ACTS: The Church In Action
OVERCOMING THE ENEMY WITHIN
Chapter Five

INTRODUCTION: Satan's first approach was the attack the church from the outside, hoping that arrest and threats would frighten the servant leaders.  When that failed, Satan decided to attack the church from the inside.  We must face the fact that Satan is a clever foe.  If he does not succeed as the "devouring lion" (I Peter 5:8), then he attacks again as the "deceiving serpent" or an "angel of light" (II Corinthians 11:3, 13-14), and the church must be prepared for both attacks.


The sharing of the saints (4:32-37)
  1. Spiritual Participation (32)
  2. Strong Preaching (33)
  3. Sharing Practically (32-35)
  4. A Sample Person (36-37)

    opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work


    the sins of the saints (5:1-11)
    1. Spiritual Pretense (1-2)
    2. Spiritual Perception (3-4)
    3. Swift Punishment (5-10)
    4. Solemn Purging (11)

    the trouble with trouble is that it usually starts out as a whole lot of fun.


    Discerning Demonic Suggestions
    1. Recognize that the adversary's main target is the mind (II Cor. 10:5)
    2. Recognize that the Bible teaches "as a man thinks so is he." 
    3. Recognize that the enemy gains control:
      1. Through a renewed mind (II Cor. 4:4; 3:14; Eph. 2:3; Col. 3:1-2)
      2. Through a mind that is fixed on the flesh (Rom. 8:6; Col. 3:1-2)
      3. Through lies and deception accepted in the mind (Matt. 16:21-23)
      4. Through a passive mind (Eph. 4:23; 2 Peter 3:1)
      5. Through unrestrained curiosity (Rom. 16:19-20)

    The devil is easy to identify.  he appears when you are terribly tired and makes a very reasonable request, which you know you should not grant.


    Discerning Divine Suggestions
    1. Recognize you have the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16) 
    2. Recognize your responsiblity to think rightly (Col. 3:1-2)
    3. Recognize the power of God's written voice (Jn. 1:14; Heb. 4:12)
    4. Recognize you can win the war (II Cor. 10:5; Phil 1:6)