CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE – Topic: VICTORY OVER THE DEVICES OF THE DEVIL – Church of God Mission International – SUNDAY 6th AUGUST 2023
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CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
DATE: SUNDAY 6th AUGUST 2023.
HYMN: S.S & S 687 “Christian seek not yet repose”
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
For the believer who abides in Christ victory over the devil is assured
TOPIC:
VICTORY OVER THE DEVICES OF THE DEVIL
TEXT:
Jn 8:44; Matt 4:1-11; Jas 4:7-8
INTRODUCTION:
The devil is the archenemy of God and man. He used both direct and subtle means to attack anything related to God. Lying and deception are his devices amongst others.
Matthew 4:1-11 presents the encounter of our Lord Jesus Christ with the devil. Three temptations were presented to our Lord Jesus; none of which was a direct invitation to sin. But they were primed to promote disobedience, self-will and self-pleasure. In all these, Jesus Christ was victorious over the antics of the devil by employing the word of God.
In the context of this study, a device is an invention, contrivance (skills) or strategy designed to deceive and thereby control another.
In this study we shall expose some of the devices of the devil and suggest ways the believer can overcome them.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are to:
- Explain the expression ‘devices of the devil’
- Identify both direct and subtle devices of the devil
- Discuss the scriptural basis for overcoming the devil and his devices, and
- List the scriptural prescriptions against the devices of the devil
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1. EXPLAIN THE TERM ‘DEVICES OF THE DEVIL’
The devil was a chief cherub with God (Ezek 28:12-17; Isa 14:12-17), until he rebelled against God and was defeated by the angels of God, and cast down to the earth. He now uses various devices to entice man to disobey God.
The devices of the devil refers to all crafty strategies, inventions, schemes and skills of the devil targeted at the human race, and intended to cause a breach in cordial relationship with God. They include all inventions that promote rebellion against godliness through direct confrontation and subtle misrepresentation of God’s ordinance to man
QUESTION 2. LIST AND EXPLAIN SOME OF THE DEVICES OF THE DEVIL’. (Jn 8:44; 13:2; Heb 10:25; Jas 3:14-15; 1Cor 7:5; Gal 5:19-21; 1Jn 2:15-17)
The devices of the devil may be direct or subtle. They include the following:
I) Lying and dishonest conduct (blinding or blending of the truth)
II) Immorality (fornication, adultery, uncleanness)
III) Covetousness, greed and stealing (love of money, financial unfaithfulness)
IV) Murder, violence, anger (vindictive and vengeful lifestyle)
V) Idolatry, witchcraft, divination (hero worship and ministerial pride)
VI) Slanders, backbiting and false alarm
VII) Envy, hatred, jealousy
VIII) Perverse sexual behaviour (homosexualism, lesbianism and bestiality)
IX) Lawlessness, rebellion, pride, persecution)
X) And so many more direct confrontations against God’s word or His people
XI) Spiritual harlotry (prayer merchandise) and use of strange powers to “do the work of God”
XII) Spiritual weakness and lukewarmness
XIII) Compromising on scriptural marital principles
XIV) Blasphemy (despising the Holy Spirit and taking God for granted)
XV) The class should discuss other devices of the devil
QUESTION 3. WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATIONS FOR OVERCOMING THE DEVIL AND HIS DEVICES ? (Eph 2:8; Phil 2:15-16; Jn 8:32; Col 1:13-14)
The above scriptures are the biblical foundations upon which the victory of the believers over the devices of the devil are anchored. They are eternal truths which always guarantee victory for the believers.
The first of such foundation is the word of God, which is also referred to as the truth (Jn 8:32). God is present in His word. Knowledge of His word gives freedom from the captivity of Satan. Also the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is an invaluable foundation for the victory of Christians over all the devices of satan. (Col 2:13-15). By His death and resurrection, He overthrew the powers of wicked authorities, quickened our spirits and forgave our trespasses. Through the blood of Jesus, we have a perfect atonement for our sins. This atonement ensures true reconciliation that qualifies believer to be partakers of the heavenly inheritance. The love and grace of God is another basis for overcoming the devil (Eph 2:8). By this we are presented with victory even before the challenge.
Furthermore, the name of Jesus has been so honoured with authority that at its mention, every kneel bows (Phil 2:9-11). The Holy Spirit is our ever-present companion as we take a resolute stand against the devices of the devil. He dispenses abilities to believers, and reveals all wicked plans. He is the one who helps us to keep looking unto Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).
QUESTION 4. WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS AGAINST THE DEVICES OF THE DEVIL LISTED IN QUESTION 2 ABOVE ? (Eph 6:10-18; Jas 4:7; Mk 14:38; Gal 2:20; 1Jn 2:15-17; 1Pt 5:6-9)
The word of God has been very plain in telling us what to do to overcome the devices of satan, whether they be direct or subtle in nature. We are admonished to:-
I. Put on the whole armour of God (consisting of a life of righteousness, truth, evangelism, faith, personal salvation, knowledge of and obedience to the word of God, prayerful lifestyle, with watchfulness)
II. Submit to God and resist the devil
III. Be in fellowship with God and other believers
IV. Study the word, verify every assertion and obey the gospel of Christ
V. Be a witness in word and lifestyle
VI. Be convinced and resolute about the faith
VII. Be attentive to the Holy Spirit
VIII. Watch (pay attention and remain vigilant) and pray
IX. Desire knowledge, wisdom and power of discernment from God
X. Regularly exercise the virtue of patience
XI. Sharply rebuke the works of darkness
XII. Class should list others
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Our adversary the devil has been defeated and reserved for eternal damnation and this he knows very well. He is therefore out in full force, seeking for people that will be his co-travellers to hell. A lot of strategies and gimmicks have been deployed by the devil to lure the gullible and deceive the simple minded.
That is why today there is multiplied effort by the devil to bombard the church with all forms of distractions to promote the spirit of error, corruption and ungodliness.
Each believer must therefore be very certain of his faith and salvation in Christ with true devotion in the study of the word of God, fervency in prayers, cordial relationship and communion with God. The assurance of victory is the Christian’s heritage.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Peter 5:8NKJV
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
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