Spiritual Warfare, Part 1 Wednesday Night Bible Study

January 30th, 2013

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for

the battle is not yours but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NASB)

A. SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL, AND YOU ARE A TARGET . Some key areas where we must engage in spiritual warfare:1. Your marriage2. Your ministry3. Your mission 4. Your vision

B. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE ?

Spiritual warfare is that conflict being waged in the invisible, spiritual realm that is being manifest in the visible, physical realm and affects you and me. We see it every day in our lives, and in the lives of others.

Paul makes it very clear in Ephesians 6:11-12 that (a) there IS a war going on, (b) the fight is NOT with one another, and (c) satan has a plan:

11. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

12. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world,

and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

C. THE DEVIL HAS A TRAP SET

1. The mind – it really starts here; uncrucified thoughts; unsanctified attitudes2. What is standing between you and God’s vision for your life?3. Fear of failure4. The past 5. Confusion6. Success – satan wants to share God’s glory (Isaiah 42:8)7. Spiritual warfare on your job

Wednesday Night Bible Study - January 30th, 2013Facilitator: Donna R. Patrick – Page 1

D. SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN SCRIPTURE

1. Daniel – he kept praying – Daniel chapter 62. Joshua – the nation of Israel had to go through Jericho to get what God promised

them. Joshua chapter 63. Peter and the apostles; they kept preaching – Acts 5:12-29 (obedience)4. Jehoshaphat – Judah (praised) God on the way to the battleground - 2 Chron. 205. Jesus and the mad man of Gadara – Mark 5:1-13 (called out many demonic

spirits in one man)6. Jesus being tempted in the wilderness – Matt. 4 (Jesus spoke the Word whenever

satan came at Him)

E. DON’T EXPECT TO WIN IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE WITHOUT THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER.

1. We have weapons and they are not of human nature (the flesh)– 2 Cor. 10:3-4; The devil is not of fleshly nature, and we cannot fight him in our flesh

2. Develop, or FURTHER develop your prayer life3. Develop the mind of Christ – Rom 12:2; 4. Plead the blood of Jesus! Rev. 12:10-115. Speak the Word!! Rather than continue to speak about the situation, get the

Word of God on your mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Proverbs 18:21; John 15:4-10. Victory will not come through emotion or intellect, but by the promises of God!

6. Be on the alert! Become a watchman. 1 Peter 5:87. Walk in the Holy Ghost – Romans 14:17, John 14:27, peace is power in spiritual

warfare because when you know the truth, and walk in God’s peace, satan cannot prevail over you in any area of your life

8. Ask God for a discerning spirit so you can see what He means for you to see, and know what He means for you to know – John 14:26; John 16:13

9. Prayer walk your house – the inside and the outside; prayer walk the property; pray the Word of God over where you live.

10.Consecrate the place where you work; pray inviting God’s presence into your workplace

“Words are containers for power! They can carry creative orDestructive power. Since God’s Word is full of life and life-giving power,

a wise person will learn and speak the Word of God rather than any other word.”Joyce Meyer, The Word, The Name, The Blood

**Next Session: Praise & Worship as weapons of war

Wednesday Night Bible Study - January 30th, 2013Facilitator: Donna R. Patrick – Page 2