Sermon: (Got the idea from Mike Kiser, a good friend and faithful gospel preacher,)

SATAN WANTS A CORPSE

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read Jude 9

2. Regarding the text:

(1) Satan argues with Michael about the possession of the body of Moses.

(2) Michael simply states, “The Lord rebuke you.”

3. Can you imagine what Satan would have done with that body?

4. He would have paraded it around, and made an idol of it.

5. Imagine, if you will, if one had the preserved body of Elvis Presley today. – Lenin

(1) He could take it on tour.

(2) Even some members of the church would forsake the services to go and view it.

6. There are other dead bodies which Satan wants, and this will constitute the substance of our study together today.

DISCUSSION:

I. SATAN WANTS A DEAD SINNER. – Eph. 2:1-3, 12.

1. He does all that is within his power to keep a sinner in that condition.

2. He does not want that person to hear and obey the gospel.

3. He whispers into the ear of the sectarian, “One church is just as good as another.”

4. He tell the immoral sinner, “Have fun, that’s why you are here.”

5. He rejoices when the sinner turns his back on the Lord and refuses to listen.

II SATAN WANTS A DEAD CHURCH.

1. He would rather not have the church around, but if such is the case, he wants it to be a “do nothing” church.

2. Sardis is our example – it had a name that lived, but was dead.

3. He likes churches like Laodecia which was worthless to the Lord.

4. He liked the religion of the Pharisees who put on a big front. – cf. Matt. 23.

II SATAN WANTS A DEAD CHURCH MEMBER.

1. He want one who is faithful when it is convenient.

2. He wants a church member who puts material interests above the spiritual.

3. He wants church members who use excuses for not assembling with the saints, and he will even supply the excuse. “Too busy, homework, weeds, maybe even 'cobid.”

4. He wants members who go where and when they want to during the week, but cannot be in services on the first day of the week

5. He wants members who spend for every luxury, then “tip” the Lord a few coins.

IV SATAN WANTED THE BODY OF JESUS.

1. More than anything else, Satan wanted the body of Jesus.

2. He would love to have it as a monument to show that Jesus did not rise from the dead.

3. He knows that he is defeated because of the Resurrection of Jesus – cf. Rom. 1:4; I Cor. 15.

4. Man has hope because of the resurrection. - I Pet. 1:3.

5. When one is baptized he is able to have a good conscience because of the resurrection – I Pet. 3:21.

6. Thanks be to God that there is no body in the tomb – “He arose, He arose...”

CONCLUSION:

1. Are you a dead sinner? ....Then be made alive again.

2. Are you a dead church member?....Then do as did the prodigal son.

3. Each of us is serving either Satan or the Lord. Which are you?