Submission to Christ: Overcoming the Enemy's Tactics
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that as we draw closer to Christ, the enemy intensifies his efforts to pull us back into our old ways. Using the story from Mark 9, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by a spirit, we see a vivid illustration of how the devil attempts to hinder our journey towards Christ. The boy's father, desperate for his son's healing, brings him to Jesus, only for the spirit to violently resist. This mirrors our spiritual journey, where the devil tries to distract and discourage us as we move towards the Savior.
The devil's tactics are not new. He uses doubt, temptation, and fear to keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace. However, the key to overcoming these hindrances lies in submission to Christ. Submission is not a passive act but an active choice to align ourselves under God's authority, trusting in His power and purpose for our lives. It involves a daily decision to resist the devil and draw near to God, knowing that He will draw near to us.
We are reminded that submission is an attitude that leads to action. It is a conscious decision to trust and obey God, even when the enemy's attacks are fierce. By submitting to God, we find strength and resilience to withstand the devil's schemes. The story of the boy's healing is a testament to the power of faith and submission. Despite the spirit's attempts to destroy him, Jesus' authority prevails, and the boy is restored.
As we reflect on this message, let us examine our own lives. Are we truly submitted to Christ? Is He the Lord of every aspect of our lives? When we submit to God, we anchor ourselves in His truth and love, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Let us carry our cross with patience and perfect submission, knowing that in the end, it will carry us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Enemy's Last-Ditch Efforts: As we draw closer to Christ, the devil intensifies his efforts to distract and discourage us. This is often a sign of desperation, as the enemy realizes his time is limited. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, knowing that these attacks are temporary and powerless against God's sovereignty. [49:13]
2. The Power of Submission: Submission to Christ is a powerful act of faith. It involves willingly placing ourselves under God's authority and trusting in His plan for our lives. This submission is not passive but requires active engagement and a daily choice to resist the devil and draw near to God. [53:33]
3. Faith in Action: The story of the boy's healing in Mark 9 illustrates the power of faith in action. Despite the spirit's attempts to destroy him, the father's faith and submission to Christ lead to his son's restoration. This reminds us that faith, coupled with submission, can overcome any obstacle. [57:07]
4. The Attitude of Submission: Submission is an attitude that leads to action. It requires a conscious decision to trust and obey God, even in the face of adversity. By adopting an attitude of submission, we align ourselves with God's will and find strength to withstand the enemy's attacks. [58:32]
5. The Best Path Forward: Submitting to God is the best path forward for our lives. It brings about profound change and purpose, as seen in the lives of the apostles and disciples. By choosing to submit to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power and experience the fullness of His love and grace. [01:04:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:02] - Introduction and Prayer
- [44:23] - The Story of the Possessed Boy
- [45:18] - Jesus' Authority Over Evil
- [46:52] - The Devil's Desperate Attempts
- [49:13] - Hindrances in Our Spiritual Journey
- [50:17] - The Devil's Tactics
- [51:36] - Moving Towards Christ
- [53:33] - The Power of Submission
- [57:07] - Faith and Healing
- [58:32] - The Attitude of Submission
- [01:04:30] - The Best Path Forward
- [01:07:36] - Final Reflections
- [01:08:19] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 9:14-27: The story of Jesus healing a boy possessed by a spirit.
- James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
- 1 Thessalonians 2:18: "For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way."
#### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 9:14-27, what was the reaction of the crowd when they saw Jesus, and how did the spirit react when it saw Jesus? [44:23]
2. What did the boy's father say to Jesus about his belief, and how did Jesus respond? [45:18]
3. According to the sermon, what are some tactics the devil uses to hinder our spiritual journey? [50:17]
4. How does the sermon describe the act of submission to Christ, and what is its significance? [53:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the possessed boy in Mark 9 illustrate the power of faith and submission in overcoming spiritual obstacles? [57:07]
2. What does James 4:7 suggest about the relationship between submission to God and resisting the devil? How might this apply to daily life?
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the devil's attacks are a sign of desperation? How should believers interpret these attacks? [49:13]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of submission as an attitude that leads to action, and why is this important for a believer's spiritual journey? [58:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the devil's "last-ditch efforts" to pull you away from Christ. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [49:13]
2. Submission to Christ is described as an active choice. What are some practical steps you can take to submit to God daily, especially in areas where you struggle? [53:33]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in action. How can you demonstrate faith and submission in a current challenge you are facing? [57:07]
4. Consider the areas of your life where you might not be fully submitted to Christ. What changes can you make to align these areas with God's authority? [58:32]
5. The sermon mentions the devil's tactics of doubt and fear. Identify a specific doubt or fear you are facing. How can you confront it with faith and submission to God? [50:17]
6. How can you encourage someone else in their journey of submission to Christ, especially if they are facing spiritual hindrances?
7. Reflect on the statement, "Carry the cross patiently and with perfect submission, and in the end, it shall carry you." How can this perspective change the way you handle life's challenges? [01:07:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Enemy's Desperation
As we draw closer to Christ, the enemy becomes more desperate in his attempts to distract and discourage us. This is a common experience for many believers, as the devil recognizes that his time is limited and intensifies his efforts to pull us back into our old ways. The story from Mark 9, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by a spirit, vividly illustrates this struggle. The spirit violently resists as the boy's father brings him to Jesus, mirroring our own spiritual journey where the devil tries to hinder our progress towards the Savior. However, these attacks are temporary and powerless against God's sovereignty. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, trusting that God's power will prevail. [49:13]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the enemy's resistance. How can you actively resist these distractions and draw closer to God today?
Day 2: The Power of Submission
Submission to Christ is a powerful act of faith that involves willingly placing ourselves under God's authority and trusting in His plan for our lives. This submission is not passive but requires active engagement and a daily choice to resist the devil and draw near to God. By submitting to God, we find strength and resilience to withstand the devil's schemes. The story of the boy's healing in Mark 9 is a testament to the power of faith and submission. Despite the spirit's attempts to destroy him, Jesus' authority prevails, and the boy is restored. This reminds us that submission to God is a conscious decision that leads to action and transformation. [53:33]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to submit to God's authority? What steps can you take today to actively submit this area to Him?
Day 3: Faith in Action
The story of the boy's healing in Mark 9 illustrates the power of faith in action. Despite the spirit's attempts to destroy him, the father's faith and submission to Christ lead to his son's restoration. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that faith, coupled with submission, can overcome any obstacle. It is not enough to simply believe; our faith must be demonstrated through our actions and choices. As we face challenges and adversities, we are called to put our faith into action, trusting that God will work through us to bring about healing and restoration. [57:07]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively demonstrate your faith in God through your actions in this situation?
Day 4: The Attitude of Submission
Submission is an attitude that leads to action. It requires a conscious decision to trust and obey God, even in the face of adversity. By adopting an attitude of submission, we align ourselves with God's will and find strength to withstand the enemy's attacks. This attitude is not about passivity but about actively choosing to trust in God's plan and purpose for our lives. As we submit to God, we anchor ourselves in His truth and love, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. [58:32]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and attitudes. What changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects an attitude of submission to God?
Day 5: The Best Path Forward
Submitting to God is the best path forward for our lives. It brings about profound change and purpose, as seen in the lives of the apostles and disciples. By choosing to submit to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power and experience the fullness of His love and grace. This path of submission is not always easy, but it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with meaning and purpose. As we carry our cross with patience and perfect submission, we can trust that God will guide us and carry us through every challenge we face. [01:04:30]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Consider the direction of your life. Are there areas where you need to realign your priorities to follow God's path? What steps can you take today to pursue the best path forward in submission to Him?
Quotes
1. "Today I am going to talk about how the devil will always attempt to draw you back into your sinful ways and your old life when you go to Christ. So if you would like to follow along in your bibles this morning we are going to be in the gospel of Mark and I am going to share a story about a boy out of chapter nine of Mark where Jesus encounters a boy who is in a very tough and sad situation and this story takes place in the later half of Jesus's ministry." ([00:39:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "See, Jesus commanded the boy to be brought to him and as the boy was on the way to the Savior the demon took control of the boy and threw him into a demonic episode. The demon's goal was to try and destroy the boy in order for him not to receive the Savior's love, mercy, grace, and most importantly the Savior's healing hand. The demon tried one last attempt, one final good throw to keep his power over the boy so that he did not make it to Christ." ([00:48:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "Satan is sure to hinder Christians when they are earnest in their walk with Jesus. See, Paul, Silas, and Timothy were very desirous to visit the church at Thessalonica. They wanted to go and visit their friends. But they were unable to do so for the singular reason announced in the text. Namely, Satan hindered us." ([00:49:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "We start to move in the direction of where He is. We long to be closer to Him. So we start moving. And when we begin to move and experience the Lord's embracing arms, this is the time. This is when the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy." ([00:51:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "The devil and his workers are extremely skilled at what they do. Make no mistake, they are very good at what they do. It is like we start. We start over here, right? And we might go to church for the first time. We might hear the gospel for the first time. We might have something in our life that we need to take to Christ. And Christ is over here, right? And we start moving towards Him. And we start moving and we get closer and closer to Him." ([00:50:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "The moment we begin to seek Jesus in any situation and begin to be serious and thoughtful about our walk with Jesus, the devil and his employees are down upon us quickly. He wastes no time. Like I said earlier, the devil and his demons are fearfully set on keeping us all from Christ. But take heart, you no person is too big of a sinner. It is never too late to seek Christ." ([00:52:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "Submitting to Christ and having him be Lord of your life is simply submitting to Christ looks like this. It looks like walking around with your hands wide open, palms up, and saying, Lord, here I am, use me, I am willing, send me out. See, as true believers, we have faith to overcome the enemy when he starts throwing his schemes at us." ([01:04:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "We are to be entirely submissive to God in every situation. When the devil starts to tug at your faith, when he brings out his lasso and throws it around you, cut it off. Don't not let him have a hold on you. And know that submission to God will allow you to anchor your feet to the ground and press on towards the Savior." ([01:07:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Reach out to Him today and start moving towards His loving embrace. Let's pray." ([01:08:47] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "Carry the cross patiently and with perfect submission and in the end it shall carry you and we just looked at what perfect submission is now go and live it out we love you all here at Summit Church thank you for attending this morning you are dismissed." ([01:10:46] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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