Scripture Reading: John 8:43-47

"Nots" in the Devil's "Tale"

Intro.

1. The devil has many tales to tell, and they are all lies! John 8:44 (Devil: slanderer, accuser; Satan: “Adversary”)

2. Many of the devil’s lies have a “not” in them.

I. “THERE IS NOT A GOD.”

A. The Devil does not Believe His Own Lie.

1. Throughout the Bible, devil always acknowledges God, Gen. 3:1; Job 1:6-7; Matt. 4:3.

2. Yet, through deception, slander and accusations he convinces many there is no God, Psalm 10:4, 11...

a. “There is so much suffering in the world; how can there be a God?”

b. “If God is real and loves me, why doesn’t He help me?”

B. Overwhelming Evidence for God. (First Cause; Design/Designer)

1. Evidence has been provided by God, Acts 14:15-17; Rom. 1:20.

2. Heavens declare His power, Psalm 19:1.

3. The earth shows His excellence, Psalm 8:3-5.

4. The one who believes the devil’s tale is a fool, Psalm 14:1-4.

5. The wise fear and acknowledge Him, Prov. 9:10.

II. “YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE”, Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-5.

A. He has Deceived Many into Forgetting the Danger/Power of Sin.

1. Makes prohibition greater than privilege, 3:1.

2. Denies the severity of God, 3:4.

3. Attacks the goodness of God, 3:5.

4. Today: “God will not punish sinners in hell; Else, God is not good.”

5. Cannot fall from grace: “You will not surely die!” Luke 8:13; Gal. 5:4

6. Spiritual moorings have been abandoned: Men and women are floundering in the despair and desperation of sin, Gal. 5:19-21.

B. Sin is Still Real.

1. Sin is powerful, Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 6:23.

2. Sin is dangerous, 1 John 3:4; 5:17; James 4:17; Rom. 14:23.

3. Only Christ can save you from your sins, Luke 19:10; Acts 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 9:28.

III. “THE CHURCH IS NOT IMPORTANT.”

A. The Devil Offers You the “Church of Your Choice,” Jer. 10:23.

1. “One church is not better than another.” Denominations, ecumenism, etc.

2. To the devil, every church is better than Christ’s church!

B. The Bible Offers and Endorses Only One Church:

1. Built by Jesus, Matt. 16:18.

2. Purchased with His blood, Acts 20:28.

3. Body and fullness of Christ, Eph. 1:22-23.

4. Cleansed and saved by Christ, Eph. 5:25-26, 23.

5. We know why the devil says it is not important; So people will be lost!

C. “The Church of Christ You are a Member of is Not Important.” Rev. 2:16; 3:16; 1 John 2:18-19

1. When individuals fall away, the churches they form are apostate, 2 John 9-11.

2. The word of the Lord must go forth from a congregation; not error, 1 Thess. 1:8.

IV. “THERE IS NOT A ‘PLAN OF SALVATION.’”

A. Many False Teachings on How to be Saved (Faith only; sinner’s prayer; etc.).

1. God’s word is plain; There is a plan of salvation (cf. Heb. 12:25).

a. Hear the gospel, Rom. 10:17 (John 6:45).

b. Believe in God and Christ, the Son of God, Heb. 11:6; John 8:24.

c. Confess your faith in Jesus Christ, Rom. 10:9-10.

d. Repent of your sins, Acts 2:38.

e. Be baptized, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:27.

B. Some Brethren already Question the Exclusive Nature of God’s Plan of Salvation.

1. “Things aren’t as simple as simple as a ‘5 step plan’ like we teach.”

2. There are “Christians” in all the churches. How did they get there?

3. We ask: Have they obeyed Christ, in His way, in order to be saved?

Conclusion

1. Many other “nots” in the devil’s “tale.” He is a liar! John 8:44

2. Beware his lies and deceptions, and submit to God’s truth, James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: December 13, 2013