Many people practice a common human habit from time to time: âignoring things we donât like and hoping they will go away.â
That method often works with minor aches and pains. However, it almost never works with leaks, debt, and mechanical problems.
When we ignore problems with our health, homes, and cars, those problems usually worsen.
People that bother us that we ignore and hope they go away–works sometimes, and sometimes it doesnât.
But when we enter into the realm of our spiritual life, spiritual health, and spiritual safetyâignoring the Devil is the worst choice we can make!
More than any other New Testament writer, Paul warns Christ’s church of the dangers of the Devil.
Paul goes on to command every believer, in the name and authority of the Lord, to be aware of, ready for, and armed against the Devil.
If I could summarize all of Paulâs extensive teachings on Satan, it would be one phrase: âDonât Ignore the Devil.â
Please open with me to II Corinthians 2.1-11.
Several weeks ago, as we started this Spiritual Warfare series, I urged you to reexamine what you are doing each day and why. Hold up all of your habits, desires, hobbies, spare time, recreation, sports, pursuits, collections, appetites, and all else to the scrutiny of God’s Word.
Today, I remind you that we live on an active battlefield every minute of our earthly lives. Not only is there a cosmic war swirling around usâŠ
There Is a War
Swirling Within Us
Satan and his army of demons are the ultimate terrorist insurgency. They can always creep around us unnoticed because they are absolutely silent and completely invisible.
Yet they are more deadly to our spiritual lives than any truck bomber or suicide vest. Yet their invisibility and silence make them often ignored. That is why Paul tells us âDonât Ignore the Devilâ!
Donât yield any ground in your life to the Devil by ignoring him.
Nothing in life is neutral; nothing in life is harmless.
Everything in life is either for God or against Him. Everything is either promoting Godâs Glory or opposing it. Nothing is neutral when it comes to God; never forget that as you assess your daily patterns and habits.
Right in the middle of dealing with the person disciplined by the Corinthian Church for sin that needed to be forgiven and taken back into fellowship, Paul adds a powerful warningâdonât ignore the devil. He will use any avenue we leave unguarded to attack and neutralize our lives. Please open to 2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (NAS)
2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (NIV)
Donât ignore the Devil!
(SWS-32; 070422AM)
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