Same Battles Conquered by God Now All These Battles Come Again at Once
To empathize the battle of spiritual warfare, nosotros need to begin with acknowledging that we are in a state of war. Battles make upwardly smaller components of the bigger picture. By definition, battles involve combat betwixt 2 persons, between factions, between armies and they consist of whatever blazon of "extended contest, struggle, or controversy" (Webster-Merriam). As Christians, we are in a spiritual boxing of some sort on a daily basis. In warfare, battles are fought on different fronts, for different reasons, and with varying degrees of intensity. The aforementioned is true in spiritual warfare. Our spiritual battles and warfare are real, even though we cannot physically meet the attacker. But, we can educate ourselves on how the battles are fought and how they affect our lives on a daily basis.
Nosotros have to ask ourselves, "Why do we even want to fight spiritual warfare?" It will do us no good to brainwash ourselves on the boxing if we run into no reason for the fight. War is very controversial today in the concrete realm. Those attitudes, beliefs and convictions volition transfer over to the spiritual realm. Nevertheless, in the spiritual realm, there is a battle going on regardless of our stance. We are either victors or victims. Jesus has come and conquered. The state of war is already won in the heavens.
Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18 that, "All authorisation has been given to Me in heaven and on world." We now accept the privilege of having an eternal relationship with God. Many of united states enter into that covenant of salvation past grace. But the Matthew 28:18 verse is not just about our salvation; it is also about our every mean solar day victory, which adds up to victorious living in Christ. Every day victory is accomplished by knowing, believing and agreement the battles that we are enduring daily, regardless if we are passive or active in the battles.
Exercise you lot want all that God has for you on this world right now, or do y'all want to look until y'all get to heaven to receive the victory and blessings?
This Bible study on Understanding the Battle of Spiritual Warfare will requite us a foundation on where, how and what the battles wait like in our lives. Nosotros are going to examine three main areas of where the battles are fought: the Spiritual Battle, the Worldly Boxing, and the Battle Within Us. Nosotros volition review and discuss what the Bible says regarding these areas and volition learn how to utilise the scriptures to our personal lives to bring victory over these battles. It begins with learning the truth of God'south Word and dispelling the lies of the enemy.
Get your Free Re-create of Powerful Spiritual Warfare Prayers HERE. Download and print these to go on with yous as reminders of God's ability and protection in your life.
Part I: The Spiritual Warfare Battle
How do we know that there is a spiritual realm? If nosotros cannot see it, should we believe in it? Many believers and unbelievers today practise not want to "deal" with a world we cannot run across when the world we do see is hard plenty to "deal" with. Before we tin discuss the spiritual battle, we take to believe in the spiritual realm. We take a tendency to human activity like a 2-yr-sometime child who closes her eyes and places a blanket over her head, really believing that no one tin see her because she cannot come across them. Just because we cannot see the spiritual realm does not mean it is not there.
Keith Light-green, a Christian vocal writer, wrote, "I [Satan] used to take to sneak around. Merely now they just open their doors. No one's looking for my tricks because no one believes in me whatsoever more." However, if we choose to ignore or non believe in the spiritual realm, nosotros will discover ourselves dislocated, frustrated, and quenching the peace that God has promised to each of us. The best defence is a strong crime. Just educating ourselves virtually the spiritual realm is half the fight and God gives united states everything else we need to be victorious with the other one-half.
Question one:What words used in the verses below describe the spiritual realm and its invisible components?
Nehemiah 9:6
Luke two:thirteen-15
Ephesians vi:12
Colossians one:fifteen-16
According to Hebrews 11:3, what is required for usa to believe?
What does that mean to y'all?
We all have an innate sense that there is more what the eye tin meet. However, since we do non come across information technology, we often fail to believe in it. If we do not believe in information technology, so we cannot be enlightened of all that is going on, for and against the states. Whether nosotros cull to believe in the existence of spiritual beings and places does non change the fact of their existence and their activities. Let's step back a infinitesimal to assess what we do believe. Equally Christians, it took religion to believe in Jesus Christ. We cannot see Him merely we believe that He died on the cross for our sins. We believe that God raised Him from the dead and we believe that He alone is the source of our eternal salvation.
All those beliefs are not physically seen by us today. We believe Jesus accomplished these things in the spiritual realm when He lived in the physical realm on world. We know that we, too, demand to believe in this concrete realm to exist welcomed into His spiritual realm. Thus, information technology is faith that confirms to our hearts that we will be going to a very real place called heaven anytime. The Bible is filled with references to the heavenly realm or a identify that is invisible to our eyes physically today, even so very real in its existence. Nosotros believe with the optics of our heart, instead of with the eyes in our head. There have been others who were able to see with their physical eyes into the spiritual realm.
Question 2:From the following Biblical examples, describe the scene. What is taking place in each situation?
2 Kings 6:11-17
Daniel 10:7-17
The stories above correspond two different scenarios of action that are taking place in the invisible realm effectually united states. God allowed these men to span the gap in the physical realm to see into the spiritual realm. The Lord opened the eyes of Elisha's servant to run across the host of God's army. His spiritual eyes were opened to come across into the spiritual warfare effectually him. And but Daniel saw the angel continuing before him as everyone else felt the "terror" and fled from the scene. Daniel was granted an access to run across, hear and speak spiritually, as he could communicate with the angel.
These examples clearly demonstrate the workings of an invisible spiritual realm effectually usa. The Lord is with us and provides for us through His angels as He chooses. The Lord loves us and protects the states physically as He works information technology out spiritually. Nevertheless, we must be extremely careful of not delving into this place with the wrong motives. The Bible explicitly warns against the practice of spiritual fascinations. Just every bit the agents of God be in this invisible place, so practice the agents of Satan. The demonic forces want to lure us into their deceptions of power and supernatural activities. Witchcraft, horoscopes and psychic miracle can seem innocent on the surface yet are a dangerous influence causing corking impairment to those who get involved.
Question iii: There are those who believe that fortune telling, horoscopes and ouija boards are harmless fun, merely what does the Bible say?
Leviticus xix:26-31
Deuteronomy eighteen:9-14
Accept yous ever been involved or participated in these types of activities? Discuss what happened and how it started.
We take learned in this first section that the spiritual realm, these invisible or unseen forces, is existent. If nosotros believe in Jesus Christ, then we believe that He died to conquer the works of the devil to ready us free. At that place would take been no need to come to die for us if this is all there is. In that location are forces, both angelic and demonic, that are actively working around usa. There is evil that we fight in our spiritual warfare. Jesus told u.s. to pray for God'south will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. He told usa that the gates of hell will not prevail against the piece of work that God has purposed for usa to achieve, every bit His will is existence worked out in our lives.
But we practice hit opposition. We need to sympathize that the battle is not confronting flesh and blood only against powers in the heavenly places. As we begin to get a revelation of spiritual warfare, nosotros will begin to understand how the enemy moves confronting united states of america in the physical realm.
Job is a perfect example of a spiritual conflict that was manifested in the physical course. Job was a existent human existence living here on earth, but the Bible gives us a articulate look at what was happening concerning Job'southward life in the spiritual realm. God looked upon Task as a righteous man merely, because Satan wanted to prove God wrong, Job became the victim of Satan's attacks. Job's family, finances and abode were destroyed and his health and friends turned against him. Job experienced very real physical and circumstantial conflicts because of the conflict in the spiritual realm. Job too became the victor because of his faithfulness to God in words and deportment throughout the trial. His victory was spiritual, physical and material…on earth as information technology is in heaven.
In the adjacent department, nosotros need to examine more than closely the Worldly Battle. Why is the planet or the earth in a battle in the kickoff identify? What factors play a function in this battle in our physical lives? Is there anything that we tin do on this large scale?
Photo credit: iBelieve.com
Role II: The Worldly Battle
The Strong's Greek and Hebrew dictionary defines the "world" as the "earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extensive the globe; by implication its inhabitants; specifically a participle land, as Babylonia, Palestine: habitable part, globe." The earth is where people dwell. So the blueprint of this world (Romans 12:2) refers to how the people collectively choose to live on the earth. We, equally believers, are told to not conform to the norms of how others live but to live to delight God, who is not of this world. Jesus said in John 17:14-16, "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are non of the earth, just as I am not of the world. I do non pray that Y'all should take them out of the globe, merely that You should proceed them from the evil one. They are not of the earth, merely equally I am not of the world." So, we are chosen to alive in the globe only not be a part of the world. Let'south report this passage more closely to sympathise what the Lord desires from usa.
Question iv: In John 17, Jesus gives a clear bulletin through His prayer to the Father nigh the seriousness of our lives in this "world." From the text below, circle the discussion "earth" and underline (or highlight) every reference to Jesus or God the Male parent.
"I accept manifested Your name to the men whom You accept given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your discussion. Now they have known that all things which Y'all have given Me are from You. For I take given to them the words which You lot have given Me; and they accept received them, and accept known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You lot sent Me. "I pray for them. I exercise not pray for the world just for those whom Y'all have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the earth, merely these are in the world, and I come to You lot. Holy Begetter, go on through Your name those whom Yous take given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You lot gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Just now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I take given them Your word; and the world has hated them considering they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should accept them out of the world, simply that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the earth. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. "I do not pray for these alone, merely also for those who will[believe in Me through their word; that they all may exist one, every bit You, Male parent, are in Me, and I in You lot; that they also may be 1 in Usa, that the world may believe that You lot sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one only every bit We are 1: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the globe may know that You lot have sent Me, and have loved them equally You lot take loved Me. "Male parent, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which Y'all have given Me; for You loved Me earlier the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The earth has non known You, just I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the dearest with which Yous loved Me may exist in them, and I in them." (John 17:half dozen-26)
What does verse 14 say about the earth and u.s.a.?
What does Jesus ask on our behalf in poetry 15?
What is the main point of Jesus' prayer for us (verse 21)?
In your own words, how would you depict the Christian' s place in this globe?
Later reading John 17, it becomes clear that if we are in the world but not of the earth, we are going to have conflicts. Those conflicts are spiritual warfare. Why? Because the physical manifestations of the world, such as the trees, the ocean, and the sky are non the problem. It is the forces that command the globe that are in conflict with God. We, as Christians, are God's children. Thus, if the earth is in conflict with God, the world is as well in disharmonize with us. The prayer of John 17 expresses the middle of Jesus, every bit He knows the battles that nosotros will confront in this world. The world hates those who follow Jesus. We are not called to exist of the world, or worldly, only we are sent in to the world to be a witness of Jesus Christ.
This is a miraculous calling and it takes the phenomenon of the Holy Spirit living in us to fulfill it. It as well takes training to discern between the means of God and the ways of the world. Because we are born into this world, nosotros naturally call back according to it. We have to be transformed to understand God'southward means instead (Romans 12:iii). God'south ways are not natural to the states. We constantly demand to crucify our natural inclinations and desires to receive all that God has for u.s..
God'due south gifts are far greater every bit they are filled with beloved, joy and peace than what the world offers. The world promises instant satisfaction and pleasures that fulfill the desires of our flesh, a tempting offer but i that Christians must be constantly on baby-sit confronting. Jesus understood the temptations of the world. He knew that Satan would use every kind of enticement possible to lure human being'southward heart away from God. Jesus also knew how difficult it would be for those who believe in Him but do non remain faithful due to the cares of the world.
Question five: Look upwards Mark 4:one-20 to respond the following questions.
What is existence sown? See poesy 14.
Briefly describe the scenarios of how the seed is sown and what happens to each.
How does the earth influence a new believer and what is the result? Encounter poesy nineteen.
The battles of spiritual warfare are intense when a person decides to accept Jesus as their Savior. The enemy will attack from all angles, hoping to dissuade the person from fully giving their heart to Jesus. He will use circumstances, events, people, things and even dubiety in their minds to steal their eye back to his ways. The seeds that are sown in people's hearts will either have root on good soil, which is a heart fully surrendered to the Lord. Or, they will be sown in places where the word is snatched abroad from them until they autumn away. These types of battles are fought in the world but involve the spiritual forces of darkness that exist in the invisible realm effectually united states of america.
Once nosotros are fabricated aware of the world's influences and how they are in dissimilarity to God's ways, we must then larn how to operate in the world as a true follower of Christ. It is one thing to be naive to the world'southward deceptions, claiming innocence past ignorance, just once the truth is revealed, we have a responsibleness to obey the Lord'southward directions for u.s.a..
Question 6: What does James 4:1-4 say about our relationship with the world? How can you personally employ this verse to your life?
Part 3: The Spiritual Warfare Boxing Inside United states
For some of us, the hardest battles of spiritual warfare are fought inside ourselves. We can understand the circumstances and situations that the enemy uses to destroy united states. We can have the truth of how the world lures and tempts u.s.a.. We tin sympathise to some degree that the boxing in the spiritual realm is ongoing and real, even though we cannot see it. But, to become a grasp on what is going on within our own hearts and minds can be the hardest, most exhausting, battle of them all.
In this section, we are going to explore what the Bible teaches near the war inside us, the constant struggle between mankind and spirit. Our battle with sin "wars" within our members.
Question vii: To begin to examine the battle within us we must first sympathise its nature. The desires of the flesh are part of our human nature and its history goes back to the beginning of fourth dimension, as we know it.
Describe the setting in which the word "sin" is offset used in the Bible. Run across Genesis 4:3-7.
What was God's warning to Cain?
Have you e'er felt that overwhelming want within yous to permit sin master over y'all? Nosotros make decisions co-ordinate to how we recollect, feel and want. So, at times, we find ourselves struggling with anger, bitterness and hatred leading us into areas of temptation. But God tells us to fight against those sinful feelings. We must learn to fight against the very nature within united states. Paul tells u.s. to put off the one-time nature and put on the new man (Colossians 3:8-thirteen). The Lord has given us His Spirit who will empower united states of america to overcome only nosotros must be willing to let Him the say-so to be in control of our emotions and behaviors.
Question 8: From the following verses, describe the battle of mankind versus spirit.
Matthew 26:41
Romans 7:14-twenty
Galatians 5:16-17
How do these examples reverberate like situations in your life?
We suffer in our flesh, whether we feed its desires or deny its pleasures. Nosotros are constantly battling between what nosotros desire to do versus what nosotros know the Lord wants usa to practice. "All accept sinned and fall short" simply the blood of Christ has saved united states from destruction. The boxing is waged because we are given the ability to overcome sin's grasps. There is no boxing when there is no opposing side. It takes two to fight. When nosotros are dead in our trespasses, in that location is no spiritual battle within us because there is no spiritual life. The Spirit of God brings u.s.a. to life spiritually, yet nosotros live in these bodies of flesh that still have a sinful nature. Thus, the battle rages in the lives of believers only the victory is assured because we are in Christ.
Question 9:From one Peter 4:1-vi, answer the following questions:
What is the advantage of suffering in the flesh?
Depict the sins of the by (of the Gentiles).
What happens when we decide to follow the will of God? See poesy 4.
At this betoken, we have to inquire ourselves a few questions similar "Is Christianity about fighting and suffering or virtually dearest and joy? Isn't the Christian life about peace? Didn't Jesus do it all so I would non have to? Do I really have to think this much about my organized religion when information technology just took ane prayer to exist saved?" Even if near Christians do non conscientiously ask these questions, their lives reflect the answer. The Christian life is not passive. Jesus told us in Luke 9:23, "If anyone desires to come after Me, permit him deny himself, and take upward his cross daily, and follow Me."
Christians are not living the abundant life of love, joy, and peace because they are unaware of how to maintain and claim those promises. Jesus promised us an abundant life that starts here on earth. Until we empathise 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.
Jesus Christ came to world in the flesh. He lived a life of much suffering as He denied the desires of His flesh and the temptations of the enemy. Our flesh will suffer just like Jesus but we tin be victorious merely similar Jesus. The victory may non look the same as defined by the world, but aught compares to a life that is victorious in the ways of God. Call back about information technology: Don't you lot want the desires of your heart fulfilled? Don't you want to know that God heard your prayers and then answered them? Don't y'all desire to be all that God wants you to be because He is and then good that He only gives you practiced things? And don't you want to have all that God wants you to have because He wants the best for you? Don't you want to practise even greater things than Jesus did because you know the Lord and dearest Him?
If y'all answered, "Aye. Oh Lord, assist me, change me, ship me. Don't allow annihilation prevent me from existence all that You want me to be or from receiving all that You lot want me to receive." Then, you take to accept that there are forces prepare against you to prevent you from having whatsoever of theses things fulfilled in you. And we must fight those forces in the spiritual realm, worldly realm and inside ourselves.
Question x: What have you learned in this lesson regarding the spiritual warfare and battles in your life? How will you apply what you have learned to your life?
Pray over Spiritual Warfare:
Lord, there are parts of me that do not want to understand the spiritual realm because it seems too scary and too strange. Nonetheless, I do realize that I am not where You lot want me to be. I want to understand what it takes to exist victorious. And then I ask that You will give me a discerning spirit and I inquire that I can be equipped to get victorious. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear and then, change me for eternal purposes.
In Jesus Christ name, I pray,
Amen
Photo credit: Getty Images/Zeferli
Taken from the Bible study Spiritual Warfare by Tonilee Adamson and Bobbye Brooks, and used past permission of Daily Disciples.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc., founded by Tonilee Adamson and Bobbye Brooks, embraces a vision to attain the world for Christ by teaching others how to be His daily disciples. Their mission is to evangelize the lost and to re-awaken the saved to live lives empowered by the Word of God and His Holy Spirit, and to teach and to train those who desire to grow, to serve and to take all that God has for them…encouraging anybody to be a daily disciple of Jesus Christ. From Bible studies to daily devotionals to daily radio programs to a comprehensive discipleshipprogram, Bobbye & Tonilee have a passion to assist others apply the Word.
Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/spiritual-warfare-lesson-1-understanding-the-battle-11554631.html
Post a Comment for "Same Battles Conquered by God Now All These Battles Come Again at Once"