Message: What is Spiritual Warfare?
Speaker: Greg Holder
"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 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. 19 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, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Discussion
1. We talked about the "schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:11) that trip us up. What were those for you?
2. What thoughts seem to replay in your mind, and how are they related to spiritual warfare?
3. Reflect on Ephesians 6:10-20. Which aspect of the armor of God stands out to you most? What phrases jump out at you or challenge you?
Take Action
1. Greg quoted Thomas Brooks' book, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, in discussing how "little sins often slide into the soul" and can create a foothold. What can you do this week to put on the full armor of God and guard against these sins?
2. We discussed the "pandemic of despair" in our world today. Can you reach out for support? Or, who can you reach out to remind them that God loves them today?
3. Greg mentioned Dr. Curt Thompson while discussing that despair and loneliness. Consider reading his book, The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves.