Spiritual Warfare
Every Christian has the unmitigated right to know they are loved by God. As a Christian, you are forgiven by Him now and continually when you seek His forgiveness with a heart of surrender. God values you as much as He values Jesus – Jesus lives in you and you are adopted into the family of God to be a joint heir with Jesus. Our spiritual bloodline is now the bloodline of Jesus. We have a spiritual inheritance, which empowers us through the Holy Spirit to know who we are, because we know Whose we are.
Read Ephesians 6:10-13, 2 Corinthians 2:11
Discuss
- Many of us easily recognise a problem of the world, but do we recognise a spiritual problem – especially when it stops us taking hold of God’s promises? Paul referred to such problems as ‘schemes’ Satan uses to outwit us. What are some ways you are being challenged lately? (Note what people share and have the group pray for them at the end of the discussion).
- How relevant is Ephesians 6:12 for us today? Share and discuss what it means to ‘stand’ (in Ephesians 6:13). How can we stand if we do not recognise the schemes of Satan! Dale exposed three schemes (or spirits) the accuser uses to rob us of our inheritance in Christ and shared a power response for each one:
- Read 1 Samuel 17:10-11. Goliath’s intimidation changed the rules of engagement and caused Saul’s army to be ineffective. Intimidation affects what you see. Read 2 Timothy 1:7. How may we make this scripture a reality in our life? Note the scripture’s context and discuss what spiritual courage looks like.
- Our response to intimidation: “For this, I have Jesus.” Share how and why this overcomes intimidation (consider Philippians 4:13).
- Read 2 Samuel 16:7-10. Condemnation affects what you hear. Notice that David heard a condemnation as a conviction from God. What is the difference between condemnation and conviction? What are some life lessons you have learned that demonstrate how condemnation pushes us away from God, and/or how conviction draws us closer to God?
- Our response to condemnation: “I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus.” Do you struggle to believe you are completely forgiven by God? Encourage one another with Romans 3:23-24, Romans 5:1-2 and 1 John 1:9.
- Read 1 Kings 19:3-4. Rejection affects your heart and can make you feel isolated. It can take many forms, but rejection of yourself is the most dangerous and can lead to the ultimate isolation (which Elijah sought). What are some of the ways rejection has affected (or could affect) your life?
- Our response to rejection: “I am known, I am loved, and my life matters.” Read Romans 8:38-39. How can we be as convinced as Paul? What are some practical steps we can take to win the battle against rejection and isolation?
Respond
‘The way we think has power over our heart and mind. It also feeds the soul. Consider Ephesians 5:19-20 and Philippians 4:8-9. When King David was down, he would build himself up in the Lord. Your declaration and proclamation of God’s promises is an effective weapon against the enemy’s schemes. Share the challenges keeping you from the promises of God. Consider and pray about at least one way you are going to make a spiritual stand this week.
Download PDF