What Unknown Dangers Lie Ahead?

Lu. 22:31-32; Acts 12:12-18; Acts 21:10-14; 2 Tim. 4:5-8

INTRO: Satan is real, he is the real enemy we face. Are you aware of the dangers he is capable of? We are going to look at three specific times where we see Satan as an enemy of ours. First, we see where Christ warns Peter of Satan’s designs on him. And then we see where Peter actually experienced Satan’s attack. Then we see where he was after Paul. And we see Paul’s reaction to his life’s battles when he writes Timothy.

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

Acts 12:12-18(KJV) ¹²And 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. 
¹³And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 
¹⁴And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 
¹⁵And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 
¹⁶But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 
¹⁷But 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. 
¹⁸Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 

Acts 21:10-14(KJV) ¹⁰And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 
¹¹And 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. 
¹²And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 
¹³Then 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. 
¹⁴And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

2 Timothy 4:5-8(KJV) ⁵But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 
⁶For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 
⁷I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 
⁸Henceforth 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.

Satan desires to hamper the Lord's work

He and his demons work against us supernaturally

Ephesians 6:12(KJV) 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. 

His servants connive against us both in private and outwardly

Acts 26:14-18(KJV) ¹⁴And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 
¹⁵And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 
¹⁶But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 
¹⁷Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 
¹⁸To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 

His willingness to use anything or anyone to fight against us

1 Peter 5:8(KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

Situations - discouragement

Evil people - fear

Family, friends, and acquaintances

Governments, laws, industries, etc.

Greed, possessions, jobs, "busyness", etc. - ILL. 144

Self – pride (even pride alone?)

The example is set before us that we might continue well

Christ's - awareness of need and offering intercessory prayer

Peter's - willingness to accept God's help and continue with His work

Paul's - willingness to continue on regardless

What is needed to help us overcome such an onslaught?

Decision to serve Him and His cause (Paul's message)

Determination to serve Christ to the best of our abilities

(Peter healed the lame man – “…Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”…Acts 3:6)

Prayerful attitude and action for protection from the onslaught (Peter's friends)

Standing together to oppose Satan and his forces

We need…

Awareness of extreme danger

Tendency to offer and to give help in spite of cost

Outreach to needy (in peril) along with following through

Caring about situation (like it is your own)

Ownership of the Master's work

Is it your church?

Is it your problems?

Is it important to you?

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 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?

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

Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church – 022810pm – reworked - 022000am