Scripture: Romans 1:13

Now I would not have you ignorant or (fooled), brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Topic: I want to encourage you, who are reading online, whether near or abroad. With a topic from our text “Don’t be fooled” 

Background:

The book of Romans is one of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul. As a formal or structured letter intended to appeal to the Romans (Romans 1:7) says all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people” as well as to the Body of believers today, the book of Romans is a deep dive into the word of God, elucidating or making it very clear how we as God's people can attain righteousness in God’s sight. 

Paul says in Romans 1:13, now I would not have you ignorant, tricked or fooled. It is the trick of the devil to try to fool you into believing that God can’t do what He said He would do! We’re here to serve notice to the devil that we will “NOT BE FOOLED”

Of the 13 books that the Apostle Paul wrote, the book of Romans, is said to be the most structured, clearest and the most systematic of all of his epistles, which is the clearest and most understandable gospel doctrine of all his epistles.

The Bible presents numerous examples of Satan’s schemes. As the enemy of God and His people, and the Apostle Paul warns us not to be fooled by the devils constantly working against God, His purposes, and His people. Jesus wasn’t fooled by satan (Matthew 16:23 says Jesus turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: 

(you will not fool me of my purpose) 

(You will not fool me of my destiny)

(You will not fool me of my eternity)

Satan is not your friend, he is an offence unto the Lord: and does not care about the things of God, but those things of men.

We’re not to be fooled by the tactics of the evil one:

• The devil will try to fool you of your salvation, but Ephesians 2:8 makes it clear not to be fooled, which says For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
• He wants to fool you of your peace, but don’t be fooled, Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
• He wants your anointing, your gifts, your joy but we will not be fooled. John 8:44 says He is a liar and a murderer.

He wants to rob you of all your blessings the Lord has for you. Don’t be tricked, bambozalled, or fooled by the devil's tactics.

The apostle Peter strongly advised believers to beware of Satan’s devices: 1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Stay alert! Don’t be fooled but Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

As I close, I speak to your faith that you will not be tricked, misguided or fooled by the devil and his amps. I declare that you will have the mind of Christ, His wisdom and courage not to be fooled.

I want to pray for you:

If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, if you say this with me. I am a sinner who needs to be saved and according to Romans 10:9-10 “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

If you need healing in your body, I want to pray Psalms 103:1-3“Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;”

Finally I want to pray for your family and loved ones. The protection covenant of Psalms 91“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold And see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, And shew him my salvation.”

In Jesus Name