Devil on SermonAudio

The sermon examines Paul's confrontation with Peter in Antioch to illustrate the critical distinction between salvation by grace through faith and salvation by works of the law. It highlights how fear and compromise can lead believers away from the truth of the gospel, causing them to impose Jewish customs on Gentile converts. The central message emphasizes that justification comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, as no amount of human effort or adherence to the law can earn righteousness. By referencing key passages such as Romans 3:20 and Titus 3:5, the text reinforces that the law serves only to reveal sin, while Christ's sacrifice provides complete redemption. The preacher urges the audience to reject legalistic pressures and rest securely in the finished work of Christ for their salvation.

The sermon exhorts believers to recognize the reality of Satan as a formidable adversary who seeks to devour the vulnerable. It outlines six spiritual defenses derived from 1 Peter 5, beginning with the necessity of being clothed in humility and submitting to God's mighty hand. Believers are urged to cast their anxieties on God, maintain sober vigilance against temptation, and resist the devil through steadfast faith and the Word of God. The message emphasizes that standing firm in divine grace provides the strength to overcome spiritual attacks and endure affliction alongside the global body of believers.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the second petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Your kingdom come," explaining that while God's universal kingdom of power (Daniel 4) is the foundation, this petition ultimately asks for the consummated kingdom of glory--the new creation promised in Isaiah 65–66 and Revelation 21–22. He shows from Matthew 5:20, 7:21, 8:11, 25:34, and 26:29 that the kingdom is a future reality, yet also present now through Christ's inaugurated kingship (Matthew 13, 6:33, 28:20). He distinguishes between the kingdom of grace (Christ's mediatorial rule over the church today) and the kingdom of glory (the final consummation). Using the Heidelberg Catechism, he outlines four facets: (1) Christ ruling in believers by Word and Spirit, (2) preserving and increasing the church through gospel advance, (3) destroying Satan's kingdom and all wicked counsels, and (4) hastening the full perfection of God's kingdom. He applies this by urging dependence on God's power (Psalm 127, 90), praying for personal sanctification (1 Thess 5:23), praying for the success of the Great Commission (Matt 9:38, Rom 10:1), praying against the devil's works (1 John 3:8), and praying for Christ's return and judgment (Rev 22:20). He concludes with the Westminster Shorter Catechism: we pray that Satan's kingdom be destroyed, the kingdom of grace advanced, and the kingdom of glory hastened.

A verse-by-verse study through the book of James. Pastor Brian explains the difference between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom.

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-14 1. The descriptions we recognise. 2. The directives we must respond to. 3. The decisiveness that is required. The sermon exhorts believers to maintain spiritual alertness against the devil, who is described as a roaring lion seeking to devour the unwary. Drawing primarily from 1 Peter 5 and Ephesians 6, the message outlines three key aspects of this spiritual battle: recognizing the adversary's dangerous and devious nature, responding with sobriety and vigilance, and resisting steadfastly in the faith. It emphasizes that victory is not achieved through human strength but by submitting to God, putting on the full armor of God, and relying on the authority of Scripture and prayer. The preacher warns against underestimating Satan's power or engaging in dialogue with him, urging instead a posture of humility and reliance on Christ's blood. Ultimately, the text encourages unity among believers, noting that shared afflictions require mutual support and steadfast resistance to overcome spiritual attacks.

The sermon explores the conquest of Jericho as a paradigm for Christian spiritual warfare, emphasizing that believers fight from a position of guaranteed victory rather than for it. It highlights how Jesus Christ defeated Satan and sin on the cross, rendering the enemy's ultimate defeat certain despite ongoing resistance. The preacher urges Christians to rely on faith and obedience to God's specific instructions, trusting in His wisdom even when His methods seem unconventional. By appropriating biblical promises and resisting the devil through spiritual discipline, believers can experience peace and triumph in their daily lives. The message concludes with an encouragement to live confidently in the reality of Christ's finished work.

Hosea 9:6 (KJV) For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.

Kick Satan out and keep him out.