Therefore, Be Serious
As followers of Jesus, we must be serious about spiritual things and vigilant in our faith, knowing that the devil is a real and powerful enemy who is actively working to destroy our faith and our lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgency of being serious in our spiritual lives, warning that those who follow Jesus are marked by Satan for destruction. He cites 1 Peter 4:7, urging believers to be sober-minded and vigilant in prayer as the end times approach and the enemy intensifies his attacks. Wilkerson highlights the reality of the devil, countering the notion that he can be ignored or reasoned away, and stresses the importance of recognizing his presence and tactics. The sermon calls for Christians to resist the devil with steadfast faith, as outlined in 1 Peter 5:8-9, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Ultimately, it is a call to take our spiritual battles seriously and to remain alert in our faith.
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You may not want to think about it or even accept it, but if you have determined to follow Jesus with all your heart, Satan has marked you for destruction. And he's going to flood your life with troubles of all kinds.
The apostle Peter warns, "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7). In other words, "This is no time for lightness. You must get sober-minded about spiritual things because it is now an issue of life and death."
Why be so serious? Because the end of time is near and our enemy has turned up the heat. He is stalking us like a lion, hiding in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. He wants to devour us -- to utterly destroy our faith in Christ.
Some Christians feel we shouldn't even talk about the devil, that we're better off just ignoring him. Others try to reason him out of existence entirely. Liberal theologians, for instance, argue that there is no devil, no hell, no heaven.
But the enemy of our souls is real! Few biblical figures have been identified so clearly and extensively and he is not going to go away. He is described as Lucifer, Satan, devil, deceiver, hinderer, wicked one, usurper, imposter, accuser, devourer, god of this world, ruler of darkness, old serpent.
These emphatic descriptions tell me the devil exists and we know from scripture that he wields a very real power. Even now he is at work on the earth -- in our nations, cities, churches, homes and individual lives. And we dare not be ignorant of his methods and strategies of warfare.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Being Serious
- The Devil's Power and Influence
- Our Response to the Devil
- Be Sober and Vigilant
- Resist the Devil with Steadfast Faith
- The Devil's Methods and Strategies
Key Quotes
“This is no time for lightness. You must get sober-minded about spiritual things because it is now an issue of life and death.” — David Wilkerson
“The devil exists and we know from scripture that he wields a very real power.” — David Wilkerson
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- As a follower of Jesus, you must be serious about spiritual things and vigilant in your faith, knowing that the devil is a real and powerful enemy.
- You can resist the devil's attacks by being sober, vigilant, and steadfast in your faith, knowing that you are not alone in your struggles.
- You must not ignore the devil, but rather face him head-on with the power of your faith in Christ.