Overcoming Spiritual Warfare: Embracing God's Unchanging Love
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the concept of spiritual warfare and the invisible battle we are all fighting. I emphasized that our biggest enemy is not the world or Satan, but our own flesh. I also highlighted the importance of trusting that God will never stop loving us, regardless of our actions or circumstances. I stressed that God's love cannot be separated from us, and only our sin can create a separation. I also talked about the importance of reminding ourselves that God is good and in control, no matter what happens. I explained that we live in a broken world and will experience pain, but we have the choice to not let bitterness and misery into our lives. Lastly, I emphasized the need for a mind shift, to change the way we think, as our thoughts shape who we become.
Key Takeaways:
- Our biggest enemy in spiritual warfare is our own flesh, not the world or Satan ([00:33])
- God's love for us is constant and unchanging, regardless of our actions or circumstances ([36:25])
- God is always good and in control, even when we face challenges and pain ([33:37])
- We live in a broken world and will experience pain, but we have the choice to not let bitterness and misery into our lives ([34:15])
- Our thoughts shape who we become, so we need to change the way we think ([06:02])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans Chapter 7 [05:22]
2. Romans Chapter 8 [05:22]
3. Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2 [09:44]
Observation Questions:
1. In Romans Chapter 7, what does Paul mean when he says "the things I want to do I don't do and the things I don't want to do I end up doing"?
2. How does Romans Chapter 8 describe the victorious Christian?
3. What does Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2 suggest about the transformation of a believer?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the struggle described in Romans Chapter 7 relate to the concept of the "old nature" and the "new nature"?
2. What does it mean to be a victorious Christian as described in Romans Chapter 8?
3. How does changing the way we think, as suggested in Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2, contribute to our spiritual transformation?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent situation where you struggled between your "old nature" and "new nature" as described in Romans Chapter 7? How did you handle it?
2. What are some practical steps you can take to live as a victorious Christian as described in Romans Chapter 8?
3. How can you apply the principle of changing the way you think, as suggested in Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2, in your daily life? Can you think of a specific thought pattern you need to change?
4. When was the last time you reminded yourself of what Jesus has done for you? How did it impact your perspective or actions?
5. Can you think of a specific instance where you felt condemned? How can the assurance in Romans Chapter 8 that there is "no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus" bring comfort and change in your situation?
Devotional
Day 1: Focus on the Honorable and Righteous
Our minds are naturally drawn to what we focus on. If we constantly focus on negativity, our minds will follow suit. However, if we choose to focus on things that are righteous, pure, and of God, our minds will be filled with His goodness. This is why worship and hearing the word of God is so important - it helps us to focus our minds on Him ([21:36]).
Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can shift your focus towards God and His righteousness in your daily life?
Day 2: The Battle Within
We all face a spiritual battle within us. Our biggest enemy is not the world or Satan, but our own flesh. We are our own biggest problem. Recognizing this is the first step towards victory ([00:33]).
Galatians 5:17 - "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
Reflection: What are some ways your flesh has been your biggest enemy recently? How can you combat this?
Day 3: Overcoming Self-Deception
We often deceive ourselves, believing lies that lead us away from God's plan for us. These lies can take many forms, such as shame, guilt, fear, and hopelessness. Only God's spirit and grace can free us from this self-deception ([06:02]).
Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
Reflection: What lies have you been believing about yourself? How can God's truth counteract these lies?
Day 4: The Power of Transformation
To change our hearts and our nature, we need to change the way we think. This transformation is only possible through God. We must remind ourselves of what Jesus has done for us and let that truth transform our minds ([09:44]).
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: How can you actively work towards renewing your mind in Christ?
Day 5: Freedom from Condemnation
In Christ, there is no condemnation. Jesus took all of our condemnation upon Himself on the cross, freeing us from the guilt and shame of our sins. When we sin, God is not waiting to judge us, but to restore us ([11:16]).
Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How does knowing you are free from condemnation change your perspective on your relationship with God?
Quotes
1. "What gets your attention is what you're going to begin to focus on. If you're always looking and focusing on junk, if you're always looking at things that are wrong, then that's where your mind's gonna go. That's why you need to get a little bit of the word of God in your life. You need to begin to focus on things that are righteous, you need to focus on things that are pure." - 21:36
2. "Realize this, I have a new ability now that I got God's spirit in me to say no. Before I got saved, I didn't have the ability to say no to my desires. I didn't have the ability to say no to some of the things that I wanted to do because I was operating out of sheer willpower. But when I got the spirit of God in me, it now enabled me to say no." - 22:54
3. "Your biggest enemy is not Satan, your biggest enemy is not the world, your biggest enemy is your flesh. You are your biggest problem." - 02:35
4. "A lot of us want to run away from our problems and you want to run away to Hawaii or Cancun but here's the problem, you take you with you. It's us that's the problem, it's us that needs the changing and the transformation." - 03:22
5. "God will never stop loving you. No matter what you've done, whether you've done right or wrong, God still loves you. Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our lord." - 37:04
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