Spiritual Growth Series- Bible Study July 8, 2015

Date: July 8, 2015

Scriptures: John 15:4, Psalm 81:11, Proverbs 3:5, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Ephesians 4:22, Philippians 1:6 1 Peter 2:12, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 3:17 – 18, Romans 15:4, 1 Peter 5:10, James 1:3, Hebrews 10:6, James 1:2, Luke 10:19, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Psalm 62:6, Psalm 125:1

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Sermon Notes:

Spiritual Growth is not only a large area of discuss but it’s something that we all need to do. Grow in the grace and the knowledge of God. The ability to grow is in every believer but the potential to grow doesn’t guarantee fruitfulness. We must grow in love, knowledge, holiness and faith.

John 15:4 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. In order to grow and bear fruit we must be in Christ. All that we have no, there is nothing else that god needs to create for us, but we need to grow in the knowledge of what we have so when things happen, don’t contradict what God says. Discipline your mind and your speech.

Psalm 81:11 – But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. No good thing will he withhold if I walk upright before God, love my neighbor doesn’t prevent us from having to deal with trials and life’s issues.

During sickness and sorrow – don’t throw up your hands. God has already told us what to do. Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Don’t get distracted by situations – continue to trust him even when it seems like he won’t answer our prayers.

Job didn’t give credit to the enemy and he said he would come forth as pure gold because of his trials. That attitude is essential for a victorious life.

We need spiritual maturity – Have a positive attitude if I want to grow. When I mature in the word. Ephesians 4:22 – That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Don’t allow yourself to respond to situations before Christ. Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Don’t give negative thoughts life by speaking it. When you put words in the air you give life to what you say.

1 Corinthians 10:23 – All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Govern your speech. How do your actions affect other people? When we get to situations in our lives we should discipline our mind and speech. All things that we do must have edification. Some things we do that are lawful may impact someone else in a negative manner.

Growing spiritually will get us to a place where we know what to do. We can discern what is proper and what is not.

Before you do something, you must ask yourself the following questions:

·         Will it damage your influence?
·         Will it take away from my ability?
·         Will people not trust me?
·         Will I be a violent point of reference?

1 Peter 2:12 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. You should have honest conversations amongst those who are saved. No matter how they speak about us, our conversation must be honest.

The essential element of spiritual growth is to become more like Christ. That’s why we continue to grow to be more like Christ. Romans 8:29 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. When we look at this passage we’re destined to be in the image of Christ. We’re called, justified and glorified.

When that becomes a reality in our lives then we can boldly say – If God be for us, who can be against us? Whatever I’m dealing with, I don’t say negative stuff. Romans 8:37 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. We are more than conquerors, no matter the magnitude of the situation, I’m more than a conqueror through Christ. I get my direction and instruction through him. I’m more than a conqueror through him.

We need to have the faith to believe it. Jesus didn’t say we needed great faith, he said we need faith the size of a mustard seed? Do you know how small a mustard seed is? See picture below.

2 Corinthians 3:17 – 18 – ¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It makes no difference what you do, God loves us just the same as he did before. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. As spiritual growth occurs in our lives, we change. The more you learn about Christ the more you change.

There are things you can handle now that you couldn’t handle five years ago because you weren’t on the level of Christ. Five years ago you would’ve gone crazy but now we know what to say and what not to say.

God causes us to grow spiritually. That’s why the word of God helps us grow, it equips us.

Romans 15:4 – For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. We are able to see examples to follow from the Bible. We have to keep the word in the midst of our hearts to make it through trials.

1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. He called us. I quickly move from the suffering when I read this verse. Set my mind on being perfect, settled and stablished.

This tells me that the suffering I’m dealing with won’t be forever. It’s not the end. I’m coming out of it. He’s going to strengthen me.

Suffering no longer has a shattering affect because God keeps us.

When you’re going through something don’t dwell on it. We can persevere if we grow spiritually.

James 1:3 – Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. I gotta let patience have her perfect work. James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Count it all joy. This comes from growing in the word.

Our faith will be tried but everything that happens to us – there’s a purpose.

Hebrews 10:6 – In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. You have need of patience until the promise shows up.

We can’t doubt because doubt cancels everything. Think about what you say before you say it.

We must repent when we speak badly. We can speak to him like he’s our father. When you say something that goes against the word of God you can say, “I don’t know why I said that, I’m sorry”.

Once we confess it God forgets it as if you never said it.

We have authority, but we must recognize our authority through the covenant of Christ. Everything begins with the word of God.

Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. We have the authority over demonic forces. Resist the devil and he will flee. We need confidence in the word of God. The knowledge of God’s love for you produces confidence.

I’m a winner – never see yourself as a loser. 2 Corinthians 2:15 – For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. We always are lead to triumph. The more you are in the word, the more you love the word. The closer you are to God.

The further away you are from distractions it’s the word of God.

We need to have the confidence. So we aren’t moved by circumstances. With confidence I’m not moved by circumstances.

Psalm 62:6 – He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.  I’m not depending on anyone. He is my rock. 

He only!

I shall not be moved. No matter what happens, I won’t be moved from my place in Christ he is my rock and salvation.

He is my deliverer, healer and my all.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion who cannot be moved!

You’re a winner right now!

There is no demon that can take that title from me. We need to see the enemy as he is – a defeated foe.

He was defeated at Calvary.

The blood still works, it will never lose its power.

We must apply the word!

Spiritual Growth - Bible Study 7.1.15

Date: July 1, 2015

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 1:5, John 10:10, 2 Peter 1:4, Philippians 4:10, Ephesians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, John 16:33, Philippians 4:8, Job 5:19, Philippians 4:11, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 45:1, Ephesians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Hebrews 10:32, Hebrews 10:35-36, Hebrews 10:36, Psalm 125:1, Psalm 62:5, Psalm 40:1, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 41:9-10, 1 John 4:1

1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Desire sincere milk

2 Peter 1:3 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. The need for spiritual growth. Right now each 1 of us has access to all we need to live a Christ-like, Holy life. 2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We have escaped the temptation to be removed from the word of God. We have all we need. John 10:10 – Means we should have more than enough of what we need. Peace, love, joy, self-control. Philippians 4:10 – But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. God shall supply our needs.

2 Peter 1:5 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. If we follow God’s word and do what’s instructed of us, we will never be defeated. We will be strengthened. Ephesians 3:16 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. The inner man is the spirit man. The outer man may be weak but the inner man is spiritual.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We must always maintain a positive attitude. Everyday won’t be perfect but we serve a perfect God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Nowhere in the Bible tells us to be steadfast and unmovable. When I get the knowledge I know that what I’m doing isn’t in vain. 2 Corinthians 4:18 – While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. When I’m in affliction I know that deliverance is on the way. Don’t move away from what you know.

There may be times where you’re praying and waiting and wondering, “Where is God?” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Remain steadfast. There are times when physically we are weak but he renews our strength and restores the joy of our salvation.

The enemy will try to convince you that you can’t enjoy life. John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. We will have trials but he has overcome the world.

2 Things to do

- Get your mind off your problem and place it on God. Do not concentrate on the problem but who can solve it.

- Get your mouth off your problems – You may say something that increases the problem.

Job 5:19 – He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. He shall deliver thee. When destruction is all around us, the joy of the Lord is our strength. Maintain a positive attitude, always. It takes discipline to do that. Philippians 4:8 –  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I learned to be content. Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. While I’m waiting, I’m receiving strength and instruction. There are times when we must stop moving around and trying to fix the situation. If I commit it to God, I must trust him to work it out.

If I cast my cares, I’m not going back to see how the cares are addressed.

The same God that told Moses to stretch out his rod to part the Red Sea is the same God right now in 2015.

Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Stay away from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have. God teaches us how to be content with what we have. If I’m content with what I have, it’s my responsibility to manage what I have.

We have authority in the earth. Psalm 45:1 – My tongue is the pen of the ready writer. Whatsoever you say. You need a revelation to get out of the predicaments.

Ephesians 1:15 – Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints. We have the spirit of revelation – we can then analyze things from a spiritual point of view. Everything begins with the word of God.

We have power over demonic forces but we must trust God. The knowledge of God boosts confidence. The love of God causes everything to work for you. 2 Corinthians 2:14 – Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. I know what God will do and I won’t let anyone change my mind. I’m trusting and waiting on his promises. If he did it before, he will do it again.

He always leads us to victory. If you’re a winner today – you’re a winner tomorrow. You were a winner before the circumstance. The circumstance knows when it comes that you’re going against a winner.

Knowledge produces confidence. Hebrews 10:32 – But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions. Affliction came but you had the revelation so you could endure it. Hebrews 10:35-36 – 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

The blessing is there if I have the confidence. Proverbs – guard your heart – never allow your mind to dwell on negativity and you will guard your heart.

Re-read Hebrews 10:36 for the next 5 days.

After I’ve done what I’ve been instructed to do, I can’t be moved by circumstances! Don’t be moved.

Circumstances don’t change me. Psalm 62:5 – My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Whatever I need comes from God. I won’t be moved. He is my defense, my security and my protection. I shall not be moved.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. When I trust in God, I can’t be moved.

There are times when you need to encourage yourself. You must prophesize to yourself by looking at what God has already done. Psalm 40:1 – I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. I waited for God – he brought me out; then other people saw it and they started trusting in God. They knew your situation and saw that you didn’t break. Your testimony and your witness shows them God’s power. By your actions and presence, you testify.

The problem hasn’t been solved yet, I’m dealing with it today but in God’s own time. My ways are not your ways. Just know that it’s working. Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. It may not look like it’s working, but I have faith to believe its working. While it’s working I’m praising.

God is God and we are not!

God does what he does and we must have the confidence to believe in him.

Don’t throw away your confidence. Trust in God. Know that he’s there. We are chosen and anointed. Isaiah 41:9-10 – 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God will strengthen, help and hold us up. So when the enemy is expecting us to fall, God strengthens us. He gives us strength to deal with what we go through.

We need the knowledge because there are other spirits out there.

1 John 4:1 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Don’t believe every spirit, try the spirit to see if it’s of God.

You are a winner now, not a loser!

You’re the head and not the tail, you are above and not beneath.

Spiritual Growth - Communion Service 7.5.15

Sermon Date:  July 5, 2015

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Scriptures: Hosea 4: 6, John 12:28, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:33, 2 Peter 1:11, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3, James 1:2 , Proverbs 17:9, Proverbs 26:17, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:21, Ecclesiastes 7:20

Sermon Notes:

 Spiritual growth is possible but you need to know how to grow. There are people who don’t know about the spirit. Hosea 4: 6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. When you forget about God you put yourself in a precarious situation. John 12:28 –  Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

There is a day where we all will have to stand before the judgment of Christ.1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. You have to get a hunger for the word of God. The physical body you can over eat and become overweight but too much of the word makes you spiritually strong. The word renews our strength.

Cultivate your understanding of the truth. You can hear it but you must understand it. Have an attitude of change, a transformed mind. Psalm 119:33 – Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Order my steps in your word. Give me understanding and I shall keep your law. The law of God is different from the law of the land. I shall observe it with my whole heart. My contentment and happiness comes from the ability to discern spiritual truth to apply to my situation. Every spirit is not of God. You need discernment to judge the evidence that’s before you.

Since we are the light of the world we are supposed to take the truth and share it with the world. The world needs the saints to be the witness so others will know. Let your light shine before men. The Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth but you need the right attitude.

Guidance is given to the humble.

When you look at obedience – obedience is a higher priority than religious acts. We can’t be obedient in one area and disobedient in another. Spiritual growth assures an abundant life.

Abundant life isn’t dependent upon material things. Abundant life is abundant peace, abundant joy and abundant contentment. When you seek the kingdom make that a priority and all things will be added.

Don’t love the world or the things of the world. 2 Peter 1:11 – For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Be committed to the gospel. You shall never fall – there is no failure in Christ.

Spiritual growth is a choice. Change is inevitable – growth is optional. You don’t have to grow.

To grow you must control your emotions and moods. When I control my attitude, I can understand the value in difficult times. Romans 8:28 – It doesn’t look good but you have to have the faith to believe that it’s working for your good.

James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Romans 5:3 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.  Glory in tribulation.

Keys to spiritual Growth

1.      Avoid negative self-talk – Stop saying “I can’t”, “I won’t” “I don’t have”

2.      Watch the conversations you have with yourself. Look in the mirror when you feel like speaking negative to yourself it will discourage you. Words are spirit and life. The more effort you make the more you will have. Galatians 6:7-9 – Don’t get weary. Keep on trying even when you get tired. Put 1 foot in front of the other and say, “Let’s go!” Talk to yourself.

Things that disrupt good friendships and remove you from God’s anointing:

1.      Don’t repeat everything. (Proverbs 17:9) A lot of friendships have been destroyed. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

2.      Don’t meddle in affairs that aren’t your own – it’s none of your business.

3.      Don’t be a mess magnet (Proverbs 26:17) - He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

4.      Don’t be a tale bearer (Proverbs 26:20) - Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

5.      Don’t overstay your welcome (Proverbs 26:21) – A negative attitude discourages other people. You can’t grow in an environment like that. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

6.      Recognize your past condition – don’t judge. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. By the grace of God and his mercy.

We should never get to a point in our lives where we don’t need to grow.  

Grace to Obey God

Sermon Date:  June 14, 2015

Sermon Topic: Grace to Obey God

Scriptures: Mark 10:29-30, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:16, John 8:34, Acts 4, John 8:31

Sermon Notes:

There are all types of foolishness going on in the world but we are not of this world. John 8:31 –

What liberates a person from their past? Some of us are able to move around but are bound to something or someone. Until the spirit sets them free they will be bound. Some are in prison but are freer in their minds than some who are prisoners in their home – some who are at home worshipping – signing songs about freedom but are bound.

You’re alright until they give the benediction and leave this environment they leave for a week but must return to this place to find freedom. You can masquerade as a free person, but not be free.

The bondage waits for you at the door. Because of sin humanity is in a sort of slavery to sin. John 8:34 –

Romans 6:16 – You are slave to what you obey. There is a choice. While they promise liberty, they themselves are slaves.

Real freedom can only be realized through Christ. Acts 4 – there is no other name under heaven, not Buddha, Juddha, or Islam can save you, only Jesus can free a man from the power of sin. Every man not walking under true holiness is a slave to sin.

Sin won’t have dominion over us, because of grace. Man is free from the power and from the penalty of sin. You can’t help yourself because you made the choice to go back under it and submit yourself to it. At his coming we will be free from the present. Right now we live in a sin filled word. When we were saved – the spirit man was saved but the flesh is still lusting.

Unless you’re in the word people can upset you with just one word, if you have more world in you than the word.

Truth is not always popular – many don’t want to hear the truth but its right and necessary. The truth shall set you free. Some know academic truth but don’t know anything about Jesus.

Pilot with all of his political authority asked, “What is truth?” but he didn’t wait on the answer. Freedom from sin is conditional. The Bible is not a buffet table. Obey those who have the rule over you. Many have accepted Christ on a conceptual basis but don’t accept him as savior and Lord.

You were bought and for. There must be a corresponding action in the life of someone claiming to be saved - your speech, actions and attitude changes. the things that are passed away, you shouldn’t go back and pick them up. 

Romans 6:16 – We are free from the pollution of sin. Be not deceived – not everyone will make it into the kingdom.

To know the truth – you have to hear the truth. You can’t hear the truth at home. Nothing should take precedent over loving and serving Christ.

First, you have to be open to change. You can’t continue the old life. You can’t serve God and man. Choose ye this day. It’s best to choose now. In order to change the first thing you must do is assume responsibility for your own life.

Second, believe that you can change. Stop saying I can’t. I made up my mind – I got out and I’m not going back.

Third, stop waiting for the ideal circumstance to come before you change.

3 Things that will drive you to change

·      Pain – Some won’t come to Christ until they’re on their last leg

·      Pressure – some allow pressure to weight them down until they have to come

·      Prospective – you can do nothing on your own.

Your weaknesses never give you a view of your future. Your weakness gives you a view of what you used to be.

Don’t exert self-effort on what’s not profitable. It’s time out for every man for himself. We need each other.

Mark 10:29-30 – Benefits of obedience. Jesus has blessings for you for coming to him. He gives us double for our trouble. Stop waiting for the time to change.

The time to change is now.

Are you Ready to Receive?

Bible Study Date:  June 7, 2015

Bible Study Topic: Are you Ready to Receive?

Bible Study Notes:

We can’t stop anyone from being who they want to be but we can tell them the truth. We must obey God rather than man. Man is consumed with war, crime and cataclysmic occurrences. Everyone is doing their own thing.

If you have clothes to wear and one meal today you are a part of the 1/3 of the richest people in the world. That tells us that there are many people with nothing. Luck 21:25 – Signs, distress of nations, perplexity. Don’t we see those things now? When these things come to pass – look up – your redemption is near.

Revelations reveals two distinct parts of man’s nature and future:

·      There will be beauty and peace

·      There will be eternal damnation and an unending hell

There is life beyond the grave. The book of Revelations reveals the future.

God’s redemption is inevitable. Jesus Christ is coming again and we must be ready.

2 Timothy 3 – Perilous times will come – covetous, boasters, proud and unholy. There is an enemy. We have people who look good – say they were born in the church and are lost. We were all born in sin and shapen by iniquity.

Man becomes fallen prey to other Gods – media, lust of flesh, immorality – they’re trying to change what’s God to you.

Romans – In professing themselves wise they were fools.

We have a choice to make if you want to be saved. The only way to be saved is through Christ. There are thousands of religions out there but Jesus is the way, the truth and the light.

It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.

Don’t challenge God.

You need to be on fire for God you cannot be lukewarm. He comes quickly.

Righteousness is manifested in a changed life. Are you really seeking God” Do you really love your neighbor?

Doing good works – will not earn salvation.

Tell your story to others. Don’t hide it from anyone.

Believe that Christ died – History

Believe that Christ died for you – Salvation

Set your house in order so when Christ comes – we won’t be ashamed of his coming. We don’t know when – When do know that now is the time to get ready for the coming of the Lord.

God gives the invitation – if you come he will fixt it, he will deliver you, he will make you clean, if you come!

Christ is coming back for a church without a spot or a wrinkle. When he comes there will be no time to get ready.

Be Ready Now!

Spiritual Warfare

Bible Study Date:  June 3, 2015

Bible Study Topic: Spiritual Warfare

Scriptures:  Ephesians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 2:13, Hebrews 5:13, John 8:31, John 16:22, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Galatians 5:17, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 1:2-3, Ephesians 4:22 – 24, Colossians 3:12, Colossians 3:9, Psalms 33:4

Bible Study Notes:

Each of us will at some point encounter opposition in our lives. We must stand on the delivering word of God.

Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Every born again believer will encounter spiritual resistance. There is a warfare that’s occurring that if you don’t have the word of God, you will stumble.

The word of God should be paramount in our lives. Nothing should take the place of the word of God.

Many of what’s occurring in the world is because many lack the knowledge of the word.

You can’t blame everything on people, many times it’s not the person, it’s the spirit in that person. Every true believer will have opposition from the adversary.

2 Corinthians 2:11 – Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. This is where you can understand your position in Christ. Demonic activity is all around us today. We have to be mindful of where our help comes from and who we are.

We need the right attitude towards the truth. Spiritual discernment – 2 Corinthians 2:13 – I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. God reveals to us the things we need to know, what we need and when to do it. We must be able to discern what’s good and what’s evil.

Hebrews 5:13 – For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Some things are evil but appear to be good.

The Bible gives you the resources and power to stand. When we study, the word, the closer we get to Christ the more spiritual our eyes are.

Examination + Judgment = Discernment

We need to live holy lives in order to discern. John 8:31 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  When we know the truth, we are free from worry, stress and the wiles of the devil.

You have the peace of God – nothing has the power to steal your joy.

John 16:22 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. No man can take your peace or joy from you. Don’t worry about things because you have the fruit of the spirit. When you say it – the enemy hears it.

The enemy attacks groups, organizations and individuals. God lets us know in advance that if you live Godly you will suffer persecution – you are in the world, but not of it.

Don’t expect to have a close relationship with the world. Everything that’s worldly isn’t good for you – from a spiritual standpoint. We must suffer – it calls for courage, determination and prayer. We need to depend on God to get us out of our situation – 2 Corinthians 10:4 – (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) We need to know how to come against strongholds.

Yes, we are saved, sanctified, Christ-like, but we are in this body. Only the spirit man loves God. Galatians 5:17 – For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. You can’t do what the flesh lusts to do. The flesh is always lusting to do something else.

You have the authority already. Walk in the spirit.

It makes no matter who you are, we will all deal with opposition.  

If there is division in the ministry we can’t fulfill the commandment.

The primary key to being an overcomer is your thought-life. Spiritual warfare occurs in your mind. We are dealing with this flesh. Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Be strong in the Lord. No matter what I’m facing, I take it to God first.

Secondly, I must believe that what he promised in his word will happen. Although, it doesn’t look like it will change, I’m focused on the word of God.

Don’t tie Jesus down to a period of time. Whether it’s four days or 40 years, Jesus promised it.

We must keep that in our mind and spirit. Speak life and reject everything that disagrees with the word of God.

If he takes something away from me it’s only because he’s giving me something better. I’ll gain more than I lose. When dealing with spiritual warfare we need the word of God to be our ammunition.

We take the word of God – place it in our heart and speak it. Don’t allow the thoughts to plant seeds to influence your thinking.

Keep the word of God handy. If you need an answer and you’re serious about it, he will give you an answer.

Temptation is something that tries to get you to go against the word of God.

Discipline your thought life – cast down imaginations and every high thing. Talk to Jesus – he’s right there.

A thought un-checked can become an image. You can get an image of poverty and an image of failure – Guard your heart because those things will come.

If I don’t know where I am spiritually, I don’t know about the weapons I have.

To walk in victory – get rid of negative thoughts – your life won’t change until you change your thinking.

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Everything in this passage is good. There are no negative thoughts. This is what the scripture says. The thoughts will come – they will show up but we must cast it down. We can’t hinder the thoughts – those are the fiery darts of the wicked.

Recognize who the enemy is and his tactics. We could discuss spiritual warfare for a year because that’s how the enemy is.

Strongholds are a mindset that accepts situations as unchangeable even when its contrary to the world of God.

You can have a stronghold by a damaging influence of someone who left your life – Satan will use that to hold us emotionally captive to develop negative attitudes like anger and bitterness.

Your connection to Christ – we have a connection. Colossians 1:2-3 – ² To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.

Set your affections on things above. You have authority over Satan. When Jesus was resurrected he said that all power of heaven and earth belong to me.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. You are a winner!

You must desire to grow spiritually – have a yearning for the word of God.

The armor of God refers to the resources that Christians have to resist and fight the enemy.

Ephesians 4:22 – 24 – ²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

There are some conversations that when you’re born again – you shouldn’t say. Put off the old man. We should be rightly clothed. Colossians 3:9 – Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds. We don’t lie to each other since we are born again.

Colossians 3:12 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. You get to a place where you recognize the enemy’s attacks – you don’t lose your cool.

Meek, humble, kind and forgiving. Why would I hold something against you when I need Christ to forgive me.

You must know the truth and the truth starts with God.

Psalms 33:4 – For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.  If something is in your life that doesn’t align with the word, get rid of it.

You have the authority to address anything that hinders the work of the Lord.

Take up the whole armor of God. The essence of sin is acting independently of God’s will.

Look at the story in Genesis. Eve took fatal steps:

·         Yielded to her imagination – The devil enticed Eve by telling her that she would be more like God. She imagined herself to be more like God.

·         Willfully disobeyed God – She knew what God said, but disobeyed him. Do what the Lord says. Not what’s popular – but what God said.

·         She brought a loved one to join her

Don’t yield yourself to those imaginations. Don’t disobey God and don’t take anyone with you. The enemy makes everything look beautiful, know the word of God.

If you don’t know the word you can’t obey the word.

You need to know how to wage spiritual warfare.

Christ will use us to draw others into the Kingdom. Wherever you are shine your light. I am the light of the world.