Top 10 Excuses
Sunday at FBCC we began a sermon series from Ephesians 6:10-17 entitled “Subtle.” The purpose of this passage and our series is to expose the schemes of the enemy (Satan, or the Devil). These schemes are often slight or variant in nature; typically, they are little lies that appear (at least on the surface) to be true or beneficial.
Translation – Satan never comes to your house wearing a red suit and horns. Oftentimes, as shared Sunday, he (Satan) does not even tempt with Good vs. Evil rather Better vs. Best.
This said I have complied my Top 10 List of “Subtle Little Lies” that the Devil uses to get people, particularly believers, off track.
- It’s the populous/majority opinion.
- You will have a good time / it feels good.
- I’ve always done it that way before.
- I’ve never done it that way before.
- I’ve got to make a living.
- It depends on how you look at it.
- It will not hurt anyone but me.
- It’s ministry / it helps someone else.
- I deserve / I am entitled to it.
10. It’s God’s will for me.
I ended the list with #10 purposefully. Oftentimes the Devil entices us to get off track by placing in our minds the rational, “It’s God’s will.” Here’s the problem: according to Luke 4:1-14 the Devil knows scripture better than you do.
Translation, he is also able to “twist” scripture like he attempted to do so with Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus, being God in flesh, was able to see and resist the temptation. You and I are not so spiritually inclined.
So, how do you expose and overcome these excuses like Jesus did? His phrase in Luke 4, “It is written.” Here is a spoiler moment for later in the series. There is only one offensive weapon listed in Ephesians chapter 6 — the “sword of the Spirit.”
Translation: The Bible/Word of God/Scripture not a feeling, urge, or even inclination. The Word of God will always confirm the will of God.
Warning: You or someone else replies, “but the scripture does not allude to or deal with what I am dealing with.”
Response: You are correct, the Bible does not address the Internal revenue service, the Democratic or Republican political party, or even what age a teenager should begin dating, but it does contain timeless God-breathed truths and the stories of many who chose to rebel and follow the Lord. The Bible is a sword that is able to defend you against the “wiles of the Devil.” It is the only weapon you got, how sharp is yours?
Your words ring so true Bro. Jeff! I cannot tell you how many times I have told myself one of if not more than one of the top ten reasons why I should do something that just seems to feel so right but is truly so wrong. Thanks for your blogs and keep up the good work.
Jeff
I’m listening through your subtle series. Such a fantastic series to be aware of our enemy, and to not walk blindly. The analogy of the footballers studying their opponents and their game play resonated with me. If you don’t know how your enemy works, you’re going to be unable to do what God needs you to do. Thank you.