The Sermon Satan Loves: How to Guard Against Self-Centered Preaching

The Sermon Satan Loves to Hear

Introduction

Imagine for a moment that you are a fly on the wall of the enemy's camp. You listen intently as Satan gathers his demonic forces to discuss their strategies. They are plotting against the church, seeking ways to hinder the spread of the gospel and lead believers astray. Suddenly, the discussion turns to a particular sermon that Satan loves to hear. This sermon, when preached, plays right into the hands of the enemy and undermines the power of God's Word. It is a sermon that we, as followers of Christ, must be aware of and guard against.

The Sermon Satan Loves to Hear

So, what is this sermon? It is the sermon that focuses solely on self-improvement and personal success, while neglecting the gospel message of sin, repentance, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This sermon appeals to our natural desire for comfort, happiness, and prosperity, but it fails to address the true condition of our hearts and the desperate need for a Savior.

Instead of proclaiming the life-transforming truth of the gospel, this sermon offers nothing more than motivational tips and strategies for living our best lives now. It tells us that we can achieve our dreams, overcome obstacles, and find fulfillment in this world. It promises health, wealth, and happiness without ever mentioning the cost of discipleship or the reality of suffering for the sake of Christ.

By focusing on our own desires and ambitions, this sermon feeds our pride and self-centeredness. It reinforces the lie that we are the center of the universe and that God exists to serve us and make our lives comfortable. It subtly shifts our focus from eternal matters to temporary pleasures, leading us further away from the truth and into the clutches of the enemy.

Scriptural Warnings

Throughout the Bible, we find warnings against the dangers of such a self-centered mindset. Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 16:24-26:

"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'"

Jesus' words serve as a powerful reminder that true life and fulfillment are found in surrendering ourselves to Him, not in pursuing worldly success and self-gratification. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:7-8:

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

Paul's words remind us that the pursuit of worldly gain and personal success is ultimately empty and meaningless when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

Guarding Against the Sermon Satan Loves

So, how do we guard against this sermon that Satan loves to hear? First and foremost, we must be grounded in the truth of God's Word. We need to know the gospel message inside and out, understanding that it is not about us and our desires, but about the glory of God and the salvation of sinners.

We must regularly study the Bible, meditate on its truths, and allow it to shape our thinking and transform our hearts. This will enable us to discern false teachings and recognize when a sermon is veering off course, focusing more on self-help than on the life-changing power of the gospel.

Additionally, we must cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and fellowship with other believers. By staying connected to the true vine, we can guard against the allure of worldly success and remain focused on the eternal purposes of God.

Conclusion

As followers of Christ, we must be aware of the sermon that Satan loves to hear. We must guard ourselves against the temptation to seek self-improvement and personal success at the expense of the gospel message. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and proclaim the truth of His Word with boldness and clarity.

Remember, the enemy seeks to deceive and destroy, but we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word to stand firm against his schemes. Let us be vigilant, discerning, and faithful in our proclamation of the gospel, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.