Resist the Schemes of Satan | Philip Anthony Mitchell | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Resist the Schemes of Satan

Philip Anthony Mitchell

2819 Church • Dec 2, 2019 • 57 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In Nehemiah 6, Nehemiah faces three specific schemes from the enemy designed to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls: distraction through enticement, defamation through intimidation, and deception through false religious voices. Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell shows how Satan targets believers after moments of divine affirmation to destroy their witness, credibility, and calling. By maintaining clear priorities, relying on the Word of God, and exercising Holy Spirit discernment, believers can resist the devil's traps and stay faithful to their God-given assignment.

Themes

Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentFocus and PrioritiesResisting TemptationIntegrity and Witness

Pastor's Points

1.

The Scheme of Distraction via Enticement

2.

The Scheme of Defamation through Intimidation

3.

The Scheme of Deception

Key Points

1.
Satan often attacks believers after significant spiritual affirmation but right before they step into public ministry or destiny.
2.
A focused heart grounded in clear priorities provides the strongest defense against enticement and distraction.
3.
When your convictions are established and your priorities are ordered, your daily decisions regarding temptation are already pre-made.
4.
The enemy uses defamation and unsealed letters of gossip to damage your witness and diminish the power of your testimony.
5.
When facing intimidation, believers should respond with vocal truth and pray for God to strengthen their hands rather than seeking a quick exit.
6.
Discernment dispels deception in cloudy or ambiguous situations where standard logic cannot reveal the hidden danger.
7.
A deep knowledge of God's Word is essential for spiritual discernment because truth makes it easy to spot subtle lies.
8.

Sermon Moments

“Pastor Philip shares a personal reflection standing in the barren Judean wilderness outside Jerusalem where Jesus resisted Satan's schemes.”

“Illustration of the plain of 'Ono'—how the enemy tries to lure Nehemiah 20 miles outside Jerusalem to interrupt God's assignment.”

“The principle of pre-made decisions: strong convictions mean all your 'no' responses to temptation are decided before the test arrives.”

“The historical context of 'unsealed letters'—how ancient enemies deliberately left letters open so runners would spread damaging rumors.”

“The contrast between asking for deliverance versus praying for strength to endure and complete the work.”

“The call for believers to be bold as lions rather than wishy-washy when standing up for God's truth.”

“Comparing Nehemiah's refusal to leave the wall with Jesus refusing the taunts to come down from the cross so He could complete our salvation.”

This Week

Write out your biblical order of priorities (God, spouse, children, work, ministry) to ensure your daily schedule reflects God's design.

Identify any persistent enticements or invitations tempting you to step outside of God's will, and practice giving an immediate, firm 'no'.

Refuse to engage in or panic over gossip ('they say'), keeping your focus entirely on what God has called you to do.

Pray 'Lord, strengthen my hands' when facing difficult trials instead of asking God for an immediate way out.

Commit to reading God's Word daily so you can build true spiritual discernment against false teachings and subtle lies.

Guard your public witness and social media presence carefully to protect your Christian credibility and testimony.

Declare daily over your life, family, and service: 'I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.'

Remember This

When the enemy schemes to entice, defame, or deceive you away from God's calling, stand firm on your priorities and declare, 'I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.'

A Challenge for You

Stay on the wall, build the wall, and don't come down, because you are involved in a great work for the Lord Jesus Christ.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.