Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, Feb. 11, 2001, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

SATAN WILL TRY TO STOP YOU

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:18

1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Introduction: You and I have many concerns. I listen to our men talk out on the porch before church, and I listen to men, ladies, and children talking after church at night. Many things are discussed. Most of the time, the men are talking about their jobs. Sometimes sports are discussed, or perhaps something in the news has everyone’s interest. Ladies often talk about their children or some sale at a store.

We have many news channels on television these days. Talk shows are popular on the radio. Many things are discussed.

It does bother me that so many Christians come to church and do not seem to have the Lord on their mind. They have little to say about Him.

It also bothers me that so many Christians are concerned about AIDS, cancer, the economy, heart disease, wayward children, and they don’t recognize their GREATEST enemy, the only REAL enemy that they have: the DEVIL.

They have disobeyed 1 Pet. 5:8

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

SATAN IS REAL!

He is the great deceiver.

He is the great doubter

He is the great distracter.

Paul wanted to do something, but he said that he was HINDERED by the DEVIL.

Satan hinders a sinner from coming TO Christ.
Satan hinders a saint from conquering IN Christ.
Satan hinders the saints as a church from counting FOR Christ.

I. SATAN HINDERS THROUGH FALSE DOCTRINE

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

A. He has his own “scriptures”

B. He has his own “spirit”

C. He has his own “shepherds”

II. SATAN HINDERS THROUGH FAILING HEALTH

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

A. He will tell you that you can’t worship with God’s children

B. He will tell you that you can’t work in God’s vineyard

C. He will tell you that you can’t witness in God’s world

Illustration: Fanny Crosby

III. SATAN HINDERS THROUGH FINANCIAL TEMPTATIONS

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

A. Financial pressure knocks many Christians off track

How are we going to pay our bills?
Overtime?
Another job?
Trust GOD?????

B. Financial prosperity knocks many Christians off track

Few wealthy people, relatively, are Bible- believing fundamental Christians, serving God in a local church.

C. Financial poverty knocks many Christians off track

They are tempted to rob God.
They can develop a welfare mentality.
They are tempted to get the wrong kind of job.
Illus. Tom Emory took a stand and got off work every Sunday.

IV. SATAN HINDERS THROUGH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

A. He will stir them up to discourage you
BUT DON’T QUIT

B. He will stir them up to disgrace you,
BUT DON’T QUIT

C. He will stir them up to distract you,
BUT DON’T QUIT

I’m glad JESUS didn’t quit.

The apostle Paul didn’t quit!

Let’s go on!