Revealing the Hidden Agenda of Satan by Chip Ingram 2012

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Chip Ingram (author note: from my Bible Study folder)

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What comes to mind when you think about the meaning of "diabolical?” 

By definition, diabolical means "anything that is extremely wicked, cruel and evil."

If we were thinking about it on a global scale, most of us would probably view diabolical in terms of genocide, murder, child abuse, or any of the horrible and pervasive tragedies that happen in the world. And most – if not all – of us would agree that Satan is involved in all of these evil acts.

But I'd like to challenge a common perception about what is – and what isn't –diabolical. Often we view demonic activity in terms of obvious evil or spiritual attack, so we're not always aware of is how subtle Satan's activity can be.

As Christians, it's important that we recognize that the enemy's main method of attack is not through the obvious, atrocious acts of evil. It is actually more sinister than this.

Satan's agenda comes packaged so deceptively that we may never know we're coming under demonic attack.

To shed some light on how the enemy works to destroy our lives, we first need to understand God's view of what's diabolical.

According to Proverbs 3, God considers evil to be arrogance and pride, as well as when people plot to harm others, oppress the poor, and stir up dissention. It also says that God hates all forms of evil. 

This means God detests even the deception that happens in the small areas of our hearts.

And here's why: God is opposed to anything that is contrary to Him and His agenda to give us an abundant life full of love, grace, forgiveness, healing and peace.

In contrast, Satan's agenda is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) The Bible describes Satan as our enemy who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Although he was defeated at the cross, the enemy still wreaks havoc on our lives by lying and deceiving, corrupting everything that is wholesome and good, and by bringing shame on our hearts.

He also loves to divide families and churches by creating disunity. In fact, one of the most subtle and lethal ways the devil attacks us is by dividing and conquering our relationships. He wants to ruin all of our relationships - with friends, spouses, small groups, parents, and kids. And he knows that the quickest and easiest way to do this is by getting us to divide over our differences.

So how do we recognize Satan's subtle schemes to divide us?

Learn how to recognize the danger of division when you find yourself moving from seeing others as merely "different" to forming an attitude of "I'm right and they're wrong."

Be sensitive to seasons when you're especially at risk for falling prey to the enemy's schemes, like times of rapid change and growth. As things change, grow and multiply, your unmet needs - either real or perceived - begin surface in your relationships. During this time, there's a greater tendency to see each other's differences as the cause and place blame. This is the start of division that can end relationships.

Instead of placing blame, choose to remember God's will and agenda for your life. You may need to apologize or recognize the need to "agree to disagree." Sometimes that even requires forgiveness in situations you may not understand. This takes power and strength, but be encouraged because "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Keep Pressin' Ahead, Chip Ingram

Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge

Chip Ingram was starting a new series called Diabolical: Satan's Agenda for Planet Earth. Learn how to recognize Satan's hidden agenda in your life, and how to apply Biblical principles that protect you from falling prey to his schemes and becoming part of a greater diabolical plan. He says it is his prayer that this series will heighten your awareness of the ongoing battle that rages around you and safeguard your soul with truth and tools the Lord.

[Author's note: I do not have any notes from the series. Since I saved this back in 2012 I don't remember saving any of the series.]

Blessings.......

The Benefits of Wisdom by Charles Stanley - 2002 In Touch Ministry

Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to scriptural principles. 

What are a few of the benefits to seeking the Lord’s wisdom? 

Let’s look at what the Bible says.

A. Clear Guidance From God

Those who walk in wisdom receive the Father’s direction for their lives. While God’s children still have some painful experiences, they are spared many mistakes and false starts. Biblical principles spare believers numerous wrong decisions and hurtful relationships.

Nobody is better qualified to guide your steps or lead you onto the right path than God.

• According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what attitude best facilitates the Lord’s direction in a person’s life?

• What benefits does Proverbs 3:21-26 promise to those who “keep sound wisdom and discretion” (v. 21)?

When we walk in divine wisdom, we can rest assured that the Lord is with us always. He won’t allow us to enter into any situation that He has not anticipated. Nor will He permit a circumstance unless He intends it for our good.

B.God's Divine Protection

Wisdom protects us from various sources of wickedness,including:

1. Evil in such forms as dangerous situations, harmful substances, and destructive circumstances. We are to reject evil and flee from it whenever possible.

• What attitude gets a "fool" (unwise person) into trouble, with regard to evil (Prov. 14:16)?

2. People who entice us to do evil: Any person who tempts you to sin is not a friend. He or she wants to lead you into a situation that will ultimately cause you loss or harm (Prov. 2:10-18).

• Why should we not be close friends with those who have ungodly lifestyles (Prov. 24:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:33)?

3. Misleading emotions: Many people live according to the whims of their emotions. But "what feels good"isn't always beneficial for us. Instead, we are called to trust the Holy Spirit for guidance rather than our desires, impulses, and feelings.

• Why should we not trust our hearts (Prov. 28:26)?

• Briefly describe a choice you made based on what "felt good" rather than what the Lord wanted you to do. What did you learn from that experience?

C. A Good Self-Image

You are extremely important to God. The Father loves you, values you, and desires a close relationship with you. He has a specific plan for your life. These facts should give you confidence and a strong self-image.

• Write down a few benefits of finding wisdom, according to Proverbs 8:32-35.

At the very core of our self-image is the desire to be loved and regarded as lovable. Only God can fully satisfy that need. When we accept that He loves us unconditionally, we have the foundation for healthy, godly self-esteem.

• Some believers feel God no longer loves them because of sin. Why is this rationale not biblical (Rom. 5:8)?

• What should our attitude be toward ourselves (Prov. 19:8; Matt. 22:39)?

A proper, healthy love for yourself leads to generosity and selfless giving. It also fills you with confidence to move against the tide of popular opinion when necessary. Why? God loves and approves of you, and His opinion is the only one that matters.

• Where are you in your journey to healthy self-esteem?

D. Whole-Person Prosperity

The heavenly Father blesses us—and that involves our spirits, minds, and bodies (3 John 2). Prosperity from God's perspective includes material goods as well as our relationships, health, and happiness, plus fruitfulness in His kingdom.

• Proverbs 8:17-21 talks about "enduring riches and righteousness"—in other words, eternal wealth, such as knowing the Lord. What phrases in this passage indicate that earthly prosperity is included?

• What characterizes God-given riches (Prov. 10:22)?

God provides for us who are His children—not simply for our own enjoyment, but also to enable our generosity to people in need.

• This week, how could you bless another person with your spiritual, physical, or material riches?

E. Good Health and a Long Life

No one can promise another person a long life or healing from a particular disease. But in general, godly living is characterized by healthier living and length of days.

• How does walking wisely affect your body (Prov. 3:7-8)?

Individuals who walk in wisdom utilize their time carefully because they view each day as valuable. They seek to use their gifts, talents, and other resources for God's glory and His purposes. They take care of their bodies by getting physical exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious food, and sufficient relaxation.

• In what way does the paragraph above not describe your life? What can you do this week to change that?

Closing: Wisdom saves us from many difficulties in this life. It equips us to handle difficult circumstances and positions us to receive eternal rewards. So discover and apply God's wisdom for every situation—you won't regret it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reveals how I am to live. Enable me to listen closely to Your voice, apply the principles of Scripture, and experience all the benefits of making wise choices. Amen.

Adapted from "Walking Wisely: Real Guidance for Life's Journey" (2002).

Blog author note: from my Bible Study folder collection

Blessings......

Unwrapping the Gift of Salvation in this New Year of 2025

See blog author's note at bottom of page...

 

Some people receive Jesus as Savior but then view salvation as nothing more than a ticket to heaven. Unfortunately, they never discover the spiritual blessings God has for us, His people, to enjoy here on earth. One of the best ways to explore the gift of salvation is to study the Bible. So how should we approach reading Scripture?

A. Study for yourself. Some people enjoy reading through the Bible every year. Others take it at a slower pace, going book by book—either sequentially or in no particular order. Reading the Scriptures in context will give you a better understanding of spiritual truth. You will also discover interesting passages typically overlooked in sermons and Bible studies.

Write down a few benefits of studying God’s Word:

• Romans 15:4

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Psalm 19:8-11

B. Learn more with study aids. Take advantage of scholarly notes in your Bible. Look up the cross references to find related verses. Use a concordance to discover every mention of a particular topic. Use a Bible dictionary to find more information about scriptural characters and concepts, and dig deeper into a passage by using commentaries. Many of these study tools are available online for no charge. They can provide you with access to the insights of experts in theology and history.

Although these particular study tools didn’t exist in Bible times, turning to another source for scriptural understanding is nothing new.

• What did the Jewish leaders do for the people who hadn’t heard the law before (Neh. 8:8)?

• Describe how each individual below helped someone with less scriptural knowledge:

  • Peter (Acts 11:1-18)

  • Phillip (Acts 8:26-38)

• Why is it important to be sure we understand the true meaning of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20; 3:16)?

C. Write down your spiritual questions. You may want to make a note in your Bible when you encounter a difficult passage. Or you might prefer to keep a list of questions elsewhere. Record the date your question came to mind as well as when God answered it. Remember that while some insights will come immediately, others take years. And some may not be answered in this life.

• Who ultimately gives us understanding of the Scriptures (1 Chron. 22:12-13)?

Be sure to compare all spiritual instruction—even from teachers you trust—with the Word of God.

• According to Acts, why were the Bereans more “noble-minded” than the Thessalonians (Acts 17:10-11)?

• Do you generally examine the sermons you hear by comparing them to Scripture? Why or why not?

D. Apply the Word to your life. When verses encourage or convict you, write them down or underline them in your Bible. You may want to record them in a devotional journal. Include your thoughts on how the passages relate to your circumstances.

Another way to apply biblical truth is to pray Scripture. Acts 4:24-31 gives an example of this: when the apostles were told to stop preaching about Jesus, they began their prayer with quotations from the Bible (verses 24-26 quote Old Testament passages):

• How do you think remembering these truths benefited the apostles as they prayed?

The book of Psalms and the New Testament are full of passages that can easily be turned into prayers. For instance, Romans 15:1 reads: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” To turn the verse into a prayer, you might say: “Lord, please help me be patient and seek to encourage others who aren’t strong in their faith.”

• Turn Romans 15:4-7 (or one of your favorite passages) into a prayer.

E. Fill your mind with Bible verses.

Memorizing and meditating on Scripture are helpful in a number of ways. Write down benefits described in each of these verses:

• Joshua 1:8

• Psalm 119:11

• Psalm 119:98-99

• Romans 12:1-2

Of the advantages mentioned above, which excites you the most? Why?

Memorizing the Word also helps us learn the Lord’s values. When you know His priorities, you are better equipped to discern His voice for guidance, direction, and comfort. The Holy Spirit will bring scriptures to mind that will guide you in how to respond to each situation you face.

Conclusion: Don’t be a believer who fails to explore the blessings God offers His children. Discover the spiritual riches you possess by reading and studying His Word for yourself. Then you will be well on your way to “unwrapping” everything the Father has for you in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful gift of salvation. May I never take it for granted. Show me how to study and obey Your Word so I can experience all You’ve given me. Amen.

Blessings.....

Blog author note: This is by Charles Stanley from my "Bible study folder." It may be several years old because the Bible verse links no longer work and I cannot find it in the archive at InTouch.org. It is still a good study as we move forward into this new year of 2025.

Rekindling Our Fire for God

 

Some people lose their passion for God suddenly, through a crisis or a major life change. Others lose their enthusiasm gradually. They simply spend less and less time on spiritual pursuits. Eventually, their lives hardly differ from those of non-believers. Does this describe you? If so, how can you rekindle your spiritual flame?

1. Remember your desperate need for God.

One of the quickest routes to regaining spiritual fervor is through a tragedy that disrupts life. But you don’t have to wait for adversity to strike. Remember how dependent you are on the Lord physically, spiritually, and materially.

Physically, no human can sustain his or her life for a single second without God. Heart attacks, car accidents, and other trials reveal our frailty. The next time you hear about a tragedy, thank the Lord for sustaining your life.

Take a moment to reflect on the many blessings—both spiritual and material—that God has given you. In all things, we are dependent on our heavenly Father.

• Read Titus 3:1-7. For what sins have you been forgiven?

• What motivated God to save us (vv. 4-7)?

• Describe a time the Father provided physical protection for you or supplied material needs (Luke 12:29-31).

2. Repent of letting sin dampen your devotion to God.

Growing cold spiritually is ultimately a result of sin. Such rebellion can be either blatant, like an act of adultery, or subtle, like a materialistic attitude.

• What sins have crept into your life and damaged your relationship with God?

• What in your life takes precedence over following Christ?

After being rebuked by the prophet Nathan for committing adultery with Bathsheba, King David wrote the prayer of confession found in Psalm 51.

• Read verses 1-9, and then write your own prayer of repentance.

3. Recommit to seeking God daily.

Frequently, a loss of spiritual fervor goes hand in hand with a loss of commitment to a regular, personal time with the Lord.

• How would you describe the current state of your one-on-one meetings with God?

Scripture records that Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to spend time alone in prayer (Matt. 14:23).

• Read Psalm 27:4-8. What did David desire more than anything else?

• Read Psalm 16, especially verse 11. What did the author anticipate finding in the presence of the Lord?

Get in the habit of approaching the Lord for more than simply your list of requests. Devote time to seeking communion with Him for its own sake, rather than what He can do for you.

4. Rely on the Holy Spirit to equip you for living the Christian life.

Sometimes our passion wanes because we try to live for Jesus in our own strength. Following Christ is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit; attempting to do so can leave us weary and discouraged.

• Are you spiritually worn out? If so, describe your experience.

Jesus relied on the Father not only to guide His ministry, but also to empower Him (John 14:10). In a similar way, believers must learn to let the Holy Spirit work through them.

• What does Paul say is the power behind his labor (Col. 1:28-29)?

• Read John 15:4-5. How much will believers accomplish if they refuse to abide in Christ?

If it isn't clear how to let God work through you, ask Him to reveal what steps to take. Christ-like attitudes and actions should flow from the Holy Spirit within you, not from your willpower (Gal. 5:22-25).

5. Renew your commitment to serving others.

One of the best ways to rekindle your spiritual fire is through service. Galatians 5:13 says, “Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

• What does 1 John 3:16-18 say about how we should love others?

• What are your spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:4-8)?

• How have you enjoyed helping others in the past? What new areas of ministry do you want to try?

If you aren’t sure how to get involved, ask the Lord for inspiration and clear direction. Remember, serving others doesn’t have to mean a formal commitment to a ministry or church committee. You can also look for opportunities to bless the people you encounter in your daily activities.

Closing: Do you want your fire for the Lord restored? Put aside the distractions that have stolen your affection. As you seek God through times of fellowship, the flame you once had for Christ should reignite with love for Him.

Prayer: Father, I confess that my passion for You has cooled. I repent of allowing the world and its concerns to distract me from pure zeal for Your kingdom. Stir up the flame within me and renew my joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings......

Blog author note:

May we begin this new year of 2025 with our hearts stirred up into flames of love for our LORD and Savior!

This is by Charles Stanley that I had saved in my "Bible study folder." Most of these I have are no longer available on the In Touch website. This may be from early 2000s.

For more study see link below...

Rekindling Your Fire for God