Sunday Sermon

sermon not currently online
REQUEST THIS SERMON

Shut the Door Dave Shaner September 29, 2002

Introduction: Becoming a Christian doesn't mean all your battles are over. As long as we have these mortal bodies, we will struggle with the sinful nature. Satan's strategy is to gain a foothold for him to launch future attacks.

Text: Ephesians 4:17-32

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I. Enemy assaults are exercised where Christ's authority is not recognized.

A. Satan looks for parts of your life where Christ is being honored.
B. When you make provision for the flesh, Satan will move in.
C. Romans 13:!4

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

II. Doors to Close:

A. ______________

1. Reject any practice that brings our commitment to sexual purity into question - Ephesians 5:3-4

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

2. Faithfully nurture, protect, and honor marriage - I Corinthians 7:5

Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

B. ______________

1. Lying is a foothold to open the door to other sins.
2. Acts 5:3

Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

3. Lying is the vocabulary of hell and Christians can't mess with it.

C. ______________

1. How do we let anger control us?

a. When we feel out ____________ have been ____________.
b. We don't deal with anger ____________.

2. Colossians 3:8

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

D. ______________

1. If you give in to greed, you never rest.
2. I Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

3. Luke 12:15

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

4. Colossians 3:5

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

E. ______________

1. An unforgiving spirit is an open invitation for Satan.
2. II Corinthians 2:10-11

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Conclusion: Ephesians 4:32; Acts 19

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. - Ephesians 4:32

Be so clothed with Jesus Christ that Satan can't find that place in your life to get a foothold. Be untouchable. When he knocks, let him know that access is denied.

	Home Page		Prayer Requests
	About Us		Services & Classes
	Church Bulletin		Sunday Sermon
	Missions & Outreach		Youth Group

Comments and suggestions:
webmaster@dgchurch.org