Affliction and the Shape of Faith

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

For Christians, affliction is a product of the spiritual war in the world. It can often leave people disturbed, tempted, disappointed, or with negative habits. Responding well to affliction requires preparation, encouragement, and an outward focus. Responding well to suffering can take a proud heart and teach it humility and brokenness.

Battling the Lion

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:10-17

Peter describes how to resist Satan. Spiritual warfare is a battle of truth between God and Satan. Believers resist Satan by putting on the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the peace that comes from the Good News, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Satan's tactics involve accusations against God (doubt), against other people (division), and against believers and their efforts to serve God. Believers resist Satan in the strength of God's power and the truth of Scripture.

The Hunting Lion

Scott Risley

1 Peter 5:8-9

Peter warns his audience about God's enemy: Satan. Satan is a magnificent created being whose pride led to his fall. Satan works in two main ways. First, he guards his turf (non-Christians) by accusing God, distorting God's message, distraction or bribery. Second, he attacks Christians by persecution, opposing any effort to serve God, temptation, and accusation.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Since Satan does exist, Peter urges his audience to resist his claims. The way we engage in this spiritual battle is through active trust in Biblical facts. This comes down to the question: am I going to believe what Satan says, or what God says? Those who believe in what God says and have faith in Him are able to put on the armor of God and demolish the lies that will continue to confuse our minds. \r\n

Spiritual Warfare

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 5:8-9

One of Satan's greatest tactics is leading people to believe that he is not real and has no influence in our lives. Satan has a huge influence in the world and directly in people's lives, causing spiritual warfare. Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy people's lives and render Christians ineffective in this world. Although this is true, God has defeated Satan and came to give life, and life abundantly!\r\n

Temptation

Ryan Lowery

Luke 3:21-4:14

The Bible teaches that Satan tempted Adam into rebelling against God, which caused sin to enter the world. The logic of Satan is built on the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life. Where Adam failed to refute Satan's lies, Jesus was able to refute them with God's Word. Believers should follow the example of Jesus in refuting temptation.

Fighting the Daily Battle - Spiritual Disciplines for Staying in the Fight

John Cleary

Ephesians 6:11-13

The first step in our spiritual battle is recognizing the reality of the battle at all. Scripture is clear that we are engaged in a spiritual war, and God calls on us to be engaged and to fight diligently. As we awaken to this reality, it is wise to create for ourselves a combat field manual, a resource for us to go back to regularly. There are lots of different ways to approach and create a field manual for ourselves, but some key aspects would include passages of Scripture, written prayer and insights from the Word. Having this and adding to it can help us continue in our daily battle.

Distinctives of Militant Christianity

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Paul uses militant language to describe the church, because all Christians are involved in spiritual warfare. Christians, as soldiers, should be spiritually alert and never compromise on essential biblical teaching. We should also be faithful despite suffering, and above all, be soldiers who are controlled by love.

The Armor of God

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:11-24

God has given us several methods of defense and one method of attack for dealing with spiritual warfare. Paul uses a soldier's uniform as a metaphor to illustrate these practices. With prayer, faith, and the sword that is God's Word, we can stand up to Satan.