Main Scripture Reference - Ephesians 6:10-12

Other Scripture References: Psalm 9:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 4:11; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 19:9-10; Jude 1:6-7; Revelation 12:7-9; I Peter 5:8; Romans 7:15

INTRO–‘Are You Proactive?’Read Ephesians 6:10-12

You might be wondering why the church is doing a series on angels and demons. It revolves around the Scriptural warning that you are in a spiritual battle and need to begin taking proactive steps if you want to win the battle for your heart and mind. Just like taking proper precautions while traveling in a dangerous place, you need to begin taking spiritual precautions if you want to survive the spiritual dangers around you.

• What is one goal or resolution you have set for yourself this year? What might keep or hinder you from reaching this goal?


• What proactive measures do you do in order to keep yourself safe against temptation and spiritual attack?

POINT #1–‘The Unseen Spiritual Reality’Read Psalm 9:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 4:11; Jude 1:6-7; Matthew 16:27; & Revelation 19:9-10

At times you have probably struggled with believing that there is an actual spiritual dimension to this life you live. But Scripture is very clear the God has created other life forms besides human beings and these include the angels created to serve God and do God’s bidding. And just like humans, angels were given a choice to serve God or serve themselves. Demons are the fallen angels who chose to go their own way and do their own thing in concert with their leader Lucifer. They rejected their responsibility and place in heaven and will one day be bound in the darkness they have chosen.

• When you have life struggles do you think in terms of a spiritual battle or just a material/physical battle? Do you struggle with believing in a spiritual dimension to life?


• Have you ever tried to convince God that your way was right or better than God’s way? Can you explain?

POINT #2–‘You Are in a War’Read Revelation 12:7-9; I Peter 5:8; & Romans 7:15

Once you come to the realization that there is an unseen spiritual dimension you then must realize that you are in a war, not only for your heart and mind, but for your soul. The goal of Satan and the demons is to kill, rob and destroy as much of God’s kingdom as possible and you are the most important part of that creation. This war is being waged on two different levels, a macro systematic level causing racism, sexism, injustice, and genocide, and a micro level in your own heart and mind tempting you to compromise right with wrong.

• How are you disciplined in your life? Where do you struggle being disciplined?


• What compromise are you currently tolerating in your life that needs to be brought into line with God’s way of living? How can this group help you?

POINT #3–‘You Can’t - God Can’

This battle is actually too strong for you to win by yourself but with God you can. The new birth you have in Jesus, however, is just the beginning. You need to follow a path of spiritual growth continually putting yourself in and under the authority of Jesus Christ. To help you do this you need to 1) maintain ‘radio contact’ with God through prayer and the Word, 2) travel with others on this spiritual journey for encouragement and accountability, and 3) make new commitments to get out of compromising life ruts and look for alternative routes to get you past them.

• Describe specifically how you maintain “radio contact” with God through prayer and being in the Word? What can you do to improve that vital link?


• What well worn life rut do you need to change and what alternative route will you commit to doing to get out of that compromising life action?