It is not we who will defeat Satan, but Christ. We all stand fast as we cease to walk as we once did as Gentiles (4:17-32), and as we walk in love (5:1-6), in light (5:7-13), and in wisdom (5:15ff.) We are sometimes too interested in getting God on our side, rather than getting on His side. 7.What specific behavior is explicitly forbidden in Ephesians 5:3-4? If you are still dead in your transgressions and sins, you are unknowingly under Satans control, serving him and in rebellion against God (Ephesians 2;1-3). 6.Group Discussion: What specific TV programs to you not allow your children to view, and why? Please describe, in detail, what you will be doing to guard your family against the deceit, immorality, and disobedience in the culture, media, and entertainment that is attacking them today. See verse 19. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is . But Gods triumph on the cross doesnt mean the conflict is over. Before we can discuss the spiritual battle, we have to believe in the spiritual realm. And that through prayer we recognize and wield the weapons of our spiritual warfare. What he needed to know what that an all-wise, all-powerful God was in control of the universe, and of his life. So I ask that You will give me a discerning spirit and I ask that I can be equipped to become victorious. We cannot see Him but we believe that He died on the cross for our sins. 2.Where do we find the truth with which we are to be girded? 1.Describe a time when you have stood firm in the power of the Holy Spirit against an attack by Satan. In spiritual warfare the battle is the Lords. And so Paul concludes this epistle with a lifting of the veil, so that we may see the broader implications of our struggles with sin, and so that we may be reminded that Satans final and complete destruction, while yet future, is certain. And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? Christians should know that we are in the midst of a great spiritual struggle, although many seem not to believe it. Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the Battle, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 20 And a Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, declares the LORD (Isaiah 59:16-20). 9 But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke you. 10 But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed (Jude 8-10). He knew something that his servant did not. 5.Have your children asked for web accounts? Question 10: What have you learned in this lesson regarding the spiritual warfare and battles in your life? More than this, the unholy angels seem to have a link with political kingdoms and their kings. Battles make up smaller components of the bigger picture. Imagine for a moment that you are a slave, and that Pauls letter to the church at Ephesus is being read to the whole church as it gathers for worship. What Is Spiritual Warfare? | Cru Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters. (Matthew 12:2530, NIV). What can I do when I am under spiritual attack? Job also became the victor because of his faithfulness to God in words and actions throughout the trial. He appeals to self-interest and he urges us to shun self-sacrifice. And so we find Satan making his first public appearance in Genesis chapter 3, not as Satan, but as a creature which God has made. Men must be wise, sober, submissive to the created order, exposers of deceit, and have gratitude to God for the calling they are given. If we must put on the full armor of God in order to stand, then the armor of Ephesians chapter 6 must be the full or complete armor that we need. This readiness comes from the peace of knowing that you have been made right with God. Satans fingerprints may often be found on much of the evil and suffering which takes place in this world, but some of the evil comes from our own flesh (James 1:13-15), and from living in a sinful and fallen world (Romans 8:18-25). 2.Have you experienced what seemed to be defeat, but was really a victory? Why is the planet or the world in a battle in the first place? Which ones describe you? 4.What is the result of a mans wholesome speech? The prayer of John 17 expresses the heart of Jesus, as He knows the battles that we will face in this world. The head is the other vital area that a soldier needs to protect. This mystery is for the instruction of the angelic hosts: To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. The Internet. This is where the term "spiritual warfare" comes from. And so we find him warning others of the threat which Satan poses as our adversary. Just as the agents of God exist in this invisible place, so do the agents of Satan. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. That structure is fighting tooth and claw against people knowing Jesus personally and growing in His righteousness. 3.Paul lists several gifts men receive from Christ. Gods men know the spiritual gifts Christ gave them, and use them for the sole purpose of building Christs church. In 1 Chronicles, we see another glimpse of Satans opposition to God and to His people. There would have been no need to come to die for us if this is all there is. He was the angel who was created by God (Ezekiel 28:13), given the highest authority under God, but who was not content with this. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lords and He will give you into our hands. 48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. God informed Elisha the prophet of all the Syrian kings battle plans in advance, and the prophet conveyed them to the king of Israel, so that all of Syrias attacks were nullified. The walk of the wise is characterized, in part, by the filling or control of the Holy Spirit (5:18), which, in turn is evident in our mutual submission one to another (5:216:9). Understanding Spiritual Warfare and the Importance of Prayer. Whether you pray regularly or are trying to build the habit, these prompts are a helpful starting place. Describe the sins of the past (of the Gentiles). In the account recorded in 1 Chronicles, Davids decision to stay at home (perhaps the same one recorded in 2 Samuel 11) was followed shortly by his sinful decision to number the Israelites, which led to divine judgment. Regarding the programs they are permitted to view, is there anything morally or spiritually objectionable? Satan is always on a chain, Gods chain. In some cases, the fight could hardly be called a battle. 145 Matthews account informs us that there were actually two demoniacs, while both Mark and Luke focus on just one of these two men. Chapter 2 provides a significant reason for the spiritual war. Unless we had been given the revelation of this verse, no one would ever have attributed Davids actions here to anything other than bad judgment. He was the one who was in Eden, the garden of God (Ezekiel 28:13). Satans rebellion against God is described in two Old Testament prophecies: 12 How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! It is based on the biblical belief in evil spirits, or demons, that are said to intervene in human affairs in various ways. In response to Jesus freeing the man from his demon and healing his blindness and muteness, a group of religious leaders called the Pharisees accuse Jesus of using Satans power to drive out demons. In spite of his efforts to the contrary, Satan, the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), was soon to be defeated on the cross of Calvary. and in submission one to another (5:226:9). Does our slave, listening to Pauls letter for the first time, think that his world is a small one, and that his obedience has little significance? 21 However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. When we fail to enter into the war as God has commanded us, the consequences are most serious. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:9-10). Lets study this passage more closely to understand what the Lord desires from us. Question 7: To begin to examine the battle within us we must first understand its nature. Who would have imagined that Judas temptation arose from anything other than his own greed? Slaves stand firm in the faith as they obey their masters. As a slave, your world is a small one. Jesus introduced His kingdom into the world like a tiny seed (Matthew 13:3132), and it is growing as people discover the truth of the gospel message and turn to Him. How can we reach this unity? I want you to note that both of these sins were directly related to his failure to go to war, as was his duty as the king of Israel. During the Second World War, my father and many other men received a letter in the mail, that began something like this: Greetings from the President of the United States. That letter, as you may know, was notification of having been drafted into the military. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. He was, of course, unsuccessful, for which we all may be grateful. 6.How is Satan indirectly attacking your church? Group Discussion: What are some of the battles you are fighting regarding the clothing your children wear, or want to wear? SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE BIBLE - King James Bible Online Even Goliaths words to David made it clear that this young man could not prevail on his own. Spiritual Warfare Explained (with Real Examples) Download and print these to keep with you as reminders of God's power and protection in your life. 14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent (Exodus 14:10-14). Learn how you can know God personally. 17 And He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. When God delivered the Israelites out of their Egyptian captivity and brought them into the land of Canaan, He purposely did not drive out all of the Canaanites. Question 6: What does James 4:1-4 say about our relationship with the world? The one offensive element of Gods armor is the sword. We are in great danger, not when the enemy is great and powerful, but when we think that we can stand in our own strength, rather than in the strength which God provides. It goes on to explain the churchs responsibility to go into the whole world and make disciples (Matthew 28:1920). We believe with the eyes of our heart, instead of with the eyes in our head. When it came to protecting yourself in battle in ancient times, the focus was on protecting the heart and the head. 28:12-15). He appeals to those under authority to act independently, rather than to submit to those over us. 4.What steps are you taking to stand firm? And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. So, we are called to live in the world but not be a part of the world. Spiritual strongholds - what is the biblical view. Job experienced very real physical and circumstantial conflicts because of the conflict in the spiritual realm. Here, Paul speaks of the mystery which God purposed to reveal through him. He seeks to keep unbelievers from the truth, and he may use his demons to possess men, but in Ephesians chapter 6 Pauls concern is with Satans war against the church, and with the defenses which God has provided the Christian. He was once blameless at the time of his creation, but then was found with sin (Ezekiel 28:15). 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 39 Bible Verses about Spiritual Warfare Verse Concepts For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. For some of us, the hardest battles of spiritual warfare are fought within ourselves. (Ephesians 6:1012, NIV). What does Jesus ask on our behalf in verse 15? 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. Didnt Jesus do it all so I would not have to? Satans opposition to the believer is seldom direct, and is most often through other means, which we might not recognize as being satanically inspired. As we do so now, in these evil days, we prepare ourselves for the great evil day which is yet to come. Get your Free Copy of Powerful Spiritual Warfare Prayers HERE. Thats why you need to be careful in the way you approach it. Come near to God and He will come near to you (James 4:78, NIV). 8.Share with the group an incident where you have been tricked or deceived. There are a million ways to oppose Jesus work in the world, but those who are with Him are focused on the same goal: building His kingdom by both knowing and following Him and by helping others to know him too. The angel identified himself as the captain of the Lords host, making it clear that Israel was to follow him. 7. It is a stand alone study with 5 days of personal study per week. When Peter rebuked Ananias for his deception, he attributed the source of the lie to Satan: Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? (Acts 5:3). When Satan rebelled against God, others joined him in opposing God and His purposes. His spiritual eyes were opened to see into the spiritual warfare around him. But behind his foolish and sinful decision we find Satan, ever seeking to oppose God through His people. 7.What do you do on a daily basis to instruct your children in the Lord? He will use circumstances, events, people, things and even doubt in their minds to steal their heart back to his ways. The great question is not, Who will win?, but Who will stand? The question is not whether God is on our side as much as whether or not we are on His side. It is not a war that is like the wars which are currently going on between nations today (although such wars may be a part of the bigger war). 39 Bible Verses about Spiritual Warfare - Online Bible Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Paul warns every Christian about the danger of self-confidence: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Job is a perfect example of a spiritual conflict that was manifested in the physical form. I implore You by God, do not torment me! For He had been saying to him, Come out of the man, you unclean spirit! And He was asking him, What is your name? And he said to Him, My name is Legion; for we are many. And he began to entreat Him earnestly not to send them out of the country (Mark 5:6-10). Examples of Spiritual Warfare in the Bible | Doug Addison Every day victory is achieved by knowing, believing and understanding the battles that we are enduring daily, regardless if we are passive or active in the battles. In the letters to the seven churches, recorded in Revelation 2 and 3, the Lord Jesus frequently mentions Satan as the source of temptation and trials in the church (see 2:9, 13, 24; 3:9). He not only desires to devour, he will devour those who do not take up the whole armor of God.. And so it is that Satan is sometimes identified as the ultimate culprit, when it would appear that the world or the flesh were the source of ones temptation. (9) Our protection against Satans attacks is assured only if and when we take up the full armor of God. Our desire is to see all men become true followers of Jesus Christ 7 days a week/52 weeks a year. (4) In the spiritual war Satan employs a variety of strategies to oppose and to defeat the Christian. Luke tells us that Satan had the audacity to demand that our Lord allow him to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31). What worked on Adam and on others, would not work on this King. 12 Powerful Scriptures For Spiritual Warfare Resistance - Living on the Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the Battle - Bible Study Tools Spiritual warfare sounds like a battle between God and His enemies. His temptation of David seems to be in terms of an appeal to his pride (1 Chronicles 21:1). And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. This is how God deals with uswith kindness! I would also conclude that any armor which men might suggest in addition to Gods full armor is not necessary, and is indeed unnecessary. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Until we understand the forces that are against us, and are prepared to fight for what is rightfully ours, we will not be able to receive all that God has for us. We are constantly battling between what we want to do versus what we know the Lord wants us to do. In some of the underdeveloped nations, their armies made a futile effort to resist Hitlers aggression, fighting back with spears and even rocks. If, by faith in Jesus Christ, you acknowledge your sin and trust in the victory which Jesus has already won on the cross, then you shall be saved, in which case you shall wage war for God. Ephesians 5:9-6:9. They mystery is the church, and that God would reconcile both Jews and Gentiles to Himself and to each other, so that they would become fellow-heirs and fellow-partakers of the promise of Christ in the gospel. 3 Ways Jesus Shows Us How to Practice Hospitality, 3 Times Christians Actually Should Judge Others, 7 Short but Mighty Lessons from the Book of James, When it Comes to Miracles, God Does it His Way. Those who would attack Satan do not understand Satans power, or Gods plan. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. All are joined in one body, the church, through the Spirit of God to become a dwelling place of God. We live in very polarizing times. God has purposed to delay casting Satan into the lake of fire because in his freedom to operate as the god of this world he is unwittingly fulfilling Gods purposes. But Paul does not seem to be speaking of evil days in general but of a coming evil day. I understand this day to be that future day when satanic opposition will intensify, leading to the second coming of our Lord and the final destruction of Satan and his hosts (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 12, 20).
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