Perseverance and Victory in Spiritual Warfare
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a personal story that underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of perseverance. Cody was supposed to preach today, but due to severe, unexplained pain, he couldn't. This incident reminded me of how the enemy often attacks us when we are about to address significant spiritual topics. Cody was planning to speak on spiritual warfare, and it seems the enemy didn't want that message to be delivered. However, the best way to combat spiritual warfare is to refuse to give up, no matter how hard things get.
I shared a story about my daughter, Shaylee, who had a dream where she was being chased but kept singing "na, na, na, na, na" to ward off fear. This simple act of defiance is a key to spiritual warfare: resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Sometimes, what we call spiritual warfare is just the consequences of our own actions, but the solution remains the same: refuse to give up and keep moving towards Jesus.
Bill Johnson recently spoke about how bitterness and an inability to overcome disappointment are crippling the church. Disappointment can prevent us from being trusted with God's promises. Good soil allows for the growth of good seeds, but it also makes it easy for weeds like bitterness and disappointment to grow. We must be vigilant in uprooting these weeds to ensure they don't choke out the good things God is growing in our lives.
Sin is more than just a moral failing; it's anything that distorts our ability to see, know, and reflect Jesus. The first mention of sin in the Bible describes it as a beast crouching at the door, ready to overtake us. There are various Greek words for sin, each highlighting different aspects of how we miss the mark. Whether it's through ignorance, willful disobedience, or falling down when we should be standing, sin distorts our reflection of Jesus.
The solution to overcoming sin and spiritual warfare is to confess, repent, receive forgiveness, and release our expectations. Confession helps us acknowledge our struggles, repentance changes our mindset, and forgiveness releases us from bondage. Finally, releasing our expectations allows us to trust God fully, even when things don't go as planned.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perseverance in Spiritual Warfare: The enemy often attacks us when we are about to address significant spiritual topics. The best way to combat spiritual warfare is to refuse to give up, no matter how hard things get. This act of defiance against the enemy's schemes is crucial in maintaining our spiritual ground. [54:23]
2. Resisting the Devil: Simple acts of defiance, like my daughter singing "na, na, na, na, na" in her dream, can be powerful in spiritual warfare. The Bible says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Recognizing the enemy's schemes and refusing to give in is a key strategy in spiritual warfare. [55:21]
3. Bitterness and Disappointment: Bitterness and an inability to overcome disappointment can cripple our spiritual growth. These "weeds" can grow quickly in the good soil of our lives, choking out the good things God is growing. We must be vigilant in uprooting these weeds to ensure they don't take over. [56:50]
4. Understanding Sin: Sin is more than just a moral failing; it's anything that distorts our ability to see, know, and reflect Jesus. Various Greek words for sin highlight different aspects of how we miss the mark, whether through ignorance, willful disobedience, or falling down when we should be standing. [01:01:13]
5. Steps to Overcoming Sin: The solution to overcoming sin and spiritual warfare involves confession, repentance, receiving forgiveness, and releasing our expectations. Confession helps us acknowledge our struggles, repentance changes our mindset, and forgiveness releases us from bondage. Releasing our expectations allows us to trust God fully, even when things don't go as planned. [01:35:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[51:37] - Cody's Pain and Spiritual Warfare
[52:11] - ER Visit and Unexplained Pain
[52:52] - Spiritual Warfare and N.T. Wright
[53:40] - Refusing to Give Up
[54:23] - Key to Spiritual Warfare
[55:21] - Shaylee's Dream
[56:08] - Consequences vs. Spiritual Warfare
[56:50] - Bitterness and Disappointment
[58:20] - Good Soil and Weeds
[59:39] - Understanding Sin
[01:01:13] - Greek Words for Sin
[01:04:12] - Hamartia: Missing the Mark
[01:06:01] - Paraptoma: Falling Beside
[01:07:40] - Agnima: Ignorance
[01:09:21] - Paraka: Disobedience
[01:11:04] - Parabasis: Violating the Law
[01:11:58] - Anamia: Lawlessness
[01:12:54] - Hetema: Diminishing God
[01:14:17] - Reflecting Jesus
[01:16:11] - Victory in Jesus
[01:17:31] - Personal Testimony
[01:18:52] - Overcoming Fear of Death
[01:20:27] - Relentless Struggles
[01:22:10] - Surrendering Bitterness
[01:23:42] - Resurrection and Victory
[01:25:20] - Daily Conversion
[01:26:49] - Climbing the Steps Together
[01:28:29] - Offering Pain to God
[01:30:06] - Releasing Expectations
[01:31:14] - Collective Responsibility
[01:32:35] - Bitterness as Poison
[01:33:56] - Yeast of the Kingdom
[01:35:03] - Steps to Overcoming Sin
[01:37:22] - Understanding Thresholds
[01:38:43] - Extending Forgiveness
[01:40:05] - Receiving Forgiveness
[01:42:27] - Releasing Expectations
[01:44:04] - Daily Reflection
[01:45:21] - Building a Healthy Church
[01:47:07] - Offering Bitterness to God
[01:48:48] - Releasing Disappointment
[01:50:50] - Embracing Hope and Joy
[01:52:16] - Encouragement in Understanding Sin
[01:53:00] - Standing in Authority
[01:53:32] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
2. Hebrews 12:15 - "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
3. Genesis 4:7 - "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the main reason Cody couldn't preach, and how did the pastor interpret this event? ([52:52])
2. How did Shaylee's dream illustrate a key principle in spiritual warfare? ([55:21])
3. According to the sermon, what are the two things that Bill Johnson said are crippling the church? ([56:50])
4. What does the first mention of sin in the Bible describe it as, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on sin? ([01:01:13])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of resisting the devil, as mentioned in James 4:7, play a role in spiritual warfare according to the sermon? ([55:21])
2. In what ways can bitterness and disappointment act as "weeds" in our spiritual lives, and how can we be vigilant in uprooting them? ([56:50])
3. How does the concept of sin as a "beast crouching at the door" in Genesis 4:7 help us understand the nature of sin and its impact on our lives? ([01:01:13])
4. What are the steps to overcoming sin and spiritual warfare as outlined in the sermon, and how do they align with the Bible passages discussed? ([01:35:03])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt under spiritual attack. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to resist the devil more effectively? ([55:21])
2. Bitterness and disappointment can grow quickly in our lives. Identify a recent disappointment you’ve experienced. How can you actively uproot this "weed" and prevent it from affecting your spiritual growth? ([56:50])
3. Sin is described as anything that distorts our ability to see, know, and reflect Jesus. What is one area in your life where you feel this distortion? How can you address it this week? ([01:01:13])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of confession, repentance, and receiving forgiveness. Is there something you need to confess and repent of today? How can you take the first step towards receiving forgiveness and releasing your expectations? ([01:35:03])
5. The pastor mentioned that releasing our expectations allows us to trust God fully. What is one expectation you have been holding onto that you need to release? How can you practice trusting God in this area? ([01:42:27])
6. How can you support a fellow believer who is struggling with bitterness or disappointment? What practical steps can you take to help them uproot these "weeds" and encourage their spiritual growth? ([01:31:48])
7. Reflect on the idea that spiritual warfare involves refusing to give up. What is one area in your life where you feel tempted to give up? How can you persevere and stand firm in your faith? ([54:23])
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance in Spiritual Warfare
The enemy often attacks us when we are about to address significant spiritual topics. The best way to combat spiritual warfare is to refuse to give up, no matter how hard things get. This act of defiance against the enemy's schemes is crucial in maintaining our spiritual ground. When we face unexplained challenges or pain, it can be a sign that we are on the verge of something spiritually significant. By persevering and refusing to give up, we can thwart the enemy's plans and continue to move forward in our spiritual journey. [54:23]
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: Think of a recent challenge you faced that seemed to come out of nowhere. How can you see this as a form of spiritual warfare, and what steps can you take to stand firm and persevere through it?
Day 2: Resisting the Devil
Simple acts of defiance, like my daughter singing "na, na, na, na, na" in her dream, can be powerful in spiritual warfare. The Bible says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Recognizing the enemy's schemes and refusing to give in is a key strategy in spiritual warfare. These acts of defiance don't have to be grand gestures; sometimes, it's the small, consistent actions that make the most significant impact. By continually resisting the devil, we can weaken his hold on our lives and strengthen our relationship with God. [55:21]
James 4:7 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: What is one small, consistent action you can take today to resist the devil's influence in your life? How can this act of defiance strengthen your spiritual walk?
Day 3: Bitterness and Disappointment
Bitterness and an inability to overcome disappointment can cripple our spiritual growth. These "weeds" can grow quickly in the good soil of our lives, choking out the good things God is growing. We must be vigilant in uprooting these weeds to ensure they don't take over. Bitterness and disappointment can prevent us from being trusted with God's promises, as they can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to see God's work in our lives. By addressing these issues head-on, we can create a healthier spiritual environment for growth. [56:50]
Hebrews 12:15 (ESV): "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."
Reflection: Is there a root of bitterness or disappointment in your life that you need to address? How can you begin to uproot it and create a healthier spiritual environment for growth?
Day 4: Understanding Sin
Sin is more than just a moral failing; it's anything that distorts our ability to see, know, and reflect Jesus. Various Greek words for sin highlight different aspects of how we miss the mark, whether through ignorance, willful disobedience, or falling down when we should be standing. Understanding these different aspects can help us recognize the ways sin manifests in our lives and how it affects our relationship with God. By acknowledging and addressing these sins, we can work towards a clearer reflection of Jesus in our lives. [01:01:13]
Genesis 4:7 (ESV): "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it."
Reflection: Reflect on the different ways sin can manifest in your life. Which aspect of sin do you struggle with the most, and how can you begin to address it today?
Day 5: Steps to Overcoming Sin
The solution to overcoming sin and spiritual warfare involves confession, repentance, receiving forgiveness, and releasing our expectations. Confession helps us acknowledge our struggles, repentance changes our mindset, and forgiveness releases us from bondage. Releasing our expectations allows us to trust God fully, even when things don't go as planned. By following these steps, we can break free from the hold of sin and move forward in our spiritual journey with a renewed sense of purpose and trust in God. [01:35:03]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: What is one sin you need to confess and repent of today? How can you release your expectations and trust God fully in this area of your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I actually believe the best way to fight against spiritual warfare is to refuse to give up. Refuse to come under the discouragement. Because I'll be honest, there were times yesterday and throughout the season of hard things where it's been like, man, I want to give up. Like it gets so hard. And I actually think the thing that causes the enemy to back down is when we refuse. Refuse to give in to him. This morning, and I want to make sure that you know, I'm not saying ignore it. I'm saying actually when you face it, when you face that, and when you recognize the enemy's schemes, you just go, no. You cannot, I don't care how hard it gets. I don't care how high the heat is turned up. You can't have me. You can't win in our lives." [54:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word says, resist the devil and he will flee from you. And I also want to say, I just saw yesterday, I think it was Jason Vallotton who posted sometimes what we call spiritual warfare is actually just consequences to our stupidity. So we got to like weigh it up. Like, am I facing stuff? Because I just, you know. I made some errors in which case, like we invite Jesus in and we keep moving forward. The solution's the same, right? The solution is we refuse to give up. We keep going towards Jesus. We partner with him. We have communion with him so that we have the strength." [56:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The truth is, like I said at the beginning, winning the battle of spiritual warfare is when we refuse to give up and give in. It's when we refuse to believe that even though everything in our lives may look like it's falling apart and the enemy is winning, we instead go, I know the end of this story. I know that he won. I know that he is sitting in victory at the right hand of the Father. And I know that because of that, what my circumstances might look like, no matter the mud that gets thrown at me, no matter the mud that I choose to put all over me, no matter how distorted my life might look right now, I know he lives in victory. And because of that, I am in victory too, because I am in him. I am in the one who is the victory. We don't give up. We pass the test. We don't sit down. We keep standing. We keep moving." [01:16:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth is sin is a distortion. Jesus is supposed to be like a mirror for us, right? And so as we look at the mirror that is Jesus, we start to recognize the things that are out of place in our lives. We start to recognize, wait, wait, wait. If I'm supposed to look like Jesus and I look in the mirror and I go, oh, oh, oh, I start to actually see that I'm a little bit messed up. I have junk on And it doesn't matter whether that junk is because I chose to put it there or because somebody else flung mud at me. It doesn't matter if it's because I have been so discouraged and beaten down that I chose to stay down. It doesn't matter what it is, but when I look in the mirror and I start to see that this is not the reflection I'm supposed to see. Something has happened in my life. Something was done to me or I chose it and it's caused me to no longer reflect the nature of Jesus clearly." [01:14:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Salvation is Christ overcoming for us our greatest enemy, which is at the root of all insecurity. And that enemy is the fear of death. God does not remain aloof in the heavens while men suffer and die. He takes on a body and his death destroys our death so that now death becomes a doorway through which we must all die. And so suddenly death becomes the doorway. And the thing that is at the depth of all of our insecurity is the pain and the loss and death because it was never meant to happen. We weren't made for death. We were made for life. And when we actually recognize that God himself took on a body to face and defeat that death, that death no longer, we don't have to fear it. It doesn't need to be our insecurity anymore. It becomes the doorway." [01:18:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you don't know how to navigate disappointment, you can't be trusted with promised dreams, and sometimes it's actually in learning to navigate the things in our lives that don't go as we planned or don't line up to what we think God should do, and when we actually learn to navigate through those things with trust and faith, that is when we can actually be trusted with the promised land that he has for us, with the dreams fulfilled." [56:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sin is anything, anything, anything that distorts our ability to see and know and reflect Jesus. Anything, anything that gets in the way of us being able to accurately reflect Jesus and be more like him, and in being more like him, actually become who he had created us to be. That's what he originally... That's what he originally intended way back in the garden, and when he created you, is that you would actually bear his image in every way. So sin is truly anything that distorts that in your life. It's not just the good and the bad, and for me, you know, I think, I think that can feel really overwhelming. It's like, man, it's not just like, if I could just, you know, make sure not to go and do X, Y, and Z, then I'm okay. It can feel overwhelming because it's so much more, but actually, in a lot of ways, it's really freeing for me, because then it's like, oh, Jesus is still the answer for all of it." [01:01:13](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The truth is that salvation is this idea of past, present, and future. I was saved because of what he did on the cross. And like I said, in baptism, I go to the grave and I put to death my old sin nature. I was saved. I am saved daily through sanctification, through wiping my face off and becoming more like him. And I will be saved because I will be glorified and transformed and transfigured into being deified like Jesus. To be more like him, to reflect him, to actually be his sons and daughters who rule and reign like him. We will never be him. We will never be God. But we are his children. We're supposed to be like him. We're supposed to reflect him. We are not converted once. We are converted daily. We are converted daily into his likeness. We choose daily to keep going. The word says that those who endure to the end will be saved, not those who said a prayer 20 years ago and then never did another thing to look like him. We are being saved daily." [01:25:20](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The thing about yeast though, is there's also several places in the word that Jesus, Jesus also uses yeast as a way to say, the yeast comes in like the kingdom of God is like a yeast that can actually permeate through all of it, through the whole body. And so in the same way, the junk can come in and cause problems. The awesome thing is that when we come to our brothers and sisters and they come to us and they go, hey, hey, hey, hey, let's make sure that this stuff isn't happening. Then that can actually permeate through all of us and righteousness rises up. Amen. And hope rises up. And when we start to see each other with hope deferred, we go, no, no, no, no, no. We live in victory in Jesus Christ. The enemy is not more powerful. No curse is more powerful. Nothing is more powerful than the living God." [01:34:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to get rid of bitterness, and disappointment, the effects of disappointment in your life, I think the first thing that we're supposed to do is confess it. Again, we always get scared of the word confess because we think it means go sit with a priest and tell him all the bad stuff you did. But the reality is confession to Jesus and to others is for the benefit of ourselves because it's not just I did this and I did that and I am bad. It's actually I feel this and this hurt. And yeah, I did this. I did that and that was stupid. And all these things, but it's like when we start to actually get real with each other, we start to discover, oh, this stuff like permeates through all of us. And if we'll actually get honest with each other, we can actually lift each other up. We can actually build each other up because none of it, we're no longer in competition of who's better and more righteous. We're just going, I want to look more like Jesus. How about you?" [01:35:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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