Acts 21: 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

2 Tim. 4: 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
 

Lu. 22: 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
 

Acts 12: 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
 
 

INTRO: Satan is real, are you aware of the dangers he is capable of?
 

1. Satan desires to hamper the Lord's work

 
1. Him and his demons work against us supernaturally
2. His servants connive against us both in private and outwardly
3. His willingness to use anything or anyone to fight against us
1. Situations - discouragement
2. Evil people - fear
3. Family, friends, and acquaintances
4. Governments, laws, industries, etc.
5. Greed, possessions, jobs, "busyness", etc. - ILL. 144
6. Self - pride
   
   
2. The example is set before us that we might continue well

 
1. Paul's - willingness to continue on regardless
2. Peter's - willingness to accept God's help and continue with His work
3. Christ's - awareness of need and offering intercessory prayer



3. What is needed to help us overcome such an onslaught?

 
1. Decision to serve Him and His cause (Paul's message)
2. Determination to serve Christ to the best of our abilities (Peter healed the lame man - S & G…Acts 3:6)
3. Prayerful attitude for protection from the onslaught (Peter's friends)
4. Standing together to oppose Satan and his forces
1. Awareness of extreme danger
2. Tendency to offer and to give help in spite of cost
3. Outreach to needy (in peril) along with following through
4. Caring about situation (like it is your own)
5. Ownership of the Master's work
1. Is it your church?
2. Is it your problems?
3. Is it important to you?
6. Dependence upon the Lord and His assistance

CHRIST WILL HELP US OVERCOME!!!!!!
 

Let us consider these questions…
 

Do you think Satan is leaving us alone?

Do you think Satan is leaving me alone?

Do you think Satan wants to hinder our work?

Do you think Satan wants to hinder my work?

Do you think Satan wants us discouraged?

Do you think Satan wants me discouraged?

Will you join hands and stand firm against Satan?

Will you become a "shield" against Satan for each other's protection?

Will you become a "shield" against Satan for my protection?

How many will come forward today and commit to help me stand against Satan?
 
 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 022000am