Beware the Enemy--Posted 04/24/2006

The gospel writer quoted Jesus in John 10:10,"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that
they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Jesus warned them of Satan's purpose, and that is what I want to relate to you right now.

Satan is out to destroy you!

He does not like you. He does not care about you. He does not have your best interest in mind.

Satan is your ENEMY.

From the moment he exalted himself and tried to overtake God's throne, he has been at odds with mankind. The main objective
for Satan since that time has been to ruin the lives of all men.

Jesus said that Satan is out to "destroy".

Satan will not stop at just injuring you. He wants to completely annihilate you.

The Bible tells us in  I Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour:" (emphasis mine)

Satan’s one true desire is to see you FAIL.

Beware of his plans for you, for he has laid them carefully. Paul encouraged the church in Corinth in II Corinthians 2:11, "Lest
Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

Take this message as a warning, for that is exactly what it is.

Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22: 31, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift
you as wheat:" (emphasis mine)

Simon Peter was one of the greatest disciples but he was not exempt from Satan’s attacks. No one is above being attacked by
the devil.

Satan will not stop until his ultimate goal is met. That goal is your utter and complete failure.

Satan has one main source of warfare against you,… SIN.

James wrote it well in chapter 1 verse 15, "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished,
bringeth forth death." (emphasis mine)

The final outcome of a life of sin is ALWAYS death. Sometimes actual physical death, but always spiritual death. Separation from
the presence of God is spiritual death.

Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death…" (emphasis mine,paraphrased)

There is no good result from sin. Satan knows this fact, that is why he uses sin to get to man. Remember, Satan is looking to
make you die.

So where is there any hope for man you ask?

In Christ alone!

Remember Peter’s warning from Jesus, "Satan desires to have you, to sift you as wheat:"?

But it did not end with just that. Jesus went on to tell Peter in verse 32 of Luke 22, "But I(Jesus) have prayed for thee, that thy
faith fail not:…" (paraphrased)

Jesus is on your side if you serve Him. He desires to have a deep relationship with all men.

The latter part of Romans 6:23 tells us this wonderful promise, "…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord." (emphasis mine)

Have you made the decision yet?

Beware lest you be destroyed by Satan’s plans and schemes.

It is no time to play with God’s mercy. God’s hand is not shortened that He cannot save. Just reach for it.

II Corinthians 6:2 says,"...behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.)”  (emphasis mine)