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Whisnant
August 09, 2009 Rivers of Joy Baptist Church
Satan is out to get in the way of you getting on your way in the Christian life
"In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corin. 2:11
The New Testament reports that he was present at the churches of Jerusalem (Acts 5:1-10), 2 Corinth
2:1-11Ephesus (1 Tim 3:6-7), Smyrna (Rev. 2:9-10), Pergamum (2:13)), Thyatira (2:24)), and
Philadelphia (3:9).
Satan wants to thwart the progress of God's kingdom much as an army seeks to disrupt the
advance of an opposing army. The word translated hindered is a military term referring to digging a
trench or breaking up a road. One of the countermeasures an ancient army would take against the
opposition was to dig a massive trench that would prevent enemy troops from reaching its men. Another
way to frustrate the enemy's progress would be to tear up a brick or stone road so that he could not
traverse it. Thus Paul depicted the powerful devil as supernaturally obstructing the apostle's strong
desire to revisit Thessalonica. Paul did not state specifically how Satan thwarted his desire, but the
hindrance could refer to the trouble at Jason's house and the pledge that Jason made ( Acts 17:9)
Paul recognized that Satan (the adversary) is the real enemy behind all opposition to the gospel. Satan’s
purpose is to hinder the work of God and stop the forward march of the Church. As the god of this world
he blinds the minds of unbelievers, trying to keep out the light of the glorious gospel of Christ 2 Corin
4:4
Whereas as Satan kept Paul out of Thessalonica for a time, this became a blessing because we have the
epistle which Paul wrote, having words for us of comfort, warning and direction.
19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing.” Are not even ye
in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
“For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence
of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (2:19-20)
Listen, Paul loved his people, he understood his enemy and he looked for his Lord’s coming.