11-18
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;
Note: Pull out all the
appropriate parts such as "quench all the fiery darts."
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any
thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person
of Christ;
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.
John 17:15
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou
shouldest keep them from the evil.
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs
and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
You are the property of God. You are immersed in His Word and
His grace of salvation. Invoke the Word of God. Invoke the power of
God and Satan has no power over you.
I found the following quote speaking to the greatness of God:
“It is about the greatness
of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe
big to say something about himself.”
Finally now, let us look at the first of four items I gave you at the
beginning of this sermon, "the power of Almighty God." As before, we
will do this in biblical order.
Job 9:4
He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself
against him, and hath prospered?
Psalm 62:11
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto
God.
Psalm 66:7
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not
the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
Psalm 136:12
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth
for ever.
Isaiah 26:4
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength:
Jeremiah 10:12
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by
his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will
rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over
thee with singing.
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible.
Luke 11:20
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of
God is come upon you.
1 Corinthians 6:14
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his
own power.
2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left.
2 Corinthians 13:4
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power
of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the
power of God toward you.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
Yes, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Do not fall
for the notion that Satan has anything near the power of God. Just
remember, it’s no
contest. |
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