MCA Church’s weekend message features the glorious truth of the Sovereignty of God, especially in light of the scheme of the Evil One known as “buffeting.” In essence, all of Satan’s work toward the disciple of Jesus is defined as temptation. Temptation is the big word defining the whole process. We know of at least 17 different schemes that darkness uses to tempt.
The first temptation scheme we studied is the scheme of “sifitng.” Luke 22 is full of understanding about this scheme, especially in verses 31 and 32. Yet the whole chapter is insightful. Peter was warned to fight sifting through prayer, but he didn’t pray and soon denied Christ. jesus, also being sifted, prayed with deep intercession, and triumphantly endured the cross, defeated death, Satan, and produced victory for everyone in him.
This lesson is designed open for you a different temptation scheme of the enemy called ‘buffeting.”
Pastor Fay’s delivery of this message is impeccable and anointed. You may hear it at www.pastorkent.me and click on online church.
The Benefits of Jesus’ Blood: Protection from Satan’s Buffeting
In last week’s message we discussed how to stand in the midst of the enemy’s schemes (Eph. 6:11). Scheme 1 is sifting. The goal of Satan’s attempts is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a).
In the life of Job we discovered, Satan must ask God’s permission to tempt the believer. John 10:10b reminds us that Jesus came to give us life and more abundantly.
In the midst of a time of sifting, prayer is the key to the hedge of protection during seasons of sifting.
The second scheme that the Bible identifies as the enemy’s plans to destroy God’s people is through a strategy called, “buffeting.”
Buffeting is a boxing term which means to punch, to strike repeatedly, or to bash.
In today’s message, we will discover that while Satan intends to destroy the life of the believer through buffeting, God’s grace sustains and provides hope.
Jesus endured buffeting in Matthew 26:67.
Paul faced buffeting when God allowed Satan to use natural phenomena to come against Paul in Acts 27-28.
From the evil one’s perspective, buffeting is discouraging, blinding, and debilitating leaving the believer to worry and doubt. However, God’s desire is that when times of buffeting come, the believer would have faith in the fact that the God is in control, God is working out His plan, and that God’s grace is sufficient for any circumstance:
Joseph – Genesis 50:20
The Israelites – Exodus 14:13-14
The Prophet – Isaiah 43:1-3a
1 Cor 10:13 – He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In Paul’s story, an angelic messenger delivered a message of hope. Paul responded with courage and humility. (Acts 27:21-44).
Buffeting came to Paul in the form of accusations regarding the ministry of being an apostle. 1 Cor. 4:11 – Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – His grace is sufficient for me. His power is made perfect in weakness.
In the midst of sifting as we beseech God in prayer and He hears and answers. Jer. 33:3
In the midst of buffeting we posture ourselves in humility and confidently rest in His all-sufficient grace.
MCA Life Groups
Your Story
1. What’s your favorite springtime activity or project that you are looking forward to doing?
2. Why is attending life group important to you?
Digger Deeper
1. Prayer strengthens the hedge of protection in seasons of sifting. Discuss your prayer times this past week. Report any answers to prayer.
2. This week, the teaching pastor noted another strategy the enemy uses against the believer is buffeting. When a boxer wants to effectively buffet his opponent, the boxer will strike just below the opponent’s eye. This causes the eye to swell shut and leave the boxer defenseless. What are the spiritual implications for this strategy? In what ways does Satan seek to blind the believer? Why is this strategy effective? Can you think of any scriptures that relate?
3. Read Acts 27:39-28:10. The teaching pastor stated, “Buffeting is intended to discourage, blind, and debilitate leaving the believer filled with worry and doubt.” What was Paul’s response? What was the effect of Paul’s response … on himself…on his fellow shipmates…on the island…on the officials of the island?
4. Discuss what steps we can take to have confidence in God’s all-sufficient grace while posturing ourselves in humility.
Taking it Home
1. In what ways are you being buffet? How can your life group support you in prayer?
2. Pray for the MCA leadership team.