Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#GregLaurie
#Faith
#Israel
#ChildofGod
#Religion
#WordofGod
#Sin
#Righteousness
#Angels
#inActive
#Tribulation
#Cross
#Temptation
#Conviction
#HarvestwithPastorGregLaurie
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - How To Overcome The Devil | April 18, 2025
- ...
- 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.333
- Greg laurie: hi, i'm greg laurie,
- 00:00:01.800 --> 00:00:03.635
- And i'm so glad you've joined us because god's word
- 00:00:03.769 --> 00:00:06.305
- Is full of promises.
- 00:00:06.438 --> 00:00:08.207
- It's alive, it's powerful, and it can change your life,
- 00:00:08.340 --> 00:00:09.308
- So let's get started.
- 00:00:12.011 --> 00:00:13.545
- ♪ this is the day, ♪
- 00:00:13.545 --> 00:00:15.881
- ♪ the day when life begins ♪
- 00:00:15.881 --> 00:00:21.020
- ♪ this is the day, ♪
- 00:00:21.020 --> 00:00:23.589
- ♪ the day when life begins ♪♪
- 00:00:23.589 --> 00:00:30.262
- Greg: have you ever been overcome by the devil?
- 00:00:30.262 --> 00:00:33.932
- In other words, you find yourself being held captive
- 00:00:33.932 --> 00:00:38.437
- To a sin, and it gets you again and again and again,
- 00:00:38.437 --> 00:00:42.074
- And you wonder, can i ever get free from this?
- 00:00:42.074 --> 00:00:44.676
- Do i have to always be under the thumb of satan?
- 00:00:44.676 --> 00:00:48.514
- The answer is no, and i want to talk to you about that
- 00:00:48.514 --> 00:00:51.450
- In this message, "how to overcome the devil."
- 00:00:51.450 --> 00:00:53.919
- Because we are in a war, but it's an invisible war.
- 00:00:53.919 --> 00:00:58.390
- It's a spiritual battle.
- 00:00:58.390 --> 00:01:00.759
- And ephesians chapter 6 says that we're not wrestling against
- 00:01:00.759 --> 00:01:05.064
- Flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and
- 00:01:05.064 --> 00:01:09.201
- The rulers of the darkness of this age, the spiritual
- 00:01:09.201 --> 00:01:14.473
- Hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
- 00:01:14.473 --> 00:01:17.876
- It's a very real battle.
- 00:01:17.876 --> 00:01:20.212
- So, let's pick this story up now in
- 00:01:20.212 --> 00:01:22.181
- Revelation chapter 11, verse 1.
- 00:01:22.181 --> 00:01:24.817
- John writes, "then i was given a reed like a measuring rod."
- 00:01:24.817 --> 00:01:29.588
- This is john saying, "it was given to me.
- 00:01:29.588 --> 00:01:31.657
- And the angel that stood there said, 'rise and measure the
- 00:01:31.657 --> 00:01:35.094
- Temple of god, the altar, and those who worship there.
- 00:01:35.094 --> 00:01:38.564
- But leave out the court which is outside the temple.
- 00:01:38.564 --> 00:01:41.633
- Don't measure it, for that's been given to the gentiles.
- 00:01:41.633 --> 00:01:44.903
- And they'll tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months.
- 00:01:44.903 --> 00:01:48.574
- And i will give power to my two witnesses, and they'll
- 00:01:48.574 --> 00:01:51.743
- Prophesy 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth.'"
- 00:01:51.743 --> 00:01:57.850
- By the way, that's three and a half years.
- 00:01:57.850 --> 00:02:00.519
- "'they are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that
- 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:03.722
- Stand before the god of the earth.
- 00:02:03.722 --> 00:02:05.791
- And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from
- 00:02:05.791 --> 00:02:08.861
- Their mouth and devours their enemy.
- 00:02:08.861 --> 00:02:11.430
- And if anyone wants to harm them, they must be
- 00:02:11.430 --> 00:02:13.665
- Killed in this manner.
- 00:02:13.665 --> 00:02:15.234
- They have power to shut heaven so no rain falls, and they
- 00:02:15.234 --> 00:02:19.238
- Have power over waters to turn them to blood, and they strike
- 00:02:19.238 --> 00:02:22.074
- The earth with all plagues as often as they desire.'"
- 00:02:22.074 --> 00:02:26.945
- Interesting, chapter 11 of the book of revelation opens
- 00:02:26.945 --> 00:02:30.415
- With a mention of the city of jerusalem.
- 00:02:30.415 --> 00:02:34.453
- Think about this, this was written some 2,000 years ago.
- 00:02:34.453 --> 00:02:38.457
- And john is telling us that the end times events are gonna
- 00:02:38.457 --> 00:02:42.027
- Revolve around the city of jerusalem.
- 00:02:42.027 --> 00:02:45.964
- So, here we are now in 2021, and as usual, the middle east,
- 00:02:45.964 --> 00:02:51.036
- Israel, and specifically jerusalem is in the news.
- 00:02:51.036 --> 00:02:55.908
- Jerusalem, ironically, means the city of peace, yet more
- 00:02:55.908 --> 00:03:00.712
- Wars had been fought at her doorstep than any
- 00:03:00.712 --> 00:03:03.916
- Other city in the entire world.
- 00:03:03.916 --> 00:03:06.251
- Jerusalem would be at the center of the end times
- 00:03:06.251 --> 00:03:09.855
- Events in zechariah 12:3.
- 00:03:09.855 --> 00:03:12.324
- It says, "on that day, when all the nations of the earth are
- 00:03:12.324 --> 00:03:15.294
- Gathered together against her, i will make jerusalem an
- 00:03:15.294 --> 00:03:18.730
- Immoveable rock for all the nations.
- 00:03:18.730 --> 00:03:21.800
- And all who try to move it will injure themselves."
- 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:26.438
- But for this prophecy that we're reading about now to be
- 00:03:26.438 --> 00:03:30.108
- Fulfilled, some things have to take place.
- 00:03:30.108 --> 00:03:32.711
- One has taken place, the others haven't.
- 00:03:32.711 --> 00:03:34.913
- Number one, jerusalem has to be in jewish hands, and it is.
- 00:03:34.913 --> 00:03:39.318
- But that didn't happen until quite recently.
- 00:03:39.318 --> 00:03:43.155
- In fact, it was the six day war in june of 1967 that jerusalem
- 00:03:43.155 --> 00:03:48.293
- Came once again under the control of the jewish people
- 00:03:48.293 --> 00:03:52.431
- Living in their homeland of israel.
- 00:03:52.431 --> 00:03:55.367
- Secondly, the third temple must be rebuilt because
- 00:03:55.367 --> 00:03:59.905
- John is describing a temple.
- 00:03:59.905 --> 00:04:02.007
- There is no jewish temple in jerusalem today.
- 00:04:02.007 --> 00:04:06.845
- The first and second temples are gone.
- 00:04:06.845 --> 00:04:09.514
- They have not rebuilt the third one.
- 00:04:09.514 --> 00:04:11.850
- And so, here this is something that still has
- 00:04:11.850 --> 00:04:14.453
- To happen in the future.
- 00:04:14.453 --> 00:04:16.788
- But what does the bible tell us?
- 00:04:16.788 --> 00:04:18.924
- It tells us that this coming world leader, known as the
- 00:04:18.924 --> 00:04:22.961
- Antichrist, will help the jews rebuild their temple,
- 00:04:22.961 --> 00:04:27.266
- And then he will desecrate it.
- 00:04:27.266 --> 00:04:29.501
- And this is called the abomination of desolation, which
- 00:04:29.501 --> 00:04:33.705
- Happens at the halfway point of the seven year tribulation.
- 00:04:33.705 --> 00:04:38.543
- Remember, the great tribulation period starts peacefully as
- 00:04:38.543 --> 00:04:43.482
- Antichrist or the beast emerges on the scene with overtures of
- 00:04:43.482 --> 00:04:51.590
- Peace and treaties that are signed and actually are followed
- 00:04:51.590 --> 00:04:55.927
- For a certain period of time.
- 00:04:55.927 --> 00:04:58.063
- A new economic system, nobody can buy or
- 00:04:58.063 --> 00:05:00.699
- Sell without his mark.
- 00:05:00.699 --> 00:05:02.734
- I'll get into that when we come to revelation chapter 13.
- 00:05:02.734 --> 00:05:06.405
- So, he rebuilds the temple, but here's what jesus says about
- 00:05:06.405 --> 00:05:10.142
- It in matthew 24, verse 15.
- 00:05:10.142 --> 00:05:12.344
- "when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by daniel
- 00:05:12.344 --> 00:05:16.448
- The prophet standing in the holy place, let them that are in
- 00:05:16.448 --> 00:05:20.352
- Judea flee to the mountains.
- 00:05:20.352 --> 00:05:22.888
- Pray that your flight would not be on sabbath day, for then
- 00:05:22.888 --> 00:05:25.924
- Great tribulation will come upon the world that has not seen it
- 00:05:25.924 --> 00:05:30.329
- Since the beginning of time, nor ever shall be."
- 00:05:30.329 --> 00:05:34.166
- So, what is the abomination of desolation?
- 00:05:34.166 --> 00:05:36.501
- Here's what it is.
- 00:05:36.501 --> 00:05:38.203
- Antichrist rebuilds the temple, but then he erects an image of
- 00:05:38.203 --> 00:05:43.141
- Himself and commands people to worship it, so he desecrates the
- 00:05:43.141 --> 00:05:48.113
- Temple, showing his true colors.
- 00:05:48.113 --> 00:05:51.350
- Commenting on this in 2 thessalonians 2:4, we read these
- 00:05:51.350 --> 00:05:55.087
- Words, "antichrist opposes and exalts himself above all that is
- 00:05:55.087 --> 00:05:59.624
- Called god or his worship, so he is as god, sitting in the temple
- 00:05:59.624 --> 00:06:04.863
- Of god whose coming is after the working of satan
- 00:06:04.863 --> 00:06:09.267
- With all power and pretended miracles.
- 00:06:09.267 --> 00:06:11.636
- All of them are lying wonders."
- 00:06:11.636 --> 00:06:14.673
- So, any movement toward rebuilding the third temple
- 00:06:14.673 --> 00:06:18.210
- Should be observed and noted by the bible student.
- 00:06:18.210 --> 00:06:23.014
- And it would seem to me that this event of the
- 00:06:23.014 --> 00:06:25.717
- Rebuilding of the temple would happen in the early
- 00:06:25.717 --> 00:06:28.553
- Part of the tribulation period.
- 00:06:28.553 --> 00:06:31.056
- And before that can happen, the church must be caught
- 00:06:31.056 --> 00:06:34.626
- Up to meet the lord.
- 00:06:34.626 --> 00:06:36.962
- Yes, it's through peace that antichrist is
- 00:06:36.962 --> 00:06:39.831
- Going to deceive people.
- 00:06:39.831 --> 00:06:42.801
- There's a great cry in our world today, peace at any cost.
- 00:06:42.801 --> 00:06:46.772
- People don't want any more wars.
- 00:06:46.772 --> 00:06:49.107
- We want globalism.
- 00:06:49.107 --> 00:06:50.475
- No walls, no borders.
- 00:06:50.475 --> 00:06:52.711
- This is a cry of so many.
- 00:06:52.711 --> 00:06:55.180
- Even if tyranny reigns, or people are oppressed, or freedom
- 00:06:55.180 --> 00:06:58.950
- Is taken away, we want to have peace, people say.
- 00:06:58.950 --> 00:07:03.188
- Well, antichrist will give them what they want.
- 00:07:03.188 --> 00:07:05.657
- In 1 thessalonians 5:3, it says, "when they shall say
- 00:07:05.657 --> 00:07:09.227
- Peace and safety, sudden destruction shall come upon
- 00:07:09.227 --> 00:07:13.265
- Them as a woman ready to give birth."
- 00:07:13.265 --> 00:07:16.968
- Okay, so these are dark times coming in
- 00:07:16.968 --> 00:07:18.970
- The tribulation period.
- 00:07:18.970 --> 00:07:20.872
- But in the midst of this darkness, god is going
- 00:07:20.872 --> 00:07:23.975
- To raise up two bright lights.
- 00:07:23.975 --> 00:07:27.012
- We call them the two witnesses, two men that will be
- 00:07:27.012 --> 00:07:32.083
- Raised up by the lord to minister truth to people
- 00:07:32.083 --> 00:07:36.521
- For three and a half years.
- 00:07:36.521 --> 00:07:38.290
- Now, who are they?
- 00:07:38.290 --> 00:07:39.624
- They're not identified by name, but i think we might be able to
- 00:07:39.624 --> 00:07:42.961
- Figure out who they might be.
- 00:07:42.961 --> 00:07:45.597
- Look at verse 6 here of revelation.
- 00:07:45.597 --> 00:07:48.733
- It says they have power to shut heaven so no rain falls
- 00:07:48.733 --> 00:07:52.938
- On the day of their prophecy.
- 00:07:52.938 --> 00:07:54.573
- They have power over waters to turn them to blood.
- 00:07:54.573 --> 00:07:57.876
- And they could strike the earth with all
- 00:07:57.876 --> 00:07:59.811
- Plagues as often as they desire.
- 00:07:59.811 --> 00:08:03.114
- By the way, that would be kind of a cool superpower to strike
- 00:08:03.114 --> 00:08:06.184
- With plagues when you desire.
- 00:08:06.184 --> 00:08:08.854
- You know, someone cuts you off on the freeway, it's like,
- 00:08:08.854 --> 00:08:10.956
- "okay, i'm sending you a plague.
- 00:08:10.956 --> 00:08:12.290
- Your car will be filled with frogs."
- 00:08:12.290 --> 00:08:14.759
- That would be a bad thing to do.
- 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:16.561
- They won't do anything like that, of course.
- 00:08:16.561 --> 00:08:18.296
- But they can stop rain, turn water into blood, strike the
- 00:08:18.296 --> 00:08:22.434
- Earth with plagues, and bring fire from heaven.
- 00:08:22.434 --> 00:08:25.871
- Well, two guys come to my attention, and that would be
- 00:08:25.871 --> 00:08:28.406
- Moses and elijah.
- 00:08:28.406 --> 00:08:30.475
- Of course, moses was the one that touched his staff to
- 00:08:30.475 --> 00:08:34.613
- The nile river and it turned to blood.
- 00:08:34.613 --> 00:08:36.982
- Moses was the one that brought plagues upon
- 00:08:36.982 --> 00:08:40.051
- Egypt through the power of god.
- 00:08:40.051 --> 00:08:42.621
- Elijah was the one that said it would not rain
- 00:08:42.621 --> 00:08:45.524
- But according to his word.
- 00:08:45.524 --> 00:08:47.058
- Elijah was the one who called fire down on mount carmel
- 00:08:47.058 --> 00:08:51.630
- In his contest with the prophets of baal.
- 00:08:51.630 --> 00:08:55.834
- So, needless to say, you wouldn't want to
- 00:08:55.834 --> 00:08:57.836
- Mess with these people.
- 00:08:57.836 --> 00:08:59.704
- Well, we read that in verse 16, they have
- 00:08:59.704 --> 00:09:03.074
- The day of their prophesy.
- 00:09:03.074 --> 00:09:06.011
- Now, prophecy in the new testament does not always
- 00:09:06.011 --> 00:09:10.015
- Refer exclusively to predicting the future.
- 00:09:10.015 --> 00:09:14.486
- Its primary meaning is to speak forth,
- 00:09:14.486 --> 00:09:17.522
- Or to proclaim, or to preach.
- 00:09:17.522 --> 00:09:19.624
- So, effectively these two witnesses are going to preach
- 00:09:19.624 --> 00:09:23.361
- The gospel and bring god's truth to people for three and a half
- 00:09:23.361 --> 00:09:28.567
- Years, and they're under divine protection.
- 00:09:28.567 --> 00:09:31.703
- No one can stop them. enter the antichrist.
- 00:09:31.703 --> 00:09:35.907
- Look at revelation 11, verse 7, "when they finish
- 00:09:35.907 --> 00:09:38.743
- Their testimony," you might underline that phrase,
- 00:09:38.743 --> 00:09:41.880
- "when they finish their testimony, the beast--"
- 00:09:41.880 --> 00:09:44.516
- By the way, this is the first time he's
- 00:09:44.516 --> 00:09:46.284
- Referred to as the beast.
- 00:09:46.284 --> 00:09:48.620
- "the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war
- 00:09:48.620 --> 00:09:51.957
- Against them, overcome them, and kill them, and their dead bodies
- 00:09:51.957 --> 00:09:56.161
- Will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is
- 00:09:56.161 --> 00:09:59.564
- Called sodom and egypt where our lord was crucified."
- 00:09:59.564 --> 00:10:02.834
- Well, we know the city is jerusalem, that's
- 00:10:02.834 --> 00:10:04.736
- Where jesus was crucified.
- 00:10:04.736 --> 00:10:07.772
- The beast or the antichrist strikes out at these two
- 00:10:07.772 --> 00:10:12.010
- Prophets and he succeeds.
- 00:10:12.010 --> 00:10:13.979
- But notice it's not until they have finished their testimony.
- 00:10:13.979 --> 00:10:19.284
- It looks like these two witnesses have been in god's
- 00:10:19.284 --> 00:10:21.853
- Witness protection program up to this point.
- 00:10:21.853 --> 00:10:25.256
- And by the way, you are too.
- 00:10:25.256 --> 00:10:27.025
- You will not die a day before the appointed
- 00:10:27.025 --> 00:10:30.228
- Day that god has selected.
- 00:10:30.228 --> 00:10:32.897
- And we're indestructible, as i've said to you before, until
- 00:10:32.897 --> 00:10:36.368
- We're finished with what god has called us to do.
- 00:10:36.368 --> 00:10:40.338
- So, antichrist kills the two witnesses and lays their bodies
- 00:10:40.338 --> 00:10:45.477
- In the streets of jerusalem for the whole world to see.
- 00:10:45.477 --> 00:10:50.482
- Look at verse 9, revelation 11, "those from the tribes and
- 00:10:50.482 --> 00:10:56.221
- Peoples and tongues see the dead bodies for
- 00:10:56.221 --> 00:10:59.391
- Three and a half days, and he will not allow their
- 00:10:59.391 --> 00:11:03.395
- Bodies to be put in the grave."
- 00:11:03.395 --> 00:11:06.197
- So, antichrist is so angry at these two prophets
- 00:11:06.197 --> 00:11:10.368
- Who have spoken up fearless for the truth.
- 00:11:10.368 --> 00:11:13.371
- He lays their bodies out on display, effectively desecrating
- 00:11:13.371 --> 00:11:17.742
- Them, and the whole world is watching.
- 00:11:17.742 --> 00:11:21.413
- But listen, this gets even stranger.
- 00:11:21.413 --> 00:11:24.082
- Verse 10, the people take the tragic death of these two men of
- 00:11:24.082 --> 00:11:28.286
- God and turn it into this twisted celebration.
- 00:11:28.286 --> 00:11:32.057
- Look at what it says, "those that dwell in the earth
- 00:11:32.057 --> 00:11:34.292
- Will rejoice over them, and make merry, and send gifts
- 00:11:34.292 --> 00:11:37.662
- To one another because the two prophets had tormented them
- 00:11:37.662 --> 00:11:44.035
- Who dwelled on the earth."
- 00:11:44.035 --> 00:11:46.071
- Then god interrupts their party.
- 00:11:46.071 --> 00:11:48.940
- Look at verse 11, "after the three and a half days,
- 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:51.976
- The breath of life from god enters them and
- 00:11:51.976 --> 00:11:54.112
- They stand on their feet."
- 00:11:54.112 --> 00:11:56.214
- So, everyone's watching, it's on screens, it's
- 00:11:56.214 --> 00:11:59.150
- In the bars, it's in the homes.
- 00:11:59.150 --> 00:12:01.720
- Everyone's laughing, having a great time.
- 00:12:01.720 --> 00:12:04.055
- Look at them laying there dead, and all of a sudden they stand
- 00:12:04.055 --> 00:12:06.725
- Up again, and everybody freaks out.
- 00:12:06.725 --> 00:12:11.463
- In fact, we read that the people were afraid.
- 00:12:11.463 --> 00:12:16.367
- They were afraid.
- 00:12:16.367 --> 00:12:18.002
- "great fear fell upon them.
- 00:12:18.002 --> 00:12:19.604
- And then there's a loud voice from heaven, saying,
- 00:12:19.604 --> 00:12:22.240
- 'come up here,' and they ascend to heaven in a cloud
- 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:25.176
- And their enemies saw them.
- 00:12:25.176 --> 00:12:26.511
- In the same hour, there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of
- 00:12:26.511 --> 00:12:29.447
- The city fell in the earthquake.
- 00:12:29.447 --> 00:12:31.483
- Seven thousand people were afraid, and the rest
- 00:12:31.483 --> 00:12:34.452
- Were afraid and gave glory to the god of heaven."
- 00:12:34.452 --> 00:12:38.490
- So, rejoicing breaks out in heaven in the aftermath of this,
- 00:12:38.490 --> 00:12:43.361
- But now there's a war in the heavens.
- 00:12:43.361 --> 00:12:46.765
- Look at revelation chapter 12, verse 7.
- 00:12:46.765 --> 00:12:49.434
- "and war broke out in heaven.
- 00:12:49.434 --> 00:12:51.569
- Michael," who you remember was the archangel,
- 00:12:51.569 --> 00:12:54.572
- "and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon and
- 00:12:54.572 --> 00:12:57.776
- His angels fought, and they did not prevail, nor was a
- 00:12:57.776 --> 00:13:01.279
- Place found for them in heaven any longer.
- 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:03.948
- And that great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called
- 00:13:03.948 --> 00:13:07.752
- The devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he was
- 00:13:07.752 --> 00:13:11.222
- Cast to the earth and his angels were cast with him.
- 00:13:11.222 --> 00:13:15.093
- Then i heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'now salvation, and
- 00:13:15.093 --> 00:13:18.496
- Strength, and the kingdom of our god, and the power of his christ
- 00:13:18.496 --> 00:13:22.100
- Have come, for the accuser of the brethren who accused them
- 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:26.704
- Before our god day and night has been cast down.
- 00:13:26.704 --> 00:13:29.407
- And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb
- 00:13:29.407 --> 00:13:32.277
- By the word of their testimony, and they did not love
- 00:13:32.277 --> 00:13:36.147
- Their lives to the death.
- 00:13:36.147 --> 00:13:37.749
- Therefore rejoice, oh heavens, and you that dwell in them.
- 00:13:37.749 --> 00:13:41.052
- Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea,
- 00:13:41.052 --> 00:13:43.888
- For the devil has come down to you, having great anger,
- 00:13:43.888 --> 00:13:47.692
- Because he knows he has but a short time.'"
- 00:13:47.692 --> 00:13:51.896
- So, from these verses, we learn a lot about the devil
- 00:13:51.896 --> 00:13:55.233
- And his fallen angels that we now call demons today.
- 00:13:55.233 --> 00:13:59.437
- In fact, i would add i think this is a chapter of the bible
- 00:13:59.437 --> 00:14:03.141
- The devil does not want you to read.
- 00:14:03.141 --> 00:14:06.077
- Here's some points if you're taking notes.
- 00:14:06.077 --> 00:14:08.813
- Point number one, the devil knows his days are numbered.
- 00:14:08.813 --> 00:14:12.851
- Let me say that again, the devil knows his days are numbered.
- 00:14:12.851 --> 00:14:17.989
- He's working through his network of demon powers.
- 00:14:17.989 --> 00:14:21.559
- And here we find this battle in heaven.
- 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:24.629
- Now remember, the angels are referred to as stars, right?
- 00:14:24.629 --> 00:14:27.599
- And satan himself is a fallen star.
- 00:14:27.599 --> 00:14:29.834
- So, this is the first instance of star wars in history.
- 00:14:29.834 --> 00:14:34.205
- No luke skywalker, no han solo or princess leia; this is
- 00:14:34.205 --> 00:14:38.543
- A heavenly battle between the angels of god under
- 00:14:38.543 --> 00:14:42.380
- The direction of michael the archangel and lucifer
- 00:14:42.380 --> 00:14:46.451
- The son of the morning, the powerful fallen angel,
- 00:14:46.451 --> 00:14:50.321
- And his demon forces.
- 00:14:50.321 --> 00:14:52.824
- So, the devil and his angels cannot defeat these
- 00:14:52.824 --> 00:14:55.960
- Powerful angels from god.
- 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:59.364
- So, i mentioned in the beginning that the title
- 00:14:59.364 --> 00:15:01.833
- Of my message was "how to overcome the devil," so let me
- 00:15:01.833 --> 00:15:04.469
- Return to that and answer the question.
- 00:15:04.469 --> 00:15:08.873
- Number two, the devil does not want you to know
- 00:15:08.873 --> 00:15:12.744
- That his primary attack comes through accusation.
- 00:15:12.744 --> 00:15:16.147
- The devil does not want you to know that he primarily
- 00:15:16.147 --> 00:15:18.750
- Attacks you through accusation.
- 00:15:18.750 --> 00:15:21.886
- This is the way it works. he tempts you.
- 00:15:21.886 --> 00:15:24.322
- And by the way, it's not a sin to be tempted because
- 00:15:24.322 --> 00:15:26.791
- Temptation comes at the worst time.
- 00:15:26.791 --> 00:15:29.727
- You know, like maybe you're listening to a message
- 00:15:29.727 --> 00:15:32.297
- Like right now, and all of a sudden an evil
- 00:15:32.297 --> 00:15:34.165
- Thought comes into your mind.
- 00:15:34.165 --> 00:15:35.700
- And then the devil condemns you for having an evil thought.
- 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:39.037
- It's not a sin to be tempted, it's only a sin if
- 00:15:39.037 --> 00:15:42.106
- You give in to the temptation.
- 00:15:42.106 --> 00:15:44.642
- It's not the bait that constitutes sin, it's the bite.
- 00:15:44.642 --> 00:15:48.880
- And so, maybe the devil comes and says,
- 00:15:48.880 --> 00:15:52.317
- "why don't you think about this?
- 00:15:52.317 --> 00:15:54.786
- Or why don't you go look at that?
- 00:15:54.786 --> 00:15:57.055
- Or why don't you do this other thing?"
- 00:15:57.055 --> 00:15:59.457
- And then he'll say, "no one will ever know.
- 00:15:59.457 --> 00:16:01.993
- No one will ever be aware of what you've done.
- 00:16:01.993 --> 00:16:04.595
- Go for it, you'll have fun."
- 00:16:04.595 --> 00:16:06.097
- And so, you go for it.
- 00:16:06.097 --> 00:16:07.432
- And then the devil comes back to you and says,
- 00:16:07.432 --> 00:16:09.467
- "you miserable hypocrite.
- 00:16:09.467 --> 00:16:11.602
- You call yourself a christian?
- 00:16:11.602 --> 00:16:14.238
- You say you're a child of god?
- 00:16:14.238 --> 00:16:16.174
- No believer in jesus christ would do what you've done.
- 00:16:16.174 --> 00:16:20.778
- Don't even pray. don't even read your bible.
- 00:16:20.778 --> 00:16:23.815
- That would be the ultimate act of hypocrisy.
- 00:16:23.815 --> 00:16:26.517
- Don't you dare show your ugly face in church."
- 00:16:26.517 --> 00:16:29.053
- You see how this works?
- 00:16:29.053 --> 00:16:30.388
- First he tempts you, and then he condemns you for
- 00:16:30.388 --> 00:16:33.591
- Giving in to the temptation.
- 00:16:33.591 --> 00:16:36.060
- We need to learn to know the difference between satan's
- 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:39.397
- Accusations and the holy spirit's conviction.
- 00:16:39.397 --> 00:16:43.835
- See, when a christian sins, and yes we will sin, the holy spirit
- 00:16:43.835 --> 00:16:47.638
- Will convict or convince you of your sin, why?
- 00:16:47.638 --> 00:16:52.043
- To drive you into shame?
- 00:16:52.043 --> 00:16:54.645
- No, to bring you back to jesus.
- 00:16:54.645 --> 00:16:57.648
- Jesus said of the holy spirit in john 16:8, "when he comes,
- 00:16:57.648 --> 00:17:00.952
- He'll convince the world of its sin, and of god's
- 00:17:00.952 --> 00:17:04.389
- Righteousness, and of the coming judgment."
- 00:17:04.389 --> 00:17:06.891
- So, if you've sinned and you feel guilt, and then you
- 00:17:06.891 --> 00:17:09.660
- Turn to the lord and you ask him to forgive
- 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:11.896
- You, that's a good thing, right?
- 00:17:11.896 --> 00:17:13.931
- Sort of like that smoke alarm that goes off, it's made you
- 00:17:13.931 --> 00:17:16.534
- Aware of a bigger problem, so you respond to the alarm.
- 00:17:16.534 --> 00:17:21.472
- You respond to the conviction.
- 00:17:21.472 --> 00:17:23.441
- But if you feel guilt and shame and you walk away from god,
- 00:17:23.441 --> 00:17:29.247
- You're listening to the wrong voice.
- 00:17:29.247 --> 00:17:32.116
- Satan will accuse you and use your own sins in
- 00:17:32.116 --> 00:17:35.286
- A hateful way to destroy you.
- 00:17:35.286 --> 00:17:38.222
- So, how do we overcome the devil?
- 00:17:38.222 --> 00:17:40.525
- The answer is found right here in revelation 12:11,
- 00:17:40.525 --> 00:17:44.695
- "they overcame him by the blood of the lamb,
- 00:17:44.695 --> 00:17:47.765
- By the word of their testimony.
- 00:17:47.765 --> 00:17:49.901
- And they did not love their lives to the death."
- 00:17:49.901 --> 00:17:52.904
- So, first they overcame him by the blood of the lamb.
- 00:17:52.904 --> 00:17:57.408
- So, let's say you've sinned, the devil says, "you're a hypocrite.
- 00:17:57.408 --> 00:18:02.346
- You're a failure.
- 00:18:02.346 --> 00:18:04.048
- You don't deserve to approach god."
- 00:18:04.048 --> 00:18:06.851
- And my response is, "that's true.
- 00:18:06.851 --> 00:18:09.020
- I don't deserve to approach god.
- 00:18:09.020 --> 00:18:12.390
- I am not worthy and i never will be worthy."
- 00:18:12.390 --> 00:18:15.693
- You see, sometimes as christians, we give into this
- 00:18:15.693 --> 00:18:18.329
- Weird little works righteousness thing, where we think,
- 00:18:18.329 --> 00:18:22.266
- "if i do x amount of good things, god will be
- 00:18:22.266 --> 00:18:24.435
- Happy with me and he'll hear my prayers.
- 00:18:24.435 --> 00:18:27.705
- I've read ten chapters out of the bible, and i actually
- 00:18:27.705 --> 00:18:30.408
- Talked to somebody about jesus."
- 00:18:30.408 --> 00:18:32.877
- Well, look, god doesn't hear your prayers based
- 00:18:32.877 --> 00:18:35.146
- On what you've done.
- 00:18:35.146 --> 00:18:36.814
- He hears your prayers based on what he's done in sending his
- 00:18:36.814 --> 00:18:40.685
- Son, jesus christ, to die on the cross in your place.
- 00:18:40.685 --> 00:18:45.456
- So, there's nothing i need to do to earn the favor of god.
- 00:18:45.456 --> 00:18:49.861
- You see, sometimes people think god is mad at them, when in
- 00:18:49.861 --> 00:18:52.697
- Reality god is mad about them.
- 00:18:52.697 --> 00:18:55.166
- Know this: you're loved by god.
- 00:18:55.166 --> 00:18:57.869
- You're cherished by god.
- 00:18:57.869 --> 00:19:00.571
- And your prayers are welcomed by god.
- 00:19:00.571 --> 00:19:03.774
- You say, "but greg, i'm not worthy."
- 00:19:03.774 --> 00:19:05.676
- You'll never be worthy. forget about being worthy.
- 00:19:05.676 --> 00:19:07.845
- I approach god through the shed blood of jesus christ.
- 00:19:07.845 --> 00:19:12.884
- It's through the blood of jesus i can approach god.
- 00:19:12.884 --> 00:19:16.287
- Ephesians 2:13 says, "you who are sometimes far off
- 00:19:16.287 --> 00:19:20.458
- Have been made near by the blood of jesus."
- 00:19:20.458 --> 00:19:23.494
- But john says, "if we walk in the light as he is in the light,
- 00:19:23.494 --> 00:19:27.565
- We have fellowship one with another, and the blood of jesus
- 00:19:27.565 --> 00:19:30.434
- Christ cleanses us from all sin by the power of the
- 00:19:30.434 --> 00:19:35.907
- Blood, by the blood of the lamb, and also by the
- 00:19:35.907 --> 00:19:41.379
- Word of their testimony," it says.
- 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:44.182
- By the word of their testimony.
- 00:19:44.182 --> 00:19:46.317
- You know when a believer is walking closely with god in
- 00:19:46.317 --> 00:19:49.320
- Fellowship and friendship?
- 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:51.055
- They want to tell others, sort of like when we make a
- 00:19:51.055 --> 00:19:54.425
- Recommendation, right?
- 00:19:54.425 --> 00:19:56.260
- Go to yelp; people give their opinions on everything.
- 00:19:56.260 --> 00:19:59.764
- Who are these people?
- 00:19:59.764 --> 00:20:01.465
- We don't know, but they give their recommendation
- 00:20:01.465 --> 00:20:03.634
- Or their endorsement.
- 00:20:03.634 --> 00:20:05.069
- And maybe before we walk into that restaurant, we check it
- 00:20:05.069 --> 00:20:07.605
- Out, we go, "oh wow, they didn't get a good yelp review."
- 00:20:07.605 --> 00:20:10.074
- But if you really like something,
- 00:20:10.074 --> 00:20:11.676
- You're going to tell others.
- 00:20:11.676 --> 00:20:13.010
- "hey, i just found the best burger on earth in this place."
- 00:20:13.010 --> 00:20:15.713
- Or, "this is the greatest movie i've ever seen."
- 00:20:15.713 --> 00:20:18.015
- Or, "hey man, you got to listen to this song or read this book."
- 00:20:18.015 --> 00:20:21.586
- We give our endorsement.
- 00:20:21.586 --> 00:20:23.054
- If we're really walking with jesus, should we
- 00:20:23.054 --> 00:20:25.022
- Not do the same for him?
- 00:20:25.022 --> 00:20:26.657
- What, are we just gonna talk about burgers
- 00:20:26.657 --> 00:20:28.859
- And movies and books?
- 00:20:28.859 --> 00:20:30.394
- Talk about jesus.
- 00:20:30.394 --> 00:20:31.862
- Give your testimony, tell people what christ has done for you.
- 00:20:31.862 --> 00:20:36.300
- Listen to this, every christian has a testimony.
- 00:20:36.300 --> 00:20:39.537
- Now, some are more dramatic than others.
- 00:20:39.537 --> 00:20:41.906
- Some came from a life of crime, or addiction, or had all kinds
- 00:20:41.906 --> 00:20:46.277
- Of issues, and others never got into those things.
- 00:20:46.277 --> 00:20:49.113
- But here's what we can all say when we tell our
- 00:20:49.113 --> 00:20:51.682
- Story of how we came to jesus.
- 00:20:51.682 --> 00:20:54.018
- Like that blind man who was healed by the lord, we can say,
- 00:20:54.018 --> 00:20:56.787
- "once i was blind, but now i see."
- 00:20:56.787 --> 00:21:00.157
- Listen, i know your testimony, here's what it was.
- 00:21:00.157 --> 00:21:02.693
- You were a sinner separated from god, you heard the gospel,
- 00:21:02.693 --> 00:21:07.331
- You put your faith in jesus, and christ came inside of your life,
- 00:21:07.331 --> 00:21:11.068
- And he's changed you.
- 00:21:11.068 --> 00:21:12.403
- Is that pretty accurate?
- 00:21:12.403 --> 00:21:13.738
- They overcame him, these people, by the blood of the lamb and by
- 00:21:13.738 --> 00:21:17.808
- The word of their testimony.
- 00:21:17.808 --> 00:21:20.945
- And finally, they loved not their lives to the death.
- 00:21:20.945 --> 00:21:24.348
- What does that mean?
- 00:21:24.348 --> 00:21:26.083
- It means that these believers recognize that
- 00:21:26.083 --> 00:21:28.786
- Their lives belong to god.
- 00:21:28.786 --> 00:21:30.621
- I got to tell you something.
- 00:21:30.621 --> 00:21:31.956
- When you became a christian, you became god's possession.
- 00:21:31.956 --> 00:21:37.828
- He owns you, and that's a good thing.
- 00:21:37.828 --> 00:21:40.164
- I mean, i want to be owned by god, right?
- 00:21:40.164 --> 00:21:42.800
- The bible says, "you're not your own.
- 00:21:42.800 --> 00:21:45.036
- You've been bought with a price.
- 00:21:45.036 --> 00:21:46.971
- Therefore, glorify god with your body."
- 00:21:46.971 --> 00:21:50.241
- Because i belong to the lord, i have his id tag on me."
- 00:21:50.241 --> 00:21:54.312
- "he's my child."
- 00:21:54.312 --> 00:21:56.113
- Then i'm also called in the bible the bride of christ.
- 00:21:56.113 --> 00:21:58.582
- So, i'm owned by him, i'm his bride, then i'm also
- 00:21:58.582 --> 00:22:01.218
- Called a friend of god.
- 00:22:01.218 --> 00:22:02.687
- So, there's many pictures the bible gives of this new
- 00:22:02.687 --> 00:22:04.855
- Relationship, but these folks recognized
- 00:22:04.855 --> 00:22:08.159
- Their lives belonged to god.
- 00:22:08.159 --> 00:22:10.127
- And listen, god has given you your life as a gift.
- 00:22:10.127 --> 00:22:14.365
- He's given you the beat of your heart as a gift.
- 00:22:14.365 --> 00:22:18.836
- He's given you the breath in your lungs, that's
- 00:22:18.836 --> 00:22:21.639
- All a gift from him.
- 00:22:21.639 --> 00:22:23.808
- So, these folks recognize god is in control of our lives.
- 00:22:23.808 --> 00:22:28.245
- We belong to the lord, and he loves each and every one of us.
- 00:22:28.245 --> 00:22:33.951
- Isn't that a great thing to know?
- 00:22:33.951 --> 00:22:35.920
- So, let me close by asking you this question.
- 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:38.789
- Are you overcoming the devil, or are you being
- 00:22:38.789 --> 00:22:41.792
- Overcome by the devil?
- 00:22:41.792 --> 00:22:43.994
- Maybe you're under the power of some addiction.
- 00:22:43.994 --> 00:22:47.398
- Maybe it's alcohol, maybe it's drugs, maybe it's pornography,
- 00:22:47.398 --> 00:22:52.603
- Maybe it's something else.
- 00:22:52.603 --> 00:22:53.938
- It just has a grip on you, and you can't break free from it.
- 00:22:53.938 --> 00:22:58.542
- And it seems like when you pray, god isn't listening.
- 00:22:58.542 --> 00:23:01.746
- And satan whispers in your ear, and he says,
- 00:23:01.746 --> 00:23:04.915
- "god will not hear your prayers.
- 00:23:04.915 --> 00:23:07.251
- Why don't you just end it all?
- 00:23:07.251 --> 00:23:08.986
- Why don't you just take your own life?"
- 00:23:08.986 --> 00:23:11.389
- Don't listen to satan.
- 00:23:11.389 --> 00:23:12.857
- He's a liar and the father of lies.
- 00:23:12.857 --> 00:23:15.860
- Listen, god hears your prayers.
- 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:18.195
- God loves you.
- 00:23:18.195 --> 00:23:20.030
- And if you've sinned against him, he will forgive you no
- 00:23:20.030 --> 00:23:22.800
- Matter what you have done.
- 00:23:22.800 --> 00:23:25.035
- Satan does not want you to know that there is forgiveness
- 00:23:25.035 --> 00:23:28.973
- Through jesus christ.
- 00:23:28.973 --> 00:23:30.775
- But here's what god says, if you will confess your sin,
- 00:23:30.775 --> 00:23:34.211
- He's faithful and just to forgive you your sin and cleanse
- 00:23:34.211 --> 00:23:37.314
- You from all unrighteousness.
- 00:23:37.314 --> 00:23:41.352
- Greg: maybe god has spoken to your heart,
- 00:23:43.687 --> 00:23:46.223
- And you have seen your need for jesus christ.
- 00:23:46.223 --> 00:23:50.094
- Jesus christ is the son of god who came from heaven
- 00:23:50.094 --> 00:23:54.198
- To this earth.
- 00:23:54.198 --> 00:23:55.833
- He was born in a manger, he died in a cross,
- 00:23:55.833 --> 00:23:59.403
- He rose again from the dead, why?
- 00:23:59.403 --> 00:24:01.405
- Because he loves you, and he wants a relationship with you.
- 00:24:01.405 --> 00:24:04.842
- Listen, i'm not talking about religion,
- 00:24:04.842 --> 00:24:06.777
- I don't wanna be a religious person,
- 00:24:06.777 --> 00:24:08.979
- I don't think you wanna be one either,
- 00:24:08.979 --> 00:24:10.681
- I'm talking about relationship with god.
- 00:24:10.681 --> 00:24:13.884
- Jesus, who died and rose again, stands at the door of your life
- 00:24:13.884 --> 00:24:18.923
- And he knocks, and he says if you'll hear his voice
- 00:24:18.923 --> 00:24:22.393
- And open the door, he will come in.
- 00:24:22.393 --> 00:24:24.295
- Question: have you asked jesus christ to come
- 00:24:24.295 --> 00:24:26.530
- And live inside of you?
- 00:24:26.530 --> 00:24:28.232
- You might say, well i think so, i'm not sure.
- 00:24:28.232 --> 00:24:30.201
- Hey, if someone moved into your house in the middle
- 00:24:30.201 --> 00:24:32.303
- Of the night, do you think you would be aware of it?
- 00:24:32.303 --> 00:24:35.372
- I'm sure you would.
- 00:24:35.372 --> 00:24:36.774
- And in the same way, if christ has come to live inside of you,
- 00:24:36.774 --> 00:24:39.710
- You will know, and if you don't know,
- 00:24:39.710 --> 00:24:42.446
- Maybe he has not come in yet.
- 00:24:42.446 --> 00:24:44.515
- He's just a prayer away.
- 00:24:44.515 --> 00:24:46.183
- All you need to do is say, jesus,
- 00:24:46.183 --> 00:24:48.452
- I want this relationship with you,
- 00:24:48.452 --> 00:24:50.654
- I want you to forgive me of my sin,
- 00:24:50.654 --> 00:24:52.490
- I want to go to heaven when i die,
- 00:24:52.490 --> 00:24:54.992
- Would you like to do that?
- 00:24:54.992 --> 00:24:56.660
- Would you like christ to come into your life?
- 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:58.662
- If so, why don't you just pray this simple prayer with me.
- 00:24:58.662 --> 00:25:01.999
- You can pray it out loud or you can pray it in the quietness of
- 00:25:01.999 --> 00:25:05.503
- Your heart, but this is a prayer where you're asking jesus christ
- 00:25:05.503 --> 00:25:09.039
- To be your savior and lord, pray this with me now.
- 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:12.376
- Lord jesus, i know that i'm a sinner,
- 00:25:12.376 --> 00:25:15.446
- But i know that you're the savior who died on the cross
- 00:25:15.446 --> 00:25:19.683
- For my sin and rose again from the dead.
- 00:25:19.683 --> 00:25:22.486
- Now come into my life.
- 00:25:22.486 --> 00:25:24.522
- I choose to follow you from this moment forward.
- 00:25:24.522 --> 00:25:29.159
- Thank you for hearing this prayer and
- 00:25:29.159 --> 00:25:31.529
- Answering this prayer.
- 00:25:31.529 --> 00:25:33.464
- In jesus's name, amen.
- 00:25:33.464 --> 00:25:36.233
- Did you just pray that prayer with me?
- 00:25:36.233 --> 00:25:38.636
- If so, i want you to know on the authority of scripture
- 00:25:38.636 --> 00:25:41.739
- That christ himself has come to live inside of you,
- 00:25:41.739 --> 00:25:44.875
- And i would love to send to you, at no charge,
- 00:25:44.875 --> 00:25:47.611
- Something called the new believer's bible.
- 00:25:47.611 --> 00:25:50.514
- It's a very friendly translation of the new testament you'll find
- 00:25:50.514 --> 00:25:53.717
- Very understandable, and it's filled with hundreds of notes
- 00:25:53.717 --> 00:25:57.521
- That i wrote that will encourage you in this commitment
- 00:25:57.521 --> 00:26:00.724
- You've just made to follow jesus.
- 00:26:00.724 --> 00:26:03.027
- Let me send that to you at no charge, and let me be
- 00:26:03.027 --> 00:26:05.829
- The first to say to you
- 00:26:05.829 --> 00:26:07.498
- Congratulations and welcome to the family of god.
- 00:26:07.498 --> 00:26:12.670
- Male announcer: explore the life and legacy of one
- 00:26:12.736 --> 00:26:15.139
- Of the bible's most captivating
- 00:26:15.139 --> 00:26:16.974
- And relatable people, king david.
- 00:26:16.974 --> 00:26:19.877
- From shepherd to warrior king, david's journey is marked
- 00:26:19.877 --> 00:26:23.314
- By incredible triumphs, heartbreaking failures,
- 00:26:23.314 --> 00:26:26.350
- And a relentless pursuit of god's heart.
- 00:26:26.350 --> 00:26:29.153
- For a limited time, you can receive "house of david:
- 00:26:29.153 --> 00:26:32.222
- 30 days with the man after god's own heart"
- 00:26:32.222 --> 00:26:34.959
- With your gift of any amount to harvest ministries.
- 00:26:34.959 --> 00:26:37.928
- This brand new devotional is the official companion piece
- 00:26:37.928 --> 00:26:41.465
- To the new series on amazon prime,
- 00:26:41.465 --> 00:26:43.801
- Exploring timeless lessons from david's life.
- 00:26:43.801 --> 00:26:46.704
- It reveals how his story can inspire
- 00:26:46.704 --> 00:26:48.906
- And guide your walk with god
- 00:26:48.906 --> 00:26:51.375
- David's story reminds us that god uses imperfect people
- 00:26:51.375 --> 00:26:54.945
- To do extraordinary things.
- 00:26:54.945 --> 00:26:57.281
- Support the work of harvest ministries
- 00:26:57.281 --> 00:26:59.483
- And request your copy of "house of david" today.
- 00:26:59.483 --> 00:27:02.753
- Female announcer: jesus says that where two or three are
- 00:27:04.622 --> 00:27:07.024
- Gathered in my name, there i am in the midst of them.
- 00:27:07.024 --> 00:27:11.462
- We are all different.
- 00:27:11.462 --> 00:27:12.830
- We have different interests, different personalities,
- 00:27:12.830 --> 00:27:15.966
- Different upbringings, and different ways we do life,
- 00:27:15.966 --> 00:27:19.903
- But here, we have a deep connection,
- 00:27:19.903 --> 00:27:23.440
- And you are welcome here.
- 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:27.544
- This is harvest.
- 00:27:27.544 --> 00:27:27.544
