The 3 Levels Of Spiritual Warfare

The 3 Levels of Spiritual Warfare

2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 1:19-22

REVIEW

There are various offensive weapons we have as Christians. We discover how acts like praise and Worship, prayer, the blood of Jesus can be a very powerful effective tool for every Christian.

INTRODUCTION

In our lesson today we are going to consider the various levels of warfare where we can apply the weapons we studied about in our last lesson.

THE 3 LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

1.   THE HEAVENLIES: There are basically three heavens namely the sky/ firmaments, the second heavens and the third heavens. Satan and some of his heavenly demons reside in the seconds heavens where as God resides in the third heaven. Whenever God sends answers to prayer request to his children from his abode in the third heavens, Satan and his cohorts in the second heavens can fight against it. We therefore have a duty to continue praying and taking charge of the authorities in the heavens. Daniel 10:10-21, Ephesians 2:2

Discussion.

Based on Daniel`s example, how would you ensure that the forces of the air do not hinder answers to your prayers?

2.   THE BELIEVERS MIND: Our mind is the place where most of our personal battles go on. The bible teaches us to be hopeful, steadfast, diligent etc in our walk with God; all these virtues are birthed and nurtured in the mind.

God's Word And His Prophecy

Scripture: Luke 1: 57- 80

Luke 1: 57 – 66

Elizabeth, who was barren for so many years, now gives birth and the Bible says her neighbors and relatives shared in her joy, they were amazed at God’s greatness and even wondered what else lies ahead. We are surrounded by many who have lost hope and are discouraged, all they are waiting for is a barren Elizabeth (you and I) who will give birth thus announcing to them that God is mighty to deliver. No matter the barrenness that we may face, God is able to turn it around and bring joy.

Discuss why believers run from trials and want the easy way out, instead of trusting in God who is able to DELIVER them from all barrenness.

  

Luke 1: 67 – 75

Zechariah the priest angered angel Gabriel and his mouth was shut for a period till his son John was named. The Bible then said he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. In the house of God is rebuke, correction, exhortation and more. These may bring about offenses. But when this happens what do we do? Many of us go away bitter, but let’s learn from Zechariah who allowed himself to be filled with the Holy Spirit and continue the work of God.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit and God’s word is an important ingredient to deal with offenses. Discuss

Luke 1: 76 – 80

Zechariah prophesied into his son’s life and John grew to fulfill this prophesy.  As believers filled with the Holy Spirit we can also speak to the dry bones, they will hear and rise again. The Bible says we should ask and we shall receive, seek and we shall find, knock and the door will be open. Most often we do not do persist in these. Zechariah’s word of prophesy did not fall to the ground but accomplished the purpose for which it was sent.

God’s words of prophesy will eventually come to pass. What part do believers play in achieving this? Discuss

Arise And Shine, Rev.Dr. Jacob Vanderpuye

Commitment to Christ's Church

What is commitment?
Commitment in general terms means dedicating ones full efforts and resources to a particular course.
Commitment to something means regarding the thing as very important and attending to it every time no matter the cost.
For example, many of us are committed to some general things such as dressing, eating, sleeping and wearing shoes .All these are things we do irrespective of our feelings or emotions without any pressure from any source. No one needs to be called several times on the phone or chased around by anyone before he/ she attends to these commitments. Sometimes we are so committed to these things that we feel awkward when we do not fulfil these obligations.

Showing Commitment to God
God also requires us to commit ourselves to His work and His church. A typical example of commitment to church and the work of God in the New Testament is that of Paul and his son Timothy (I Thessalonians 3:2, Hebrews 13:23, Romans 16:21).

The Need for Commitment To Christ

 
In our previous study we discovered that commitment is not anything that requires any new skill or special abilities, in actual fact we were all born with an ability to get committed. Everyone has this potential and can develop it to a higher level. When we become born again, Christ puts into our spirits the ministerial offices and the nine major spiritual gifts.
Every child of God can function in any of these ministry offices and operate these gifts. The new birth opens the door for these spiritual weapons to be formed in our spirit. The spiritual weapons needs to be DISCOVERED, DEVELOPED AND USED (D.D.U). One can only successfully D.D.U when there is a commitment to Christ’s Church.
Commitment is inborn; it comes naturally in various areas of our lives, in the same way the ministry offices and spiritual gifts are deposited in anyone who becomes born again. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given freely by God to every born again .Just like natural gifts, believers do not need to work for the gifts. God gives the gifts and He chooses who to give what to. The ministry offices and spiritual gifts require commitment to Discover, Develop and Use.

CONSIDER THIS
How can one D.D.U his / her spirituals weapons?

The Believer’s Armour

We discovered that the authority we have is vested in our spiritual armour and we must learn to use them if we are going to be able to stand against Satan and his wiles.

The purpose of putting on Gods armour is to be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Without Gods armour believers will be defeated by the strategies of their adversary.

1. Belt of Truth: Ephesians 6:14b
Paul begins his teachings on the spiritual armour with the Belt of truth; this is very important because the belt was the central part of the armour that held all the armour together. Without the belt the whole armour would go loose. Jesus is the truth, and He has revealed himself through the word of God, in essence the truth is the word of God. Without Jesus and a strong word base it is impossible to hold all the armour together. Having the belt of truth in place in

The Weapons Of Our Warfare…

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled
Ephesians 6: 1-12
Our last lesson on commitment focused on discovering, developing and using (D.D.U) our gifts in church. We also discovered what it means to be committed in Christ’s Church and the things you can do in Christ Home to show your commitment and hence aid you in discovering, developing and using your gifts.
In this lesson we are going to discuss the relationship

The Supernatural

Hebrews. 11: 1 – 34, Leviticus 26:3-13, Exodus 23:20-30, Colossians 1:15-23, Colossians 4:17, 1 Timothy 2:14-26

Faith in the Supernatural

It is human to use our five senses to predict what is about to happen. That is called walking in the flesh. That is opposed to walking in the spirit better still walking in the supernatural.

2 Kings 3:17 For this is what the Lord says; You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water,

Expecting the Supernatural

Many are called into the faith, they give their all, read the Bible, attend services including revivals, sow their seed, give offerings yet lack one major thing “ Expectation”, an expectant heart, anticipation.

Supernatural Finances

Who deceived who saying poverty brings joy to our God. Did you enjoy your week and month when financially you were down and had no resources or contacts to help you? I believe not.

Deut. 8: 17-18 (lays everything bare).

Supernatural Health

Above all else our health is very paramount. Weakness and disease in our bodies can be a limitation to our quest for a unique experience with our God. For the faint hearted any infirmity attacking them may distant them from focusing on the blessings from above.