Thank you again to Susan Farnham for providing this week’s discussion questions.
Before your group gets started, spend watch a Ray Comfort witnessing video, and pray for each other’s “My 3.”
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
-Jesus, Matthew 25:41 NLT
The Bible speaks of Demons as real beings. Once angels, they followed Satan in rebellion against God (Rev.12:3-4). They are powerful, and influential, but limited, and ultimately defeated creatures (Matt. 25:41). Their ideas and influence are patterned and can be very subtle, but then leave an obvious path of destruction and chaos in the time, sphere, and lives in which they work.
Scripture depicts demons very differently than that of the grotesque forms created by the world’s culture. The Bible never physically describes a fallen angel.
The vast amount of demonic influence is spiritual, not physical. The influence is cloaked in something ideological, material, self-serving, antithetical to God’s word, and very inviting.
Demons exist.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 NLT
How should we guard our hearts against those who would sow discouragement, whether false converts, silent believers’, or any other tool of the enemy?
Living In Spiritual Darkness
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
1 John 1:5-6 NLT
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:4-5 NLT
Unbelievers live in spiritual darkness, in opposition to the light of God’s love in Christ because Satan has blinded their minds.
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NLT
As Christians what is our responsibility to those who live in opposition to light of God’s love in Christ? (Acts 26: 17-18)
And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
Acts 26:17-18 NLT
A Good Snooze
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Psalm 39:5 NLT
Time is the most valuable commodity. How is your time management?
Are there changes you could make to allow more time for honing those skills of defiance?
Why must we never forget our past and why must we be defiant in our memories? How does this affect the fate of those who walk in spiritual darkness?