Wielding the Sword of the Spirit II Mission Impossible: Wielding the Sword of the Spirit II

What is happening? Denying scripture & replacing with damning heresies Living in violation of clear, direct biblical teaching Openly flaunting and teaching sinful behavior as “ok” with God Real Christianity is being spoken of as evil Pastors and teachers promoting covetousness for themselves and others Masses of people, including our own President, following false teachers Pastors/teachers claiming to speak with the authority of God contrary to the written word They despise and twist God’s clear, direct authority structure in the church, replacing it with their own version and calling it blessed They have deceived themselves Exalt subjective emotions over objective truth Gifted speakers; they market their error to our flesh They promise blessings and freedom

II Peter 2:1-3, 10, 12-15, 17-22  1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not...  10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities...  12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;..  17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

1. Learn the right method of using your sword Dispensationalism (DP) -Not 100% Calvinists -7 Dispensations-Different ways God dealt with his people -Literal interpretation -God has two chosen peoples -Two new covenants -Took off under Darby in 19th Century -Church and Israel are entirely separate Covenant Theology -Almost 100% Calvinists -Two Covenants: Works and Grace -Allegorical interpretation -God has one chosen people -One new covenant -5th Century method used by Catholic Church-Origen and Augustine -Church as replaced Israel Both sides struggle to reconcile the sovereign election of Israel with the Church

1. Learn the right method of using your sword Dispensationalism (DP) -Not 100% Calvanists -7 Dispensations-Different ways God dealt with his people -Literal interpretation -God has two chosen peoples -Two new covenants -Took off under Darby in 19th Century -Church and Israel are entirely separate Covenant Theology -Almost 100% Calvansists -Two Covenants: Works and Grace -Allegorical interpretation -God has one chosen people -One new covenant -5th Century method used by Catholic Church-Origen and Augustine -Church as replaced Israel Be a Biblicist: Interpret literally; keep it in context; context; context; context; don’t spiritualize passages unless indicated by the writers.

2. This offensive weapon is dangerous: Handle safely around others With regard to spiritual warfare, who is our enemy? In what way should this weapon be used on or around people? Romans 10:17 Jude 3 II Tim. 4:2 It’s meant to deliver people from the enemy, not hurt people Can people be hurt by the Word? (We can deliver in love, and people will still take offense. John 4—take note on how the woman did not react) Piercing someone’s pride or sin should only be done so that we can apply the healing anointment of the grace of Jesus (Don’t be like Jonah, ch. 3-4)

3). If you don’t handle it aright, you can look like a fool and hurt others You can lead others astray Teachers: Focus on the main things. The main things are the plain things, the plain things are the main things You can discredit God and yourself before others Teachers: if you say or do something that will raise people’s eyebrows, you are in danger of discrediting yourself. If you discredit yourself, will your students trust you? How will this affect your ministry? Even if you do use it aright, you can still look like a fool and hurt others. The foolishness of preaching… Spiritual truth has always been offensive to sinful mankind When God’s holiness and righteousness rubs up against our sinfulness and wickedness, we will either raise our fists in pride or humbly bow the knee

4. If you don’t practice using your sword, you are setting yourself up for spiritual failure How do you practice using your sword? Children’s ministries: Use your Bible in class, read it out loud, have kids read it out loud, memorize verses, have a verse of the week, sword drills, Bible games, encouraging participation Teens: Study concepts, assigning and reading verses, devotions that require reflection, verse dissection and application, Proverbs-connecting the truth of God’s word to real life decisions, encouraging participation & accountability Adults: daily reading & reflection, personal Bible studies, Bible based books, practicing with your children, neighborhood Bible studies, church Bible studies, partner/spousal accountability, encouraging family participation and accountability.