Battlefield Of The Mind Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Foundational Scriptures Spiritual Warfare Foundational Scriptures Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Spiritual Warfare 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Spiritual Warfare Power Part 2 Zechariah 4:6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. How many of us depend on the Spirit for our daily needs?

Spiritual Warfare Many of suffer needlessly because we are not in relationship with God! How would you like to be in a relationship with someone who does not want to talk you? How would you like to be in a relationship with someone who wanted you to do everything for them, but did not want to do anything for you?

Spiritual Warfare This is why we are in a spiritual war and we honestly are loosing. Listen to what James has to say concerning our lack James 4:2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Spiritual Warfare Notice how powerful this verse is: this lets us know that there are some wars that we are fighting simple because we will not ask God for direction and guidance. There are some victories that God wants us to have that are designed to be sweat les! This means there are times we struggle needlessly.

Spiritual Warfare Say this with me “ I shall have sweat-less victory this year!” I remember when we were planning to build this church and I went to God and asked him for His hand. I asked Him for His angels. I asked Him for strength and guidance and guess what God responded with?

Spiritual Warfare As yourself where does this behavior exist? Begin to tell yourself that you can change, when I take ownership of my behavior. There is an escape from this! Say that to yourself, again and again. The scriptures tell me that there will always be a way of escape.

Spiritual Warfare Chase this verse 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ… I like the KJV better on this one 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ… Chase this verse

Spiritual Warfare God said “ok” There is a reason who the Lord has me teaching on spiritual warfare now, because it is so need in the body of Christ. The body of Christ and us in particular are under attack. How many of us would like to look at the face of danger and not be afraid?

Spiritual Warfare If the answer is yes to the previous question then allow us to see how it is done right in the midst of an intense battle Let us read Act 12:1-11

Spiritual Warfare What is unique about this story Guess where I believe victory must come first? How many of you would be sleep if you knew that you were going to die the next day or so? God wants you to know that you are worth the fight!

Spiritual Warfare The End