A discussion about loyalty, the will of the enemy, and what the devil's end goal is. Loyalty As Jesus's disciples, we demonstrate our loyalty and self- sacrificing allegiance to Him by following His command (Mark 8:34) But even when we fail to be completely loyal and steadfast to Him, we have his assurance that he will be loyal to us (Matthew 28:20) "And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age" As believers, loyalty is shown through our commitment to Jesus and the gospel. We acknowledge that Jesus christ is our sole source and our ticket to salvation (Matthew 7:13). No matter how rocky the road is, remembering to stay loyal to God and his word is key. The enemy’s will 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) John 10:10 (NIV) (Jesus’s words) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”Laid out clearly. Enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He looks for opportunities to do so. John 8:44 (NIV) (Jesus speaking to religious leaders/pharisees) Genesis 3:1b (NIV) “He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”The enemy challenges and makes you question God’s word. Luke 4:1 (NIV) “The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”The enemy will challenge your identity in Christ. Luke 4:10-11 (NIV) (The devil tempting Jesus) "For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”The enemy will try to twist Gods word or in this situation pull it out of contextThis is why it’s important to read the word and study it so you may be able to discern what’s right and wrong. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15a (NIV) “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.”Satan presents himself as something beautiful or appealing. The people who carry out the will of satan will look like servants of righteousness. Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV) “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”Look at the fruits of people who appear good or righteous. Do the fruits they bring reflect the fruits of the spirit? (Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)Galatians 5:22-23a “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” What is the devil’s endgame? John 10:10 (NIV) • The devil is here to kill. Death is not just physical, but spiritual. Eternal life is found in Jesus (John 14:6) (John 3:16). God sent his only son to save us, the devil doesn’t want us saved. He wants to kill and steal the life God offers us. John 14:6 (NIV) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” End response Mentioned everyone being children of God in previous episode, but we’re not children of God until were adopted into God’s family when we become believers. We are ALL made in the image of God though (Check out Genesis 1:27) "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister." -1 John 3:10 (NIV) “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NIV
