1. Read the Gospel Coalition Article. How does this article illustrate the things we have been talking about? What stands out to you about the spiritual battle and our place in it, from this article?

2. Read Prov. 3:5-6, Romans 8:28, Phil. 4:13. Describe how each of these truths might bring you inner peace when the external battle is strong.

Group Questions…

“the Christian’s struggle against otherworldly forces”

(Millard Erickson)

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is a way of characterizing our common struggle as Christians. Whether we want

to think about it or not, the truth is that we all face supernatural opposition as we set out to live the Christian life… There is virtually no part of our existence over which the Evil One does not want

to maintain or reassert his unhealthy and perverse influence. Conversely, Jesus longs to

reign as Lord over every area of our lives. This is the locus of intense struggle for believers. To

which kingdom – and source of power – do we yield?

Clinton Arnold

1. Has the sin become habitual? That is, do I continually commit the sin, even though I know that God is displeased?

2. Have I given up fighting the sin? Am I close to saying, “What’s the point of trying?”

3. Do I continue placing myself in the way of temptation? Though I know that temptation – and probably failure – await, do I still move in the devil’s direction?

4. With regard to my sin, is it hard for me to believe Bible promises such as 1 Cor. 10:13?

5. Have I stopped spending time with God, reading His Word and praying, because I’m so overwhelmed by the guilt of my sin?

Questions to Consider…

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

... For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand."

1 Samuel 17:47

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:14

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith–

Philippians 3:8-9

The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 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 for you, but you must rule over it."

Genesis 4:6-7

1. Confess your wrong and accept God’s forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9)

2. Turn away from your wrong (Eph. 4:22)3. Turn to good (Jas. 4:17)4. Live a life worthy of the calling you have

received from God (Eph. 4:1)5. Thank God every day for the righteousness He

has given you

Putting on Breastplate