- Personal notes based upon the message Conception or Deception by Laura B. Hampton of I’m a Believer
*Used in comparison with physical conception—what Satan tries to do, and how we are to prevent it.
We are three part beings as with God. He is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, we are made up of spirit, soul, and body each working in conjunction with one another. 1 Thes. 5:23
When we are physically born, we are spiritually dead. Eph. 2:1
In order for us to conceive, we need our two spiritual parents, as well as our physical ones.
- The Word Ja. 1:18
- The Spirit Jo. 3
In order to conceive, we need to be fertile.
- Fertile – having seeds (planted) inside us able to create
In creation, our seeds are formed after our kind. Gen. 1:12, 21-24
We are formed after God’s kind. Ja. 1:18
We must be spiritually alive in order to produce fruit for God.
- When we are spiritually dead, we bear no fruit and have only dead works.
- When we are spiritually alive, we are spiritually fruitful.
Our fruit is defined as our good works. Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10
Because of the fall, there is enmity between the devil and our seed where he tries cause us to abort our message. Gen. 3:15
Through the parable of the sower, we find three things satan tries to do to accomplish this. Mk. 4:3,14
1. Satan tries to prevent our seed from being planted by eating our seed before it can get down into the earth (our ignorance). We need to prepare a safe place for it (the presence of God).
- In order to produce something for God, we need to have intimacy. If we don’t have a relationship, we cannot bear fruit.
- We must take vitamin P – Praise.
- We must eat the right foods – The Word. Jer. 15:16
- We must spend intimate time w/the Lord.
2. Satan tries to draw us away to produce our own lust—to conceive sin. We need to spend alone time with the Lord. Ja. 1:14
3. Satan tries to pollute our fertile ground with lies (rocks). We need to protect it (our seeds) with the truth. (Make up our minds!).
- We need to girt up the loins of our spirit (Eph. 6) and our minds (1 Pet. 1:13) by protecting them with the truth of God’s word. We can conceive with both (Lk. 1:26, 47).
- Whether through our unbelief (Luke 1:18) or asking “how?” (Luke 1:34), it’s our choice. We need to realize we are not alone; we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help and protect us. Luke 1:35
- We must remain humble and overshadowed by His power. Ja. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6
Satan’s biggest weapon is deception! If we listen to his voice we then have misconception.
- Misconception – missing our opportunity to conceive something for God
Ex: when God plants a seed (idea sprung up) and something comes up to keep us from doing it (thoughts, persecution)
4. Satan wants us to postpone our production. We need to produce.
- Mary was ready to produce and did not let the cares of the world stop her from producing (perfect obedience) Lk. 1:38
- She produced the hope of the world. Lk. 2:11
Are you great with child? Do you have something inside you that’s been growing—that God’s been preparing? Choose life! Deut. 30:19
