Download Spiritual Warfare 61 - Palma Sola Community Church

March 29, 2015
SPIRITUAL WARFARE - 61
Intro: Last week we considered the second of the two main schemes of Satan that he
uses to influence the soul away from a relationship with the Giver of Life, and that
deceptive scheme is “lasciviousness”. In our search for fulfillment and happiness we
all get deceived into believing that fulfillment and happiness can be discovered with our
own efforts, apart from a personal relationship with God, on His terms. That deception
started with Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:1-6). -- I Timothy 2:14.
I’ve discovered in my study of “lasciviousness” that there are three more things we need
to know. Let’s take a look:
Note: Remember that “lasciviousness” is basically “incontinence”, i.e. no controls,
unbridled desires and excess behavior. This condition of the soul, apart from the
indwelling power of God, is insolence and rebellion that leads to stupid life destroying
behavior. But we should not miss the religious component that is part of
“lasciviousness” and its connection to the first of the two main schemes that we studied,
“asceticism”.
I. Lasciviousness can become a permanent soul condition that influences all the
functions of the soul, i.e. the mind, the will, emotions, conscience, and self-awareness.
Ephesians 4:17-19.
II. Lasciviousness is part of the lifestyle of most unbelievers, and as a born again
believer this lifestyle is not God’s will. -- I Peter 4:1-3.
Note: Another sin characteristic that was very prevalent with the Jews and the nations
all through Biblical history, and is prevalent today in religious people is “fornication”.
For example, this practice is a major motivator in what is called “radical Islam” in the
recruitment of young men for fighting, and for suicide missions.
“fornication” -- porneia (por-ni-ah) = It is involves prostitution, adultery, incest, and
religious idolatry. If the truth were told, the kidnapping by Boko Haran of that large
number of girls in Nigeria is connected to “lasciviousness” and “fornication”.
III. Idol fornication by the Jews and the nations will become spread world wide during
the tribulation, led by the antichrist and the false prophet. -- Revelation 14:6-9; (18:1-3).
The Bottom Line: Spiritual warfare is behind all the evil that is going on in the world.
And that includes Satan’s attacks on our families, friends, and ourselves. I pray these
studies have caught our attention.
March 29, 2015
BACK TO THE BASICS
Intro: Sometime back I was moved to start a series of studies that was called “Back To
The Basics”. The “spiritual warfare” studies are part of that series. It is basic to our walk
with the Lord that we understand what’s really going on in this increasingly wicked
world. We need to know our enemy and his schemes. We also need to know how to
fight the pervasive evil that Satan is stirring up.
But I believe it is time to begin another “Back to The Basics” study. This being what it is
in religious circles “the week of the passion of Christ”, beginning with what is called
“Palm Sunday”, it is basic that we clearly understand the eternal plan of God in the
sending of His only Begotten Son. Let’s take a look at the clear teaching of the Word of
God. He has spoken! -- Luke 19:28-44; Zechariah 9:9; (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:111; John 12:12-19).
I. Christ Jesus was born to be King of the promised Jewish Kingdom. He would bring in
an earthly and visible Kingdom. -- Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 2:1-6.
II. Christ Jesus was born to be wounded for the transgressions and iniquities of Israel.
Isaiah 52:13 - 53:1-12.
III. What was the message that Jesus was given to preach at the beginning of His
ministry? Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25; Mark 1:14-15.
IV. How was Jesus recognized when He called His disciples? -- John 1:35-49.
V. What was the message that Jesus gave to His disciples in the concluding hours of
His ministry? -- Matthew 23:37 - 24:1-14.
VI. At the time of His crucifixion, why did the Jewish religious leaders call for His death?
John 19:12-22.
VII. Who did Jesus admit He was at the end of His ministry, and how was He identified
at His crucifixion? -- Matthew 27:11-14; Matthew 27:27-44.
VIII. After His resurrection, and just before His ascension into heaven, what did the
disciples ask Jesus? -- Acts 1:1-12.
IX. If Israel will repent and recognize Jesus whom they have killed, as their promised
Messiah, the Lord will send Christ back from heaven for the restitution of all things, i.e.
the kingdom of God would be established on the earth. -- Acts 3:11-22.
The Bottom Line: When the Son of man shall come again from heaven as He
prophesied (Matthew 24:29-31), who will He be? -- Revelation 19:11-16.
(cf. Zechariah 14:1-4).