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Make no mistake—spiritual warfare is real.
As you make your way into intentional mission and ministry, you may find yourself facing various kinds of opposition and resistance. You may experience great discouragement or doubt. Temptations may threaten to derail you. And you may even encounter active attack from spiritual forces of evil.
But fear not. Veteran missionaries Jack and Mary Anne Voelkel give us confidence that God can overcome the enemy's spiritual attacks on us. When we face harassment and persecution from the principalities and powers, we need to know that Satan is not on equal footing with God. Jesus has disarmed the forces of evil through his death and resurrection. We have available to us tremendous resources for spiritual defense and offense, and by putting on the whole armor of God, we can take practical, prayerful steps toward spiritual triumph.
Be not afraid. In the midst of spiritual warfare, the greater reality is that Jesus is Lord over all powers and authorities. He has already achieved the victory.
Includes questions for group discussion.
"Martin Luther taught that the devil was happy with two extremes: deny his existence or give him credit for everything bad. We need wisdom to discern how to understand and respond to the reality of spiritual warfare. The Voelkels guide us with life experience interpreted through the lens of biblical teaching to help us grow in this discernment process."
Introduction
1. So, what is "spiritual warfare" anyway?
Paul?s understanding of spiritual warfare
A Definition of Spiritual Warfare
2. Who is our enemy?
Where did Satan come from?
What was Satan really up to?
The results of the Fall
The world
The flesh
The Devil
3. A Fresh Look at Jesus
4. Preparing to Advance the Kingdom
Starting the day with our triune God
The armor of God
5. Overcoming the Counter-attacks of the Enemy
The attacks from within
Overcoming assaults on our identity
Overcoming sin
Overcoming bondage
Overcoming bitterness and relational sin
Overcoming temptation
The attacks from without
Overcoming the enemy's harassments and "fiery darts"
Overcoming suffering and persecution
6. Advancing the kingdom: The true goal of spiritual warfare
The power of worship
The power of prayer
The power of the proclamation of the Word
The Power of Costly Love and Courageous Witness
7. Putting it all together
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
Suggested Readings