Listen to the podcast and then over the course of the week try and work through the following questions. Do it alone or work on it together with some friends. Heck, I guess you could even work on the questions without listening to the podcast, but some context wouldn't hurt a bit.
“Open war is upon you … whether you would risk it or not.”
Objective: To confront the reality that spiritual war is “upon us” whether we believe it or not and as Warriors we must have a strategy to win each battle.
Read: For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Do most of us live like there is an “unseen world” and like we are fighting against the “powers of darkness?” Why or why not?
Fights with family, gossip, impulse purchases, work/school conflicts, depression, and anxiety: How could these all be part of a battle in the “unseen world”?
Think of a battle you’ve fought in the past month. Did you see it as a battle against “flesh and blood” or against the “powers of darkness”? Why or why not?
As Warriors, why is it critical to know what we are fighting against and what we are fighting for?
Read: Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
Suppose you chose not to fight and were “devoured.” What would the Enemy gain by “taking you out”?
Read: Your life can be described as a “long and sustained assault on your heart by the Enemy who knows who you could be and fears you.”
John Eldredge
Think about a battle you are in right now. How is it a battle against the “powers of darkness”?
Read: One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.
Luke 9:1 NLT
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NLT
Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. 4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Deuteronomy 20:3-4
Further Study
Ephesians 6:10-24:
How do you protect your home from danger? What did Paul tell the believers to put on? (6:11)
Why do Christians need to put on God’s armour? (6:11-12)
What can Christians dressed in the full armour of God expect? (6:13)
Why do you think Paul used the detailed description of a Roman soldier's armour to explain spiritual warfare?
How would you describe the armour of God in your own words?
What is spiritual warfare?
How often are you engaged in spiritual warfare?
In what way is the Christian life like a battle?
What pieces of armour are you missing?
How can you lean on the Holy Spirit’s help in doing battle for the kingdom of God each day?
Further Study
Mark 3:20-30:
What does Jesus’ speech about a “kingdom divided” tell us about the kingdom of God? (3:24-26)
Who was the “strong man” of whom Jesus spoke? (3:27)
In light of this passage, what do we fight against?
What difference does it make in your life to know that Jesus has authority over all the evil powers of this world?
What is the true significance of Jesus’ ministry of casting out demons?
What has following Jesus cost you?
g-ram
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