Ezra 4:1
Satan's methods of approach in hindering the building of the temple of God are revealed, and the importance of not being deceived by his lies is emphasized.
Chuck Smith discusses the tactics of Satan in hindering the building of God's temple, emphasizing the danger of unholy alliances, particularly with the Samaritans who sought to blend their worship of Jehovah with other gods. He warns that any compromise with the world can weaken the resolve of believers and lead to spiritual downfall, as seen in the actions of the adversaries who sought to undermine the people of Judah. Smith highlights the importance of rejecting worldly offers that appear beneficial but are rooted in deception, and he reminds the congregation that despite accusations from the enemy, believers are free from condemnation through Christ's sacrifice.
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Intro: Lesson purpose -- to discover Satan's methods of approach in hindering the building
of the temple of God. Christ is building His Church and Satan still seeks to hinder.
I. AN UNHOLY UNION "LET US BUILD WITH YOU."
A. Who were these offering their help?
1. Samaritans who had intermingled with other races.
a. They worshipped many gods and Jehovah also.
b. Mongrel people with a mongrel religion.
B. Wherein lay the danger?
1. "We seek your God... as ye do"
a. half true - a lie is always more dangerous when it contains some
truth.
b. True they sought Jehovah.
c. Not true... "as ye do."
1. They sought other gods first, Jehovah 2nd.
2. Israel sought Jehovah first none 2nd.
2. Any union with the world self defeating.
a. Whether it be individual "Be ye not unequally yoked together."
b. On the Church body.
1. How many churches have destroyed their testimony by
receiving large gifts with strings attached.
2. Beware of Satan's offer to help It can never be for good.
3. Do not be deceived because Satan is smiling.
Reject the world and it will soon trouble you.
II. "WEAKENED THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH."
A. They would send excursions against them.
B. They sent others to taunt them.
C. They also withheld supplies.
D. Their mask of piety soon disappeared and they revealed their true bent . .
1. How sad for those who were deceived by Satan's lies when truth revealed.
E. How fierce the onslaught against those who refuse compromise.
1. In Lystra they wanted to worship Paul as Mecury when he refused them they
stoned him in the next verse.
III. THEY WROTE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THEM TO THE KING.
A. Satan called "accuser of the brethren."
a. Some truth in accusation.
1. You have no right to ask God's help.
2. You haven't been praying as you should.
3. You have displayed ugly temper or anger.
4. God won't listen to you when you call.
b. Trick of salesmanship always ask a question so as to require a yes answer.
B. There is therefore now no condemnation. Jesus took all my iniquities, all my guilt.
By His death He canceled all my sin . . . wrote a new covenant in His blood.
Delivered me from the hand of the oppressor.
Sermon Outline
- An Unholy Union
- Weakened the Hands of the People of Judah
- They Wrote Accusations Against Them to the King
- Satan called 'accuser of the brethren'
- There is therefore now no condemnation
- They also withheld supplies
- Their mask of piety soon disappeared
- How fierce the onslaught against those who refuse compromise
Key Quotes
“Reject the world and it will soon trouble you.” — Chuck Smith
“There is therefore now no condemnation. Jesus took all my iniquities, all my guilt.” — Chuck Smith
“By His death He canceled all my sin . . . wrote a new covenant in His blood.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be careful not to form unholy unions with the world, as it can lead to compromise and destroy our testimony.
- Satan will try to weaken our hands by sending excursions, taunting us, withholding supplies, and accusing us falsely, but we must not be deceived by his lies.
- Jesus' death and resurrection have canceled all our sin, written a new covenant in His blood, and delivered us from the hand of the oppressor.