Spiritual Warfare: Seeing the Unseen

I.  Faith: Idea or Master?

1 Peter 1:3-9

       1. Our trials help us to grow, change or learn!

       2. God does not allow the demons to defeat us!

       3. Faith is refined as gold

II. Forces at Work for Us

     A. Satan: The Defeated One

Colossians 2:14-15

         1. Jesus won the battle for our souls when He died!

         2. He removed our sin and slavery to Satan!

         3. He triumphed over Satan’s host through the cross!

 B. God’s Plan Hidden from Satan

1 Corinthians 2:7-8

        1. If Satan had known God’s plan:

             a. He wouldn’t have killed Jesus

             b. He would’ve protected Christ, preventing Him from fulfilling the law for us!

             c. But we have the victory through Christ!

             d. God fought the battle Satan himself didn’t understand!

       C. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

          1. What shall I do?

              a. The Holy Spirit’s Call: Acts 2:38

--Obedience to the Gospel:

                     Sin leaves; God moves in!

              b. Our Christianity depends upon the Holy Spirit living in us! (Eph 1:13-14)

         2. We Need His Leadership (Rom. 8:13-14)

              A. Through the Word

               B. Through prayer for wisdom, strength, etc.

          3. He Strengthens Us (Eph. 3:16-17)

               a. He offers us personal strength

                b. We don’t have enough strength to undergo major battles in our lives!

Conclusion: Don’t Lose Him!

         1. Without the Spirit, you will be unprotected!

         2. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit by:

            a. By living according to your sinful desire!

            b. Participating in sinful activities!

            c. Allowing your relationship with God to decrease!

Application:

Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Love the law of God!  God’s law is holy and just! A good   understanding of God’s nature and will can be found through His Word.

2. Obey it with rejoicing! Half-heartedness cannot lead to     spiritual sensitivity! Be opened to hearing and submitting to God’s will with gladness of heart!

3. Hide it in your heart! Memorizing the Word of God makes it available for study or meditation, anytime! It helps us resist temptation (Mt. 4:4, 6, 10)!

4. Understand what it means! Misunderstood Scripture becomes ammunition for the evil ones. Learn not to misapply Scripture, but learn and understand God’s Word and apply the Word appropriately!

For the penitent Christian, the Spirit indwells (Acts 2:38), guides (Rom. 8:13-14), intercedes (Rom. 8:26-27), and strengthens (Eph. 3:16-17). Be encouraged to pray for His guidance! Meditate on the Word of God. Pray for wisdom and understanding so you will be able to make godly decisions as you walk in this life! Thank Him for His intercession. Pray for the strength that comes from His power! Don’t ignore or doubt Him! Love Him and give in to Him! He is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ!!!

Thank you, God, for your Holy Spirit who leads us and fights along with us in the war that rages around us!