2. Watching for our weakness Pulling down strongholds Pentecost Sunday Putting out the fires of the enemy Guarding our heart Wearing spiritual armour Powerful praying

3. We are in a spiritual battle We see it in the world around us. The cosmic struggle of good against evil.

4. C S Lewis There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about the devil. One is to disbelieve his existence. The other is to believe and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in him. He is equally pleased by both errors.

5. 2 Timothy 2: 14 - 26 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be

6. ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they

7. destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’ 20 In a large house there are articles not only of

8. gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of

9. youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be

10. kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

11. There are two teams on the field!

12. Paul is giving us a warning. …come to your senses and escape from the trap of the devil… v26

13. Words are very powerful We can use them to affirm to confess to tear down Paul warns against Quarrelling about words Godless chatter Foolish and stupid arguments

14. The enemy uses our words to stir up trouble. Like fires – things easily get out of control.

15. How to put out a fire… Petrol Water

16. Don’t say it… Know when to walk away. Quarrelling; it is of no value. v14 One mouth; two ears My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

17. Our words reveal our heart – think before we speak! Out of the overflow of our heart our mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 Don’t avoid issues, but do look for resolution. Don’t let unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up others… Eph 4: 29

18. Don’t listen to it.. It ruins those who listen v14 Bad words spread poison. v17 Is this bringing me closer to God and the other person?

19. What does God bless? Blessed are the peacemakers. Matt 5:9 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

20. Know God’s firm foundation God’s solid foundation stands firm v19 Paul urges us to protect our foundations from erosion. Warn them v14 Avoid v16 Flee v22 Don’t have anything to do with v23

21. The Lord knows those who are his. v19 Give ourselves to him every day. Allow Jesus to work out his salvation in us. Cultivate our relationship with him. Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace v22 We are known by God

22. Fix our eyes on Jesus Turn away from wickedness v19 We’re not perfect! But what direction are we facing? Turn around repentance v25 forgive quickly

23. Jesus wants to create the most incredible communities of transforming love. To grow we go… Take a step… Let’s call on the Lord… v22

24. Watching for our weakness Pulling down strongholds Pentecost Sunday Putting our the fires of the enemy Guarding our heart Wearing spiritual armour Powerful praying