(Clip) What Does Satan Fear
Tim Conway challenges believers to move beyond spiritual passivity and become bold warriors in the battle against Satan, who fears the presence and power of God manifested through prayer and evangelism.
This sermon reflects on the life of Jim Elliott, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and a desire to be extraordinary in faith rather than ordinary. It challenges believers to move beyond spiritual passivity and become bold participants in the spiritual battle against evil forces, urging them to be dangerous for God's kingdom. The message highlights the power of prayer, evangelism, and the impact of believers standing against the enemy with God's strength and promises.
Full Transcript
Jim Elliott, long ago. You know, if you read Elliott, he didn't just look and find fault with others. You really get a feeling he was often looking in the mirror.
He didn't want to be ordinary. We're so utterly ordinary. So commonplace, while we profess to know a power, the 20th century does not reckon with.
But we are harmless and therefore unharmed. We're spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle to the death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brash, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the cross.
We're sideliners, coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us. We're too much like its own.
Oh, that God would make us dangerous. Do you know what it is that Satan fears? He fears God. But if you think about those promises, those are promises that God shows up.
You're going to call? Here I am. He fears that. He fears people who can pray and God shows up.
He fears people who take the gospel out there and people get saved. He fears that because you know what that is? That is the strong man having his goods ripped out of his hands. And he does not give up his goods without fury.
You know one of the things that says there repeatedly in Revelation chapter 12 is he is furious with the woman. He is furious and he knows his time is short. And he's been cast down to the earth.
That's where we are. We are where he is. He operates here.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jim Elliott's example of self-examination
- The danger of spiritual ordinariness
- The need for boldness in spiritual battle
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II
- The reality of spiritual warfare against principalities and powers
- The contrast between meekness with men and boldness in faith
- The problem of spiritual passivity among believers
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III
- What Satan fears most is the presence of God
- God showing up in response to prayer
- The power of evangelism to disrupt the enemy
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IV
- Satan’s fury as described in Revelation 12
- The urgency of our spiritual battle because Satan’s time is short
- Our calling to engage where the enemy operates
Key Quotes
“We're spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle to the death with principalities and powers in high places.” — Tim Conway
“Do you know what it is that Satan fears? He fears God.” — Tim Conway
“He fears people who can pray and God shows up.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Examine your own spiritual life to avoid complacency and embrace boldness in faith.
- Engage actively in prayer, trusting that God will show up and empower you.
- Share the gospel courageously to challenge the enemy’s influence in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Satan fear according to the sermon?
Satan fears the presence of God, especially when God shows up through prayer and evangelism.
Why does Tim Conway emphasize boldness in the Christian life?
Because spiritual passivity allows the enemy to operate unchallenged, boldness is necessary to engage in spiritual warfare effectively.
How does the sermon describe the current spiritual condition of many believers?
Many believers are described as spiritual pacifists or sideliners who avoid confronting the enemy.
What biblical passage is referenced to illustrate Satan’s fury?
Revelation chapter 12 is referenced to show Satan’s fury against the woman and his awareness that his time is short.
What practical action does the sermon encourage?
The sermon encourages believers to pray fervently and actively share the gospel to disrupt the enemy’s plans.