Dealing With Spiritual Evil (Part 2): The Battle Lines

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 5:8-9

We learn about some of the ways that Satan attacks the church. A lot of this plays out through the seeds of disunity that he sows within the Body of Christ. Satan also strikes at our identity and emotions. In this world that Satan has corrupted, we'll continually find that we will only discover hope in God; this hope plays out when we take God at His word and thank Him for who He is. God's hope curtails the clouds of despair that Satan generates within us.

Dealing With Spiritual Evil (Part 1): The Adversary

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 5:8-9

As believers, knowing that Satan exists and is our adversary should elicit a few different responses in us. We can respond with confidence in the Lord, who lives in us, as He is more powerful than Satan. Satan's existence should also remind us that we are in the middle of a battle zone; now is not the time to live as though we are in ?peacetime.? Our lifestyle, friendships, and prayer life will reflect the kind of mentality we are living out.

Jesus Steps Out

Dennis McCallum

Mark 1:9-13

Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist reflected that he would take over the work that preceded him by the Old Testament prophets. Jesus' temptation in the wilderness by Satan describes the intense spiritual battle that we, as Christians, are a part of. In order to be successful in spiritual warfare, Christians need to be rooted in God's truth to dismantle Satan's lies and have dependence on the Holy Spirit's power during times of temptation. Jesus was now ready to begin his ministry to tell people about the forgiveness possible through him.

Destroying Fortresses

Dennis McCallum

John 8:44

Paul explained that Christians are in a spiritual war against Satan and his forces. This isn't a war of swords and spears, but it is a war of truth. We are able to fight away Satan's lies with the Word of truth (the Bible).

Stages of Spiritual Development

Gary DeLashmutt

1 John 2:14

John highlights the stages of spiritual development for Christians, including: 1) childhood; 2) young adulthood; and 3) mature adulthood. The focus of spiritual development within the childhood phase includes the assurance of God's complete forgiveness and the personal-love relationship we have with Him. As we mature, God wants to remind us of our victory against Satan and regularly exposing us to His Word and learning how to obey it. As we get to adulthood spiritually, God is able to deepen our appreciation of our personal relationship with Him and produce stability and confidence after years of depending on Him. Healthy spiritual development isn't automatic, but occurs within the confines of a healthy community of Christians.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 6)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 6

Within spiritual warfare, we are able to withstand Satan's tactics by resting in God's power. We must learn to stand firm in God's truth to defend ourselves from Satan's accusations, affirming our position in Christ in faith as we remain intent on accomplishing God's mission. As we remain persistent in prayer, rooted in God's Word, and confident of the security we have through Christ, we are able to effectively fight against Satan's schemes.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 5)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 6

Satan's main corporate tactics include: 1) infiltration; 2) division; 3) opposition; 4) corporate deception; and 5) persecution. Many of these tactics lead to feelings of alienation towards God and other believers, causing damage within God's church and preventing focused attention towards His purposes. Our response as believers is to stand our ground based on God's Word to combat Satan's tactics.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 4)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 6

One of Satan's primary tactics is to accuse and tempt Christians. Satan attempts to accuse Christians in four primary ways: 1) towards God; 2) towards others; 3) causing division between people; and 4) accusing to our selves. These accusations and temptations center around harmful habits of ongoing sin, resulting in feelings of alienation from God and discrediting His message. We need to respond to these lies and accusations with God's truth and take a firm stance in our identity in Christ and the promises which God says are true.

Spiritual Warfare (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 6

In spiritual warfare, Satan's forces and tactics are relentless, stealthy, and well-disciplined. This causes problems for Christians that are often unaware of his schemes. Satan's tactics are aimed at preventing people from knowing God personally through Christ and rendering Christians ineffective in God's work. However, we are on the offensive, looking to infiltrate the world, liberate those who don't know Christ, and make disciples of Christ. Being offensive in spiritual warfare has the opportunity to expand God's kingdom.