How Does Satan Destroy Love Among Brethren?

1. How Does Satan Destroy Love Among Brethren?

2. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • We should not be surprised at the tactics of Satan. • When working with other men we must constantly be humbled and because of that be willing to follow the wisdom of God. (James 3:13-18)

3. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • James 3:13-18 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

4. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

5. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • When we trust God it becomes all about Him and we empty ourselves. • When brethren want to serve God there is not a problem we cannot work out. • There will be some who seek to draw disciples unto themselves. (Acts 20:30)

6. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • Acts 20:30 - "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

7. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • They will appear humble, loving and often have a great ability to speak. Sadly, they have a different motive than what is outwardly shown. (Rom 16:18; Col 2:18-19, 23)

8. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • Romans 16:18 - For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. wisdom of Satan.

9. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • Colossians 2:18-19 - Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. n.

10. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • Colossians 2:23 - These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

11. The key to understanding God’s will is the cross of Christ. • How can I know when this is happening? How can I keep loved ones from being pulled into such a movement? • Let us careful look at the difference in how children of God work out problems and those who submit to the wisdom of Satan.

12. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

13. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Bitterness towards brethren. (Heb 12:15)

14. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Hebrews 12:15 - looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

15. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) bitterness; literally, of plants that produce inedible or poisonous fruit, root that bears bitter fruit; used metaphorically of a person whose influence or actions become harmful to a community one who causes trouble (HE 12.15; ..); figuratively, as a hostile attitude (angry) resentment, animosity (EP 4.31)

16. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) It is very easy to spread anger and bitterness. The world in not concerned with justice and mercy. They are quick to believe a falsehood! Let us not do this. The “anger family” can accomplish much in Satan’s plan. (Gal 5:19-21)

17. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Galatians 5:19-21- Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

18. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) The unstable are especially vulnerable to this powerful emotion. (Eph 4:26-27)

19. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Ephesians 4:26-27- "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

20. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) “I am so fed up with churches of Christ” or “These legalistic brethren are telling lies against me!”

21. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Pride towards brethren – (Jas 3:14; 1 Jn 2:16)

22. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

23. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Pride and bitterness are common partners. (Lk 18:9)

24. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Luke 18:9 - Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

25. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Pride is often employed by those who have no foundation to artificially build one up. Many look down on their “ignorant” brethren. (1 Cor 8:1-3)

26. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

27. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Pride rejoices in the faults of others. You live in the land of “throw-away” people. You write them off with no attempt to work with them. They often discuss the faults of brethren as a means of building themselves up. (2 Cor 10:12, 18)

28. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) 2 Corinthians 10:12 - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

29. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) 2 Corinthians 10:18 - For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

30. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) A learned dishonesty. (Lk 20:4-7)

31. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Luke 20:4-7- "The baptism of John -- was it from heaven or from men?" 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 6 "But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

32. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) This creates a heart that cannot receive the word of God. (Lk 8:15 KJV)

33. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Luke 8:15 - But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

34. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) Men of faith and convict are open and bold. (2 Cor 4:2; 3:2; Jn 1:47)

35. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) 2 Corinthians 4:2 - But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

36. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) 2 Corinthians 3:2 - You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;

37. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) John 1:47 - Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

38. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) One brother described a man’s preaching as “veiled subtleties that leave you uneasy after hearing the sermons.” They are always “misunderstood” and love to wear martyr’s clothes. (Quote) How did Jesus teach others? Why do men hide their beliefs? (Jn 18:20)

39. The three pillars of false movements - the components of Satan’s wisdom (Jas 3:14) John 18:20- Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.

40. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Wedge issues – How are differences among brethren are handled? Satan’s wisdom works to build wedges between brethren, the love of Christ shows mercy and patience. “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.”

41. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Consider how differences are exploited to achieve worldly goals. The love of God is very different. (1 Cor 13:4-7)

42. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

43. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Some issues: the term “church of Christ”, opposing “legalism,” how to best conduct our assemblies, use of restoration history, CENI and “worship.” By far, the biggest wedge issue used to spread bitterness amongst brethren is the care of the needy. This is not the first time where the needy are used as a prop and as a carnal tool. (Mt 6:1-4) (Quotes)

44. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Matthew 6:1-4 - "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

45. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars 3 "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 "that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

46. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Secrecy and whispering – How is a fellowship is built upon bitterness and flattery? (1 Thess 2:3-6)

47. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NKJV) - For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. {4} But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

48. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars {5} For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness; God is witness. {6} Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

49. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars They complain about others “gossip” while they themselves work hard to destroy relationships with those that could answer their doctrine. “Ex. Don’t give this to Larry!” They do not have the spirit of open examination! (Acts 17:11; 2 Pt 2:1-3)

50. Tools Satan uses to build his pillars Acts 17:11 - These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.