Brothers and sisters, when we leave this sanctuary today, I pray we'll be harmless as doves, but more able to comprehend the wisdom of serpents. Jesus said our eternal life was at stake. We need to know how to defeat the adversary when he tries to use our own best aspirations against us. Its all aimed at how you think you will look and feel when you are driving that new car, or walk out of the store owning that new gadget. Trouble is, the same methods have found a ready home in some of the sermons and publications coming before our minds.
Rationality is out.
No fair, says the devil, comparing the present benefit with the final price. We are sold with the sizzle. Our foe specializes in using our own best emotions against us. He presents an article on some topic that would make demons shudder at its immorality, then weaves about it a tapestry of compassion and emotion and caring and love. Nor is this a new strategy by his satanic majesty.