The Divine Conquest Selected Scripture

 Spiritual formation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit … the Master Sculptor

 Spiritual development involves both the soul and spirit

 Spiritual formation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit … the Master Sculptor  Spiritual development involves both the soul and spirit  The tools the Spirit of God uses in our lives are unique and highly effective

 Spiritual formation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit … the Master Sculptor  Spiritual development involves both the soul and spirit  The tools the Spirit of God uses in our lives are unique and highly effective  The Spirit of God always works from the inside out

“But Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12:23-25

I.The Conquest is Planned by God

David Benner – “God wants us to admit all parts of our self. We tend to deny certain parts of our self (weak, broken, deceitful self). We learn to develop pretend selves.”

I.The Conquest is Planned by God “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’

I.The Conquest is Planned by God Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:13-16

I.The Conquest is Planned by God Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:13-16 “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 16:17

I.The Conquest is Planned by God “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Matthew 16:21

I.The Conquest is Planned by God “Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’” Matthew 16:22

I.The Conquest is Planned by God “But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:23

II.The Conquest is Perpetual

1.The matter of faith

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 1.The matter of faith “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when”

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out”

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.” Matthew 14:22-29

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:30

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 2.The matter of rights

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 2.The matter of rights “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’” Matthew 18:21

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 2.The matter of rights “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’” Matthew 18:21

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 2.The matter of rights “Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:22

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 3.The matter of courage, loyalty and faithfulness

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 3.The matter of courage, loyalty and faithfulness David Benner: “Our false self grabs for whatever is in reach to cover up, like Adam and Eve grab for fig leaves.”

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 3.The matter of courage, loyalty and faithfulness “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, ‘You also were with Jesus of Galilee.’ But he denied it before them all, saying, ‘I do not know what you are saying.’

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, ‘This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ But again he denied with an oath, ‘I do not know the Man!’ And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, ‘Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.’

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “Then he began to curse and swear, saying, ‘I do not know the Man!’ Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So he went out and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-75

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 4.The matter of love

II.The Conquest is Perpetual 4.The matter of love “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’”

II.The Conquest is Perpetual “He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’” John 21:15-17

III.The Conquest is Often Painful

 Because of the instruments God uses

III.The Conquest is Often Painful  Because of the instruments God uses  Sometimes He deals with our rights

III.The Conquest is Often Painful  Because of the instruments God uses  Sometimes He deals with our rights  He is dealing with the inner person

III.The Conquest is Often Painful 1.People

III.The Conquest is Often Painful 1.People 1.Health

III.The Conquest is Often Painful 1.People 1.Health 3.Setbacks

III.The Conquest is Often Painful 1.People 1.Health 3.Setbacks 4.Continuing Spiritual failure

III.The Conquest is Often Painful 1.People 1.Health 3.Setbacks 4.Continuing Spiritual failure 5.The Word of God

III.The Conquest is Often Painful “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12