August 21 | There’s no “U” in Relationships | The Deeper Reality
This third week in the series “There’s no U in Relationships,” Tammy and I introduced the deeper reality to the difficultly we face in our relationships. We asked the question, “Why are relationships so difficult?” Well, here’s at least one good reason:
6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
We went through numerous verses (and only a fraction of what you could) that clearly communicate that Dark Forces are active and intent upon destroying your spirit…that is things like hope, faith, joy, peace, strength…and more importantly, anything that brings Glory to God like healthy relationships!
How do we fight the spiritual battle? Tam covered four ways. 1) RECOGNIZE the battle. You’re losing if you fail to acknowledge it is going on. 2) RESIST the devil. The scriptures say that when we resist the devil flees. This is just another way of saying stay engaged in the battle. Say, “No,” to discouragement, judgmental thoughts, negative conclusions about your worth, etc, etc. Remember Satan’s primary tool: Lies. He is the father of lies. 3) RELY on scripture. Scripture is the Sword of the Spirit…with it all lies can be thwarted. Satan hates scripture. Memorize some good verses, or write them on 3×5 cards for reference. When the attack comes, recite the TRUTH to yourself and to the forces that seek to destroy. 4) RELATE wisely and compassionately with others. Here’s some ways we threw out there:
Encourage one another
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24 – 25
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
Listen well
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Keep short accounts
“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27
Here’s some questions our Discipleship Director put together for your consideration
-We saw our third mission team this morning, are you giving or going with missions? What were you thinking when you heard the testimonies?
Week 1—-How has God challenged you by wearing your new lenses?
Week 2—-How is God challenging you about using expectations on others?
This week’s teaching:
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate this statement “God is glorified in your relationships”
Do you realize that you are in a spiritual battle? What has your experience been with spiritual battles?
What evil sources (spiritual warfare) do you sense in your world? -Do really believe you have an enemy that is trying to devour you?
Does it change your perspective on people when you realize that you and everyone and in a spiritual battle 24/7?
What lie have you heard from the enemy today?
How do you practically realize what is going on?
Throughout your day how do you resist the enemy?
What truths and verses point you to the truth? Have you ever used verses to lead you to the truth? Have you ever thought of verses as “Weapons in your arsenal”?
Have you ever fought the evil one with scripture?
Are you noticing people that might need encouraged? Do you think this will lead to more authentic relationships? How ?
Is there someone you need to ask if you and them are okay?
