How does the Enemy use feelings of pride & hopelessness against us in the spiritual battle?

2. Group Questions… How does the Enemy use feelings of pride & hopelessness against us in the spiritual battle? Read the following passages and list what each one contributes to our understanding of why it is important to memorize the Word of God: Psalm 119:11, Phil. 4:8, Lk. 4:13, Jn. 8:32 Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. How would you define what a “stronghold” is? What does Paul mean when he says we are to “take every thought captive”?

3. Spiritual Warfare “the Christian’s struggle against otherworldly forces” (Millard Erickson)

4. Clinton Arnold Spiritual warfare is a way of characterizing our common struggle as Christians. Whether we want to think about it or not, the truth is that we all face supernatural opposition as we set out to live the Christian life… There is virtually no part of our existence over which the Evil One does not want to maintain or reassert his unhealthy and perverse influence. Conversely, Jesus longs to reign as Lord over every area of our lives. This is the locus of intense struggle for believers. To which kingdom – and source of power – do we yield?

5. 6 Important Functions of the Mind… The Heart is Changed by the Mind The Mind Perceives Truth & the Will of God Your Belief System Determines Direction, Actions, & Responses Unity with God/Other Christians Requires the Mind A Corrupted Mind will Block Your Usefulness to God in the Kingdom The Mind is the Battlefield for Bondage or Freedom

6. John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

7. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

8. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

9. Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

10. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

11. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

12. Stronghold An entrenched pattern of thought, an ideology, value, or behavior that is contrary to the word and will of God. An entrenched pattern of thinking and acting that we believe cannot change, even though we know that such thoughts and actions are contrary to God’s will.

13. Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

14. Development of a Stronghold… We place ourselves in the way of temptation. Satan entices us to give in to temptation We fail, and Satan strikes with accusations We listen to the accusations, assuming we cannot change. We lose our hope Having lost our hope, we again place ourselves in the way of temptation – and lose the battles.

15. Questions to Consider… Has the sin become habitual? That is, do I continually commit the sin, even though I know that God is displeased? Have I given up fighting the sin? Am I close to saying, “What’s the point of trying?” Do I continue placing myself in the way of temptation? Though I know that temptation – and probably failure – await, do I still move in the devil’s direction? With regard to my sin, is it hard for me to believe Bible promises such as 1 Cor. 10:13? Have I stopped spending time with God, reading His Word and praying, because I’m so overwhelmed by the guilt of my sin?

16. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

17. Charles Spurgeon When Jesus Christ was assailed by Satan in the wilderness, He had a great choice of weapons with which to fight Satan, but he took none but the sword of the Spirit: “It is written.” This is our battle ax and our weapon of war. A spiritual kingdom must be set up and supported by spiritual means only.

18. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

19. An Action Plan… Study God’s Word each day – know the truth Believe and accept the truths of God’s Word. Daily reject the lies that the enemy sends – claim the truth against the lies Daily ask for God’s guidance and protection

20. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Faith is not merely an intellectual belief or theory. Of course, faith includes what you believe, but faith never stops at mere intellectual assent and belief. Faith is always practical. Faith always applies the truth.