Trample scorpions, don't collect them (Luke 10:19)

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19

• Promise gave by God in Gen 3:15
• Foreshadowed by Joshua 10:24-26
• Fulfilled in Christ Psalm 110:1, Matt 22:44
• Fulfilled in Us Romans 16:20, "By faith We understand (Heb 11:3,1-3 NASB)"

1 Corinthians 15:24-27 - then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.

Jesus was led by the Spirit to defeat Satan with the word of God (Matthew 4). He recognized the devil because he was hungry and the devil said to command the stones to become bread. Yet Jesus said, "Life is not about bread but the word of God"

• He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint. Deuteronomy 8:15

We prove discipline when we renounce the devil and trample his influence under our feet.

• Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:11, 2 Chronicles 10:11

And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 2:6

Prayer: Father today, in the name of Jesus, I renounce the influence of worldly worship music that leads me away from your truth. I turn my ears and eyes away from the temptations that draw me out of your safe presence. I commit myself to you and the work of my hands to you. May the meditation of my soul be fixed on you alone. Thank you Jesus for washing my feet, for the glory of the Father in the abiding power of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.

The big idea, when believers are stuck in sin. We need to hand them over to Satan (wilderness), where the Spirit can work in them to Stand in the full armor of God. 

• 1 Cor 5:5,1-13
  
• Eph 6: “Be strong in the Lord…. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10–11)

The devil wants to destroy our lives. (John 10:10) 

– Doubt (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:3) 

– Temptation (Genesis 2:16–17) 

– Deception (Genesis 3:4) 

– Condemnation creates doubt But, “there is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Colossians 1:13 says we are transferred from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus. 

• We experience God’s love. 

• It’s a process—we won’t be complete until Jesus returns

Steps to being strong in the Lord

1. Focus on Jesus – belt of truth (Eph 6:14)

• “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

• Authenticity, integrity, openness in your life 

2. Keep your relationships right – breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14)

• Keep short accounts with God

• Ask forgiveness from God and others

3. Get involved in service – boots of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15)

• The readiness to speak of Christ (Isaiah 52:7–10)

4. Trust God in difficult times – shield of faith (Eph 6:16)

• The devil will challenge us with doubt, fear, anxiety, lust…

• Keep trusting; don’t give up on your faith

5. Win the battle of the mind – helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17)

• Salvation = freedom

• Protect your mind: temptation starts with a thought, which leads to action

6. Know your Bible – sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17)

• Soak yourself in the Word of God

• The only offensive piece of armor (Hebrews 4:12) 

7. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Eph 6:18)

As Christ intercedes for us, so we should intercede for others.