“Spiritual Warfare – 4” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 11/22/2009 Dane Boyles

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” Spiritual warfare is warfare that takes place at the level of our spirits. We come to grips with who God is by realizing who we are. Somehow we start to see that deep down inside of us, there’s a problem.

Ephesians 2:1-2 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Ephesians 2:3 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” This is the condition of the world, even of our society and culture. All of this is because at the level of the spirit, people are held captive to a lie. –We as a people have severed the anchor from being under God to exalting the individual, and turning in upon ourselves.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” Meanwhile, here we are as the church living in the middle of it. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (2 Cor. 10:3)

Matthew 26:52 52 he who lives by the sword dies by the sword.

John 2:15 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area.

John 2: …“What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” Jesus was offended because they had invaded the area that contained the presence of God. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (2 Cor. 10:3)

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” »It was a place that contained his presence. »It was a place that was free of human self-reference.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” The containment serves the presence of God and not the other way around. –The tabernacle was supposed to serve God; not the other way around.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” Jesus connects the temple to his body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (2 Cor. 6:19)

Acts 2:38 38 …“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” –What does it mean to be a temple of the Holy Spirit? –In essence, it means the body is a containment field.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” –What did the tabernacle and temple symbolize? –They symbolized the presence of absolutes.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” What does that tell us about the nature of spiritual warfare? –It tells us that it’s an internal battle. “the spirit is willing but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:38)

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” –It tells us that our lives are to symbolize the presence of absolutes. »To put God in display in us is spiritual warfare!

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” It tells us God takes his presence among us very seriously. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (2 Cor. 6:19)

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” Conclusion –The devil tries to convince us that we’re gods and so we want others to serve us. –But Jesus’ presence in us changes everything! –He transforms us to the extent that we respect the presence of God in us!

Ephesians 4:30 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

“Spiritual Warfare – 4” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 11/22/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles