1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1 Thes 2:17-20 “Adversary of the Gospel

INTRODUCTION: Today is July 4^th, Independence Day. We celebrate the birth of our nation, yet most people seem to forget the 10 years that separate the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the signing of the Constitution in 1787. I want to point out some similarities to Paul’s life and the revolutionary war and our own lives.

1. WE FACE AN AVISARY

A. SATAN STOPPED HIM

a. PAUL BELIEVES IN SATAN

b. PAUL ATRIBUTES THE POWER TO STOP HIM TO SATAN

c. JESUS BELIEVE IN SATAN

TEMPTED IN THE DESERT

PARABLES OF THE WEEDS, RECOGNIZES SATANS ATTACK

2. A SHORT HISTORY LESSION

A. Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan beaten by Cornwallis

B. George Washington beaten and on the ropes at the battle of New York retreats to Valley Forge.

C. In the winter of 1776 and 77 he crosses the Delaware Rive and wins at Trenton

D. Fighting ends in 1781 with the Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown

E. British troops leave New York in Nov of 1783

F. Constitution is signed 1787

3. OUR BATTLES TODAY

A. ATTACKED IN YOUR MARRIAGE

B. ATTACKED THROUGH YOUR FAMILY

C. ATTACKED THROUGH PHYSICAL ILLNESS

D. ATTACKED THROUGH YOUR WORK

E. ATTACKED THROUGH YOUR FINNACES

F. 2 COR 4:8 - 18

G. ROMANS 5:2-11

H. VICTORY WILL COME

CONCLUSION: There is an adversary who seeks to defeat and destroy us. We may feel like we are losing the battle today. But victory is yours, Jesus has won it, guaranteed it with His very life. Do not surrender but claim the victory for it belongs to you.