Satan on SermonAudio

Liberties are freedoms to be used for God's glory – not to be abused for our pleasure. "All things are lawful to me!" Is the bumper sticker on the back of a selfish Christian's car. Once you know that you have liberties Satan will attempt to get you to exercise your liberties to the detriment of your weaker brother.

In this third message on the Spirit of adoption, Pastor Robert McNutt preaches from Romans 8:12-17, centering on verse 15: believers "did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but... the Spirit of adoption." Because the Spirit's convicting work of slavery always precedes adoption -- as Whitefield said, "there is no going to Mount Zion but by the way of Mount Sinai" -- McNutt traces Paul's argument from Romans 5 through 8 to show that peace with God and bondage cannot coexist, confirming it from Galatians 4:1-7 and 1 John 4:16-19. He then answers three challenges to that liberty. First, texts commanding fear (2 Corinthians 5:11; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 12:28-29) speak of reverence and awe grounded in love, not the torment of a slave; the Christian approaches a consuming fire with confidence (Hebrews 4:16) because the Judge has become his Father. Second, temperament, depression, and even backsliding do not return a believer to bondage: he sins against love, not law, and like David in Psalm 51 or the prodigal in Luke 15, he is driven home to a Father with open arms and the promise of 1 John 1:9. Third, satanic assault cannot impose the spirit of slavery, for the child of God is armed to resist and stand (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:10-20). McNutt closes by urging believers to stop walking around with a spirit of slavery they no longer possess, to live instead as adopted adult children with every right and privilege in Christ, trusting God's person, power, and promises -- and by calling the unconverted to the Savior who turns slaves into sons.

The sermon warns that humanity is inherently depraved and deserving of eternal hell due to a nature corrupted by sin. It emphasizes that without Christ's atonement, individuals are under God's curse and subject to a strong delusion sent by God because they reject the truth. The preacher argues that good works cannot save anyone, as salvation is of the Lord, and you just seek him with humility and repentance. Believers are urged to recognize their total inability to save themselves and to plead with God for grace and power to overcome Satan's deception. Ultimately, the message calls for immediate submission to the will of God to escape the fate of "the cursed" and enter into eternal life.

Many - not just a few - many false teachers are in the world and creeping into the church. It is, therefore, our duty to test all teachers and teachings by the Word of God. Too many professing Christians are careless in their study and hearing of their Bible and thus are dupes for Satan's counterfeits and lies.

The sermon expounds on Matthew 12:28-29, presenting Jesus Christ as the stronger man who binds Satan to spoil his house of darkness. It contrasts the kingdom of death and deception promoted by Satan with the eternal life and truth offered by Christ's redemptive work. The preacher critiques modern cultural shifts toward abortion and assisted suicide as manifestations of this spiritual darkness. Emphasizing that Christ has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection, the message assures believers of their security in God's love. Ultimately, it calls for trust in Christ rather than despair, highlighting the guaranteed victory over sin and death.

Pastor Brian continues his challenge and encouragement as we fight the Spiritual battle we are all in.