1. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 (NKJV) 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2. Our Spiritual Battle I Corinthians 10:11-13

3. Our Spiritual Battle We live in a world with: – Video Games – Fantasy Sports – Dramas and Soap Operas – Even Reality TV is scripted It’s easy for us to get lost in this “Virtual World”

4. Our Spiritual Battle Inevitably, whatever goes on in the world, creeps into the church This makes us ask if this spiritual battle is really real to people It’s also due to the conversations we have with one another weekly

5. Our Spiritual Battle Too often we simply put on a smile and hide our struggle with our Christian mask Putting on a fake smile and hiding our true selves is the opposite of what a Christian should do How many times did Jesus use the term hypocrite (actor/pretender)?

6. Our Spiritual Battle Not world’s definition of a hypocrite (I’m a Christian, but I sin) A hypocrite is the one who says, “I’m a Christian, I’m/Everything is perfect” This morning we wish to consider 2 points on our spiritual battle…

7. Personal Level We need to realize that the spiritual battle we are in is real on a personal level I John 1:5-10 If we are truthful, then we admit that sin is a real threat Paul said that all have sinned (Rom. 3:23)

8. Personal Level This should teach us that the fight against temptation is real I Peter 5:8 I Corinthians 10:12-13 The spiritual battle was real to Christ (Matt. 4)

9. Personal Level It was real to Paul (Rom. 7:14-24) If Paul struggled with sin, who are we to say that we do not? The world we live in today is not much different in the fact that there are temptations all around us

10. Personal Level People struggle today with: – Honesty – Tongue (Js. 3) – Alcohol – Drugs – Sexual Sins

11. Personal Level The solution is to humble ourselves before God and others Pride can keep us from admitting this struggle is real We must not be in denial, but rather be sober and aware We can lean on our brethren for help

12. Kingdom Level The church of our Lord is in a struggle as well – False Teachers – Atheists – Universities (Public) – Government – Those who push/promote evil

13. Kingdom Level Ephesians 6:10-12 We do not merely battle against personal temptations, but as the body of Christ, we battle against all that would exalt itself against Christ We need to do a better job of this

14. Kingdom Level Solution is changing the hearts and lives of men through the gospel message We need to be proactive in our faith, not just reactive We need to take the fight to Satan by spreading the message of Jesus