Spiritual Warfare HS Home Group

Zachary Adams

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MAIN QUESTION- How can I be an overcomer in spiritual warfare.

POINT- You don’t see the bible telling you that you are to enter into spiritual warfare, the bible says you are already in it.Don’t believe the lie that this battle isn’t a big deal, or that it is nothing to be ready for…

KEY POINT- If you are ignoring the spiritual warfare happening around you, you probably aren’t winning the battle.KEY POINT- Complacency is the starting point of compromise. (NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. “You may have never realized that there is a battle going on right now…”ILLUSTRATION- The boy who made a model boat, sailed in and lost it. A week later he saw it in a small pawn shop for $10. He worked hard for 2 weeks before he saved enough to buy it. After buying the boat the boy said, “First I made you, then I bought you.”KEY- The enemy obviously is not greater than God, so he seeks out a way to be greater than God in the hearts of the people God made for himself.We see this in the beginning, when Satan convinces Eve and Adam to rebel against God.KEY POINT- God made you, then he bought you back. He does this because he loves you so much.POINT- Spiritual warfare is happening right now. (NLT) — 12 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. DEFINE- “Evil rulers” comes from the greek word “arche” which means any supernatural being other than God acting in a ruling or commanding capacity.DEFINE- “Authority of unseen world” comes form the greek word “exousia” which means a spiritual being that exercises control over others.DEFINE- “Mighty powers” comes from the greek word “Kosomkrator” which means an influential power often understood in terms of physical control.KEY POINT- The ultimate goal of the enemy is to dominate, control, and destroy the people who God loves.The tactics of intimidation and insinuation alternate in Satan’s plan. He plays both the bully and the charmer. Force and fraud form his main offensive strategy against a believer.KEY- Some of you this may be news, but for others you may already know about this and have experienced the enemy coming after you.POINT- Though there is warfare happening, you do not need to be afraid, God is all powerful.ILLUSTRATION- I love watching good war movies… Especially the ones where US special forces will go into a trouble part of the world and they will be outnumbered 200 to 1, but because they are so well trained they overcome.There is no power that will overtake the power of God’s love for you. (NLT) — 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. There is no authority over Christ. (NLT) — 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. The enemy though fighting viscously is truly powerlessColossians 2:15 (NLT) — 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. POINT- God has given his people a call, a mission, a course to fulfill. Satan will do his best to stop it. When he attacks and intimidates we are called to stand. (NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. POINT- There is a lot connected to this word stand.It means we will be attacked.It means we must not be frightened.It means that we must not droop or slouch; nor be uncertain or half hearted in the fight.It means that we are at our position and alert.It means that we do not give even a thought to retreat.But there is the question so many believers find themselves asking…You may be asking this question right now…IF I AM SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO STAND, WHY DO I KEEP ON FALLING?If God is more powerful then why do I feel powerless???If I have authority over my adversaries then why do I feel no one listens???MAIN KEY POINT- The problem is not in your fight, it is in your preparation.MAIN POINT- is not focused on how to fight, it’s primary focus is on how to be prepared to fight. ARE YOU PREPARED? (NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Some of you know how to fight, but when the attack comes, when the temptation shows up, when your world starts to collapse you are trying to get ready for the battle when you should be fighting in your battle.CHALLENGE- ARE YOU A PREPER?

Does spiritual warfare pertain to you?

1. Preppers are capable.

(NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. KEY- Spiritual warfare starts here; being strong in the Lord. You can not put on God’s armor until you are first strong in him.POINT- God gives us the best armor, the best tools, but you first need to be strong enough to use them.DEFINE- In God’s word it says mighty power. Might refers to a reserve strength. If you see a jacked guy you can see his might even if he is not using it.DEFINE- Power refers to the use of might. When a jacked guy picks up a car or bends an iron bar, or benches some crazy amount of weight he is using his power. It means that the reserve of strength is actually being used.KEY- God has infinite amount of might that can be seen as power in your life, but his might does not work in you as you sit passively. His might becomes your power as you rely on it.“Some of you are sitting around waiting for his power to do what he told you, God is telling you right now go do what I told you and then you will see my power.”Its not I do everything and God does nothings, Its not I do nothing andGod does everything, Its not I do all I can and God helps with what I can’t.It’s If I walk in his obedience I stand in his strength and God’s power is in me. (NLT) — 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. (NLT) — 16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” (NLT) — 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. POINT- Your level of faith is connected to your asses to God’s power.POINT- Your ability to be strong in the Lord is connected to your obedience and your faith.

Introduction

What do you think spiritual warfare is?

Does spiritual warfare pertain to you?

(NLT) — 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

ILLUSTRATION-

POINT- You don’t see the bible telling you that you are to enter into spiritual warfare, the bible says you are already in it.

Scripture

Spiritual warfare defined.

2. Preppers are covered.

QUESTION- Why do you think there is there spiritual warfare happening?

(NLT) — 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. NOTE- The armor we put on is not like God’s armor, it is his armor.KEY- The armor is both from God and is God’s. (NLT) — 16 He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with his strong arm, and his justice sustained him. 17 He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head. He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion. 18 He will repay his enemies for their evil deeds. His fury will fall on his foes. He will pay them back even to the ends of the earth. KEY POINT- In the Old Testament, it is the Lord who wears the armor. He now shares that armor with us. Equipped with God’s armor, no wonder we are more than conquerors.POINT- Having armor means nothing if you don’t put it on, putting on armor means that the most vital areas of your life are now protected.ILLUSTRATION- Helmets are practical! Sky diving with a helmet… Wearing a helmet when I go skiing… When you are falling you can’t hit pause then put your helmet on.

3. Preppers are Controlled

KEY- The enemy obviously is not greater than God, so he seeks out a way to be greater than God in the hearts of the people God made for himself.

We see this in the beginning, when Satan convinces Eve and Adam to rebel against God.

(NLT) — 12 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. I am not wasting away my strength at the battles that are not mine. I am focused and controlled on the true enemy.

Spiritual warfare quiz…

Got a bad grade on a test because you did not study.

You had a “bad day” for no specific reason.

You get grounded.

Church gets canceled because of bad weather.

You get in a car accident.

The part you have in the service was rough because you were not prepared.

4. Preppers are commited.

KEY POINT- The truth is all of those things could be a form of spiritual warfare…

(NLT) — 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. I am not going anywhere! You won’t knock me off of God’s promise.

The choices you make matter!!

Conclusion…

(NIV) — 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

(NIV) — 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

KEY- One of the greatest misconceptions about spiritual warfare is the things I can control is not spiritual warfare, but the things I can’t control are spiritual warfare.

QUESTION- What are ways you have expereince spiritual warfare?

DEFINE- “Evil rulers” comes from the greek word “arche” which means any supernatural being other than God acting in a ruling or commanding capacity.

DEFINE- “Authority of unseen world” comes form the greek word “exousia” which means a spiritual being that exercises control over others.

DEFINE- “Mighty powers” comes from the greek word “Kosomkrator” which means an influential power often understood in terms of physical control.

KEY POINT- The ultimate goal of the enemy is to dominate, control, and destroy the people who God loves.

The tactics of intimidation and insinuation alternate in Satan’s plan. He plays both the bully and the charmer. Force and fraud form his main offensive strategy against a believer.

QUESTION- Is there hope for a believer to overcome in spiritual warfare?

QUESTION- How can we overcome in spiritual warfare?

(NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

There is no power that will overtake the power of God’s love for you.

(NLT) — 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

There is no authority over Christ.

(NLT) — 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

The enemy though fighting viscously is truly powerless

(NLT) — 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

POINT- God has given his people a call, a mission, a course to fulfill. Satan will do his best to stop it. When he attacks and intimidates we are called to stand.

(NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Application

QUESTION- Is there hope for a believer to overcome in spiritual warfare?

QUESTION- How can we overcome in spiritual warfare?

1. Be Strong in the Lord.

(NLT) — 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

QUESTION- What does it look like to be “strong in the lord.”?

BIB ILLUSTRATION- Sampson in the bible had supernatural strength.

QUESTION- What are some strength zappers?

Committing to too many spiritual works or things

Too much arguments debates.

Laziness

too much time in the wrong company

too much foolish talk and joking

love of money

a desire for respcetablility and image

an unequal yoking with an unbeliever

bad entertainment

2. Put on the WHOLE armor of God.

QUESTION- Is the armor from God or is it His armor?

(NLT) — 17 He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head. He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion.

CHALLENGE

ILLUSTRATION- One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: "Jump! I will catch you." But the boy protested, "Daddy, I can't see you." The father replied, "But I can see you and that's all that matters.”

CHALLENGE- Will you trust that God’s voice? Will you trust that you can do what God says you can do????

(NLT) — 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

CHALLENGE- STAND FIRM!! Don’t waiver, don’t give in to temptation, don’t let his intimidation work!!

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