Rev. Susan Sparks, a Baptist preacher, delivered a compelling sermon, “Not Today Satan,” addressing temptation and resilience. Her message resonated deeply, focusing on recognising and resisting negative influences. Sparks shared her personal struggle with negativity and how the phrase “Not Today Satan” became her mantra for overcoming it.
Sparks explained that “diabolos,” the Greek word for devil, means “back biter” or “false accuser.” She highlighted our inner demons as the battleground where Satan exploits vulnerabilities, referencing 1 Peter 5:8’s warning to be vigilant against the devil’s schemes, likened to a lion stalking its prey.
To illustrate this, Sparks recounted witnessing a lion hunt on safari. The lion patiently targeted the weakest wildebeest, mirroring how Satan preys on our insecurities through shame and self-doubt. He whispers lies, echoing the serpent’s deceit in Eden.
Sparks offered a three-point plan: POW – Pivot, Occupy the Light, and Whack the devil. Pivoting involves strategically removing ourselves from negative influences. Like a boxer’s footwork, we must pivot away from negativity, whether from news or social media.
Occupying the Light encourages immersing ourselves in positivity. Sparks shared an anecdote about rescuing neglected plants from a dim basement, symbolizing how negativity can stunt our growth. Like plants needing sunlight, we thrive in positivity, fulfilling our potential. She cited Philippians 4:8, urging focus on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy.
Whacking the devil signifies decisively rejecting Satan’s influence, echoing Jesus’ command for Satan to “get thee behind me.” It’s a defiant refusal to succumb. Sparks shared a poem: “The devil whispered, ‘You’re not strong enough.’ Today I whispered, ‘I am the storm.'”
Sparks concluded by urging the congregation to help others, stand for justice, and be a force for good, referencing the hymn “I’m gonna live so God can use me.” Her final message: “Not Today Satan, Not Today,” met with a resounding “Amen.”