Four Temptations

A sermon exhorting total consecration to Christ. Using the narrative of Moses and Pharaoh, Brother Edward warns against the enemy’s tactics of compromise regarding lifestyle, family, and finances. He concludes that true victory and “success” in faith require an uncompromising, 100% commitment to following Jesus.

Message from Brother Edward:

Worship led by Anita:

Memory verse:

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Eph 4:27

The sermon centers on Ephesians 4:27: “Do not give the devil a foothold” (or “Don’t give a chance to the devil”). Brother Edward emphasizes that believers must block every internal “room” and “door” to prevent the enemy from entering and causing damage.

Supporting this, he references John 14:30, noting that Jesus stated the prince of this world had “no hold” or “no way” into Him. The core thesis is that victory over the enemy is maintained through total closure of one’s life to sinful suggestions and compromises.

Exodus 8-11 shares the story of Moses conversation with Pharoah. Moses’ life was inspiring. What challenges did Moses have in his life?

Satan gives us the same temptations as Pharoah in the times of Moses. Here are four suggestions that Pharoah gave to Moses to dissuade him from leaving Egypt:

1. “Worship your God in Egypt – No need to go elsewhere to worship.”

Reject Partial Devotion: Do not try to worship God while remaining in “Egypt” (the world/sin). Light and darkness cannot coexist.

  • Moses said to Pharoah we can’t Worship where there are idols.
  • The Worship will not be acceptable to the Egyptians
  • The Israelites need to leave Egypt.
  • Satan says Worship your God but also worship me!
  • Either we belong to the Lord or we don’t.

2. “If you don’t want to live in Egypt don’t go too far away and return quickly.”

Reject Casual Faith: Do not stay “nearby” or take faith lightly. Success in the Christian life requires 100% commitment and treating the relationship with Jesus as the highest priority.

  • Moses replied that he would go where the Lord had told him.
  • Success depends on how seriously we commit to our beliefs. Brother Edward learnt this early on in his faith.
  • We need to read and believe the Bible and put Jesus in the first place in our life and not compromise.

3. Then Pharoah would not let Moses take the children with him.

Claim the Next Generation: Do not leave children behind in the world. The congregation is urged to pray and lead their children, grandchildren, and extended family into the Kingdom of God.

  • Pharoah wanted to hold the children. This is the strategy in communist countries where they want to control education until the age of 18.
  • Jesus asks the Children to come to him freely.
  • Satan is attacking the children and trying to take them away from their parents.
  • Billy Graham’s example of altar call where you have to decide to follow Jesus.

4. FInally the Pharaoh would not allow the Israelites to take their herds with them.


Consecrate Resources: Do not withhold material wealth. The preacher asserts that since God is the source of health and success, returning a portion (tithes/offerings) is a test of the heart’s true location.

  • Moses answered Pharoah that all of us would go.
  • Give our money to the Lord and make sure that you are tithing.
  • Where our wealth is that is where our heart is. We have to give our portion to the Lord. The man of God will not compromise.