The world is divided in countless ways—by politics, philosophy, religion, race, and gender—but at the root of it all, the division stems from one battle: Good vs. Evil. God is good, and Satan is evil. While Satan can't defeat God, his mission is to steal as many souls from God's kingdom as possible. This sermon will focus on that cosmic battle and the choice each of us must make.
Scriptural Foundation:
1. **Genesis 3:1-5** – *"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, "You shall not eat of any tree in the garden"?'"*
From the beginning, Satan's goal has been to sow division between God and humanity by introducing lies. Evil entered the world through the first choice of rebellion.
2. **John 10:10** – *"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."*
Jesus came to expose Satan's agenda and to give us a clear choice—life through Him or destruction through the devil's deception.
3. **Deuteronomy 30:19** – *"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live."*
God created us with the freedom to choose between good and evil. This choice has eternal consequences, and through Jesus, the choice is made clear.
Illustration:
Picture two roads: one leads to a lush, flourishing garden, and the other to a barren, desolate wasteland. Many are deceived into taking the wasteland path because it initially seems easier. This is how Satan operates—he makes the path to destruction appealing. But Christ, like a good shepherd, calls us to the road of life. Each day, we stand at this crossroads.
God's View:
God is not interested in forcing our hand. He didn't create puppets; children were made in His image, endowed with free will. **2 Peter 3:9** tells us that God *"is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."* He desires that all of His creation choose life, but the choice remains ours. Satan's goal is to pull as many souls away from God as possible because he knows that his time is short.
Hope:
While the enemy is powerful, God has provided a way to victory. **John 3:16** tells us, *"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."* Jesus' sacrifice levels the playing field. No matter your past, choosing Jesus secures eternal life. Satan's power over us is broken through the cross.
How to Change:
1. **Repent and Believe**: **Romans 10:9** – *"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* The first step to change is simple: confess and believe.
2. **Follow Christ**: **John 8:12** – *“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life."* Align your life with Jesus' teachings. Start each day in prayer, surrendering your choices to God.
How to Remain Changed:
1. **Stay Rooted in God's Word**: **Psalm 119:105** – *"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."* Regularly read Scripture to keep your heart aligned with God's will.
2. **Surround Yourself with Believers**: **Hebrews 10:24-25** – *"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another."* Fellowship with other Christians strengthens your faith.
3. **Resist the Enemy**: **James 4:7** – *“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."* Every day, we must actively resist Satan's lies and temptations by submitting to God's will.
Conclusion:
Every moment is a choice between good and evil, between following Christ or being swept away by Satan's deception. God's arms are open, offering life through His Son. The choice is ours, and with it comes the weight of eternity. **Joshua 24:15** reminds us: *"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."*
Call to Action:
Choose Christ today. If you haven't made that decision yet, now is the time. For those who have, recommit to walking in the light. Satan is working overtime to pull us from God's love, but in Christ, we have everything we need for victory.
**Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of choice and for allowing us to choose life in Christ. Strengthen us in this daily battle against evil. Guide our hearts so that we may walk in Your truth and light.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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