Warfare or Discipline - Which? Part 3
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Handout
Warfare or Discipline, Which? (Part 3):
Adjustments to Life's Adversities
Hebrews 12:5–11; Ephesians 6:10–17
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
INTRODUCTION:
A- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND GOD’S DISCIPLINE?
1- Spiritual Warfare Defined:
a. Satan’s attacks upon a believer or church with a view to their destruction.
2- God’s Discipline Defined:
a. Training fro the Father that corrects and develops the disciple’s character.
B- How can I know if I am experiencing spiritual warfare or God’s discipline?
1- Are circumstances in my life submitted to God’s direction?
2- Does my life measure up to the plumbline of God’s Word?
3- Does my lifestyle strengthen or weaken the fellowship of believers?
4- Is my life fully glorifying to Christ?
if the answer to these questions is no, the disciple is under God’s discipline. God is seeking to correct issues of sin and rebellion that keep the believer from achieving his or her potential in kingdom service.
If the answer is yes, there is a strong likelihood that the disciple is under attack from the enemy.
HOW AM I TO RESPOND ONCE I UNDERSTAND WHETHER I AM BEING DISCIPLINED OR UNDER WARFARE?
I- If you are experiencing the Discipline of God: (Hebrews 12:5-11)
I- If you are experiencing the Discipline of God: (Hebrews 12:5-11)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
A- Sincerely Repent of your sin. (Rev. 2:5)
A- Sincerely Repent of your sin. (Rev. 2:5)
5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
B- Seek Restoration to fellowship with God (Psalm 51:1-4)
B- Seek Restoration to fellowship with God (Psalm 51:1-4)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
C- Secure restoration with those affected by your sin (Matthew 5:23-24)
C- Secure restoration with those affected by your sin (Matthew 5:23-24)
23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,
24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
II- If you are experiencing Spiritual Warfare: (Ephesians 6:10-12)
II- If you are experiencing Spiritual Warfare: (Ephesians 6:10-12)
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
A- Seek the Filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
A- Seek the Filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
B- Seek the Spiritual Armor God provides (Ephesians 6:13-17).
B- Seek the Spiritual Armor God provides (Ephesians 6:13-17).
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
C- Seek to be absolutely obedient to God and His Word (Acts 5:29).
C- Seek to be absolutely obedient to God and His Word (Acts 5:29).
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.
CONCLUSION:
The key to getting and staying on track is being continually submitted to the Lord, as expressed by the psalmist:
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.