UnstoppableActs 5-11, Ephesians 6:10-18

• Identify the true culprit• Expel the culprit • If we are not willing to identify and

expel him we will be defeated by him!

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:1-2

Identify the true culpritThen Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit… Acts 5:3a

He is a deceiver

Identify the true culpritThey called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Acts 5:40

He is a silencer

Identify the true culpritIn those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1

He is a divider

Identify the true culpritWhen the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. Acts 7:54At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Acts 7:57-58a

He incites fear

Identify the true culpritWhen Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:18-19

Identify the true culpritFor I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Acts 8:23

He is a seducer

Identify the true culprit

…“You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” Acts 11:3b

He causes favoritism

How do we expel him?Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

Stay very close to Jesus Our reaction to the actions of those influenced by the enemy reveals how close we are to Jesus

How?Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12

Get prepared, He’s coming after us

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14-15

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation...Ephesians 6:16-17a

How do we expel him?…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17b

Live, Learn, Speak

A Mighty Fortress is our GodA mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

A Mighty Fortress is our GodFor still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

A Mighty Fortress is our GodDid we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing…Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing…

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same…And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us…We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us…The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him…His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,One little word shall fell him!