Guarding Your Heart's Door
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual growth in order to please God and overcome Satan's power.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts against the influence of the devil, highlighting that many Christians live in misery despite outward appearances of joy. He points out that true happiness comes from a deep faith in God, as demonstrated by Enoch, who pleased God through his faith. Wilkerson warns that many believers are ensnared by Satan, lacking the power to resist his influence, and encourages them to recognize their captivity and seek freedom through a closer walk with God. He reminds us that through Christ, we have been delivered from darkness and can live in the light of His kingdom. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and reliance on God's presence to overcome the enemy.
Text
"By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, 'and was not found, because God had taken him'; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:5-6).
One of the great tragedies of this generation -- and one of God' greatest griefs -- is that so few Christians are truly happy. They put on a good front of singing, clapping, smiling, but lurking just beneath the surface is misery, loneliness and sadness. Yet, is this what Christ died for? Paul warns of Christians who need to "come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:26). This verse describes many Christians perfectly. Satan moves in and out of their lives at his own will and they have no power or authority to stop him at their heart's door. He flaunts his hold over them: "You have no power of Christ in you to stop me. You will do as I say."
Perhaps you're one of those caught in the devil's snare, but you can recognize the trap and seek to be released. If you have been serving the Lord for more than a few months, you should be growing daily in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Your spiritual victories should be sweet, and you should be assured of his constant presence. By now, Satan should be running from you!
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:13, KJV). Firmly set your heart on walking with God. In doing so, you will be assured that the Lord will deliver you from the devil's dominion.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Unhappiness in Christians
- The Cause of Christians' Powerlessness
- The Solution to Christians' Powerlessness
- Recognize the trap and seek to be released
- Grow daily in the grace and knowledge of Jesus
- Be assured of God's constant presence and deliverance from Satan's dominion
Key Quotes
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, 'and was not found, because God had taken him'; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” — David Wilkerson
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” — David Wilkerson
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize the trap of Satan's snare and seek to be released through faith and spiritual growth.
- Grow daily in the grace and knowledge of Jesus to experience spiritual victory and deliverance from Satan's dominion.
- Firmly set your heart on walking with God to be assured of His constant presence and deliverance.