May 14, 2023
YOU ASKED FOR IT: THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE
May 14, 2023
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Everyday there are billions of battles being fought around the world. For the most part, no one recognizes them, or gives a thought to the persons whose lives are being lost, maimed, or made no longer useful. In our current series, “You Asked For It”, our congregation wanted to know if there is, indeed, a spiritual battle being waged over the lives of people, and if so, what can be done about it. As Pastor Jonathan informs us today, yes, the spiritual war between Satan and Christ-followers is being fought continually. And yes, we can actually win if we know what it looks like and what we can do to defeat it—but only through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Focal Passages: Psa. 55:22, 119:11; Prov. 18:1; Isa. 43:2-3a; John 8:44; Eph. 4:32; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:8, 4-11; 1 Jn. 4:4, 18.
Is Spiritual Warfare real?
· Read John 8:44. Who is Jesus speaking to, and why did He say they belonged to their father, the devil?
· What does Jesus say about Satan? Who does he murder? Why is there no truth in him? When the unsaved lie, whose desires are they following? We hear lies all day long in the world; where are some places they come from? How can those lies control us?
· Read 1 Pet. 5:8. What do roaring lions want to do? Why does Peter liken Satan to a lion? What will Satan do to the Christian if we are not “alert and sober-minded”?
· Read Eph. 6:11-12. When we think we are having strife with someone, who is actually behind the person, inciting them to discord? What is his ultimate goal?
What does Spiritual Warfare look like?
· Read Eph. 6:16. What are some of the darts he throws at us to make us accept his lies? Are fear, temptation, stress, discouragement and so much more, Satan’s darts?
· Why does Satan want us to feel life is not worth living? Read 1 Kings 19:3-4. Why did Elijah run for his life after having the victory of killing 450 prophets of Baal in 1 Ki. 18?
· How can Satan use power, beauty, money, status, our job, etc., to ruin our lives?
So, how do I defeat Satan?
· Read Eph. 6:10-11. What is the only way we can defeat Satan and his demons? When we feel we are all alone, are we? Why not? What must we stand on that is trustworthy?
· Read 2 Tim. 1:7 and 1 Jn. 4:8. How can we let go of fear? Read Psa. 119:11. How can we stand strong against temptation? Read Eph. 4:32. How does unforgiveness give Satan power over us? Read Psa. 55:22 and Isa. 43:2-3a. How can we be encouraged?
· Read Pro. 18:1. Why is it so important to be part of a church body? What are some of the benefits? Why do so many desire to stay away from church? Are their reasons valid?
· Read 1 John 4:4. Where does our victory lie? Read Eph. 6:12-18. Why is it so important to understand Spiritual Warfare is real, and take this passage seriously?
· Read 1 Thess. 5:8. Why do soldiers not go to battle in shorts and tee shirts? Why must we learn this lesson of battling with spiritual darkness?
Can we actually win?
· Read 1 Pet. 5:4-11. Why is the answer to the question, (can we win?), a resounding YES? Is it because of who we are, or our strength, or our power? Who is our answer?
· Why (verse 10) do we have to “suffer a little while”? Will sin ever be finished in our world? When will Satan be eternally finished?
Close:
Probably you are in one of two major camps: you are either very aware that Satan desires every moment to take you down (he has assigned this job to his demons, called “familiar spirits,” and they know everything about you); or, you have heard of Satan but you have the attitude of “out of sight, out of mind,” or worse, “if I don’t bother him, he won’t bother me.” Perhaps you are in a third group, the unsaved, so he doesn’t battle with you since he owns you. He makes you laugh at Christians and detest God.
Unfortunately, we play into his hands when we leave him alone. He wants us to ignore him. It is only the ones who strive to follow Christ, read the word, pray, and love who cause him to attack. It’s the “hot” ones (Rev. 3:7-12) that he hates and spends his time deciding how to keep from being effective. But we can stand the fire, because “when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,” for God will be with you. Remember, you will only be involved in Spiritual Warfare if you are living a spiritual lifestyle.
By Sandy Day
May 14, 2023