Today’s message is designed to remind us of our safety in Jesus. Yes, the earth is fallen and under the influence of the evil one, people are effected every day by his ways, so much so that the earth and it’s population groan for redemption, HOWEVER, God is in total and complete control!
The Benefits of Jesus’ Blood: God is in Control
Job 1:10
We use the words from Job to describe the relationship between God, the devil, and man. We call the rules that govern the relationship “the hedge” or “the hedge of protection.”
The hedge is the boundaries God places around the devil keep the evil one from doing what he truly intends: to kill, steal, and destroy. John 10:10
Why this hatred from the evil one?
• Humans are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27
• To steal, kill, or destroy human life is to steal, kill, or destroy a piece of God’s special creation.
God holds life and death, not the devil. Hebrews 2:14-15
• God opens the hedge around Job and his family, but limits the evil one from killing job. Job 1:12
• With the hedge opened, the devil brought much death. Job 1:13-18
Satan is an evil dog, but God holds the leash!
• Satan had to ask God for permission to attack Job and his household.
• God granted Satan’s request, with a special limitation.
The hedge is the term we use for the limits God places on the devil’s options in our lives.
The hedge is the boundary beyond which the devil cannot go without God’s permission.
The Apostle Peter recognizes God’s control over the evil one and gives us powerful guidance. 1 Peter 5:7-11
• Cast all your cares upon God. Psalm 55:22
• Be alert and sober of mind. Luke 22:31
• Resist the enemy and stand firm in faith.
• Then the God of all grace will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.
MCA LIFE Groups
My Story
1. Do you recall an experience in your life where you could clearly see that God was in control?
2. Do you know a song, Bible verse, or poem that speaks of God’s control?
Digging Deeper
1. According to John 16:33…
a. Why is Jesus so sure that people will have tribulation in this world?
b. How do we “take heart?”
c. Jesus has overcome the world. What does that mean for you today?
d. In what ways does Jesus’ promise grant you peace?
2. MCA Church prays the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) in almost every worship service. What stanzas of the prayer indicate that you are abandoning yourself to the control of God?
3. One of the most popular Bible truths of all time is Proverbs 3:5,6. Because God is in control and we know His character is love, mercy, and grace, we trust him. The command to trust is accompanied by two promises:
a. Verse 6
b. Verse 8
Taking it Home
1. Will you speak Jesus’ peace, according to John 16:33, to at least three people this week?
2. Will you abandon yourself to the control of God by praying, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done?”
3. Please pray for God to release the promises of Proverbs 3:5-8 into those in your LIFE Group.
a. “He will direct your path.”
b. “It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”