The Gospel Project: Jesus is the Truth

Essential Doctrine: The World Opposed to God

There are times in Scripture when the term world refers to more than the physical planet Earth or the collective human population. IN many instances, the term refers to an active and evil spiritual force that is in direct conflict with God and His kingdom. This evil world force operates under Satan’s control (see Eph. 2:2; John 14:30), displaying the same self-centeredness and deceit that is found within his character. Christians are called to overcome this world of spiritual evil by faith in the Son of God (see 1 John 5:4-5).

Essential Connection:

We’ve been discussing God’s kingdom and how it is partially present here on earth because He dwells within us. God’s kingdom is also coming in its fullness, and we eagerly wait for it. While we wait, we must be aware of Satan’s attacks so we can stand firm and continue to spread the Gospel

Watch video

Ask: What were some things about the video that stood out to you?

Main Point: Believers are called to share the gospel with the world.

We are to resist the powers of the world.

Ephesians 6:10–17 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Ask: If you were going to war, what would you take to protect yourself? Why?

Wouldn’t go to battle unprepared

Suit up > stay safe

We have everything we need to do battle

Aren’t helpless, although often unprepared

Not arming ourselves by getting into God’s Word and praying

Trying to do it in our own strength

Christ’s given victory, yet go to battle without Him

Not victory; standing firm

“The victory of Christ in the supernatural arena must be achieved in our personal lives on earth.

More than conquerors; equipped to stand strong

How can you not only defend yourself against Satan but also act offensively against Him?

Not just called to sit around and wait

Called to offense!

Actively seeking out points in a game

Faith is active

Offensive = actively seek Jesus/live like Jesus

Daily time reading, praying, worshipping, community

Actively fighting against temptation

Godly community = army to fight alongside you

Everything needed for victory

Main Point: Believers are called to share the gospel with the world.

We are to resist the powers of the world.

We are to reject the things of the world

1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Ask: What are the “things of the world” (v. 15) you struggle with loving too much?

Things that will fade:

Popularity

Our reputations

Being praised

Ungodly relationships on social media

Waste time.

Lust in the flesh and eyes and pride in possessions

Sexual temptation + envy over someone else’s possessions

Called to....

Love what lasts forever

Being saturated in God’s word

Seek the Lord above all

Ask: Why do we cling to things that will only pass away? How can you train yourself to cling to the things of God?

Hard to not want what surrounded by

All around us:

Friend groups

TV

Music

Social media

Feeling “left out”

World: desiring everything but God

Satan’s hold until Jesus’ return

Can’t remove ourselves from world, but can fix eyes on Jesus

Remind ourselves of what lasts

Accountability

Main Point: Believers are called to share the gospel with the world.

We are to resist the powers of the world.

We are to reject the things of the world

We are to proclaim Jesus to the world.

2 Corinthians 4:3–6 (ESV)

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Ask: How might we hinder people from seeing Jesus when we love the things of this world?

Being a distraction for non-believers

Not looking different than them

Why need Jesus if doesn’t make a difference in our lives?

Loving God first = working with him to help others gain sight

Ask: How can arrogance prevent us from effectively sharing the Gospel with others?

Verse 5: Paul didn’t lift himself up

Became servant so people would see Christ

Culture = self-obsessed

Putting ourselves above others

Arrogance makes it tough for people to see past us to see Jesus

Jesus made himself a servant = our model for reaching others

Christ Connection:

Satan has blinded the eyes of the world to the truth of God, offering false hope in the things of the world while also opposing God through the world’s evil systems. Jesus came so that the eyes oft the blind might be opened to the truth. All who trust in Him find true hope in God’s kingdom.

Head: Why is it important to know there is spiritual warfare all around us? How should that affect the way you live?

Unseen battle

Light versus dark (just like the movies)

Satan is real; dark powers and forces exist

Being blind to this = vulnerable

Know its real = using what God has given us to fight

+ Recognize own evil desires

Heart: Can you say that you love the things of God more than the things of the world? Explain.

Answer should be easy, but isn’t

Divided hearts and minds

Love God, but struggle

Being torn between two worlds

If struggle, pray Psalm 86:11

Psalm 86:11 ESV

11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Hands: Why do you need to live in a way that plainly shows you love the things of God?

Our beautiful purpose-to share the gospel and show others the way to Jesus.

Getting distracted by other purposes, but this is the one

People need us to make our faith plan so that their eyes can be opened

Once our eyes are opened, we should desire for others to see Him too

God wants to use us = amazing honor

Done in simple ways:

Playing a sport

Playing in band

Going to college

Work

All for God’s glory!

Final takeaway: Resist the world so that others can, too.