This week, Pastor Chris finished our Romans series with a word on being aware of the Enemy’s schemes in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, we have an Enemy of our soul and are in a spiritual battle, which Jesus has already won. The Enemy desires to deceive, accuse and tempt us but we can expose his schemes, live in authority over him and walk in Jesus’ victory.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV)
11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 13:6
Godly love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness”

Watch Out for Divisive People

Romans 16:17 (ESV)
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Luke 17:1 (ESV)
1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

Dangers of Offense

  • Offense is a tool of the enemy to bring people into captivity.
  • Our response to an offense will impact our future.
  • Offense handicaps or hinders us from fulfilling our full potential.
  • Offense is blinding and is convinced other people are the problem.
  • Offense has consequences such as strained or broken relationships, division, separation, betrayal, and backsliding.
  • Many offended people don’t realize they are trapped.

2 Timothy 2:26 (ESV)
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Acts 20:27–30 (ESV)
27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

“The enemy purposefully divides, demeans, and discourages any who would hope to rise up and move into the light by daring to dream in the dark.” C.S. Lewis

  1. Evil People Can Be…
  2. Religiously self-righteous.
  3. Hurt people that hurt people.
  4. Lash out in fear-based anger.
  5. Offended on behalf of another person.
  6. Relationally manipulative.
  7. Those that seek to create obstacles.

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
An evil soul producing holy witness
Is like a villain with a smiling cheek,
A goodly apple rotten at the heart:
O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!—Shakespeare

  • Fleshly Christians

Paul illustrates the first type of schism in his blunt reproof of the Corinthian church:

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 (ESV)
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Fleshly Schemes…

  • Partisan loyalties and impressed by worldly wisdom (1 Cor. 1–3).
  • Easily swayed by those who slandered Paul in his absence (1 Cor. 4).
  • Tolerate shocking sexual immorality (I Cor. 5).
  • Suing each other in civil court (1 Cor. 6).
  • Damaging each other’s faith over issues of Christian freedom (1 Cor. 8).

Romans 16:18 (ESV)
18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Ephesians 4:14

14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

  • Naïve People

Proverbs 14:15 (AMP)
The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears,
But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going.

Proverbs 1:32 (ESV)
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;

Naïve People…

  • Are easily influenced or swayed.
  • Lack grounding in wisdom.
  • Are not very responsible and overly rely on others.
  • Don’t easily discern truth from lies. 
  • Lack taking ownership and tend to make excuses.
  • Don’t learn from their past mistakes.

Wise People

Romans 16:19–20 (ESV)
19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Proverbs 1:32 (ESV)
32For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;

Live in the Strength of Christ

Romans 16:25–27 (ESV)
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What steps can you take to protect your Christian community from divisive influences?
  2. In what ways can we apply the concept of being “wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” in our daily lives?
  3. How does the promise of God crushing Satan under your feet encourage you in your personal spiritual warfare?

Application Questions:

  1. Offense tends to blind us and cause blame shifting. This week, evaluate if there is any offense in your own heart. The “Dangers of Offense” section may help you recognize signs of offense. Take time to forgive those who have offended you!
  2. If you need an upgrade in living in the strength of Christ, reach out to a friend in your Life Group and ask for prayer.

Join us for an in-person service at City Central Church in Tacoma, WA
Sundays at 9am, 10:30am, 12 pm