Unreasonable Warfare
Within hours, I had gone from the mountain top to [the muck].
Life, most of the time is not lived on the mountaintop, as much as we wish it could be. It's lived in [the muck].
Jesus is training his disciples for what it looks like to connect with him and to rely on him in the midst of spiritual warfare and [evil].
- When was the last time you experienced a 'mountain top' moment with God? What happened when you returned to everyday life?
- Where do you need Jesus' help in 'the muck' of your life right now?
There is a spiritual war being waged right now in [your life].
Satan is just more [subtle] here in America.
One is to [disbelieve] in their existence. The other is to believe and to fill an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.
Demons are [real], okay?
- How have you seen spiritual warfare play out in your family, workplace, or community?
- Are you tempted to either dismiss the reality of spiritual warfare or become overly focused on it? How can you maintain biblical balance?
The thief comes only to still kill and [destroy].
Jesus says, I came, that you may have life and have it [abundantly].
God is good, Satan is [evil].
He who is in you is greater than he who is in [the world].
- Have you ever been tempted to blame God for suffering that Satan caused? How does understanding the enemy's tactics change your perspective?
- What 'doors' might you be leaving open in your life that give the enemy opportunity to attack?
If you can do anything, would you have compassion and [help us]?
If you can, [all things] are possible for the one who believes.
There's a shift in the text from anything to [all things].
How many of you are approaching Jesus this week with [anything] prayers?
- Where have you been asking Jesus for 'anything' when He wants to do 'all things'? What shift needs to happen in your faith?
- What situation in your life seems impossible right now? How does Jesus' promise that 'all things are possible' speak to that?
This kind cannot be driven out by anything but [prayer].
Prayer is [faith] directed to God.
You cannot do Jesus's work without Jesus's [power].
What areas of your life are you relying on your power rather than the power of [Jesus]?
- What areas of your life have you been trying to handle on your own without prayer? How might things change if you brought them to Jesus in prayer?
- The disciples thought they could cast out the demon without praying. Where have you relied on past success or experience instead of dependence on God?