Obedience and Discernment in Spiritual Warfare
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of obedience in releasing the supernatural power of God. The speaker used the example of Saul and his servant seeking advice from Samuel the prophet. They gave a gift to Samuel, not to buy God's favor, but as an act of obedience and respect. This act of giving opened the way for God's prophetic word to be spoken into their lives. The speaker also emphasized the importance of tithing as an act of obedience that releases God's blessings. Despite it seeming illogical to give away 10% of what we have, the act of obedience in tithing opens the windows of heaven for God's blessings to pour into our lives.
The sermon also highlighted the urgency of the times we are living in. The speaker emphasized that we are in a spiritual war and that we need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. The speaker encouraged us to be proactive in our faith, to put our hands to work in God's service, and to trust in God's guidance and provision. The speaker also spoke about the importance of discernment, especially in these times when there are many voices vying for our attention. We need to discern who is speaking and what spirit is behind the words being spoken.
Key Takeaways:
- Obedience is key in releasing the supernatural power of God. This is demonstrated in acts of giving and tithing, which open the way for God's blessings. #!!37:50!!#
- We are living in urgent times and are in a spiritual war. We need to be proactive in our faith and trust in God's guidance and provision. #!!26:13!!#
- Discernment is crucial in these times when there are many voices vying for our attention. We need to discern who is speaking and what spirit is behind the words being spoken. #!!03:18!!#
- The church has a significant role to play in influencing the community, the region, and the nation. As believers, we are called to run with the vision God has given us and to influence others to run with us. #!!26:56!!#
- We are called to operate out of revelation and wisdom, which includes understanding the timing of God. This is especially important in making decisions about our resources. #!!28:24!!#
Study Guide
Takeaways from the Sermon:
1. God has gifted each of us with unique abilities and dreams. However, these can often get tangled and obscured due to the influences and burdens passed down to us. It is through the discernment of spirits, a gift of the Holy Spirit, that we can start to understand what's operating in our own lives and those around us. [04:08]
2. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are becoming increasingly operative in our lives as we surrender ourselves to God. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits. It is crucial to have discernment of spirits to avoid making poor decisions based on bad information. [05:06]
3. Our fight is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual forces. We must go into the spirit to affect the natural, as the spirit is the greater. It is through our relationship with God that we can exercise our authority and bring about change. [08:30]
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 12 - This chapter discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the discernment of spirits.
2. John 10 - This chapter speaks about the intentions of Satan, which is to rob, kill, and destroy.
Observation Questions:
1. What are the different gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12?
2. In John 10, how does Jesus describe the intentions of Satan?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the discernment of spirits, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, help us in our daily lives?
2. How does the description of Satan's intentions in John 10 relate to the influences and burdens that can obscure our God-given gifts and dreams?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt your God-given gifts or dreams were being obscured? How did you navigate through this?
2. How can you apply the discernment of spirits in your decision-making process?
3. Have you ever felt the influence of spiritual forces in your life? How did you respond to this?
4. How can you use your God-given gifts to bring about change in your life and the lives of those around you?
5. How can you protect yourself and your God-given gifts and dreams from the intentions of Satan as described in John 10?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Devotion
Devotion is not just a practice, but a powerful tool that can minister to us year after year. It is a spiritual discipline that allows us to connect with God on a deeper level, and it is through this connection that we can experience His power in our lives. This power is not fleeting, but rather, it is enduring and transformative, capable of bringing about lasting change in our lives ([41:08]).
Bible Passage: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Reflection: How has your daily devotion impacted your spiritual growth and relationship with God?
Day 2: The Act of Giving
Giving is not just about parting with our material possessions, but it is a natural act of obedience that releases the supernatural power of God. When we give, we are not just giving away something, but we are also opening ourselves up to receive God's blessings. This act of giving is a testament to our faith and trust in God's provision ([37:50]).
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How has your act of giving reflected your faith and trust in God's provision?
Day 3: The Urgency of the Times
We are living in urgent times, and as such, we must recognize the need for speed. As a church, we are called to run, to move quickly in spreading the gospel and making disciples. This urgency is not just about doing things quickly, but it is about recognizing the times and responding appropriately ([26:13]).
Bible Passage: Romans 13:11 - "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."
Reflection: How are you responding to the urgency of the times in your personal life and as part of the church?
Day 4: The Power of Love
Love is not just a feeling, but a powerful force that can influence communities, regions, and even nations. As a church, we are called to love not just in words, but in action. This love is not selfish, but rather, it seeks to make a way for others, even if it means getting out of someone else's way ([26:56]).
Bible Passage: 1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: How are you demonstrating love in your actions towards others?
Day 5: The Supernatural Life
As children of God, we are called to live a supernatural life. This life is not about living in the ordinary, but it is about experiencing the extraordinary power of God in our lives. This power is not just for our benefit, but it is meant to be shared with others, to bring healing and transformation to the world ([31:11]).
Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
Reflection: How are you experiencing the supernatural power of God in your life?
Quotes
1. "We are at the closing of our generation. This is without a doubt the Saturday evening or Saturday day of time. We don't have long now. And we must recognize the urgency of speed." - 22:49
2. "Stay in your lane. I can't be anyone else. I have to be Mary Frances Barallo. And I got to stay in my lane as much as I admire different ministers because that's my business, that's my job, that's what I'm called to do." - 24:36
3. "You're at war in the spirit and really you're in a cyber war. It's not life as usual. There's never been a generation that's seen and doing and going where you're going in such a short amount of time." - 31:11
4. "This church is getting ready to run. This church has so much influence. And here, here in your city, here with one another to help one another, to make one another greater than what you've been, it's your time to run." - 26:13
5. "If you are obedient to God to do what God tells you to do concerning tithing and giving that is a natural act that you participate in and when you do so just think about it for a moment. I have always said tithing makes no sense. There is no logic in tithing because the tithing literally means that every language is 10 percent." - 38:47
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