THERE MUST BE A PLAN THERE IS A PLAN IN PLACE (GOD's GAME PLAN) John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 1
THE FIVE PLAYS THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN ON US 1. THE PLAY OF AFFLICTION 2. THE PLAY OF PERSECUTION 3. THE PLAY OF CARES OF THIS WORLD (WORRY, DISTRACTION) 4. THE PLAY OF DECIETFULLNESS OF RICHES 5. THE PLAY OF LUST OF OTHER THINGS 2
THE FIRST PLAY THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN AFFLICTION Generally Self Inflicted MARK 4:14-17 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones along the path where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. 17 But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. 3
SO WHAT IS OUR DEFENSE AGAINST AFFLICTION? First Defense: Count it all joy James 1:1-2 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Second Defense: Put God's words in your mouth, meditate on it, and do what the word says to do Joshua 1:8-8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good :success. 4
THE SECOND PLAY THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN PERSECUTION PRESSURES BROUGHT AGAINST YOU MARK 4:17 But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. 5
SO WHAT IS OUR DEFENSE AGAINST PERSECUTION? First Defense: Love 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. Second Defense: Love for your enemies Matthew 5:43-44 43 You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 6
THE THIRD PLAY THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN WORRY (DISTRACTION) Him, her, them, it, football, trying to make a living. Mark 4:19 but the worries of this age, Causes you to become unproductive 7
SO WHAT IS OUR DEFENSE AGAINST DISTRACTIONS? Defense: Set your mind COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 So if you have been raised with the Christ, seek what is above, where the Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. 8
THE FOURTH PLAY THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN The seduction of wealth Mark 4:19 the deceitfulness of riches Working not worshipping, no time for God or family Thinking: "All I need is more money and everything will be fine." The seduction of wealth causes you to become unproductive 9
WHAT IS OUR DEFENSE AGAINST DECIETFULNESS OF RICHES? Defense: Seek God MATTHEW 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 10
THE FIFTH PLAY THE ENEMY TRIES TO RUN THE PLAY OF LUST OF OTHER THINGS MARK 4:19 the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 11
WHAT IS OUR DEFENSE AGAINST LUST AND DESIRES OF OTHER THINGS? Defense: Be led by the Spirit GALATIANS 5:16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 12
So now you have a game plan for SATAN S attacks and you have a play book to guide you (the Bible) and Holy Spirit to direct your every step. MARK 4:20 But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop: 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown. 13
There are five basic Offensive plays we need to run from God's play book: 1. LOVE GOD Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.: This is the first commandment 2. LOVE EACH OTHER John 13:34-35 I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. 3. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS Mark 12:31 The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these. 4. LOVE THE LOWLY Luke 14:13-14 On the contrary, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. 5. REMEMBER GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU John 16:27 For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 14
DEFENSIVE GAME PLAN AGAINST SATAN S ATTACKS DEFEND AGAINST THE PLAY OF AFFLICTION DEFEND AGAINST THE PLAY OF PERSECUTION DEFEND AGAINST THE PLAY OF WORY/DISTRACTION DEFEND AGAINST THE PLAY OF DECIETFULLNESS OF RICHES DEFEND AGAINST THE PLAY OF LUST OF OTHER THINGS OFFENSIVE GAME PLAN EXECUTE LOVE FOR GOD EXECUTE LOVE FOR EACH OTHER EXECUTE LOVE FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR EXECUTE LOVE FOR THE LOWLY REMEMBER GOD S LOVE FOR YOU 15
REMEMBERING GOD'S LOVE FOR US Remember that God love's you personally and intimately. So, don't be ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power at work in you for salvation to everyone who believes. God's playbook is the ultimate authority for love and good success. We WIN! 16
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