Conclusion

Slide 8 of 8

The more we miss church and avoid getting invested with its people, the more we miss out spiritually. In short, we sabotage our faith, true fellowship, and the blessings God has for us. By consistently avoiding church, we set ourselves up in isolation, which makes us extremely vulnerable to being “devoured” by Satan (1 Peter 5:8).

We must be on our guard, then, “so that we [will] not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:11). How? 

1. Through knowing Satan’s schemes. His words and whispers are contrary to God’s words of love, grace, and peace. He tempts, threatens, and intimidates. He twists God’s Word to deceive and manipulate. He challenges our identity as a beloved and forgiven child of God. He offers tempting alternatives to get us to compromise our godly values and beliefs.

2. Through persistent prayer. Ask God to protect you from Satan’s schemes to distract and derail you with wrong priorities or to succumb to the pressures of this world.

3. Through uncompromising faithfulness. There will come days of testing. Satan has a plan for you, and it is to keep you from worshipping God within the safety of the Body of Christ. But make a firm commitment, for yourself and your family, to faithfully attend church, whether Saturday night or Sunday morning. By doing so, you won’t give Satan a foothold.

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