Print Lesson:
OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLE AGAINST THE FLESH, THE WORLD, THE DEVIL, AND THE VICTORY IN CHRIST
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
THE ATTACK AGAINST BELIEVERS AND THE PROTECTION IN CHRIST :
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, KEEPS HIS SHEEP UNDER HIS PROTECTIVE COVERING :
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.
” John 10:27-30
OUR REBELLION CAUSES US TO OPEN THE DOOR, LEAVE JESUS’ PROTECTIVE COVERING, AND GET ATTACKED BY THE DEVIL :
The devil is always ready to offer those who are under Christ’s protection a whole menu of temptations and spirits.
When believers open the door to see what is outside, they are quickly lured and tempted by these spirits to follow them and leave Christ’s protection.
Paul warned about this situation: “
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
” 2 Corinthians 2:11
The demonic spirits come to tempt the believer and those who follow after them fall under their power and control.
JESUS TEACHES US HOW TO PRAY AGAINST THE ATTACKS, AS WE ASK THE FATHER :
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
” Matthew 6:13
Even though we are believers in the Body of Christ, we have not yet achieved complete sanctification since it is a growing process.
The enemy knows our weaknesses and how best to tempt us. Therefore, he sends the demonic spirits that will be most effective against the believer.
This is why Jesus gave us in the Lord’s Prayer this one powerful request to the Father to protect us from the enemy’s temptations, attacks, and to not permit us to fall for them.
THE WORLD AND ITS MANY LURING ENTICING SPIRITS :
WARNING FROM THE APOSTLE JOHN
:
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17
THE BATTLE OF THE MAN OF FLESH AND THE SPIRIT MAN :
PAUL WARNS :
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:17-18, 24
* All biblical verses from the New King James Version
Print Lesson