(Special message between Week 2 and 3 of the Wednesday Wisdom series)
Intro
- Today’s message is to equip us internally.
God is clearly moving—growth, unity, answered prayers, lives changed.
With every blessing comes greater responsibility. - Conviction to pause the series: I’ve felt led by God to bring this message now—to be diligent and spiritually prepared for what He’s building.
- Ephesians 6:12 — We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
- Whenever God builds, the enemy schemes. If he can’t stop us from the outside, he’ll try to infect us from the inside.
- This is not about fear—it’s about focus.
1. Distraction & Apathy
- Revelation 3:15–16 — Lukewarm faith disgusts Christ.
- When faith becomes routine instead of relationship, hearts grow numb.
- Active in ministry but absent in prayer.
- The first step away from God isn’t rebellion—it’s distraction.
2. Doctrinal Deception
- 2 Timothy 4:3–4 — People chase what fits their itch.
- Satan doesn’t deny Scripture; he dilutes it.
- Half-truths damn as efficiently as whole lies.
- Safeguard: Gospel test, context test, holiness test, devotion to the Word.
- Build a Bible-validating culture. Encourage questions. Make “What does Scripture say?” the reflex of this house.
3. Pride and Ego
- Proverbs 16:18 — Pride precedes destruction.
- Pride turns cooperation into competition.
- God resists the proud—so when pride is in the church, God resists the church.
- True humility: think of yourself less, not less of yourself.
4. Moral Compromise
- 1 Peter 2:11 — Fleshly passions war against the soul.
- Hidden sin rots the foundation before the fall becomes visible.
- Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers repentance.
- Stop managing sin—start confessing it.
5. Spiritual Counterfeits
- 2 Corinthians 11:14–15 — Satan disguises as an angel of light.
- Not every “move of God” is from God.
- The Spirit produces order, humility, and holiness.
- Emotion without truth leads to bondage wrapped in excitement.
6. Fear and Discouragement
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — God gives power, love, and self-control, not fear.
- Discouragement drains passion and silences testimony.
- Protect one another from discouragement—never question those seeking prayer; make space for healing.
7. Division and Discord
- James 3:16 — Where jealousy exists, there’s disorder.
- Gossip wears the mask of concern; criticism dresses like discernment.
- Unity doesn’t mean agreement—it means loyalty to Christ above all.
- A church fighting each other can’t fight for the lost.
8. Leadership Corruption
- Acts 20:28–30 — Guard yourselves and the flock.
- The enemy feeds on isolation and ego.
- A leader who stops praying becomes a liability.
- Leadership is stewardship, not status.
- We serve for people, not position.
9. Unforgiveness and Bitterness
- Ephesians 4:31–32 — Put away bitterness; forgive as Christ forgave.
- Bitterness is poison you drink hoping someone else dies.
- Forgiveness releases control; it doesn’t erase truth.
- A forgiving church is a free church.
10. Subtle Infiltration
- Matthew 7:15 — Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
- Compromise masquerades as compassion.
- Culture seeps in when Scripture stops being the standard.
- Truth doesn’t need to be popular—it needs to be preached.
- Stay in the Word. Stay alert. Stay humble.
Conclusion — Guard the Gates
- 1 Peter 5:8–9 — Be sober-minded and watchful; the enemy prowls.
- The devil can’t destroy the true Church—but he’ll do everything to distract, deceive, and divide.
- Our defense isn’t paranoia—it’s purity.
- It’s not suspicion—it’s submission to the Spirit of God.
- Our calling goes beyond these walls, but our growth begins within them.
- We are family. We are one. God’s not done—He’s just begun.
- Let’s guard the gates together.