TEXT: EZRA 4
Introduction: The work of Satan hindering the work of God on earth.
Satan is the …
>deceiver of men Revelation 12:9, 13:4-9, 18:3, 23, 19:20, 20:7-8
>accuser of the brethren Revelation 12:10-11, Job 1:9, 2:5, Zech. 3:1-2
>enemy of God Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-19
I. Satan supplies opposition to God’s work on earth vss. 1-6
- Satan will sometimes attack us physically
- Satan will sometimes attack us emotionally
- Satan will sometimes attack us politically II Corinthians 4:3-6, Matthew 4:8-9, John 12:27-43, 14:30, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12, I John 5:19, Revelation 20:2-3 Exodus 23:20-22, Numbers 22:22, I Samuel 1:5-6
I Kings 5:4, 11:14, 23, 25, Esther 7:6, Job 31:35, Psalm 74:10 I Timothy 5:14-15, I Peter 5:6-11
II. Satan’s servants rarely give up until they hinder the work of God vss. 7-16
- One government leader can change what a previous one has done Malachi 3:6
- Fear of competition or popular opinion is the downfall of many leaders Proverbs 29:25
- It is always a bad decision to make a decision before you know the facts Proverbs 18:13, Deuteronomy 13:!4
III. Satan will even use some in government to try to hinder God’s people vss. 17-24
- Some government leaders oppose God’s work if they feel it is a threat vss. 17-20
- Government leaders come and go, but God remains the same vss. 21-22 Hebrews 13:5-9, Matthew 16:17-19
- Satan’s servant may hinder God’s work, but they can never stop it vss. 23-24