We have been in a series for several weeks now entitled “The Power of the Cross.” Last week, we looked at Colossians 2 which talks about the reality that God the Father has brought us into relationship with Himself through His Son Jesus on the cross. And He did it perfectly and immaculately, He absolutely “nailed it" so to speak. But there can be a hindrance or a block to receiving the forgiveness of Christ and it's caused by the accusations of the devil.
The devil knows that if he can keep you under the burden of condemnation that you will not become what God designed you to be, that you will not achieve the destiny and purpose that God has for your life. And so, the devil tries to keep us there, he uses manipulation and control and deception. He is a master gaslighter.
You have probably heard that term…. It's intentionally generating a scenario that makes the target feel stupid in order to make them question their confidence, and the goal is control. And that's what the devil does to us. He causes our mind to think condemning thoughts; he makes us feel guilty and condemned in order to question our status as believers. If he can create doubt and condemnation through his accusations about our sin, we will not see ourselves as justified, cleansed, and robed in the righteousness of Christ. And we will suffer from identity issues as being a child of God. So, let's go to Zechariah 3.
Zechariah 3:1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”
There are some “R” words I want to leave with you.
"Redeemed”- the accuser attacks the redeemed. Our sin is the accusation that the devil uses against us. When the people of God fall into sin the enemy observes it and accuses them before the Lord and seeks their condemnation.
“Rejection” …the method of the enemy is to twist the truth and use deception in order to taint our perception of God, to make us feel like God could never accept us for the things that we have done.
“Rebuke” …. The Lord rebukes Satan on our behalf but we need to resist the attacks of the enemy. We do that by using the “Name of Jesus,” declaring the “Word of God” and putting on the “Armor of God”.
“Removed” …the Lord replaces our filthy garments with rich robes; we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ.
”Renewed” … a clean turban is put on Joshua’s head…. the teaching/ philosophy and values of this world have caused you to have a dirty turban. You need to unwind it and rewire yourself… you need to renew your mind. You need your mind to be washed with the Word.
There is a battle going on, an attack of the enemy who wants to gaslight, falsely accuse, and condemn us. We need to ask the Lord to rebuke the enemy, embrace the name of Jesus, use the word of God, and put on the armor of God. Be clothed in the righteousness of Christ and get ready for our mind to be rewired through the Word.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “The Devil’s Game.”
Blessings,
Kevin
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