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Group Questions…. Define “Spiritual Warfare”. In what ways does spiritual warfare affect us? Where does Satan (and his cronies) most often attack us? Where are we most vulnerable?
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Group Questions… Define “Spiritual Warfare”. In what ways does spiritual warfare affect us? Where does Satan (and his cronies) most often attack us? Where are we most vulnerable? Read Acts 14:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4 & 11:3. What is Satan’s primary point of attack on these persons/groups? How does this shape our thinking on spiritual warfare? How important do you think it is to memorize Scripture? What role (if any) does Scripture memorizing play in your spiritual growth?
Spiritual Warfare “the Christian’s struggle against otherworldly forces” (Millard Erickson)
Clinton Arnold Spiritual warfare is a way of characterizing our common struggle as Christians. Whether we want to think about it or not, the truth is that we all face supernatural opposition as we set out to live the Christian life… There is virtually no part of our existence over which the Evil One does not want to maintain or reassert his unhealthy and perverse influence. Conversely, Jesus longs to reign as Lord over every area of our lives. This is the locus of intense struggle for believers. To which kingdom – and source of power – do we yield?
God Uses Spiritual Warfare to… Accomplish His Will Reveal His Glory Advance His Kingdom Conform Us to the Image of Christ
Satanic Schemes for Individuals… Enflames the Sinful Nature Distorts the Word of God Tempts us to Sin Promotes Bitterness & Anger Tempts us to Lose Focus
6 Important Functions of the Mind… The Heart is Changed by the Mind The Mind Perceives Truth & the Will of God Your Belief System Determines Direction, Actions, & Responses Unity with God/Other Christians Requires the Mind A Corrupted Mind will Block Your Usefulness to God in the Kingdom The Mind is the Battlefield for Bondage or Freedom
Matthew 15:16-17 And he said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?
Matthew 16:9 And he said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?
Matthew 16:11 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Mark 4:13 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
Luke 24:44-45 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Stronghold An entrenched pattern of thought, an ideology, value, or behavior that is contrary to the word and will of God. An entrenched pattern of thinking and acting that we believe cannot change, even though we know that such thoughts and actions are contrary to God’s will.
Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Development of a Stronghold… We place ourselves in the way of temptation. Satan entices us to give in to temptation We fail, and Satan strikes with accusations We listen to the accusations, assuming we cannot change. We lose our hope Having lost our hope, we again place ourselves in the way of temptation – and lose the battles.
Charles Spurgeon When Jesus Christ was assailed by Satan in the wilderness, He had a great choice of weapons with which to fight Satan, but he took none but the sword of the Spirit: “It is written.” This is our battle ax and our weapon of war. A spiritual kingdom must be set up and supported by spiritual means only.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
An Action Plan… Study God’s Word each day – know the truth Believe and accept the truths of God’s Word. Daily reject the lies that the enemy sends – claim the truth against the lies Daily ask for God’s guidance and protection