Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Learn How to Fight (Online Broadcast)
Scripture
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.
Main Idea
Not every obstacle you encounter is a direct attack from the devil but you need to know we do have an enemy. This enemy wants to distract you and beat you up. If you ever find yourself in a situation where people are physically fighting around you or you end up in a fight yourself, then it would be a good idea to know how to fight. Your spiritual life is no different. You need to know how to fight and thrive no matter what is happening around you.
If you don't know how to fight, you could get hurt.
Discussion Questions
- Do you see Satan as a real enemy that you need to prepare for? How are you preparing to battle consistently?
- What are areas in your life where you need to remove some types of influences and replace them with Godly influences?
- Have you ever thought about battling the enemy with the various names of God and not just saying "Jesus"?
Summary
You have an enemy who wants to use the things you are susceptible to and distract or even worse try to destroy you. There are habits or issues that may trip you up and your enemy knows which strong holds to use against you. It is to your benefit to know your enemy, know what weapons to use, and how to be prepared for battle.
The enemy likes to take what you are gifted for and prevert it to confuse and frustrate you.
- Satan is real but he isn't strong enough to withstand the weapons of God. (Rev 12:7, 8 NIV)
- Satan is not your friend.
- Satan has power. He has some power as a ruler/principality of this world. He knows the Bible and can twist things to deceive you. (John 12:31)
When you know who your enemy is, you can understand their weakness and what weapons you can use.
- Name of Jesus - You need to learn how to use the name of Jesus to fight. Think about context of what you are dealing with. Jesus is the light when things are dark, He is the healer when you are sick, He is your provider when you have lack. He is your source of offense against Satan.
- The blood of Jesus is your covering. Just as your sin needs a covering, your life needs it too.
- The Word of God. The Word of God is described as being sharper than a two edged sword. We need to speak the Word of God but scripture tells us the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. You need to fill your heart to be ready for battle. (Luke 6:45 NIV)
While offensive weapons are good, sometimes the best offense is defense. There are multiple ways you can prepare and prevent small issues from growing into major battles.
- Commit to the covering of God. Be dedicated to know God and be part of the local church. Being devoted to Christ keeps you in His covering for you as a church and local body.
- Don't leave the door open to the enemy. As Luke 6:45 says, the things you load your heart with are the things that you open yourself to. The things you watch, people you see, music/podcasts you listen to can influence you. Make sure you are letting God's word, music, and other content influence you positively. Hebrews 12 tells us to be holy as God is holy.
- Be alert and ready to do battle when the enemy attacks.
Take Action
- Google search the different names of God in the Bible and mark those scriptures down to study
- If you haven't completed Essentials, commit to finishing it and volunteering.
Announcements
- Essentials at 10am every Sunday
- No First Wednesday service for August
- Family Bash on August 15th
