FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT THE BATTLEGROUNDS 1 TIMOTHY 6:12 FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH! CLING TO THE ETERNAL LIFE YOU WERE CALLED TO WHEN YOU CONFESSED THE GOOD CONFESSION BEFORE WITNESSES.
THE SPIRITUAL WAR Why are We in a Fight? Who s Fighting? Where is the Fight? What s My Part?
WHY ARE WE IN A FIGHT 1 Peter 5:8 Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. James 4:1-2 Where do you think your fighting and endless conflict come from? Don t you think that they originate in the constant pursuit of gratification that rages inside each of you like an uncontrolled militia? 2 You crave something that you do not possess, so you murder to get it. You desire the things you cannot earn, so you sue others and fight for what you want. You do not have because you have chosen not to ask.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS God, Jesus, Holy Spirit Humans Satan Demons Principalities Powers Rulers of Darkness The God Head Eternal Creator and Power The Creation of God - The Pleasure of God Fallen, Disgraced, Accuser, Deceiver, Murderer Fallen Angels, Imps, Evil Spirits Administers over Government, Powers, Rulers Energy of Fear, Depression, Airs of Evil over land Spiritual Realms, Nations, World Cultures
THE BATTLEGROUNDS Battlefield of the Soul 2 Corn 10:5-6 (Mind Will Emotions) Battlefield of the Church Eph 4:2-3 (Relationship, Personal and Corporate) Battlefield in the Spiritual Realm 2 Corn 10:3-6 (City, Region, State, Nation, World)
WHAT IS MY PART 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the world, we do not fight according to this world s rules of warfare. 4 The weapons of the war we re fighting are not of this world but are powered by God and effective at tearing down the strongholds erected against His truth. 5 We are demolishing arguments and ideas, every high-and-mighty philosophy that pits itself against the knowledge of the one true God. We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One. 6 As soon as you choose obedience, we stand ready to punish every act of disobedience. Weapons of Our Warfare Eph 6:10-17 Heb 4:6-7 Helmet of Salvation Identity Sword of the Spirit Gods Power Waist Band of Truth Integrity Courage Shield of Faith Protect Thoughts Gospel of Peace Keep our Stance Strong Humility Power of God Unleashed Praise and Worship Release Prayer Intercession, Spiritual, Listening Relationship God and Church
THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE SOUL (THE MIND WILL AND EMOTIONS) Thought Life Desires vs Obedience Present with God & Others Intellect Reasoning Pride vs Humility Submit to Gods Ways Emotions Feelings vs Truth Trust Patience Belief System Rules vs Relationship Word & Grace of God
THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE CHURCH (RELATIONSHIPS PERSONAL & CORPORATE) Ephesians 4:2-3 Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. 3 Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together. Principalities Control This Realm Displacement Comes From Jesus Authority Requires the Church in Unity
THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE CHURCH (RELATIONSHIPS PERSONAL & CORPORATE) PULLING DOWN THE STRONGHOLD OF COLD LOVE, OFFENSE, BITTERNESS, CRITICISM Holding Offenses Forgiveness Freedom Disunity, Fighting Commit to Love Healing Unity Bitterness, Anger Confrontation Truth Peace Criticism, Judgement Discernment Faith Hope Power
THE BATTLEFIELD IN SPIRIT REALM (CITY, REGION, STATE, NATION, WORLD) Luke 10:17-19 17. When the 70 completed their mission and returned to report on their experiences, they were elated. Seventy: It s amazing, Lord! When we use Your name, the demons do what we say! Jesus: 18. I know. I saw Satan falling from above like a lightning bolt. 19. I ve given you true authority. You can smash vipers and scorpions under your feet. You can walk all over the power of the enemy. You can t be harmed. 20. But listen that s not the point. Don t be elated that evil spirits leave when you say to leave. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Then Jesus Himself became elated. The Holy Spirit was on Him, and He began to pray with joy. To be continued in this series on Fighting the Good Fight!!!!
LET S TALK What are some of your experiences? What questions came up? What do you sense the Lord saying? Your input is welcome.