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Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare. In cross-cultural contexts. The Flaw of the Excluded Middle. The other-worldly, supernatural The this-worldly, natural The this-worldly, supernatural?. Spiritual warfare in the ministry of Jesus. An ongoing reality, culminating in the victory on the cross

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Spiritual Warfare

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  1. Spiritual Warfare In cross-cultural contexts

  2. The Flaw of the Excluded Middle • The other-worldly, supernatural • The this-worldly, natural • The this-worldly, supernatural?

  3. Spiritual warfare in the ministry of Jesus • An ongoing reality, culminating in the victory on the cross • But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Mt 12:28) • Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. (Jn 12:31)

  4. Christ has obtained the victory • And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Col 2:15) • Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations ...” (Mt 28:18-19)

  5. The final outcome is sure • There are casualties and losses along the way, but the outcome is not in doubt • Oscar Cullmann’s D-Day & V-Day • The kingdom of God is already here but the victory is not yet fully realized • We are in a battle, not in a time of peace

  6. Paul encourages us to be ready • Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Eph 6:10-13)

  7. Levels of spiritual warfare • The cosmic battle between God and his angels vs Satan and his demons • Offensive attacks of the forces of evil against the redeemed • Defensive moves in the lives of non-Christians - protecting their territory • The battle is hottest on the front lines

  8. The realities of spiritual warfare in new converts • Often connected to objects - images, carvings • Moral failure • Deception, unbelief

  9. Missionaries experience demonic attacks • Depression and discouragement • Fear • Conflict – anger, distrust, bitterness • Not nearly all problems can be solely attributed to demons • “Any servant of Jesus Christ who poses a serious threat to the powers of hell will be targeted and will encounter resistance, especially at times of strategic ministry.” White, p. 39.

  10. Panel • What are examples of spiritual warfare that you have encountered in your ministry? • What indications did you have that this was more than just human weakness - that there were supernatural realities involved? • What did you do to combat the forces of evil and what advice would you give others? • What are some of the cautions you would give new missionaries regarding spiritual warfare?

  11. Prayer time • And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Eph 6:18-20)

  12. Resources • White, Thomas B. The Believer’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare. • Bubeck, Mark. Overcoming the Adversary. • Anderson, Neil & Warner, Tim. The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare.

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