The Snake Strikes Where It Hurts the Most

This blog post is Week 2 of a 9-week series entitled, "The Snake Among Us" by Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith of Donelson First in Nashville, TN. 

Message Date: May 15, 2022

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 On December 25th, 1776, the temperature is well below freezing in Trenton, NJ. The Continental Army is cold, sick, battled, and bloodied when early into this Christmas morning, General George Washington leads some 2,400 Army troops across the iced-chilled Delaware River.

What happened next changed the course of the American Revolution as these soldiers strike sleeping and apathetic British and German troops completely off-guard. In just one hour on this frigid morning, the American Army captured nearly 900 officers and soldiers. George Washington would later say that the Battle of Trenton was won because the “other side never thought they could lose.”

Satan is a liar. He is evil. And today the study turns personal, as we each are forced to examine the ways in which enemy #1 slithers his way into our lives.

As was the case with the enemy at Trenton, we are going to see today that there is a Snake among us who has the ability to strike each of us when we least expect it!

2 Corinthians 2:11 says: "…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."

The snake strikes where it hurts the most.

He knows how to anger me.

He knows what triggers my lust button.

He knows how to get me frustrated with others.

He knows how to lead my mind in a direction it should not go.

He knows what temptation to use to set a trap customized for me. …and on and on and on!

 

The goals of this series:

1. Clearly understand the intentions of the snake.

2. Better recognize the ways by which the snake slithers his way into my life.

3. Be equipped to combat his lies and win!

 

“Why” does God allow Satan the freedom he has to do what he does?

Goal #2 of this series: Better recognize the ways by which the snake slithers his way into my life.

As you consider the question: Am I aware of the ways in which the snake strikes me personally? …I wonder what comes to mind?

I asked several friends this very question this week. I heard: Pride. Apathy. Lust. Drugs. Bitterness. Busyness.

One friend told me: “Even though I love going to the Honky-tonks and listening to music, I can’t go to bars anymore because that environment is just too risky for me.”

A student told me this week: “I can’t be on my phone at night in my room alone anymore. Doing so tempts me to look at things and do things that are unholy!”

The snake strikes where it hurts the most.

Each of us has different struggles, and our enemy knows these struggles because he and his horde of demons watch and takes meticulous notes, and wait for the right time to strike.

1. The snake slithers via doubt.

I received a call this week from a friend who is doubting God. He said some personal struggles. His wife left him. He lost his job. He’s dealing with some major health issues. And he said this to me “Jeffrey, if God truly loves me then why is he allowed all of this affliction in my life? I’m beginning to doubt that God is who I have always said and believed he is.” Can you relate in some way? I can.

I know there are many people who are dealing with many different hurts.

This week I spoke with a man who has recently lost his spouse to cancer, a family whose child is in prison, a lady who is dealing with chronic pain, a teen who hates her body and questions why God made her the way He did, a family who lost a family member to cancer, a young lady who believes she married the wrong person, a husband whose wife has been diagnosed with cancer, a family whose son has cancer, a lady whose mom passed away, another man whose career suddenly ended due to Covid, and a young man who just got out of jail and wonders if God still loves Him despite all he has done…and that’s just conversations I’ve had this week! Wow! We have to remember, in such seasons of life is when the Snake often does his best work.

The Snake strikes where it hurts the most.

Doubt is one of the ways by which the Snake uses our personal and intimate struggles and hurts to instill fear and confusion.

The word doubt is a Latin word that means = hesitate to trust.

The first example of doubt on our planet happened when the Snake planted this seed of doubt in Adam & Eve’s minds with the question: “Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1

The Snake slithered his way into this moment to cause Adam & Eve “a hesitation to trust” God.

Look at Eve’s answer: Genesis 3:2-3 The Snake offers a rebuttal that causes even more doubt for Adam & Eve: Genesis 3:4-5

The Serpent’s goal in creating doubt:

• Create hesitation in me to trust God.
• Encourage me to lack confidence in God and His abilities.
• Motivate me to question the judgment of God.

Look at what James 1:5-8 says about the impact “doubt” will have on my life:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Do you see the penalty for doubt? Doublemindedness!

A double-minded (Hebrew) person = second guesses everything.

Doesn’t this make sense to you? You probably have been here before. I know I have. A situation happens, and I start doubting that God can handle my situation and the next thing I know I’m questioning everything! I’m second-guessing my decision-making ability! I’m second-guessing whether or not I have the support of those closest to me! I’m just second-guessing everything.

This is what scripture tells us in the book of James happens when we choose to place doubt in God and His ability to control our situations. The Snake understands this because he knows scripture – he knows what James has to say about this, and this is where he often does some of his best slitherings!

The Snake will confuse, deceive, encourage and murder to encourage me to hesitate to trust.

In such moments, I must remember:

• Absolutely nothing touches my life without God’s approval.
• Absolutely nothing touches my life without some benefit for God’s glory and for my good.

I can’t fully explain the “why” to all that God does and to all that God allows to be done to me.

But I know scripture reminds me of this: Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

And, I know scripture says this too: Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I have been convinced, through studying more about the Snake, of this…It might sound odd and dark and possibly even wrong at first glance:

The Snake can actually make me a better person. If…rather than allowing doubt to lead me astray, I allow doubt to force me to pray.

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph said this to his brothers who had sold him into slavery many years ago:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.”

I think this can be the case for such times when the enemy slithers his way in to wreak havoc on my life…I have to make the choice to respond in the right way.

“When in doubt, don’t pout!”

We just looked at Romans 8:28 which confirms that ALL things that the Serpent throws our way work for the good of those who love Him.

Look at what Paul wrote in Romans before this verse in Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Many have been here before – so entangled in confusion, bitterness, rage, brokenness, fear, and DOUBT that we don’t-even-know-what-to-pray.

But, look at what scripture confirms in Romans 8:27

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

The Spirit intercedes for “God’s people” when we don’t know what to say or pray. Do you know what scripture means by: “intercede?”

To intercede = to pray on one’s behalf The Holy Spirit is doing this for you – as a Christian!  

After Jesus was crucified and conquered sin & death and came back to life, one of His followers was told, “Jesus is alive!”  His response gave him the name among us church-folk: Doubting Thomas!

John 20:24-29

He says you are “blessed!”

See this! Proof that the Snake actually makes me a better person! I get blessed!  

2. The snake slithers via authority.

One of the names of the Snake I gave you during Week 1 of this series is Prince of this World. Have you ever wondered how this can be?

God is God. God created all things. All things fall under his power and sovereignty. Therefore, how did this happen and why would God allow for this to happen?

Jesus actually refers to Satan using this name in John 14:30:

“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming.”

You may be thinking, “At Creation, did not God ordain all of the world to mankind?”

Well, yes, He did. But everything changed when the Snake got the best of mankind.

Genesis 1:26-29

First:

• “Let us make mankind…” = all of humanity The word “mankind” is plural. This isn’t just a command for Adam & Eve - This is a command for all of humanity. At Creation, God gave mankind authority. What authority is mankind given?
• “To be fruitful” = to steward well; to increase what has been given to me
• “Increase in number” = make babies
• “Subdue it” = to govern; to bring under control
• “Every seed-bearing plant…every tree” = eat and enjoy!

God gave the world to us! But look at what happens after Adam & Eve sin:

Genesis 3:16-19

Every authority God gave mankind in Genesis 1 is now at odds with mankind!

Now, in order for mankind to have each of these things, we will experience pain, toil & sweat!

Because we sinned:

1. Childbirth will be painful. - Genesis 3:16.

2. Mankind lost power over the earth. - Genesis 3:17-18

3. In order to eat, mankind will sweat over painful toil. - Genesis 3:19

All of this authority is taken from us!

God gave humanity the planet over which to rule, steward well + enjoy. Humanity gave that right to the Snake. Because of sin, humanity's God-given authority over the earth was forfeited. And now, the Snake is the prince of this world. He opposes what God’s intentions were for us and the world at Creation, and he uses this opposition to rule the world.

 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

 “…in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 2:2

This is why we live in a world that is a mess. We should not expect anything less from Satan than evil, pain, dysfunction, wars, and more. He is the prince of this world. What we learn from the authority that mankind transferred to the Snake in the Garden is what happens to us in our personal lives.

The snake has authority over this world. But he only has authority over my life if I allow it.

How does the Snake have authority over my life?

It’s simple: I give the Snake authority when I sin.

When Adam & Eve sinned, authority was given to the Snake. When I sin, I do the same!  

3. The snake slithers via my past.

I had dinner this week with someone who has been attending our church. He talked about his past, told me his story, and said:

“I wake up and I remember what I’ve done. I know I’m forgiven, but the past is a beast.”

Man, if I could pinpoint one area where the Snake does some of his best work, it is here:

Reminding me of the baggage from my past.

King David understood how the past can wreak havoc: Psalm 51:3-4

So many have a story of a past that is marred with choices of regret, pain, disappointment, and tremendous guilt. My friend at dinner told me, “I just want peace. I just want peace.” I reminded him that this is one of the most powerful ways the enemy works – reminding you of your past and accusing you of all you’ve ever done wrong.

Revelation 12:10 says: “For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

The Snake loves to whisper into your ear accusations. He can’t control the future. He can’t force you to do anything. But he can accuse. And he’s so good at it!

Remember, The Snake cannot:

• Control my choices.
• Control my future.
• Control my eternity.

A friend of mine stopped by my office asking me to pray for him. He said, “I’m having dinner with a close friend of mine tonight who loves to smoke pot. Pray for me!” He went on to tell me that he used to smoke pot and he wants to be prayed up before being back in this tempting environment.

He went on to tell me that even though the memories are still very raw from his past, he knows he is forgiven and has repented for his former life. He said, “This teaching series about the Snake has been really good for me because it has reminded me that though the snake is powerful, God’s love and forgiveness are more powerful.”

A great way to get ahead of my temptation + oppose the Snake’s lies from my past: Find my verse!  

4. The snake slithers via my words.

I gave a message last year where I talked about the importance for us all to Speak up not down.

 “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Proverbs 18:21a

Negative words are one of the most oppressive ways I invite the Snake into my life.

The Snake listens. He hears my conversations. When I speak negatively, I am inviting him in to have his way in a given situation. And this is why my words matter.

 “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.”  Psalm 19:14

Speaking up isn’t just about using words of encouragement. It’s also about using words that edify - - words that bring glory + honor to God!

 “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4

Why are such words “out of place” as Ephesians says? Because such language feeds the “old self,” the “human self” of me.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 

What is this destruction? It’s the workings of the enemy to destroy you. And our words hold much weight today.

 “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23

You see, out of my mouth, I either offer holiness or unholiness to the Lord. And when I speak words that aren’t edifying, the Snake goes to work.

It’s also important to note that my relationships can greatly shape my words (and my choices.)

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Who I spend time with shapes who I become!

Why is this all important?

• Satan cannot predict the future.
• He cannot control my choices.
• He can use my actions, specifically my words, and my relationships to whisper unholy motivations into my decision-making.

Think about it: You start making a list of things you don’t like about a situation or a person, and the next you know that list of 2-3 things…becomes significantly longer, doesn’t it?

We’ve all been there.

I came home the other day and started complaining about a situation at my daughter’s school. I began with a negative comment about something…and 20 minutes later Amy said to me, “You know you’ve been saying negative stuff for 20 minutes!”

She was right!

You see I have to believe: The Snake multiplies negativity!

And when we say words of negativity, or as Ephesians 5 reminded us a few moments ago, obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, we give the Snake a platform that leads us into moments of unholiness. I

speak of this often to our Ministry Team: We are to be about the pursuit of holiness.

I would encourage you with this: I can’t be perfect. But if my intention is the pursuit of holiness, in how I think, in how I act, and in how I speak…My actions + language will reflect my pursuit of holiness.

 

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Jeffrey Dean Smith is a husband, father to Bailey & Brynnan, author, and the Senior Pastor at Donelson First in Nashville, TN. If you are in Music City, meet Jeffrey and enjoy iced tea on the front lawn each Sunday at 10:30a.