Session Recap:
How have you been applying what you've learned and your action plan(s)?
- How has your new views on suffering changed how you viewed challenges and problems?
- Where do you think you fell short?
Ask:
When you think about spiritual warfare, what comes to mind?
Teaching Time:
When we become a follower of Christ, we enter into an unseen spiritual war that lasts the rest of our lives. At the very beginning of scripture in Genesis 3, we are introduced to our opponent. In John 10:10 Jesus tells us that He (Jesus) came to give abundant life but that Satan (our enemy) came to steal, kill, and destroy us. Satan is real and he wants to destroy those who are a part of the kingdom of God. He wants to steal your joy, kill your influence and destroy your life. In Ephesians 6:10-20, we are taught that our war is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Also, we are taught how to fight against them. We are instructed to put on the “Full Armor of God” so that we can stand our ground when the day of evil comes. We must remember this verse says, “When” the day of evil comes and not “if” the day of evil comes. Many people are deceived into thinking that as we follow Christ that all troubles will subside but the Word never says that.
However, it does say that Jesus would be with us in the trials. Notice in Ephesians 5 there are 5 components to the armor of God: The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. It is important to understand each piece of armor because they directly defend and wage war against all of Satan’s specific schemes. It is vitally important for every Christ follower to understand each piece of armor, it’s use and be able to wield them properly.
Application:
Read John 10:10 & 1 Peter 5:8-9.
- What is Satan’s plan for your life?
Read Genesis 3:1-7
- What does this teach us about the schemes of Satan
Read Matthew 4:1-11
- How does Satan attack specifically in this passage?
- How does Jesus resist?
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
- How does each piece of armor protect us from the enemy?
- Talk about each piece.
- If a sword is used for offense, why is there a sword included in the armor?
- How does spiritual warfare drive us to prayer?
Read 2 Cor 10:3-5
- What does this teach us about spiritual warfare?
Read James 4:7
- What does this verse teach us about spiritual warfare?
- What is your next step when it comes to spiritual warfare?
Where do we get it wrong?
- Spiritual warfare is not real.
- It’s only Spiritual warfare if it’s visible and dramatic.
- I can fight Satan in my own strength and in my own way.
- Spiritual warfare is only for special Christians.
- I don’t need to be concerned with spiritual warfare.
Useful Tools
10 Facts about spiritual warfare
GOT TO PART 4: WALKING AS THE IMAGE OF CHRIST