Exercise humble authority and resist A Bird’s Eye View Put on Christ Strip off sin Eph.4:22 Gal. 3:27 Engage truth Exercise humble authority and resist James 4:7 (e.g. Jude 9)

The Divine Drama Act 1: Creation Act 2: Bondage through the fall Act 3: God's people called to freedom Act 4: Freedom established on the cross Act 5: Freedom inaugurated in the church Act 6: Final freedom: Christ’s return

Unit One: The Divine Drama of Spiritual Conflict in the Old Testament

Act 1: The Creation Genesis 1-2 Themes God is the sovereign creator. People are made in God's image; our purpose is to glorify Him. Event God's creation of the universe God’s creation of humankind

Our Firm Foundation: God God's Nature: Sovereign Creator God's Identity: Loving, merciful Father God's Goal: Unfold the Kingdom through human history

Implications of God as Sovereign Creator He simply speaks, and what is spoken happens Creation is God’s choice Everything that exists does so only because God chooses to allow it—that choice continues today Nothing that God made is intrinsically evil—God likes matter, since He invented it! The world is to be utilized and enjoyed—while also being respected as God’s creation

Our Firm Foundation: God

We are made in God’s image We have the ability to choose We provoke jealousy in Satan by virtue of who we are We were designed to connect to the one whose image we bear We must worship—either God or idols

Act 2: The Fall Genesis 3-11 Events Themes The temptation, fall, and banishment of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3) The fall of the nations (Gen. 11) Themes Satan's nature and purposes The battle for the mind

The Fall: Concluding Observations Satan cannot coerce; he can only convince In contrast to God, Satan is a “discreator” Adam and Eve were tempted to take a generous provision of God and pervert it. Core of temptation: question who God is and who we are. After succeeding in his quest, Satan disappears from the scene (he deserts his victims) Immediate results of the fall include guilt, fear, unbelief, brokenness in relationships, and struggle with an enemy The fall continues through Genesis 11, when the nations show they have fallen.

Our Antagonists: Satan and Demons Their Nature: Rebellious creatures Their Identity: Parents of lies and murder Their Goals: Destruction of those made in God’s image

Satan’s Nature Toward Death Deceiver Liar Destroyer Murderer Sifter/ Tester Toward Death Tempter Accuser Sinner Matt.4:3 1 Th. 3:5 Luke 22:31 Rev.12:10 Jn. 8:44 1 Jn.3:8 Jn 10:10a

Morphing Truth God’s Truth Satan’s Lie

A Dualistic Fantasy: What Satan Would Have Us Believe

Theistic Truth: God Is in Control!

The Human Side Our Nature: God imaging saints who sin Our Identity: Children of God Our Goal: Delight in God forever

Universal Human Needs Appetites: Tied to physical nature Significance: Connecting to the One we image Security: A place of rest; a sense of control

Idols: God Replacements Near Idols: The Search for Security General orientation Dominion over Creation Control Accessible and tangible Examples Money, possessions, lifestyle Expertise, competence Health, diet, fitness, body-beautiful Result: Enslave and overpower us

Idols: God Replacements Far Idols: The Search for Significance Core issues: Trust: Relating to God Meaning and purpose in life Less accessible, more overarching Examples: Hope of happiness or immortality Progress as an inevitable force Self-esteem Results: Evaporate when we need them most

Satan’s Intended Path Domination Deception Destruction

The Enemy’s Chief Strategy: Destruction of Relationships on All Fronts

Act 3: God’s People Called to Freedom Genesis 12-Malachi Events God calls apart a people (Gen. 12-22). Moses with Pharaoh (Exodus 7-9) Saul's encounters (1 Sam. 16-19; 28) Job's trials (Job 1-2) Daniel's vision (Dan. 10:4-11:1) Themes God calls people on the basis of His mercy, which He longs to lavish on us. Our responsibilities towards God The different levels of spiritual conflict

Job’s Trial Satan further revealed: A limited degree of freedom (to roam) Accusation is his primary work He can only act within restricted boundaries He cannot believe in any person’s integrity After proven wrong, there is no repentance He has some control over nature and health God’s concern is not with Satan but Job Job defeats Satan not by direct engagement or expulsion, but by perseverance!

Daniel’s Vision Satan’s forces: God’s forces (angels): Daniel: A hierarchy of demonic powers Some ability to hinder angels on assignment God’s forces (angels): In this instance were overwhelming in appearance (Daniel faints) Battle the demonic on behalf of God’s people Daniel: Only hears of the battle; does not directly participate His focus is prayer—but not engaging “territorial spirits”

Fronts of Warfare Local Church Each Other Cosmic Cultural/ Systemic Personal

Personal Strongholds Security Appetites Truth Significance World View

Corporate Strongholds (Local) Organizations Family/ Kinship Associations

Systemic Strongholds Law/Politics Economics Education Religion