Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:8-11; Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; James 4:7; Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 2:13-15; Romans 8:1
Intro: Continuing our Acts series on God's mission, we've explored things that aid the mission (community, preaching, Spirit, gifts). Today, we address things that oppose it. If we join God's mission to fill the earth with His glory, expect opposition from the "unholy trinity": the world, our flesh, and the devil. This spiritual warfare is real, as experienced personally even recently. How do we face it?
Key Points:
- Don't Be Surprised (1 Pet 5:8-9): Opposition is normal. We're in a spiritual battle raging from Genesis 3 to Revelation 20. Don't be shocked by conflict or attack; it's part of following Jesus ("sheep among wolves"). Soldiers expect warfare; so should we. "Stop being regularly surprised" when trials come.
- Don't Be Ignorant (Enemy's Schemes - 2 Cor 2:11): Know your adversary's consistent tactics:
- Deception (Mind): Twists truth, questions God's goodness ("Did God really say?"), leads thoughts astray (Gen 3; 2 Cor 11:3). Behavior follows belief.
- Temptation (Desires): Plays on "lust of flesh/eyes, pride of life" (1 John 2:16). Offers satisfaction (feeling/having/being) apart from God.
- Accusation (Conscience): Reminds of failures, equates acts with identity ("You are a liar"), induces shame. Accuses God, you, others (Rev 12:10).
- Don't Be Afraid (Jesus is Victor): Though the enemy is powerful, he's limited. More importantly, Jesus decisively defeated Satan through His death and resurrection (Heb 2:14-15; Col 2:15). We have divine resources:
- Against Deception: The Holy Spirit (Counselor/Truth-guide), God's Word, a renewed mind (Rom 12:2).
- Against Temptation: Jesus succeeded where we fail; He provides a way out (1 Cor 10:13) and truly satisfies.
- Against Accusation: Jesus is our Mediator. We plead His righteousness, not ours. Condemnation is canceled (Rom 8:1; Col 2:14). Distinguish Spirit's conviction (specific, leads to Christ) from enemy's condemnation (general, daunting shame).
- How We Fight Back:
- Submit to God, Resist the Devil (James 4:7): Align under God's authority; humble yourself (1 Pet 5:6). Then firmly resist.
- Deal Quickly with Sin: Yank out "fiery darts" immediately before they consume; don't let toeholds become strongholds.
- Be Strong in the Lord (Eph 6:10): Our strength isn't self-generated but comes from His might. Put on His armor.
- Worship, Communion, Generosity as Warfare: These acts actively combat the enemy by declaring God's truth, remembering Christ's victory, and demonstrating His Lordship over our lives and resources.
Conclusion: Joining God's mission means facing opposition. But don't be surprised, ignorant, or afraid. Understand the enemy's tactics, but stand firm knowing Jesus is victorious. Submit to God, resist the devil, deal quickly with sin, find strength in the Lord, and actively engage in worship, communion, and generosity as powerful acts of spiritual warfare.
Call to Action: Acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare without fear. Identify how the enemy targets you (deception, temptation, accusation?). Submit yourself afresh to God's authority. Actively resist the devil in faith. Deal quickly with sin. Strengthen yourself in the Lord and His resources. Engage worship, communion, and giving as intentional acts of warfare.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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