Restoring the Soul: Overcoming Spiritual Attacks
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound message from the book of Nahum, focusing on the theme "You Can't Break My Soul." The enemy often attacks what matters less to get to what matters more, aiming to break our soul. We explored how Satan's attacks on Adam and Eve, Job, and even Jesus were not about the immediate targets but about something deeper—faithfulness, commitment, and spiritual integrity. The soul, as described in the Bible, encompasses our mind, will, emotions, imagination, and affections. The enemy's goal is to break these faculties, causing them to malfunction and work against us.
We also examined the story of Israel and Assyria, where Nahum's prophecy brought comfort to Israel by declaring the end of Assyria's terror. This prophetic declaration was not just about physical deliverance but also about the restoration of Israel's soul. The enemy uses relational injuries and psychological warfare to break us, but God's promise of restoration is comprehensive, addressing both the visible and invisible wounds.
The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing and dealing with the damage to our soul. We must silence the shame, surrender the sorrow, recognize the residue of past traumas, and receive God's restoration. Healing requires our participation, and sometimes divine intervention is necessary to reach the deepest wounds. The ultimate goal is not just to win in life but to flourish, experiencing the fullness of God's peace, joy, and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Enemy's True Target: The enemy often attacks what matters less to get to what matters more. For instance, Satan's attack on Job's health and wealth was ultimately about breaking his commitment to God. Understanding this helps us focus on protecting our soul, which encompasses our mind, will, emotions, imagination, and affections. [06:27]
2. The Power of God's Word: God's faithfulness to His word is unwavering. He watches over His promises to ensure they come to pass. This means that when God declares something, like "no weapon formed against you shall prosper," He actively intervenes to make sure it happens. This assurance should strengthen our faith and resolve. [17:48]
3. Restoration of the Soul: God's restoration is not just about recovering lost material possessions but about healing the soul. This involves dealing with the psychological and emotional damage caused by past traumas. True restoration brings peace, joy, and emotional wholeness, which are far more valuable than material gains. [21:56]
4. Healing Requires Participation: Healing from soul wounds requires our active participation. We must silence the shame, surrender the sorrow, recognize the residue of past traumas, and be open to receiving God's restoration. This process often involves self-care, therapy, and divine intervention to reach the deepest wounds. [32:51]
5. Living with an Open Heart: Despite the risk of being hurt, living with an open heart is essential for flourishing in life. The enemy wants us to live with paranoia and closed hearts, but God calls us to trust Him and be vulnerable. This openness allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and the joy of meaningful relationships. [37:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to Nahum Chapter 3
[03:08] - The Enemy's True Target
[04:38] - God's Trust in Job
[06:27] - Satan's Real Objective
[08:14] - Understanding the Soul
[09:33] - The Process of Soul Salvation
[11:01] - The Wildness of the Soul
[12:43] - The Enemy's Strategy
[14:29] - Nahum's Prophecy and Psychological Warfare
[16:15] - God's Faithfulness to His Word
[17:48] - The Double Meaning of "It's Over"
[19:51] - Restoration of Israel's Soul
[21:56] - God's Priority in Restoration
[23:36] - Dealing with the Damage
[24:57] - Winning vs. Flourishing
[25:52] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[26:50] - Healing Requires Participation
[27:41] - Silencing the Shame
[29:37] - Surrendering the Sorrow
[31:14] - Recognizing the Residue
[32:51] - Receiving Restoration
[33:36] - Personal Testimony and Vulnerability
[37:21] - Living with an Open Heart
[39:15] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nahum 3:18-19 (NIV): "King of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; your nobles lie down to rest. Your people are scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them. Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?"
2. Job 1:8-12 (NIV): "Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.' 'Does Job fear God for nothing?' Satan replied. 'Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.' The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.' Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord."
3. Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV): "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Nahum 3:18-19 say about the fate of Assyria and its impact on Israel? How does this passage reflect God's promise of restoration? [16:15]
2. In Job 1:8-12, what does Satan's conversation with God reveal about God's trust in Job and the nature of Satan's attacks? [04:38]
3. According to Psalm 23:1-3, what are the ways in which God restores and refreshes our soul?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Nahum 3:18-19 serve as both a message of consequence for Assyria and a message of comfort for Israel? What does this dual message tell us about God's justice and mercy? [16:15]
2. In the story of Job, why does God allow Satan to test Job, and what does this reveal about the nature of true faith and commitment? [04:38]
3. Psalm 23:1-3 speaks of God as a shepherd who restores our soul. How does this imagery help us understand the process of spiritual and emotional healing?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt attacked in an area of your life that seemed less important. How did this affect your deeper commitments and faith? How can you protect your soul in similar situations? [06:27]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of silencing shame and surrendering sorrow. What are some practical steps you can take to address shame and sorrow in your life? [27:41]
3. How can you recognize the residue of past traumas in your life, and what steps can you take to address these lingering effects? [31:56]
4. The sermon mentioned the need for divine intervention in the healing process. Have you experienced a situation where you felt only God's intervention could bring healing? How did you seek and receive that intervention? [32:51]
5. Living with an open heart despite the risk of being hurt is essential for flourishing. What are some ways you can practice vulnerability and openness in your relationships this week? [37:21]
6. The sermon highlighted the difference between winning and flourishing. Are there areas in your life where you are winning but not flourishing? What changes can you make to move towards flourishing? [24:57]
7. Reflect on the story of Job and God's trust in him. How can you cultivate a faith that remains steadfast even when tested? What practices can help you strengthen your commitment to God? [04:38]
Devotional
Day 1: The Enemy's True Target
The enemy often attacks what matters less to get to what matters more. For instance, Satan's attack on Job's health and wealth was ultimately about breaking his commitment to God. Understanding this helps us focus on protecting our soul, which encompasses our mind, will, emotions, imagination, and affections. [06:27]
The enemy's strategy is to distract and weaken us by attacking the less significant aspects of our lives, hoping to eventually break our spiritual integrity. This tactic was evident in the biblical accounts of Adam and Eve, Job, and even Jesus. In each case, the immediate target was not the ultimate goal; rather, the enemy aimed to undermine their faithfulness and commitment to God. By recognizing this, we can better guard our soul, which includes our mind, will, emotions, imagination, and affections.
Our soul is the core of our being, and when it is under attack, every aspect of our life can be affected. The enemy's goal is to cause our soul to malfunction, leading to a breakdown in our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. By understanding the enemy's true target, we can take proactive steps to protect our soul and maintain our spiritual integrity.
Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV): "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel under attack. How can you focus on protecting your soul in this situation?
Day 2: The Power of God's Word
God's faithfulness to His word is unwavering. He watches over His promises to ensure they come to pass. This means that when God declares something, like "no weapon formed against you shall prosper," He actively intervenes to make sure it happens. This assurance should strengthen our faith and resolve. [17:48]
God's word is powerful and reliable. When He makes a promise, He is committed to fulfilling it. This is evident in the way He watches over His word to ensure it comes to pass. For example, when God declares that "no weapon formed against you shall prosper," He is actively involved in making sure that this promise is fulfilled in our lives. This assurance should strengthen our faith and resolve, knowing that God is faithful to His word.
The power of God's word is not just in its declaration but also in its fulfillment. God's promises are not empty words; they are backed by His divine authority and power. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God's word is true and that He is faithful to bring it to pass. This should encourage us to trust in His promises and rely on His faithfulness in every aspect of our lives.
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God's word that you are holding onto. How does knowing that God actively watches over His word to fulfill it strengthen your faith?
Day 3: Restoration of the Soul
God's restoration is not just about recovering lost material possessions but about healing the soul. This involves dealing with the psychological and emotional damage caused by past traumas. True restoration brings peace, joy, and emotional wholeness, which are far more valuable than material gains. [21:56]
Restoration in God's eyes goes beyond the physical and material aspects of our lives. It encompasses the healing of our soul, which includes our mind, will, emotions, imagination, and affections. When we experience trauma or emotional wounds, it can leave lasting damage that affects our overall well-being. God's promise of restoration addresses these deep wounds, bringing peace, joy, and emotional wholeness.
True restoration is a comprehensive process that involves dealing with the psychological and emotional damage caused by past traumas. It is not just about recovering what was lost but about experiencing the fullness of God's peace, joy, and love. This type of restoration is far more valuable than any material gains, as it brings lasting healing and wholeness to our soul.
Psalm 23:3 (ESV): "He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need emotional or psychological healing. How can you invite God's restoration into this area?
Day 4: Healing Requires Participation
Healing from soul wounds requires our active participation. We must silence the shame, surrender the sorrow, recognize the residue of past traumas, and be open to receiving God's restoration. This process often involves self-care, therapy, and divine intervention to reach the deepest wounds. [32:51]
Healing is a collaborative process that requires our active participation. It is not something that happens passively; we must take intentional steps to address the wounds in our soul. This involves silencing the shame that often accompanies our pain, surrendering the sorrow that weighs us down, and recognizing the residue of past traumas that continue to affect us. By doing so, we open ourselves up to receiving God's restoration.
The process of healing often involves a combination of self-care, therapy, and divine intervention. Self-care practices help us nurture our well-being, while therapy provides a safe space to process our emotions and experiences. Divine intervention is necessary to reach the deepest wounds that only God can heal. By actively participating in our healing journey, we allow God to restore our soul and bring us to a place of wholeness.
Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV): "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively participate in your healing process? Consider self-care practices, seeking therapy, or inviting God's intervention.
Day 5: Living with an Open Heart
Despite the risk of being hurt, living with an open heart is essential for flourishing in life. The enemy wants us to live with paranoia and closed hearts, but God calls us to trust Him and be vulnerable. This openness allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and the joy of meaningful relationships. [37:21]
Living with an open heart is a courageous choice that allows us to experience the fullness of life. While it comes with the risk of being hurt, it is essential for flourishing. The enemy wants us to live in fear and close our hearts to protect ourselves from pain. However, God calls us to trust Him and be vulnerable, knowing that He is our ultimate protector and healer.
When we live with an open heart, we allow ourselves to experience the fullness of God's love and the joy of meaningful relationships. This openness enables us to connect deeply with others and build authentic relationships that bring joy and fulfillment. By trusting God and living with an open heart, we can overcome the enemy's attempts to make us live in fear and isolation.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to close your heart due to fear or past hurts? How can you trust God to protect and heal your heart as you choose to live with openness and vulnerability?
Quotes
1. "In life, you can't always control what gets broken, but you can control if you allow what's broken to break your soul. In other words, we won't always, in every situation and circumstance, have prevent ability, but God has given us response ability, and how we respond to what's been broken determines whether or not what's been broken breaks us." [01:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What Satan attacks is rarely what Satan is after. In other words, the enemy often attacks something that matters less so he can get to something that matters more. And the Bible is inundated with examples of this truth. We see it in scriptural stories like with Adam and Eve, where the enemy influences them to eat fruit from a forbidden tree. But when we read the totality of the story, we realize and recognize he wasn't after fruit. He was after Adam and Eve's faithfulness." [03:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The highest level of trust is to be trusted with crisis. God say, I trust him so much, have your way. You won't be able to break. And the text is really clear. Satan says, I have considered him. But you have a hedge. Don't mess with me. It's too early in the message right here. I feel a stirring spirit. I feel a stirring spirit. I feel a stirring spirit. I feel a stirring spirit right here. But you have a hedge around him, his household, and everything he possesses." [04:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So when the Bible says soul, it's talking about your mind, your will, your emotions, your imaginations, and your affections. Your mind, your will, your emotions, your imaginations, and your affections. Once you've been born again, God's going to spend the rest of his life, trying to save your mind. Because that thought life is wild. Come on here, trying to save your will. Because some of our will and resolve has been worn down." [09:33] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You can break the bank account, but I won't let you break my soul. And you can break the business deal, but I won't let you break my soul. And you can break up the relationship, but I won't let you break my soul. You can break up the building, but I won't let you break my soul. Because as long as I got it, I got it. As long as I got my soul, I can get another bag. As long as I got my soul, I can get another building. As long as I got my soul, but you cannot have my soul." [12:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You can't go through that kind of manipulation and not have any damage to your soul. You can't go through that kind of betrayal and not have any damage to your soul. You can't go through that type of trauma and not have any damage to your soul. And just because the damage has not hindered your success outwardly, doesn't mean it's not undermining you inwardly. think the devil is trying to stop you from winning when he's trying to stop you from flourishing. I'm winning, but are you flourishing?" [23:36] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Some of us have been in pain so long. We're settling for not hurting. So now that you're not hurting, you're confusing not hurting with thriving. And God's like, no, we got to deal with the damage. And this requires some of our participation. Write these down really quick, guys. All my notes are going to be on the app. I got to get through these quick because healing requires our participation. And there are some things I see in the text that can help us." [26:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You are never as healed as you think you are. And the devil wants you deceived about where you are in your healing journey. Because you never try to get to where you think you already are. You can't go through all of that and that not be on you. And then number four, receive the restoration. What Israel experienced was so damaging and devastating. There's no way there's no healing without divine intervention." [31:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Here's the promise. He heals the broken hearted. And binds their wounds. I'm going to give you a very transparent testimony. I don't testify for you to know my business. I try to model vulnerability for you. So that I don't want to minimize your issues. But I want to normalize them. Because you think I don't have them. And everybody does." [32:51] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the rest of my life, I'm committed to doing everything I can to live with an open heart. And I know I'm not the only one. So Father, I pray in Jesus' name every heart that needs to be mended and made whole. You heal the brokenhearted. And you bind up every wound." [39:15] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 18, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?