How God’s Enemies Attack, part 1
The sermon identifies a primary tactic used by the enemies of God: corrupting through compromise. This tactic is illustrated through the story of the Samaritans who offered to help rebuild the temple in Ezra 4.
Despite claiming to worship the same God, the Samaritans’ history revealed a syncretistic religion, blending pagan worship with the worship of Jehovah.
Their offer of help was a veiled attempt to control and manipulate God for their own benefit, as evidenced by their desire to appease Him to prevent lion attacks.
Zerubbabel, recognizing their insincerity, refused their help, emphasizing that the work of God should not be compromised by association with the ungodly.
The sermon argues that this principle applies to the modern Church as well.
The speaker criticizes modern churches for engaging in “faith-based initiatives” with governments that promote practices contrary to biblical teachings.
He contends that accepting government funding inevitably leads to control and compromise, citing the example of Obama’s policy requiring churches receiving funds to comply with non-discrimination laws that could force them to hire individuals whose lifestyles contradict their beliefs.
The sermon further argues that church incorporation and the pursuit of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are forms of compromise that corrupt the Church and subject it to government control.
Incorporating makes the church a “creature of the state,” obligated to obey state laws even if they conflict with biblical principles.
Obtaining 501(c)(3) status requires churches to agree not to oppose “clearly defined public policy,” potentially silencing them on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage that contradict their beliefs.
The sermon concludes that true believers must refuse compromise and maintain a clear distinction between the Church and the world, just as Zerubbabel did with the Samaritans.
How Enemies Attack – Corrupting the Work of God
Main Theme: Pastor Weaver argues that the primary tactic of God’s enemies is to corrupt His work through compromise, particularly by influencing believers to partner with the ungodly. He uses the story of the Samaritans offering to help rebuild the temple in Ezra 4 as a prime example.
Key Ideas:
Enemies of God vs. Personal Enemies: Pastor Weaver distinguishes between enemies created by personal failings and those who oppose believers solely because of their faith in Christ.
Compromise as Corruption: He posits that partnering with those who do not share biblical values corrupts the purity of God’s work, citing 2 Corinthians 6:14 and 3 John 5-7.
Modern Examples of Compromise: Pastor Weaver criticizes “faith-based initiatives” like those implemented by Presidents Bush and Obama, arguing that accepting government funding inevitably leads to control and compromise of biblical principles.
He states, “Whenever the government gives shackles, you can mark it down. There are always shackles because the aim of the enemies of God is to entice and to entrap God’s people into compromise so that the work of God may not only be corrupted but controlled.”
Church Incorporation and 501c3 Status: The sermon strongly condemns church incorporation and the pursuit of 501c3 tax-exempt status, viewing them as a dangerous submission to state control.
He argues that incorporation makes the church a “creature of the state” subject to its laws and regulations, potentially placing state law above biblical principles.
He criticizes churches for seeking 501c3 status when it is not required for tax-deductible contributions, seeing it as a desire for “governmental approval and governmental control.”
Call to Action: Pastor Weaver calls for a return to biblical principles and for pastors to reject compromise, stating, “Where are our Zerubbabels today? Where are the pastors in the pulpit [who] say we’re fed up with this stuff? If we want our country back, we must get our pulpits back.”
Important Facts:
The sermon references the historical context of the Samaritans, highlighting their syncretistic religion that combined pagan worship with the worship of Jehovah.
It cites specific court cases, such as Holland v. Edmunds and Gibson v. Monson, to demonstrate how church incorporation can subject churches to state control in matters of church governance.
It directly quotes IRS publication 557, emphasizing that churches are not required to obtain tax exemption and highlighting the IRS guidelines that may restrict the actions of churches with 501c3 status.
Supporting Quotes:
On the nature of true enemies: “The enemies that I’m referring to today are those that are our enemies simply because we are Christians and simply because we belong to Christ and they are the enemies of Christ and the gospel.”
On the danger of compromise: “How can the work of God be a pure work if it is corrupted and compromised with the heathen and with the pagan and with unbiblical and ungodly practices?”
On the control inherent in government funding: “Come shackles come shackles. And that’s a fact, folks. Whenever the government gives shackles, you can mark it down. There are always shackles…”
On the consequences of church incorporation: “Once the church determined to enter into the realm of Caesar by forming a corporation, it was required to abide by the rules of Caesar…”
On the choice between God and government: “Either Jesus Christ is head of the church or the state is head of the church.”
Overall Impression: Pastor Weaver delivers a passionate and strongly worded message warning against compromising biblical principles for the sake of convenience, financial gain, or societal acceptance. He views the modern church as being heavily influenced by secular forces and calls for a return to a position of separation and obedience to God’s word above all else.
How God’s Enemies Attack, part 2
This excerpt from a YouTube video by Pastor John Weaver explores the ways in which enemies of Christ attack his followers. Using the biblical example of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, Weaver explains that the adversaries first try to corrupt by offering compromise, then control by creating complications, and finally constrain by resorting to coercion. He highlights that although these tactics may be successful temporarily, ultimately God’s will prevails, as demonstrated by the eventual completion of the Temple despite various obstacles. Weaver emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith and not being deterred by the enemy’s tactics, drawing solace from the knowledge that Christians are more than conquerors through Christ.
This document reviews the main themes and key points from Pastor John Weaver’s sermon, “How Enemies Attack,” based on the provided transcript excerpt. The sermon draws heavily on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, using their experiences to illustrate how the enemies of Christ attack believers and the work of God.
Main Themes:
Methods of Attack: Pastor Weaver identifies three primary methods used by the enemies of Christ:
Corruption by Compromise: Enemies tempt believers to compromise their principles and dilute the message of the Gospel for the sake of worldly gain, acceptance, or ease. This is exemplified by the offer made to Zerubbabel to jointly rebuild the temple (Ezra 4:1-3). Pastor Weaver connects this to the modern-day issue of church incorporation and 501(c)(3) status, arguing that these compromise churches’ ability to speak freely against societal evils.
Control by Complications: When compromise fails, the enemy resorts to tactics that create obstacles and complications, aiming to weaken, delay, and ultimately halt the work of God. This is seen in the legal challenges, delays, and bureaucratic hurdles faced by the builders in Ezra (Ezra 4:4-6). Pastor Weaver draws parallels to contemporary experiences of churches facing zoning issues, legal battles, and other forms of harassment.
Constrain by Coercion: The final stage of attack involves the use of force and power to suppress believers and the work of God. This is evident in the forceful cessation of the temple rebuilding in Ezra (Ezra 4:23-24) and the planned attack on Nehemiah’s wall-building efforts (Nehemiah 4:7-12).
Nature of the Enemy: Pastor Weaver emphasizes that the enemies are not merely personal adversaries but the enemies of Christ himself. He quotes John 15:18-20 to highlight that hatred, persecution, and attacks stem from the inherent animosity of the ungodly towards Christ and his followers.
False Accusations: A recurring tactic employed by the enemy is the use of false accusations to discredit, undermine, and even destroy believers and their work. This is demonstrated by the accusations levelled against the builders in Ezra (Ezra 4:7-16), the attempt to frame Nehemiah as a rebel (Nehemiah 6:1-9), and the false charges that led to Naboth’s execution (1 Kings 21). Pastor Weaver underscores the devastating impact of false accusations, particularly when coming from figures of authority.
God’s Sovereignty and Ultimate Victory: Despite the enemy’s relentless attacks, Pastor Weaver emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty and the believer’s assured victory in Christ. He reminds listeners that “God is still on his throne,” and that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:1). He highlights the eventual failure of the enemy’s schemes and draws encouragement from Psalm 7, which describes how the wicked ultimately fall into the pit they dig for others. Pastor Weaver concludes by affirming the truth of Romans 8:31-39, declaring that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and that they are “more than conquerors” through him.
Key Points:
Compromise: “The first point that I emphasized last week: usually, the first attack is they always seek to corrupt by compromise.”
Complications: “The whole impact of controlling by complications is to make the work so difficult, so full of heartache and trouble that you just give up, which is what they want anyhow.”
False Accusations: “The wicked are assuming a righteous role and the righteous are castigated and condemned as wicked.”
God’s Justice: “Every Haman will be hanged from his own gallows.”
Self-Defense: “When the wicked wrongly and wickedly prepare to use force against the people of God and the work of God, the righteous may righteously and justly defend themselves.”
Ultimate Victory: “Our enemies may attempt to compromise us but they cannot corrupt us… they may attempt to defeat us but they cannot destroy us… why? Because we are the people of God by faith in Jesus Christ.”
Overall Impression:
Pastor Weaver delivers a powerful message about the spiritual warfare faced by believers. He uses historical examples to illustrate timeless principles and provides encouragement to stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that ultimate victory rests with God. The sermon serves as a reminder to be vigilant against compromise, discern the enemy’s tactics, and find strength and courage in the Lord.