Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds, Part 1
Objective: Define what a stronghold really is. Identify where the primary battle is wage.
Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Introduction:
Before a believer can live victoriously, they must realize and understand that there is a battle being wage for their soul. They must identify and defeat the enemy that seeks to set-up camp in their life. The Apostle Paul on numerous occasions admonishes the believer to be aware and that we are in a war. Every believer is face with something for the scriptures’ say, “ when He appears, we shall see Him for who He is and shall be like Him. Until that day we the believers must be ever mindful. The Apostle Paul’s description of in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, gives a wonderful definition of what a stronghold really is.
Open-discussion:
In your own words what is a stronghold?
If you were to use the Holy Scriptures what is the defining character of a stronghold.
What two elements must be present to wage war?
In your own words where is the primary battle wage against strongholds?
According to the Holy Scriptures, both 2 Corinthian 10: 3-5 and Romans 7: 23 where is the primary battle wage?
If possible to describe in the natural, what would you consider a stronghold to resemble?
In your own words, what you say would be a very good indicator of you being plagued by a spiritual stronghold?
Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds, Part 4
Objective: Define unbelief. Develop strategies to overcome unbelief. Discuss indicators of unbelief.
Scripture references: Mark 9:14-24, Hebrews 11:6
Introduction:
Webster defines unbelief as lack of belief. We in the church would describe it as lack of faith in God. Abraham is considered the father of faith because he believed God, and for his belief in God it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 4:1.
Unbelief is one of the biggest stronghold a believer will encounter. Why? Because the stronghold of unbelief is not so readily identifiable and it is personal. First, it can be easily hidden by an outward display of emotions or participation. Second, because it takes a confession from the person to admit that they do not believe God. Mark 9:14-24. Many people not only the saved, but the unsaved claimed to believe in God, but do not believe God. There is a big difference in believing in something or someone and believing the fairness of the system or person. Take for example the American political system, many of us believe in democracy but do not believe the politicians. Many Christians today suffer from the same syndrome, believe in Him, but do not believe Him. Unfortunately because of the stronghold of unbelief they go thru this life unfulfilled and never really reach their full potential. We believe God for salvation (eternal life) but often question if he will keep us or supply our every need.
One must understand why this stronghold is so dangerous, is because it takes you out of a faith walk with God. It leads you to rely on your own means or others, thus opening the doors for pride, idolatry deception, etc. to take root in your life.
Strategies:
First thing you must do is recognize that God is greater than any problem and change your thought pattern by:
A. Believing God for being God.
B. Believing God can do what He says he can do.
C. Believing He is who he says He is.
D. Believing you are who He says you are.
Second renew your mind by:
Praying God’s word (scripture) out loud, in this manner you are breathing, speaking and hearing faith.
It is a release of the spirit ( 2Corinthians 4:13).
It increases faith, by creating confidence in Him, rather than your ability to believe.
Third, Pray continuously:
This brings a break through. It may not be God’s will that we are healed or rich etc., but it is His will we are free from strongholds. Galations 5:1
It keeps you in constant fellowship and communion with God.
Fourth, study God’s word:
It cleanses our minds.
It increases our confidence in Him.
Open Discussion:
What things cause unbelief? And why?
What is a good indicator of stronghold unbelief operating in your life?
Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds, Part 5
Objective: Define deception. Develop strategies to identified and overcome deception.
Scripture references: St John 8:44, II Corinthians 4:2
Introduction:
Webster’s dictionary defines deception as the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived. To deceive someone would be to mislead, distort, or hide the truth from them. Simply put deception is a lie. Deception is designed to influence your thoughts and actions. One must also understand that Deception is contagious, on many occasions it not only effects the person bound but other around them. Our adversary satan is the master of deception, and he is the father of lies (John 8:44). There is no truth that emanates from satan, his ultimate objective is to keep you defeated and bound by strongholds. One must understand that deception is the glue that holds every stronghold together. Why call deception the glue? Because deception works with every other stronghold to keep you bound. Consider Adam and Eve in the garden, satan was able to deceive Eve with a lie that fuel her desire (Lust) to want to eat from the forbidden tree. The Bible declares that the fruit was pleasing to the eye (Lust). The lust fuel by the lie, cause her to fall and subsequently led to Adam falling into sin also. Genesis 3:1-6 Lust can be easily defined as a strong desire that causes you to stray away from God’s words and commandments.
Open Discussion:
The devil is a master of deception (lies), listed below are some examples of lies we often believe when we are held in a stronghold.
I can never be victorious over this compulsion. I have been doing it too long.
I can’t help the mess I’m in. I’m caught, and there is nothing I can do about it.
It may be a stronghold, but I really need it to get by.
I’m worthless–nothing but a failure.
There is nothing wrong with me, I am in control.
There is no harm in this. I am strong enough to handle it.
I can stop when I want to.
There is nothing wrong with this relationship. People do not understand.
Everybody thinks and acts this way some time. I’m only human.
God does not care–He only works for other people.
Can you recall ever telling yourself or believing one of the above statements or some thing similar?
What scripture/s comes to your mind to combat the lie/s satan tells?
Strategies:
The believer must always remember that God is greater than any problem or situation. They also must not forget that the battle is wage in their mind. And since the mind is where the battle is waged, we must be honest with ourselves when dealing with the stronghold of deception. In many instances we sometimes are aware of tolerating or fueling the deception. We do this through denial or refusal to accept the truth. Other times we get caught in a web of deceit that we cannot see ourselves or the situation accurately. It is not always clear when we are being deceived, but one thing is clear if you want to know if you are being deceived, first look and locate the lie the enemy has told you about yourself or others.
1. Look for and locate the lie. How do you recognize a lie? It is anything we have believed or act on that is contrary to the truth of God’s written word. Why written word? The Holy Spirit does not tell or motivate us to do things contrary to God’s commandments.
2. Renounce the hidden things. II Corinthians 4:2 instruct us how to respond to such things. It admonishes us to renounce secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort God’s word. This passage of scriptures identifies four of satan’s specialties that must be renounced: a. Secrecy b. Shame c. Deception d. Distortion of Scripture
Secrecy leads to Shame, Shame fuels Deception because we hide, and Deception will cause us to Distort Scripture to justify ourselves.
3. Confess your faults. (James 5:16, 1 John 1:9) Note: James refers to confession we make to others, 1 John refers to confession made to God. There is a contrast between sharing our faults, weakness, and mistakes with others and confessing every detail of every sin to God. There is a big difference between God and the believer. Many new believers make the mistake of sharing intimate details from their past to those who are spiritually immature or those (beware of wolves disguise as sheep) who have ulterior motives. This practice more times than not result in the new believer and in some cases even older saints being hurt or in the worse case being deceived. One must always remember they can confess all their faults to the Lord and some things are best left in the sea of forgetfulness.
Open Discussion and Food for thought:
Why would it be important to not only to look and locate the lie but renounce the lie?
Can you share everything with every believer? If yes why, if no why?
What would be an example some things you could confess or share with another believer?
What would you confess to God?
Victorious Living
Proverbs 16:18
Overcoming Strongholds, Part 6
Objective: How to Identify a Prideful Spirit. Identify steps to help the believer develop humility.
Scripture references: Daniel 4:1-37; Jeremiah 18:1-6.
Introduction: Pride is a difficult stronghold that could possibly lead a person to death: not only a physical death but also worse a spiritual death. Sometimes, we (the believers) are like trees that have to be cut down in order to see our Father in heaven and know that he is the one who gives life & can take it away.
Like the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:1-37, God left the stump & roots of the tree in order for the tree to grow again. Just as believers, we may have life again, and life more abundantly after our lesson has been learned. If we experience a painful setback, God is giving us a chance to change our ways. God will remove our suffering when we have learned the lesson he wants to teach us. God want allow the enemy to take our life but the enemy will come close. Like the stump and the roots of the tree, God will build you back up from the nothing you were to be a powerful man or woman of God. God will do this all for the glorification of his name. Daniel 4:36-37.
How to Identify a Prideful Spirit
Grandiose Thinking
Having a prideful spirit is like having an addiction. We are addicted to the idea that we are above it all, a god unto ourselves; we develop the attitude that we are accountable to no one. When we are caught up in our addiction, it’s common for us to deny the truth about our situation, which leads to (grandiose thinking); an indicator that this person has a prideful spirit. When a person begins to hear themselves use the word “I” at the beginning of every sentence when in regard to God’s calling on their life, or because of a recent promotion or elevation of position in the Body of Christ or because they may be experiencing success in their ministry. Whatever the case or situation may be, bottom-line, there is no “I” in God. Daniel 4:35.
Self-Sufficiency
Our pride can keep us from asking for what we need. We may have grown up in a family where we were consistently ignored or disappointed. Perhaps our needs were seldom met. Some of us may have reacted by becoming self-sufficient. We determined never to ask anyone for help. It is this type of pride, born from hurt, that will hold us back from asking God to help us deal with our shortcomings. In Luke 11:9-10, in Jesus’ own words, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you”. (v10) “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”. We must come to the place of giving up our prideful self-sufficiency; we must be willing to ask for help. And we can’t ask for help just once and be done with it. We must be persistent and ask repeatedly as the needs arise. If we practice this, we can be assured that our loving heavenly Father will respond by giving us good gifts and removing our shortcomings.
Steps to Developing Humility
1. Giving up Control .
Giving up Control may be difficult for us. When we get ready for God to remove our shortcomings, we still may want to control how he does it. We are so used to calling the shots that we’ll ask for God’s help as long as he does it on our terms. We may demand that the changes happen on our timetable or in the order we feel ready to give them up. God doesn’t work that way. That is why humility is such an important part of this step. God used the example of Jeremiah when he told him to go to the potter’s shop to learn a lesson. Jeremiah 18:1-6.
God also instructed Isaiah about the certain destruction of those who argue with their Creator. Isaiah 45:9.
When we put our lives in God’s hands, he will reshape us as he sees fit. It is our humility that allows us to accept the fact that he is the Creator. Speaking to the believer, our new life may be similar to the one we left behind or entirely different. God is the master craftsman. Whatever he does, we can trust that he will recreate our life beautifully, once we GET OUT OF HIS WAY!
2. A Humble Heart
Some believers feel unworthy to ask God for anything. Maybe those whom we consider respectable despise our sinful behaviors as the lowest kind of evil. We may struggle with self-hatred. Our genuine remorse may cause us to wonder if we even dare approach God to ask for his help. God welcomes us, even when we feel this way. Jesus told the story: Luke 18:10-14. Tax collectors were among the most despised citizens in Jewish society. Pharisees, on the other hand, commanded the highest respect. Jesus purposely chose this illustration to show that it doesn’t matter where we fit in society’s ladder. It is the humble heart that opens the door to God’s forgiveness.
3. Into the Open
Because of our pride, we may hide behind defenses during the recovery process. We may hide behind our good reputation, our important position, or a delusion of our superiority. We may feel such inner shame that we go overboard to cover up with a self-righteous public identity. Those of us who have tried to protect ourselves in these ways will need a dramatic change of attitude. As the apostle, Paul wrote in Phil. 2:5-9. Our attitudes as believers should reflect the same attitude that Christ has.
We can ask God to change our attitudes. When we deal with our pride, we will be able to stop hiding behind our reputation, calling, or our ministry. We can’t allow ourselves to become “anonymous”, each of us known just as another person struggling with an addiction. When we humbly yield ourselves to God in recovery, he promises us future honor and the restoration of our good name.
Open Discussion:
Can you readily identify yourself as a person who has a prideful spirit or some of the characteristics of someone with a prideful spirit? (answer this one to yourself).
What can you do to break the stronghold of pride?
Guilty or Not Guilty
I even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgression for mine own sake, and I will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25
1. Guilt is define as the fact of having done wrong; blame for a crime or bad deed; 2. a feeling of responsibility or deep shame for having done something bad or illegal.
2. Guilty is defined having committed a crime or bad deed.
Biblical Examples of Guilt/Guilty
Cain and Abel Genesis 4:13-15 “My punishment is more than I can bear”… (Divine intervention) Man’s extremities are God’s opportunity. God made a way of escape for him.
Joseph & his brothers Genesis 37:29 ..he rent his clothes… All because they were jealous of a dream that their brother had. Reuben’s guilt…Joseph was exalted in Egypt and was second in command next to Pharoah. (Divine intervention) Man’s extremities are God’s opportunity. God made a way for them to escape.
Peter’s Denial of Jesus Matthew 26:69-75 ..he remembered the words of Jesus ..and he wept bitterly. Matthew 16:19 Peter given the keys to the kingdom (Divine intervention) Man’s extremities are God’s opportunity. Other scriptures- Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54; John 18:15,25.
Judas Betrayal Matthew 27:3-5 Judas was brought to his senses like Peter (26:75) yet unlike Peter he didn’t repent to God only to man ..”I have sin against the innocent blood”…He didn’t go back to the Apostolic Band as Peter did to seek forgiveness. He became morose and broody and left to himself he became a helpless victim of satan who kept him from turning to God.
Learning to forgive/God has forgiven you
Galatians 5:7-8 Ye did run well who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you. So, walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 Forgive and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37 God said He would throw your sins in the sea of forgetfulness and never remember them anymore. SO, LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US. Hebrews 12:1 (read Colossians 3:13-14, Matt 6:14-15
Released from Guilt
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I am He that blotteth out thy trangressions for mine own sake, and I will not remember thy sins. Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning, and rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord.
Be Encouraged
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to His purpose…(Read from your bible 8:31-39) Romans 6:23 We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God…..Romans 3:10 There is none righteous no not one. II Timothy 1:12 For which cause I also suffer these thing, nevertheless I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds, Part 8
(Insecurity of Feeling Unloved & Rejection)
Objective: Identify and take the necessary steps to overcome the feeling of being unloved and rejected. Enable the believer to assist another person overcome by these emotions and feeling.
Scripture references:
Feeling Unloved: Proverbs 19:22, Psalms 143:8, I Corinthians 13:8, Colossians 2:10, I John 4:18
Rejection: St John 1:11, Philippians 3:10
Introduction:
As we begin this lesson on overcoming the insecurity of feeling unloved and rejection, it is imperative that the believer realizes that these are feelings . . . feelings are emotions; that may or may not be an accurate assessment of a situation. These emotions are based upon external circumstances. The believer must understand that man is tripartite; consisting of body, soul, and spirit. One must remember that God communes with us or resides with us in our spirit. Our emotions are located in the soul of a man. Being overcome by these feelings are a result of a soulical walk . . . where the Bible declares for us to be led by the Spirit and walk by faith. The believer must “Believe even when you do not feel. Know even when you do not see.” Additionally, as one reads this lesson they should look at this from spiritual aspects vs.natural. They must understand when situations and events overcome them and they begin to feel this way it is because their faith in God’s is wavering and they have doubted the magnitude of God’s love. An outward show of emotions, reveal what going on in the inside. It reveals a spiritual imbalance. Always remember, were man fails, God always triumph.
A: Insecurity of Feeling Unloved:
Four types of love:
Philao: Brotherly love.
Sororal: Sisterly love.
Eros: Love between a man and a woman.
Agape: unconditional, Godly love
Discussion:
Of the four types of love identified what love must the believer have to be secure?
Can you live without any of the four loves?
Dialogue:
Webster’s defines insecurity as, unreliable, uncertainty, or unsure. All of us have insecurities . . . even the most outwardly confident people. The fear or feeling of being unloved is probably our greatest source of insecurity, whether or not we articulate it. Thirty-two passages in the Bible refer to unfailing love, each passage refers to the love that originates from God. Proverbs 19:22; states, “What a man desire is kindness (unfailing love); better to be poor than a liar.” The word desire in this Proverb 19:22a implies a deep craving.
Discussion:
In your own words what adjective would you use to describe unfailing love?
Of the four types of love which would you say fits the description of unfailing love?
Do you desire unfailing love?
The writer of Proverb 19:22b, further states, “better to be poor than a liar,” why would the writer say this in this verse?
Dialogue:
Searching for perfect, unfailing love in a heart that has been untouched by God is fruitless and will lead only to disappointment: No love of the natural heart is safe unless the human heart has been satisfied by God first. We are not free to love in the true intent of the word until we have found love. If the believer allows satan to be his tour guide in search of unfailing love it will lead to bondage and the feeling of being unloved. satan cannot produce unfailing love only lust. Lust is not a substitute for unfailing love (agape). The effects of lust are temporary and never satisfying. It is not wrong to think we need to be loved. We do. But it is wrong to think you can make anyone love us the way we need to be loved. Our needs are God’s responsibility to fulfill.
Discussion:
How do we obtain unfailing?
Who originates and orchestrates unfailing love?
Can you give some examples of searching for unfailing love.
Dialogue:
Throughout life we lose people who really loved us to death or changing circumstances. As rich and dear as their love was, it was not unfailing love. Why? Because it moved. It died. It changed. It left wonderful memories . . . but it left a hole. 1 Corinthian 13:8, states love never fails, it is referring to agape love of God given to us and exercised through us.
Discussion:
When we have unmet desire who do we go too fulfill?
Dialogue:
Psalms 143:8, gives a perfect example of how to have this need met. The Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:10; states, “Ye are complete in Him.” This two passages as others should erase all insecurity of feeling unloved. We overcome these feeling by standing on God’s word and abiding in Him. How do we abide in Him; by drawing closer to Him.
Other scriptures:
Psalms 13:5-6, 17:6-8, 48:9, 119:64, 119:76, Hosea14: 4, John 15:9, I Cor 2:9, Romans 5:8,
Ephesians 2:4-7
Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds
(The Enemy) Part I, Introduction
Objective: Enable the believer to recognize the tactics of the enemy and equip the believer to effectively deal with attacks from the enemy. Enable the believer to accept the truth of their salvation and the security in being in Christ Jesus.
Scripture references: Entire Holy Bible
Introduction:
As we begin this study, it is imperative as we go through scriptures, dialogue, and question/answers portion that the believers maintain their trust and faith in our Lord Savior Jesus and the Word of God. One must understand that deliverance and victory over the enemy is not predicated upon power but, Truth. John 8:32, states, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” The Apostle Paul reveals in Galation 5:1 that the Christ set the believer free, therefore stand firm in your freedom... The believer must live by the AA principle: Accept and Act; they must accept and act upon the Truth that is revealed from God’s word, divinely imparted by the Holy Spirit (which must be confirmed by the Word) 1 John 4:1 note; the Spirit of Truth never acts contrary to the Word or speak of itself; St John 15:26, or given by those who are called by God in a particular ecumenical office; Ephesians 4: 11-15. Beware, many claim to be called but the acid test of the validity of their calling will be supported by Holy Scriptures and will speak of the exaltation of Christ. 1 John 2:20 -23, 4:1 One thing that will help in discerning if what being said is the truth, pray to God while receiving the instructions for clear understanding and ask yourself a simple question. Does this cause me to be rooted, grounded, grow and develop in Christ? “remember the enemy is crafty and seeks to set up camp in your mind” You are free in Christ, but will be defeated if the devil can deceive you into believing you are not free and still bound by your past. In other words, we are not trying to become children of God, but are children of God becoming like Christ. Romans 8:16, Ephesians 2:1-3
It is important that the believer remembers the war is being waged between Christ and the antichrist, the Spirit of Truth and the father of lies, between the prophets (spokespersons) of God and the false prophets, between the wheat (children of the Kingdom of God) and the tares (children of the devil) Matthew 13:38. As we stated in earlier lessons the enemy is a master of deception, everything he does is a lie, therefore the believer must always be vigilant to the deceptions of the enemy.
Tactic of the Enemy:
Deception: The enemy wants you not to believe who you really are. Nor does he want you exercise the power God has deposited in you.
How:
A. Believe that he does not exist.
B. Either not believe or doubt God’s word
C. The enemy wants you to focus on your failures or situation.
Misconceptions:
1. The Bible reveals that the enemy can transform (disguise) himself into an angel of light, not only is he capable but his disciples are too. 2Corinthians 11:14-15
Question:
Can you give some examples of the above scenario?
2. Demons were active when Christ was on earth, but not now. 2Corinthians 10: 3-5, Ephesians 6:11-16, clearly reveal the nature of our warfare.
Question:
Can you give some examples of the above scenario?
Question:
In you own words how are the untruths and lies of the enemy spread?
HOMEWORK:
Bring back scripture references to support your answers or any additional information you would like to share.
Name the gifts that the church has to help overcome the enemy.
Victorious Living
Romans 8:37
Overcoming Strongholds
(The Enemy) Part II
Objective: Enable the believer to recognize the tactics of the enemy and equip the believer to effectively deal with attacks from the enemy. Enable the believer to accept the truth of their salvation and the security in being in Christ Jesus.
Scripture references: Entire Holy Bible
Introduction:
As we move further along on this subject, it is imperative that the believer understand that the devil is already defeated. Many born-again believers lived beneath their privilege because they failed to recognize and accept that truth. Defeat of satan and his demonic forces are not predicated upon power but TRUTH. (John 8:32) This truth was accomplished on the cross. Since the enemy is the father of lies, we must not forget that the enemy seeks to distort the truth of the victory won on the cross and blind them with his lies. As we discussed in previous lesson deception is a satan primary weapon to convince you not to believe the truth located in God’s word and revealed by the Holy Spirit.
As one journey through life and desires to be successful in overcoming the enemy it is important that they transition from a self center life into one that is focus too the glory of God. All that we do should be motivated and directed by God. (Proverb 3:5-6, Matthew 6: 33, Romans 12:1-2, James 4:7) The enemy is master of preying on our selfish desires, be it motivated with the best of intentions at heart. Our victory is in Christ, not ourselves … when we allow Him to do it, be the center of our lives we will not only see but experience the overwhelming joy that comes from being in Him.
Daily Practices:
Deny Yourself:
Denying yourself is not the same as self-denial. Many successful people practice self-denial to reach their goal. The ultimate purpose of that kind of self-denial is self-promotion: to receive the top grade, break a record, or achieve status or recognition. To deny yourself; is to deny self-rule. Until we deny ourselves that which was never meant to be ours–the role of being God in our lives, we will never be free or at peace with ourselves or God. You are not designed to serve two masters (Matthew 6; 24), no one can. When you deny yourself, you invite God to take the throne of your life. Remember he (Christ) wants to be Lord and Savior.
Pick Up You Cross Daily:
The cross we pick up is not ours but it is the cross of Christ. (Galatians 2:20) his cross provides forgiveness from what we have done and deliverance from what we were. To pick up the cross daily means to acknowledge every day belongs to God. We have been purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Follow Christ:
Objective: Enable the believer to recognize the tactics of the enemy and equip the believer to effectively deal with attacks from the enemy. Enable the believer to accept the truth of their salvation and the security in being in Christ Jesus.
1. Belief: Paul talks about “His power toward us who believe” in Ephesians 1:19. In the spiritual realm if you do not believe you have Christ authority over the enemy you will not use it.
2. Humility: Humility is confidence properly placed. In exercising our authority, humility is placing confidence in Christ, the source of our authority. (Philippians 3:3) We do not put any confidence in flesh. Take note Jesus showed great humility because he did everything according to what His Father told Him to do. Pride says, “I can resist the devil all by myself”. False humility says, “God resisted the devil; I did nothing” Humility says, “I assumed my responsibility to resist the devil by the grace of God” (James 4:7) Apart from Christ we can do nothing. (John 15:5)
3. Boldness: It is a mark of a Holy Spirit-filled saint to be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1: 6,7,9,18) (2 Timothy 1:7)
4. Dependence: The authority to do God’s will, nothing more and nothing less. Our dependence is on Christ when demonic forces come against us. We are not independent of God or His Son . . . we are dependent upon them. In doing so we maintain a balance, to act independent is to act in Pride.
Matthew 18:4, 1 Corinthians 10:12, James 4:6
Objective: Enable the believer to recognize the tactics of the enemy and equip the believer to effectively deal with attacks from the enemy. Enable the believer to accept the truth of their salvation and the security in being in Christ Jesus. Give the believer a biblical understanding and foundation of the Holy Ghost and operation within the church.
For this reason, as we continue, we will use multiple scripture references and encourage you to read and study in your own personal time because time may not allow us the opportunity to cover every one’s questions.
