Inviting The Devil To Dinner
Carter Conlon teaches that despite our weaknesses and failures, God calls His people to prayer and dependence on Him to overcome the schemes of the enemy and bring about His kingdom purposes.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting in times of crisis, urging believers to invite God into their situations and trust in His power to overcome evil. Drawing from the story of Esther inviting the king to dinner, the message highlights the need for believers to minister to God first, seek His wisdom, and stand against the schemes of the enemy. It calls for a revival of prayer, recognizing the authority and supernatural power available to the bride of Christ to rewrite laws and bring about spiritual awakening in society.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to spiritual warfare and the reality of the devil
- The story of Esther as a model of prayer and dependence
- The enemy's attempts to destroy God's people
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II
- God's mercy and calling in our weakness
- The importance of prayer and fasting in spiritual battle
- Esther's courage and intercession for her people
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III
- The power and authority of God over all principalities
- The believer's identity as the bride of the King
- Walking in faith despite feelings of unworthiness
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IV
- The call to minister first to God, not just bring requests
- Trusting God's timing and sovereignty in deliverance
- Encouragement to persevere in prayer and dependence on God
Key Quotes
“Make no mistake about it. The devil hates you. The devil hates all of humankind.” — Carter Conlon
“You can walk into that court of prayer and you feel like such a failure. You feel so unlovely. You feel so unloved even at times only to discover that the king has been waiting for you.” — Carter Conlon
“It's not about how you feel about yourself this morning. Understand my brother, my sister, it's about how the king feels about you that matters.” — Carter Conlon
Application Points
- Commit to renewed prayer and fasting as a weapon against spiritual attacks.
- Trust God's calling even when you feel weak or unworthy, knowing He uses imperfect vessels.
- Focus on ministering to God first in worship before presenting your requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'devil' referred to in the sermon?
The devil is the spiritual enemy who opposes God and seeks to steal, kill, and destroy God's people.
Why does Carter Conlon use the story of Esther?
Esther exemplifies faith, prayer, and courage in the face of great opposition, showing how God works through weakness.
What is the significance of prayer in spiritual warfare?
Prayer is the means by which believers connect with God's power to overcome the enemy's schemes and bring about His purposes.
How should believers respond when they feel weak or unworthy?
Believers should remember that God calls and uses us in our weakness, and His favor is based on His love, not our feelings.
What does it mean to minister first to the King?
It means prioritizing worship and devotion to God above bringing our requests, recognizing His sovereignty and grace.