SHORTCUT TO WEEK 4: DAY 1 - DAY 2 - DAY 3 - DAY 4

Week 4 - Day 1

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight.”

—C.S. Lewis

Questions:

1. What are the two common errors according to C.S. Lewis that people make when thinking about and dealing with the Devil and spiritual warfare?

2. What are the dangers associated with these two errors?

Today’s Objective:

To have a healthy understanding of what spiritual warfare is and how you are to engage in battles.

Let’s take this verse by verse to make sure we arrive at the understanding John wants us to have in this passage.

READ 1st John 4:1 - THE REALITY OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

3. How does verse 1 acknowledge there is a real thing called spiritual warfare?

4. What is one major tool or enemy that is identified in this war?

5. How is this tool used to attack Christians?

READ 1st John 4:2-3 - IDENTIFYING ALLIES AND ENEMIES IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

6. What test should you use to identify which spirit is from God and which is not?

7. What does the word “spirit” mean in this passage?

8. Obviously, there have been false prophets that have said “Jesus is Lord.” So this can get a little confusing. What does it mean in v. 2-3 that spirits from God confess Jesus has come in the flesh and spirits that do not confess Jesus has come are not from God?

READ 1st John 4:4-6 - HOW TO BATTLE IN THE MIDST OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

9. What does v. 4 promise the true believer in Christ?

10. What is the practical application of v. 4?

11. How does this help in the middle of an attack against you?

12. What does v. 5 mean in your own words?

13. How does v. 5 expose one of Satan’s most used tactics against you?

14. How can knowing the enemies tactics ensure your victory over him?

15. If the world commonly accepts the teachings of false prophets and the ways of Satan, what does that mean for Christians?

16. Read v. 6 again. What does this mean in your own words?

17. According to v. 6, how could your knowledge of the Bible play in recognizing the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error?

CLOSING EXPERIMENT:

  • READ Revelation 12:9-11 then proceed to the final question.

  • After studying 1st John 4 and reading Revelation 12:9-11, explain how you approach spiritual warfare as a Christian? What has changed for you in light of this study?

What was your major takeaway today?