THE CHURCH AND THE DEVIL (38 OF 56)
Scripture: Acts 16:16-24
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The Church and the Devil (38 of 56)
Series: The Church in ACTSion
Wyman Richardson
Acts 16:16-24
Read Acts 16:16-24
It was C.S. Lewis who said that there are two equal but opposite errors Christians can commit when thinking about the devil. The first is to think too little of the devil: to remain blissfully ignorant of his schemes and tactics, to fail to realize that he is crafty and scheming, to fail to consider carefully all that scripture says about our adversary. This error leaves us an easy target and unprepared to withstand the devil's schemes. The other error is to think too much of the devil: to fixate on him, to ascribe to him too much power, to fail to realize the victory that Christ has won and is winning for us, to see him literally everywhere and in everything. This error can make us obsessive and can paralyze us with fear. Most tragically, it downplays the power and authority and victory of Christ.
Our text will help us avoid both areas. It shows us how very dangerous and crafty the devil truly is. However, it also dramatically demonstrates the ultimate authority of Christ over the devil and his minions.
The devil is crafty and may attack the Church through confusing, disruptive followership. (v.16-18a)
Let us first consider the craftiness of the devil. Paul and his team are in Philippi. They begin to be followed by a slave girl whose behavior becomes increasingly disruptive.
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, ''These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.'' 18 And this she kept doing for many days.
Who was this girl? Clinton Arnold has offered some fascinating background information about who she likely was as well as a very interesting insight into Luke's description of her.
This young girl receives her inspiration fro ...
Series: The Church in ACTSion
Wyman Richardson
Acts 16:16-24
Read Acts 16:16-24
It was C.S. Lewis who said that there are two equal but opposite errors Christians can commit when thinking about the devil. The first is to think too little of the devil: to remain blissfully ignorant of his schemes and tactics, to fail to realize that he is crafty and scheming, to fail to consider carefully all that scripture says about our adversary. This error leaves us an easy target and unprepared to withstand the devil's schemes. The other error is to think too much of the devil: to fixate on him, to ascribe to him too much power, to fail to realize the victory that Christ has won and is winning for us, to see him literally everywhere and in everything. This error can make us obsessive and can paralyze us with fear. Most tragically, it downplays the power and authority and victory of Christ.
Our text will help us avoid both areas. It shows us how very dangerous and crafty the devil truly is. However, it also dramatically demonstrates the ultimate authority of Christ over the devil and his minions.
The devil is crafty and may attack the Church through confusing, disruptive followership. (v.16-18a)
Let us first consider the craftiness of the devil. Paul and his team are in Philippi. They begin to be followed by a slave girl whose behavior becomes increasingly disruptive.
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, ''These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.'' 18 And this she kept doing for many days.
Who was this girl? Clinton Arnold has offered some fascinating background information about who she likely was as well as a very interesting insight into Luke's description of her.
This young girl receives her inspiration fro ...
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