CHRISTIAN GROWTH LESSON 15a

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CHRISTIAN GROWTH LESSON 15 a

1. Know The Situation!

A. Unbeknownst to most people, we all live our lives within two distinct Realms.

One visible, the other invisible.

One physical, the other spiritual.

One temporal, the other eternal.

And unless and until Christians learn to live victoriously in both, they will never experience all that God intends for them.

B. Everyone is familiar with the first ... the Physical Realm, but not as many are familiar with the second ... the Spiritual Realm.

It is imperative for us as Believers to understand the nature and authority of each, for within them exists Kingdoms which are waging war for the souls of all people who have and who will ever live.

Christians, whether they know it or not, are participants in this war.

Our ignorance will spell our defeat and failure, so it is of utmost importance that we educate and prepare ourselves to engage in the battles and emerge victorious for our King to Whom we belong!

The Apostle Paul describes the situation in this manner.

Eph 6:12

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Kingdom of God
God's Kingdom exists wherever He alone is Sovereign, where His Will is done ... whether it be within an entire Realm as in Heaven, or within an individual's life ... evidenced by His Joy, Holiness and Peace.
​
The Kingdom of Darkness
The Kingdom of Darkness exists wherever God's Will is defied and His Rule denied ... whether it be within an entire Realm, nation or life.
​
Christians Belong to God
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV 1900
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Ephesians 6:12
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV 1900)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places.
​

What does Paul mean when he points out that "our wrestle {struggle} is not against flesh and blood"?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​
What is Paul is saying in this verse?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
​

So often we wrestle {struggle} against other people, be they our boss, our parents or our spouses.

But Paul is saying look beyond them, for our enemy is not that person, but the spiritual entities that are working through them to steal God's Joy and Peace from our lives.

So if you ever thought your boss was the 'devil', you're not too far off!

But we need to view the world through God's eyes in order to detect our true adversaries.

They dwell unseen in the Spiritual Realm and are dedicated to our demise! Beware!

Ephesians 6:12 (Observations)

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Underline what our 'struggle is not against'.

Circle all the things it is against.

Underline where wicked spiritual forces dwell.

​
The words Paul uses to refer to the spiritual entities in this passage were commonly used words to describe those in positions of authority, such as governors and judges.
This implies that just as those exercising authority in our physical world are organized by responsibility and power, the same is true in the Spiritual World.
​
"Spiritual forces of wickedness" are given jurisdictions, or territories, within which they exercise their power, ranging from those assigned to specific individuals, to entire cities and nations, all the way up to satan who 'prowls' around the world over which he rules as god.
We stand against an organized army of spiritual beings, which is why Paul gives instruction on how we can and must resist
... instructions which we will cover in following Lessons.

You may not have had enemies in your life before, but as a Christian, you have them now! 1 Peter 5:8

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV 1900)

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your

adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

​

Describe what it means to be "sober" and "alert". ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How should Peter's description of the devil affect the way we live?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If we choose to live our lives oblivious to the Spiritual War being waged against us, our lives will not reflect the presence of God within it.

In fact, we will begin living like any non believing person would.

​

Ephesians 4:17-19

Ephesians 4:17–19 KJV 1900
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
​

Why does Paul describe the Gentile's (non-believer's) mind as vanity {futile}? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why does a vanity {futile} mind and 'darkened understanding' lead to a life of 'sensuality', 'impurity' and 'greediness'? ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Peter 5:8 (Observations)
Circle the two things we should be.
Circle who our 'adversary' is.
Circle what he is like.
Underline what he is seeking.
​
Peter's instructions for us to be 'of sober spirit' and 'on the alert' are in the form of commands. In our war against Spiritual Forces of Wickedness, Christ has given us an order through His Apostle, and we must obey.
​
In Western Culture, demons and witches are relegated to fairytales and movies. But in the Third World, they are very real occurrences. In Papua New Guinea, the Chrisians I knew could see the demons. I could only sense their presence. There, witches may be family members. Mothers could fly and deliver dinner to their children attending school hundreds of miles away and return the same night, and never enter an aircraft. Medicine men, death curses and werewolves were all there. It's real!
​
Ephesians 4:17-19 (Observations)
v17
Underline how we should no longer 'walk'.
Underline how the Gentiles walk.
v18
Circle where they are 'darkened'. Circle from where they are 'excluded'. Underline the two reasons why.
v19
Circle what they have become.
Underline what their callousness has caused them to do.
Underline what they practice.
​
Ephesians 4:17-19 describes what a life without an awareness of God often becomes ... a life focused completely on the Physical Realm including its 'sensuality', leading to all kinds of 'impurity'. Perhaps you can identify with Paul's description, and remember the futility that this kind of life brings. If we, as Christians, fail to live soberly and alertly, we will fall back into this kind of lifestyle, focused on our feelings and the Physical Realm instead of faith in God and His Kingdom.

The previous passage revealed the battle ground of Spiritual Warfare ... our Minds. As it showed, if our thinking becomes futile, and our understanding darkened and divorced from God, we will be in danger of slipping into the abyss of a life consumed by 'sensuality' and all kinds of lusts.

But we are not defenseless!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought to

the obedience of Christ;

​

What kind of 'speculations' do people raise up against God today? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

How do we take 'every thought captive to the obedience of Christ'? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

God addresses the battle of our Minds through the Apostle Paul

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is

that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The word translated 'transformed' commands us to continually transform ourselves completely from within. It is a continuous process that we have a part in. What is the significance of this? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does the 'renewing of (our) mind result in a 'transformed' life? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

"for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Proverbs 23:7

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

(Observations)

v3 Underline how 'we do not war'.

v4 Circle what our 'weapons' are not.

Circle what our weapons are.

​

Underline for what reason. v5

Underline what we are destroying.

​

Circle what they are raised up against. Circle what we are taking captive.

Underline to what.

​
The Greek word translated 'speculations' is 'logismos'. It doesn't take a Greek scholar to figure out that it is where we get our word 'Logic', and refers to ideas and beliefs. Satan and this world have raised many arguments against God, His existence and the Christian Faith. We must capture these false ideas and counter them with God's Truth!

Romans 12:2 (Observations)

*we will examine this first phrase in a later lesson.

Circle what we are to be.

Underline how.

Underline why.

Circle the three words describing God's will.

​

As indicated from the start, the Christian must learn to live victoriously in both the Physical and Spiritual Realms.

This requires a complete transformation in the way perceive things, especially in the unseen world.

This can only occur with a complete transformation of our Minds as we continually renew our minds with God's Word by the Power of His Spirit in order to think and live in accordance with God's Truth and see things as they are.

Then we will not be deceived by the forces of darkness!

Many are the warnings against being involved in spiritual warfare.

The warnings come from those who know the number of casualties, remember those who had become too deeply involved.

There certainly have been casualties-casualties that could have been avoided if they had been acquainted with the Biblical teachings regarding the spiritual realm, man's interaction with spirits. and the principles, purpose, and power God has given born-again Christians to confront, challenge, and destroy the works of Satan (Eph. 6:13-18: Rom. 16:20).

Ephesians 6:13–18 KJV 1900
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Romans 16:20 KJV 1900
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Man is in a battle.

​

The battle is not against flesh and blood.

But he is wrestling, struggling, with principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12).

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

God has sent followers of Christ with a Great Commission.

The Great commission is to go into all the world to baptize, and teach all nations (Matt. 28:18-20).

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

In order to carry out the Great Commission, the Bible says people must have their eyes opened, be turned from darkness to light, and be turned from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18).

Acts 26:18 KJV 1900
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

​

The Great Commission involves a progressive Gospel penetration of an individual or nation with the Word of God.

Scriptures clearly teach opposition will come. The enemy does not want to lose control over an individual or a nation.

He will throw every obstacle he can muster at the faithful witness who is seeking to fulfill the command of his Blessed Lord.

The Apostle Paul said, "Satan hindered us" (I Thess. 2:18) - not a Flip Wilson excuse, like “The devil made me do it," but a solemn proclamation of the Holy Spirit of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV 1900
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Those who would be followers of Jesus must prepare for spiritual warfare because:

(1) obstacles will hinder your getting there and ministering there (Acts 16:5-9);

Acts 16:5–9 KJV 1900
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. 6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

(2) people will act illogically, even irrationally toward you (Acts 16:16-18);

Acts 16:16–18 KJV 1900
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

(3) relationship problems will develop between you and co-laborers (Acts 15:3639);

(4) family frictions and problems will increase and intensify (I Pet. 3:6-12);

1 Peter 3:6–12 KJV 1900
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

(5) you and your family will experience intense emotional stress (I Pet. 5:6-9a)

1 Peter 5:6–9a KJV 1900
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

(6) your physical health and that of your family members may be impaired (Phi. 2:25-30)

(7) life conditions and your developing faith walk will often demoralize you and seem unsatisfactory (II Cor. ll:23-28).

Some might say these are just normal intellectual, emotional, circumstantial problems that face every man.

Yes!

They are.

But spiritual warfare basic training teaches new recruits that it is the every day thoughts, feelings, and circumstances the enemy seeks to manipulate and intensify, in order to bring you into unbelief and a flesh walk, which makes you vulnerable.

Paul himself said he was a pattern for those who would believe later.

His pattern is not always appealing. He was blocked in his efforts until the Macedonian vision.

He was grieved by the over-zealous publicity of a demonized girl.

Demonized or "demonization pictures a demon controlling a somewhat passive human."

He got in a "knock-down, drag-out" fight with Barnabas.

He chose of his own will not to have a wife. He was on an emotional roller coaster at times.

He had debilitating illness. He suffered a wide spectrum of demoralizing conditions.

To these Paul said, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12).

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

He struggled and we now struggle against spirits who are in rebellion against God.

You can seek to build a tower with insufficient materials and have people scorn you.

Or you can appropriate the needed resources God has provided to open people's eyes, turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (I Thess. 5:24).

1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV 1900
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Chapter l Outline Why Train for Spiritual Warfare

l. Many people fear getting involved in spiritual warfare.

2. Even Christians have been propagandized by the enemy.

3. Most casualties in spiritual warfare are caused by ignorance.

I. MAN IS IN A BATTLE FOR ETERNAL SOULS

A. The battle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12).

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

B. Christ sent us into the battle (Matthew 28:18-20).

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

C. Christ sent us to rescue others from the enemy (Acts 26:18).

Acts 26:18 KJV 1900
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

II. OUR BATTLE SHOULD BE A PROGRESSIVE PENETRATION OF ENEMY HELD TERRITORY (Mark 16:14-15)

Mark 16:14–15 KJV 1900
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

A. We have the needed weapons for the battle (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Ephesians 6:13–18 KJV 1900
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

B. The enemy seeks to hinder your progress (I Thessalonians 2:18).

1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV 1900
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

l. Obstacles will hinder your being where God wants you (Acts 16:5-9).

Acts 16:5–9 KJV 1900
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. 6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

2. People will act illogically, even irrationally, toward you (Acts 16:16-18).

Acts 16:16–18 KJV 1900
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

3. Problems will develop between you and co-laborers (Acts 15:36-39).

Acts 15:36–39 KJV 1900
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

4. Family frictions and problems will increase and intensify (I Peter 3:6-12).

1 Peter 3:6–12 KJV 1900
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

5. You and family members will experience intense emotional stress. (I Peter 5:6-Sa)

1 Peter 5:6 KJV 1900
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

6. The physical health of you and family members may be impaired. (Philippians 2:25-30).

Philippians 2:25–30 KJV 1900
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

7. Conditions, lack of appreciation shown to you, apparent lack of tangible success, even your faith-walk will often demoralize you and seem unsatisfactory. (2 Corinthians 11:21-28).

2 Corinthians 11:21–28 KJV 1900
21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

III. THE ENEMY MANIPULATES AND INTENSIFIES THE COMMON EVERYDAY THINGS TO KEEP YOU FROM WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

A. Paul's experience illustrates this manipulation:

1. Demonized girl at Philippi (Acts 16:16-18). 2. Paul's fight with Barnabas (Acts 15:37-41).

Acts 16:16–18 KJV 1900
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Acts 15:37–41 KJV 1900
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

B. You are in a battle that only Christ can win (I Thessalonians 5:24).

1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV 1900
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1. Christians are in a battle for the souls of lost people.

2. We can stand against and overcome the enemy that hinders.

3. The manipulations and lies of the enemy can be defeated in Christ.

​

2. Know Your Enemy: The Devil!

“If you know the enemy and know yourself,

you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. ... "If you know neither the enemy nor yourself,

you will succumb in every battle.”

Sun Tzu "The Art of War"

​

6th Century BC Chinese General, Sun Tzu, recorded the above advice in his masterpiece, "The Art of War". 2500 years later, it is still good advice, which we will apply in this and the following lessons.

​

The first thing we need to know is who and/or what are our enemies.

We obtained a glimpse of our primary enemy in the first Lesson, the very real spiritual entity called the 'devil' or satan, who "prowls around like a roaring lion" seeking to destroy us.

​

It was through the devil that sin was birthed, corrupting God's Creation. It entered into this world, and from it grew a System of Beliefs (The World) that is diametrically opposed to God. Through Adam, Sin corrupted the very Nature of all people, transforming us from God's children into His enemies.

So who is this entity known as the devil/satan and what is his Objective? Isaiah 14:12-14

Isaiah 14:12–14 (KJV 1900)
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation,
in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will be like the most High.

Describe the devil's objective: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How might he fulfill it on Earth? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​
Road to Victory
One of my favorite lessons learned from Dr. Howard Hendricks is,
​
"A Problem Well Defined, Is a Problem Half Solved."
​
Sixth century Chinese Philosopher and General Sun Tzu wisely defined the first step to victory in Spiritual Warfare. We will take his advice and define our enemies, and then define ourselves, for until we know our enemy and ourselves, our victory will always be in doubt.
​

Isaiah 14:12-14 (Observations)

Isaiah 14:12–14 KJV 1900
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

v12 Circle from where he fell? Underline what he is called. Circle to where he fell.

Underline what he did.

v13 Circle three things he will do.

Underline where he said this.

v14 Circle two more things he will do.

Underline Whom he will make himself like.

​
Satan originally had a high position in heaven. He was the 'star of the morning', which is translated Lucifer, or 'morning star' in the Latin Vulgate.
He was a beautiful creature as we shall see in the next passage, which may have contributed to his delusional thinking, and his unbelievable proclamations that resulted in his downfall.
Known as the five "I wills", satan's objectives are all frightening, but none so much as the final one.
A study of each gives us a glimpse of the dark delusion into which sin can lead us.
Have you noticed its presence in your life?

The Devil's Origin: The passage below is addressed to the 'king of Tyre', but most Bible scholars believe it speaks of the devil himself, and describes his original state and subsequent fall. Ezekiel 28:12-15 Again the word of the LORD came to me saying, “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him,

Ezekiel 28:12–15 (KJV 1900)
12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him,
Thus saith the Lord God;
Thou sealest up the sum,
full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;
every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper,
the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:
the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee
in the day that thou wast created.
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;
and I have set thee so:
thou wast upon the holy mountain of God;
thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways
from the day that thou wast created,
till iniquity was found in thee.
​
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List things we learn about satan in this passage:
______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
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How did the devil's magnificence cause him to sin?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What lessons can we learn from the devil's demise?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the previous passage, we caught a glimpse of the devil's ambition.

​

​

In this passage, we will see what may have inspired it.

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]

Ezekiel 28:12-15 (Observations)

v12 Circle Who is speaking.

Underline what the devil had.

Circle what he was full of.

Circle what he was 'perfect' in.

v13 Underline where he was.

Circle what covered him.

Observe the stones God says he was covered with.

Circle the one metal mentioned.

Underline on what 'day' they were prepared.

v14 Underline who God says he was.

Circle Who placed him there.

Underline where he was.

Underline where he walked.

v15 Circle how God says he was in his ways.

Underline from when he was 'blameless'.

Circle until what was found in him.

​
This amazing passage paints an incredible picture of satan.
He was once 'perfect' in every way! And he looked it, too! If you let your imagination soar, and visualize the vestments or perhaps armor with which he was covered, the picture that emerges is of a creature beyond compare.
He would make those celebrities who walk the red carpet look like they were wearing rags in comparison!
God's description of satan, one of his greatest creations, utilizes numerous superlatives.
Till we come to that last jarring and accusing phrase describing his downfall, "Until unrighteousness was found in you."
​
It shows us that no matter how beautiful, no matter how smart, no matter how successful or how 'perfect' we may be, our downfall is but one misstep away.
We must constantly remind ourselves that it is God who places us in positions of honor and continually humble ourselves before Him, lest 'unrighteousness' be found in us and we be brought low in our pride.

We have learned that the devil, called satan, was one of God's most magnificent creatures, who lost his place in heaven when 'Iniquity' was found in him.

It seems evident that satan's sin was that of pride, for which he was condemned to the confines of Earth, the abode of another important creation of God, a Man and a Woman, whose fall he engineered through temptation.

So what is the situation we now find ourselves? 1 John 5:19

1 John 5:19 (KJV 1900)

19 And we know that we are of God,

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

​

Why does John preface this verse with the Believer's assurance? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What does the second part of this verse mean? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does this impact our lives as Believers? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Devil's Work 2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV 1900)
4 In whom the god of this world
hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God,
should shine unto them.
​

In what ways is the devil the 'god of this world'?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Why does he blind the 'minds of the unbelieving'?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In his instructions regarding the kind of person he recommended for church leadership, the Apostle Paul warned,
"not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil."
1 Timothy 3:6
1 Timothy 3:6 KJV 1900
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
​
The sin of the devil is 'conceit' or
pride. John 5:19 (Observations) Underline what 'we know'. Circle where 'the whole world lies'.
It is sometimes necessary in Warfare to situate soldiers behind enemy lines in order to free captives and secure victory.
God has placed His church in enemy territory to free those imprisoned by the devil through the liberating power of the Gospel of Christ.
Sometimes those who are supposed to free others become captives themselves because they were not careful how they walked in enemy territory.
We must be alert in how we live while in satan's world, for our enemy is always seeking to ensnare us and make us his slave.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (Observations)

Underline what the 'god of this world'

has done.

Circle what he wants to keep them from seeing.

Circle whose glory the light of the Gospel displays.

Underline who Christ is.

​
For reasons unknown to us, God has given satan a chance to fulfill one of his objectives ... to be 'like the Most High.'
But to secure his position, he must keep everyone under his power and in the dark as to the identity of the true God manifested through Christ.
He does this by blinding the 'minds' of the unbelievers as to who Jesus is.
It is our task as Believers to enlighten them with the 'light of the Gospel', and free them from their bondage to the god of this world.

The Devil's Forces

​

Lest we mistakenly think we are only opposed by a single spiritual entity called satan, the Scriptures give us clues on how many fallen angels really oppose us.

​

Revelation 12:4a

Revelation 12:4a (KJV 1900)
4 And his tail (The Dragon's) drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:
​
Revelation 5:11
Revelation 5:11 (KJV 1900)
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was
ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Most Bible scholars believe Revelation 12:4a describes how satan drew away a 'third' of the angels in Heaven. Revelation 5:11 reveals the number of angels who remained with God. Do the arithmetic: 10,000 X 10,000 = ______________________________________________________

Revelation 12:4a KJV 1900
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Revelation 5:11 KJV 1900
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

If this number represents the two thirds that remained with God, how many joined with satan? ______________________________________________________

​

What makes their quantity more daunting is the quality of angels that joined satan.

​

Ephesians 6:12 reveals their quality.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

​

Ephesians 6:12

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV 1900)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.

​

What does the opening phrase mean? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why does the Apostle Paul use words that reflect authority for the fallen angels? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some possible areas in our world influenced by fallen angels today? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Satan is assisted by a core of very powerful angels who joined him in his rebellion and are now with him on the Earth, working to set up a counterfeit kingdom while sending many souls to hell in the process!
​
Revelation 12:4a (Observations)
Circle how many 'stars were cast down.
​
​
Revelation 5:11 (Observations)
Circle what John heard.
Underline where these angels were.
Circle how many there were.
​
The phrase '10,000 X 10,000' may simply be an idiom that people in those days used to indicate a great many.
In Hawaii, they say 'ukumillion', 'uku' being the Hawaiian word for fleas, with the more familiar word 'ukulele' meaning 'jumping fleas' referring to the fingers of the player.
In any case, that numerical phrase would indicate the number of angels joining satan might be as high as fifty million!
This is on top of the 'demons' that are allied with them and are a completely different spiritual entity.
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Revelation 6:12 (Observations)
Revelation 6:12 KJV 1900
12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Circle what Paul says we do not wrestle against.
Circle each of the categories of angels.
​
The words Paul uses to describe various classes of fallen angels are words used to describe human rulers of different ranks.
This indicates to us that the fallen angels are very organized and recognize authority even among themselves.
This should not be surprising as God's angels are also organized by task and rank as well!
But what we can learn is that the Believers' adversaries are very organized and powerful, and committed to their downfall.
They are familiar with the exercising of power and authority, and use that experience to influence human organizations, from the lowest to the highest.
These organizations may include the Music and Entertainment Industries, News Media, High Tech Industries, Military, Education and Government agencies and leaders.
​
​

3. Know Your Enemy: The World!

The devil is not alone in opposing the Believer in Christ.
He is aided by two allies dedicated to oppose our desire to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.
They are the World, a System of Beliefs opposed to God, and the Sin Nature, which is the remnant of our 'Old Man' still residing in our Flesh, which we will study following this study
​
In the previous Lesson, we considered our situation behind enemy lines. Here, satan has established his own kingdom, the World System opposed to the One True God, over which he rules as a god ... blinding and enslaving all who live within it, save for the children of Light who walk in God's Kingdom.
​

The World

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)
2 And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
​
​
How does the World pressure us to conform? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
List various Worldly values/ideals we are pressured to accept: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What makes the Apostle Paul's advice the most effective way to counteract the World's pressure for us to conform? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 18:9 (KJV 1900)
9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee,
thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
​
Why did Moses give the Israelites the above advice? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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In his quest to be like God, satan created the World System, a counterfeit of God's Kingdom designed to provide the things that people seek to live a fulfilling life: Security, Self- Worth and Significance. But it's all an illusion. It instead offers False Security, False Self-Worth and False Significance, for in the end, this World is subject to decay and death.
​
The Apostle Paul, well aware that the Christians in Rome were at the centre of the 1st century World and vulnerable to the World's deception, exhorts the Believers there in his letter to them.
​
Romans 12:2 (Observations)
Romans 12:2 KJV 1900
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Circle what they must not be.
Underline how they should be
transformed instead.
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The Greek word translated 'conformed', presents the picture of something being pressed in a mold so that it emerges in the very shape and likeness that the mold is designed to make.
The World is the shape into which satan's Mold is pressuring everyone.
In our time, the shape may be what is 'politically correct', or morally convenient.
Christians will almost always find themselves at odds to the currently acceptable and popular values, and unless they have renewed their minds, they will find themselves unable to resist the pressure to conform.
​
Most people tend to be conformists, not wanting to 'rock the boat' or 'cause trouble.'
But God wants His children to be 'transformists', agents of change toward a Godly way of living and thinking!
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Just prior to entering the Promised Land, Moses gives the following advice.

​
Deuteronomy 18:9 (Observations)
Deuteronomy 18:9 KJV 1900
9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Underline what Moses advised them.
​
The cultural practices of 'those nations' included child sacrifice, divination, witchcraft, fortune telling, sorcery, casting of spells, spiritism and necromancy. Basically, satanism, devil worship or luciferianism.
​

In this World, you are either in satan's kingdom or God's.

There is no in between! The Apostle Paul makes that clear when he reminds the Believers in Ephesus ... Ephesians 2:1-2

Ephesians 2:1–2 (KJV 1900)
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience:

How were we 'dead' in our 'trespasses and sins'? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says we 'walked according to the course of this world'? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says we 'walked ... according to the prince of the power of the air'? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

Ephesians 2:4-6

Ephesians 2:4–6 (KJV 1900)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy,
for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together,
and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

What is God's ultimate solution to satan's World? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​
If I asked you if you have ever been a follower of satan, most would say, 'No way!'
But according to the Apostle Paul, we may very well have been.
​
Ephesians 2:1-2 (Observations)
Ephesians 2:1–2 KJV 1900
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
​
Circle what we were in our 'trespasses and sins'.
Circle according to what we 'formerly walked'. (two things)
Underline where satan's 'spirit' is now working.
​
The Apostle Paul teaches that before we were 'born again' by God's Spirit, we were 'dead' as far as God was concerned, and unable to comprehend nor communicate with Him as surely as a corpse can comprehend or communicate with the living.
We were cut off from God, and walking in the world of satan, according to his will and his spirit, and against God's.
We were completely without hope apart from God's mercy.
The World was our home and the course we followed, indulging in its lusts, if not fleshly, then certainly in our minds and hearts.
And thus we were objects of God's wrath, destined for eternal punishment, with no way out.
Then a lifeline was thrown our way called the Love of God through Christ Jesus, and we grabbed on to Hope.
​
Ephesians 2:4-6 (Observations)
Ephesians 2:4–6 KJV 1900
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
v4
Circle how God is described. Underline why He is described so. v5
Underline what we were even when God loved us.
Circle what God did to us with Christ.
Circle how we are 'saved'.
v6
Circle what God did to us with Christ.
Underline where God seated us.
​
This is one of my favorite passages in Scripture! It details how God saves us from satan's grasp by tranferring anyone who believes in Jesus and is sick of living an empty life of sin ... into His glorious Kingdom!
And this, not because of any thing we have done, but completely by God's Grace through our faith in what Christ has done for us! Amen!
So what should our attitude be toward the World? The Apostle John gives us the answer ... and more! 1 John 2:15-17
1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900)
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
​
Why does the Apostle John command us not to love the World? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
List examples of the following:
'the lust of the flesh': ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
'the lust of the eyes': _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
'the boastful pride of life': ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is significant about the fact that 'the World is passing away'? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is significant about the truth that the 'one who does the will of God lives forever' in light of the World passing away? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 John 2:15-17 (Observations)
v15
Underline what we are not to do. Circle what is not in us if we love the World.
v16
Circle the three things in the World.
Circle from where they are not.
v17
Underline what is happening to the World.
Circle what else is passing away.
Underline who will live forever.
​
All three words translated 'love' in verse 15 come from the Greek word 'agape' which describes how people value, or cherish, things or persons. It is in the imperative mood which labels it as a command. Whereas we often see Love as a feeling, Scripture most often describes it as a choice we make in light of the Truth of God's Word.
We are commanded not to love the World, primarily because it is fleeting. Why treasure something so temporal when God provides that which is eternal! Sure, the World offers us pleasure and all manner of things that cater to our egos, but in the end, everything in the World will disappear as surely and as quickly as an ice cube on the hot desert sand.
Those who seek to find their significance, security and self-esteem solely in the things of this World will inevitable be disappointed, for those things will eventually pass away taking with them our hopes, our self- worth and our reasons for living.
📷
"He is No Fool
Who Gives What He Cannot Keep,
To Gain
What He Cannot Lose."
Jim Elliot
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Application
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Review this Lesson and Answer the Following:
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Describe The World and why we should never Love it. 📷 📷
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What Specific Things Will You Do to Apply What you Have Learned?
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4. Know Your Enemy: The Sinful Nature!
So far we have looked at two spiritual enemies: satan, our often overlooked adversary who seeks to 'devour' us, and the World he uses to sideline us. These two work from without. We will now look at a third spiritual enemy that works from within.
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If it were not for this third enemy, our first two enemies would not have the impact they do. In a very real way, because this third enemy works from within, it is the most difficult to overcome, for it is devious! But from where did it originate?
​
The Origin of Our Sinful Nature
​
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin,
and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--
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Who is this 'one man' spoken of in this verse and why? _______________
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____________________________________________________________________________________ How does this verse explain the predicament of Mankind?
____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
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In his Psalm of Confession, King David explains why he sinned.
​
Ps 51:5
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me."
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How does David explain the reason he sinned? ________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________ Does this excuse us from sinning? Why or why not? __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
..................Column Break..................
The Fall of Adam
The Bible tells us that when God originally created the first Man and Woman, He did so in His own image (Genesis 1:27). They were made in sinless perfection, with a Nature made to please and enjoy God forever ... until satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted them to sin with the false promise of achieving Godhood.
One of the consequences of the Fall was the corruption of man's Nature, from Godly to Sinful. Whereas our original Nature naturally pleased God, our corrupted or Sinful Nature made it natural to rebel against God.
​
Romans 5:12 (Observations) Circle how 'sin' entered the world. Circle what else entered with sin. Circle where death spread.
Circle how many sinned.
​
And after the original Nature was corrupted, that damaged Nature was passed on to every succeeding generation. It's depravity was soon evident just one generation later when Adam's first born son, Cain, murdered his second born (Genesis 4:8). Like a congenital disease, sin's corruption spread through all Mankind.
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King David's Confession
After sinning grievously against Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah the Hittite, David composed Psalm 51 as penance. In it, he pinpoints the cause of his weakness and crime.
​
Psalm 51:5 (Observations)
Circle how David says he was born.
Circle how he says he was conceived.
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In this verse, King David reveals the problem with us all. We are all 'conceived' in sin and born sinners. In other words, we are not only sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are born as sinners! It is who we are! Sinning is part of our very Nature, a Nature which cannot be changed by a set of laws, or principles or man made systems. It takes a miracle to change us, a miracle that only God Himself can effect in our hearts!
The Nature of Our Sinful Nature
​
Our Sinful Nature naturally sins! But it not only naturally sins, it actually wants to sin! It is a wild beast we keep in check within us. But know this. If people knew they could get away with all kinds of sins and crimes, society would soon sink into anarchy and depravity. It is only societal pressure and law enforcement that keeps us from societal breakdown and allows us to live in peace with each other. The Prophet Jeremiah described our horrible condition.
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Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?"
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How does our heart deceive us? ___________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
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The words "desperately sick" means "incurably wicked". Knowing this, how can humanity ever bring about world peace on its own?
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
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The Apostle Paul lists some of the 'deeds' of the Sinful Nature, here called the 'flesh'.
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Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God.
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Why do you think Paul lists these 'deeds' for the Galatians?
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____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________ What would you add to the list today? ___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________
..................Column Break..................The Lord knew that most people would consider themselves good and would never outwardly break the law. So He challenged them with the "spirit of the Law". Though we may not have outwardly murdered someone, we may have in our hearts (Matthew 5:22). The same is true with sexual immorality (Matthew 5:28). We may not sin outwardly, but have we sinned in our hearts?
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Jeremiah 17:9 (Observations)
Circle in what the heart is more than all else.
Circle what Jeremiah says it is.
Underline Jeremiah's rhetorical question.
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Jeremiah 17:9 is one of the most vivid descriptions of the Sinful Nature corrupting the heart. It is not only sick, it is really sick. In fact, Jeremiah says it is so sick, no one can really understand it.
In the early 1930's, a radio drama entitled "The Shadow Knows" would begin with eerie music over which a sonorous voice would announce ... "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows..." followed by evil laughter. How often have we read news accounts of a serial killer with neighbors testifying, "He was such a nice guy." Who knows
... for 'sooth'!
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Galatians 5:19-21 (Observations)
v19
Circle what the 'deeds of the flesh'
are.
v19-21
Note each deed, using a dictionary if necessary.
Underline what will result for those who 'practice such things'.
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The Apostle Paul says that the 'deeds of the flesh' are 'evident', or obvious. The idea is that they are clearly seen. We are all aware of them because we see them every day. These behavior are not learned but manifest naturally from our Sinful Nature. It is often the proper behavior that can be unnatural and necessary to be learned. Every parent knows this!
This is proof of the fallen state of all humans. Sinful behavior and evil thoughts come so naturally to us, even when we wish not to do them!
The Quandary of Our Dual Natures
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The Apostle Paul spoke about the dual nature of the Believer: possessing the Sinful Nature of the First Adam, which is the person we used to be, and the Divine Nature of the Second Adam, Christ Jesus, who we are now. The Believer died with Christ and is raised with Him to a New Life. He/she is a New Creation, freed from the Law of Sin through Christ's Death and made alive to God through Christ's Resurrection. This New Person, the Real Person, is now imbued with the Holy Spirit and wants to please God ... always! If you are a true Believer, born again by God's Spirit, the New You which is the Real You wants to do God's Will, and in fact, will do no other! So why do we continue to sin? Learn from what the Apostle teaches.
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Romans 7:18-23
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
"But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. "I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. " For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind
and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
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What is an area of your life where you struggle to do the good
​
you want to do. _______________________________________________________________ What does Paul mean in verse 20? ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ Is Paul saying we are no longer responsible for sinning? Why or why not? _______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________ How does Paul view the Sinful Nature? __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
..................Column Break..................The Sinful Nature in the Believer The moment any person believes in Christ as Savior and Lord, God performs a miracle in their lives. They are reborn spiritually as New Creations and made partakers of the Divine Nature. They become completely New Persons in Christ with New Natures that delight in pleasing and obeying God.
But what happens to the Sinful Nature? Unfortunately, a remnant continues to live on in our Flesh, and will continue to do so until our bodies are changed in the 'twinkling of an eye'! (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
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Romans 7:18-23 (Observations)
v18
Circle what dwells in 'me.' Underline where it dwells. Circle what is present in me. Underline what is not present. v19
Underline what we 'do not do.' Underline what we practice. v20
Underline Paul's conclusion when he does what he doesn't want to do.
Circle what is doing it instead.
v21
Underline the 'principle' Paul discovers.
Circle what is 'present' in him.
v22
Circle where Paul 'joyfully' agrees with God's law.
v23
Circle where Paul sees a different law.
Underline what it is doing.
Circle what it is making him.
Circle where the 'law of sin' resides.
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The Sinful Nature not only continues to live in our bodies but exerts its will to incite sin in us! It is an evil entity that we cannot escape. In fact, unless and until we learn how to live as a New Person in Christ, the Sinful Nature is the default setting which will direct us toward well worn paths forged through a lifetime of sin.
The incredible thing is that God acknowledges that we are New Persons in Christ who truly desire to please Him, and knows that we really do not want to sin against Him any longer. We live under His Grace and Forgiveness, but we do not want to use this as an excuse to sin. Instead, we must learn to live by Faith in the newness of life by God's Holy Spirit who lives through our New and Divine Nature! (Romans 8:1-2)
Every Believer must eventually face the formidable enemy within. As we just learned, the Sinful Nature will often manifest itself even when we do not want it to. It betrays us, causing us to give in to satan and the deception of the World. But God has given us a way to victory, as the Apostle Paul instructs the Galatian Believers. Galatians 5:16-18 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Paraphrase verse 16 in your own words? _______________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________ According to verse 17, what is happening within the Believer?
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The phrase 'walk by the Spirit' is a command in the present tense. What role do our wills play in making this command a reality?
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___________________________________________________________________________________ Why are those who are led by the Spirit 'not under the Law'?
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..................Column Break..................“But the worst enemy you can meet will always be yourself;" Friedrich Nietzsche
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Galatians 5:16-18 (Observations)
v16
Underline Paul's advice on how not to
'carry out the desire of the flesh.' Circle by Whom we are to walk. v17
Circle what sets itself against the Spirit.
Circle what sets itself against the flesh.
Underline why they are set against each other..
v18
Underline the result of being 'led by the Spirit.'
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The key to living the Christian Life is understanding who you are. A quote attributed to both C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald, states:
"You Don't Have a Soul, You ARE a Soul
That Has a Body."
Every person, Believer and Non Believer alike, is a living Soul possessing a Body for existence in the physical world. As we have learned, our bodies are corrupted with the Sinful Nature.
However, the moment a person Believes in Christ, God brings forth our Spirit, which is imbued with the Divine Nature, and endows us for life in Heaven, the dwelling place of God!
But God doesn't want us to wait till we get to Heaven to live Spiritually. God expects us to live in the Spirit now!
Whereas living in our Bodies is second nature to us, having already gained lots of experience trusting in our senses, living in the Spirit is a completely new experience altogether. It requires greater Faith because the spiritual World is unseen, but no less real. Our Primary Guide is God's Word and His Holy Spirit. We must transform our minds with His Word that we may prove what His Will is, and the longer we pursue this, the stronger we will be in our Faith and in our Ability to live Spiritually in the physical World.
So, as a Living Soul, we must decide daily whether we will live through our sinfully oriented Bodies or through our heavenly oriented Spirits!
Application
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Review this Lesson and Answer the Following:
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Describe the Sinful Nature and how to achieve victory over it. 📷 📷
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What Specific Things Will You Do to Apply What you Have Learned?
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