Stand: Week 1
Worship, Love, Compassion
We are going to mix it up a bit, and take three looks in Jesus’ life where we see Ephesians 6:10-18 [Make sure and read this passage first] come to life:
Matthew 4:1-11. Where do you see the “Spiritual Armor” in action in this story? What do you observe in this passage? What is happening? What is Jesus’ approach to this Spiritual battle? How can you apply this as a follower of Jesus? As a Team?
John 9:1-41. Again, what do you see in this passage? What is going on? What do you learn about Jesus? How does this story highlight, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly places.” What is the result of this Spiritual battle?
Luke 10:1-24. Have you thought about Spiritual Warfare in light of the Mission of the Church? If we are helping people far from God experience Jesus, we will face opposition. What does Jesus instruct the 72 he sends out on mission? What is their “missional approach”? How do you think this applies in our current cultural context? What is the fruit of this missionary trip?
Application
Helping one another Experience Jesus
As a Team, work on what Pastor Matt suggested in the video. If you need a very simple practical first step, just go around and share what is going on in your life right now. You can not begin to Stand together against spiritual warfare if you are not aware of what is going on in one another’s lives.
Helping people far from God Experience Jesus
Cannot stress enough how important it is within a Christian worldview that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Our battle is not against people that act as our enemies. They are beloved by God, so much so that he died on the Cross for them just the same as you! Take some time to pray for your enemies. If that wound is still too fresh for you, write their initials on a piece of paper and give it to one of your trusted Teammates to pray over their name for you.