Awakening to Spiritual Warfare and Authentic Faith

 

Summary

In today's message, I explored the profound reality of spiritual warfare and the unseen battles that occur around us. Drawing from the story of Elisha in 2 Kings, I highlighted how Elisha's servant was initially blind to the spiritual forces at play until God opened his eyes to see the chariots of fire surrounding them. This narrative serves as a reminder that our struggles are not merely physical or intellectual but are deeply spiritual. We often forget that there is a spiritual realm influencing our lives, and we need to be aware of it to navigate our faith journey effectively.

I also shared my personal struggles with maintaining joy and authenticity in my spiritual walk. Despite planning a service centered on rejoicing, I found myself in a place of emotional and spiritual exhaustion. This led me to reflect on the nature of true rejoicing, which isn't always about outward expressions of happiness but can also be a deep-seated peace and contentment in God, even amidst trials. The Apostle Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 12, where he speaks of his thorn in the flesh and God's sufficient grace, resonated with me. It reminded me that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, and sometimes our struggles are opportunities for His strength to be displayed.

Furthermore, I addressed the danger of becoming complacent in our faith, particularly in a culture saturated with sermons and teachings. It's easy to hear the Word of God without acting on it, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. I encouraged everyone to not just be hearers but doers of the Word, emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in tangible ways, such as through acts of service and sacrifice.

Lastly, I acknowledged the spiritual attacks that often accompany genuine movements of God. As we strive to live out our faith authentically, we can expect opposition. However, this should not deter us but rather encourage us to press on, knowing that the battle is worth it for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual warfare is a reality that we must acknowledge. Like Elisha's servant, we need God to open our eyes to the spiritual battles around us, reminding us that we are not alone and that God's forces are greater than any opposition we face. [03:13]

- True rejoicing in the Lord is not always about outward expressions of happiness. It can be a deep-seated peace and contentment in God, even amidst trials, as exemplified by Paul's experience of God's grace being sufficient in his weakness. [10:54]

- The danger of complacency in our faith is real. We must be vigilant not to become mere hearers of the Word but to act on it, living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect the teachings of Christ. [19:13]

- Spiritual attacks often accompany genuine movements of God. As we strive to live out our faith authentically, we can expect opposition, but this should encourage us to press on, knowing that the battle is worth it for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. [28:54]

- Following Jesus is a commitment to a spiritual battle. It requires a willingness to suffer and fight for the faith, recognizing that the treasure we have in Christ is worth any sacrifice. This commitment is not about joining a happy club but engaging in a lifelong journey of faith. [33:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
- [01:42] - Elisha and the Unseen Battle
- [03:13] - Eyes Opened to Spiritual Forces
- [05:24] - Personal Struggles with Joy
- [08:54] - Redefining Rejoicing
- [10:54] - Paul's Thorn and God's Grace
- [12:46] - Complacency in Faith
- [14:31] - Being Doers of the Word
- [18:19] - Spiritual Attacks and Movements of God
- [21:18] - The Cost of Following Jesus
- [25:19] - Joy in Weakness
- [28:54] - Authentic Faith and Spiritual Warfare
- [33:06] - Commitment to the Battle
- [36:52] - Closing and Call to Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 6:11-17
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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Observation Questions:

1. In 2 Kings 6:11-17, what was the initial reaction of Elisha's servant when he saw the army surrounding the city? How did Elisha respond to his servant's fear? [02:56]

2. According to the sermon, what did Elisha pray for his servant, and what was the result of that prayer? [03:13]

3. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, what reason does Paul give for the "thorn in the flesh" he experienced? How did he respond to this challenge? [10:54]

4. How does the pastor describe his personal struggle with joy and authenticity during the service? What does this reveal about the nature of true rejoicing? [08:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the story of Elisha and his servant teach us about the reality of spiritual warfare and the unseen battles around us? How might this understanding affect our daily lives? [03:13]

2. How does Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" and God's response to it provide insight into the relationship between weakness and God's strength? [10:54]

3. The pastor mentioned the danger of complacency in faith. What are some signs of spiritual complacency, and how can believers guard against it? [19:13]

4. How does the pastor's personal struggle with maintaining joy and authenticity challenge common perceptions of what it means to rejoice in the Lord? [08:54]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the story of Elisha and his servant encourage you to seek God's perspective in those moments? [03:13]

2. In what areas of your life do you feel weak or inadequate? How can you invite God's strength into those areas, as Paul did with his "thorn in the flesh"? [10:54]

3. Consider your current spiritual practices. Are there areas where you might be hearing the Word but not acting on it? What steps can you take to become a doer of the Word? [19:13]

4. The pastor shared his struggle with authenticity and joy. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and contentment in God, even when outward circumstances are challenging? [08:54]

5. Have you ever experienced spiritual attacks when trying to live out your faith authentically? How did you respond, and what can you learn from those experiences to prepare for future challenges? [28:54]

6. Following Jesus is described as a commitment to a spiritual battle. What sacrifices might you need to make to fully engage in this journey of faith? [33:06]

7. Identify one tangible way you can live out your faith this week, whether through an act of service, sacrifice, or another expression of your commitment to Christ. How will you ensure you follow through on this action? [19:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Unseen Battle
In the story of Elisha and his servant, we are reminded of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. Elisha's servant was initially unaware of the spiritual forces at play until God opened his eyes to see the chariots of fire. This narrative illustrates that our struggles are not merely physical or intellectual but deeply spiritual. We often forget the influence of the spiritual realm in our lives, and acknowledging this reality is crucial for navigating our faith journey effectively. By seeking God's perspective, we can become more aware of the spiritual battles around us and find reassurance in knowing that God's forces are greater than any opposition we face. [03:13]

2 Kings 6:16-17 (ESV): "He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God to open your eyes to the spiritual realities at play? How can you invite Him to reveal His presence and power in those situations today?


Day 2: Rejoicing in Weakness
True rejoicing in the Lord is not always about outward expressions of happiness. It can be a deep-seated peace and contentment in God, even amidst trials. The Apostle Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 12, where he speaks of his thorn in the flesh and God's sufficient grace, exemplifies this truth. Despite his struggles, Paul found joy in knowing that God's power was made perfect in his weakness. This perspective challenges us to redefine rejoicing, understanding that it is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God and His sustaining grace. [10:54]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: How can you find joy and contentment in God's grace amidst your current struggles? What steps can you take to shift your focus from your weaknesses to His strength today?


Day 3: Moving Beyond Complacency
The danger of complacency in our faith is real, especially in a culture saturated with sermons and teachings. It's easy to hear the Word of God without acting on it, leading to spiritual stagnation. We are called to be doers of the Word, living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect the teachings of Christ. This involves actively engaging with God's Word and allowing it to transform our lives, prompting us to serve others and make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. By doing so, we can avoid complacency and grow in our relationship with God. [19:13]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can act on God's Word today? How can you incorporate this action into your daily routine to prevent spiritual complacency?


Day 4: Embracing Spiritual Opposition
Spiritual attacks often accompany genuine movements of God. As we strive to live out our faith authentically, we can expect opposition. However, this should not deter us but rather encourage us to press on, knowing that the battle is worth it for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. Embracing spiritual opposition involves recognizing it as a sign of God's work in our lives and relying on His strength to overcome it. By doing so, we can remain steadfast in our commitment to follow Jesus and advance His Kingdom, even in the face of adversity. [28:54]

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm."

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself spiritually to face opposition in your faith journey? What practical steps can you take to rely on God's strength and stand firm in the face of spiritual attacks?


Day 5: Committing to the Spiritual Battle
Following Jesus is a commitment to a spiritual battle. It requires a willingness to suffer and fight for the faith, recognizing that the treasure we have in Christ is worth any sacrifice. This commitment is not about joining a happy club but engaging in a lifelong journey of faith. By embracing this reality, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our walk with God, knowing that our struggles are not in vain but are part of a greater mission to advance His Kingdom. [33:06]

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV): "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."

Reflection: What sacrifices are you willing to make for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom? How can you align your daily life with the mission of advancing God's Kingdom, even when it involves suffering or hardship?

Quotes



"Do you guys, uh do you believe in spiritual warfare like that there's things going on in this room that you and I don't see and uh that the real battle isn't even in church it's not about me coming up with a good enough message to get into your human mind and you know some sort of great evidence to prove to you that Jesus is the son of God and I can just intellectually get you to believe but that there's just so much more going on in this room than what you and I see." [00:09:24]

"Then Elisha prayed and said oh Lord please open his eyes that he may see so the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw and behold the mountain was full of horses and Chariots of Fire all around Elisha and when the syrians came down against him Elijah prayed to the Lord and said please strike these people with blindness so he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha." [00:193:68]

"Elisha wasn't scared when he saw this Army around him CU somehow he could see see what was going on in this spiritual world and he said we're not alone he goes I'm Not Afraid cuz we're not alone um and and he says God you know what show my servant he he won't know what I'm talking about so open his eyes because he'll think I'm crazy and suddenly his servant looks and goes are you kidding me there's these these Chariots of Fire there's these angels all around." [00:266:44]

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this that it should leave me but he said to me my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness so that the power of Christ May rest upon me for the sake of Christ then I am content with weaknesses insults hardships persecutions and calamities for when I am weak I am strong." [00:654:56]

"Most of American Christians just attend church hear a sermon to deceive themselves and think oh I listen to a good sermon they do nothing and then they just walk away with joy hey I went to church that's the majority still vast vast vast vast vast majority are exactly like James where James where James says you know what it's like they look in a mirror and they see what's wrong with them and then they walk away without changing it." [00:771:519]

"Be careful when you can hear the word of God and do nothing because it quickly becomes a habit and that's a scary scary Habit to have in your life when you can hear a sermon get convicted by it and then do nothing you'll find yourself doing it oh once you can resist answering the word of God it becomes easier and easier and easier your heart gets gets more and more hardened to where it's like oh I can hear something convicting and do nothing." [00:1144:72]

"Following Jesus it's it's a war it's not it's not joining the happy Club it's just it's uh you know it's not this isn't Chuck-E-Cheese in here it's uh it's like it's a war it's a battle and you have to think it through am I willing to suffer am I willing to fight this fight um because if you sit on the sidelines you don't do anything Satan's not going to attack you." [00:1883:6]

"Do you understand that by following Jesus Christ it means you're entering into a war that it mean to follow I mean truly follow Jesus Christ and live the way he asked you to to follow his morality that's going to get more and more unpopular on this Earth it's going to be a war it's going to be a battle it's going to be a fight and the question is is do you really want to do that do you see Jesus Christ and his forgiveness and his eternal Kingdom something that is so valuable that you're willing to lose everything in order for that that you're willing to fight the fight for the rest of your life." [00:1974:88]

"It's because you believe that there's a treasure in Christ and an intimacy you can have with him that's worth the pain that's worth the fighting that's worth the suffering and that there's an eternal Kingdom that he offers that's worth it all and there's an intimacy and a relationship you can have with God and God is such a great treasure that yes I'll come up here and by entering the waters you are dying to your old self that old self with all the things that you were holding on to and you thought would bring you so much pleasure you realize that was a deadend road and I found something so even if I have to suffer on this Earth I'm I'm going to go for it because it's a treasure so great that with great joy I'll go through the suffering and get this treasure." [00:2062:599]

"Maybe some of you are like me today where uh oh there you go water's turned on see um maybe some of you uh maybe some of you today um you just need prayer and you didn't even want to come here today cuz you're just so bummed out and maybe you're having a hard time rejoicing and you got to fight for that Joy it's so good just to have some elders and pastors that that heard heard me last service and come up and just lay hands on me and pray for me and you know and that's all I needed was just a few of the close friends that that I trusted and knew and to pray for me and maybe you just need that this morning." [00:2122:16]

"Some of it I believe really is Satan and really is an attack because like I said things are happening here that aren't happening around the world that aren't happening across the US you know there's some unique things going on here what God's done in some of your lives like I said this is really really abnormal I'm looking at our pastoral staff and to have these many guys that I go man I know they love the Lord I see the Holy Spirit Alive and Well in their lives and they're great leaders and very worthy of you following them and I lift them up and honor them just as scripture tells us to and I hope you do too um but because of that and because of what God's doing in your lives and and I'm seeing so many people get it and it's like the light is turning on for some of you and this is no longer Hobby in in a in a meeting you attend it's your life it's Christ Christ is everything to you and because of that Satan's going to attack he's going to attack." [00:1693:24]

"Some of it again is just my own flesh and my sin some of it is just life and life gets difficult and some of it I believe really is Satan and really is an attack because like I said things are happening here that aren't happening around the world that aren't happening across the US you know there's some unique things going on here what God's done in some of your lives like I said this is really really abnormal I'm looking at our pastoral staff and to have these many guys that I go man I know they love the Lord I see the Holy Spirit Alive and Well in their lives and they're great leaders and very worthy of you following them and I lift them up and honor them just as scripture tells us to and I hope you do too." [00:1684:679]

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Transcript
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