Spiritual Realm

Jul 20, 2022 |

Though we live in a physical and scientific world, the Bible teaches that our world has a spiritual dimension as well. This can be a positive reality, such as God sending angelic creatures to instruct, guide, and protect His people. It equally means that there is a spiritual battle taking place and active forces working against the will and purposes of God and those who identify with Him.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DISCUSSION#1: the larger battlediscussion #2: the physical and the spiritual worldDISCUSSION#3: resting in god's faithfulnessDISCUSSION#4: combat apparel

DISCUSSION #1: The Larger Battle

Though we live in a physical and scientific world, the Bible teaches that our world has a spiritual dimension as well. This can be a positive reality, such as God sending angelic creatures to instruct, guide, and protect His people. It equally means that there is a spiritual battle taking place and active forces working against the will and purposes of God and those who identify with Him.

This discussion sets the table to see how the spiritual battles we experience go back to a greater battle between God and a fallen angel.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Do you have a favorite epic war story or movie? What do you love about it? Discuss the depth of the heroism and horrific nature of the villain.

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

Though the Bible opens with Genesis 1 with the creation account, MUCH has actually happened before. Clues of this are woven throughout the Bible leaving insights of an epic battle that happened long ago. Read the following passages stringing together the story of Satan’s rebellion and fall. Revelation 12:7-9, Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:16-17, and Luke 10:18.

The Isaiah and Ezekiel passages go into detail about the motive behind the fall of Satan. Discuss the nature of his motive and central sinful decisions.

After his rebellion and being cast out of heaven, Satan roams the earth seeking to thwart or destroy God’s plans. Read the following verses about Satan’s ongoing battle with God John 10:10, Ephesians 6:12, and 1 Peter 5:8.

What do these verses reveal about Satan’s activity in the here and now? Why does Satan resent your existence and want to bring it to an end?

Since Satan was ultimately defeated by Jesus’ victory, in his vengeance, he pursues the destruction of humans (created in God’s image) and especially those who claim the victory of Jesus (Revelation 12:13-17).

In what areas do you see this playing out in our world today? Can you identify areas of attack by Satan?

Why do you think he still fights for the destruction of God’s creation, even though he is ultimately defeated by the power of Christ?

Extra: All of Revelation 12 tells of the fall of Satan and the victory of Jesus in a beautifully poetic revelation.

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

As noted above, the Bible tells an amazing story of a larger war between God and Satan, a fallen angel who actually took with him ⅓ of the angels of heaven (Revelation 12:3-4).

What are some practical ramifications of this?

How does that affect your view of daily life?

How does that affect your view of the purpose of the church?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Prayerfully ask God to give you wisdom to consider the larger battle we are living within.

DISCUSSION #2: The Physical AND Spiritual World

Though we live in a physical and scientific world, the Bible teaches that our world has a spiritual dimension as well. This can be a positive reality, such as God sending angelic creatures to instruct, guide, and protect His people. It equally means that there is a spiritual battle taking place and active forces working against the will and purposes of God and those who identify with Him.

In this discussion we will learn how what often appears to be physical or relational battles have spiritual overtones.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Did you believe in ghosts, haunted houses, and paranormal things growing up? Do you have a personal story to share?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

Skim one of the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. Make note of the healings and/or interactions that were actually spiritual in nature.

Read Ephesians 6:10-13 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Make a list of key insights regarding the spiritual realm.

In the Ephesians passages it says our battle is against “rulers,” “authorities,” and “cosmic powers,” in addition to the “spiritual forces of evil”. What do you make of the fact that our battle isn’t just against minions, but rather authorities?

In the 2 Corinthians passage it mentions weapons we use. What would you include in that list? Are they different from the list given in Ephesians 6:11-13? Discuss how each weapon might be rightly used.

2 Corinthians 10:5 it states, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ”. What type of battle is this referring to? Where do you think it takes place? How do we actually fight it?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

Considering your conversation on spiritual weapons, where and how can they be practically used to protect friendships or families?

What are the possible consequences if we neglect the use of these weapons?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Is there an area of your life that you have been dealing with primarily in physical ways? What would it look like for you to think about the spiritual realities of it, and act with the spiritual weapons available to you?

DISCUSSION #3: Resting in God’s Faithfulness

Though we live in a physical and scientific world, the Bible teaches that our world has a spiritual dimension as well. This can be a positive reality, such as God sending angelic creatures to instruct, guide, and protect His people. It equally means that there is a spiritual battle taking place and active forces working against the will and purposes of God and those who identify with Him.

This discussion reveals how God is our ultimate protector and victor in our spiritual battles.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Do you remember a storm or bad situation, and then a time of peace and calm afterwards? Can you describe what that felt like to know that the storm was over?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

Read Deuteronomy 28:7, Psalm 91:1-16, and Psalm 84:11.

What insights can be gleaned regarding God’s active role in spiritual battles?

What insights did you read about our part in that warfare?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

What specific disciplines help you “rest” in God’s sovereignty and goodness?

When you get anxious and stressed, where do you typically go (emotionally, mentally)? Where could you go and how can you get yourself there?

How can spiritual friends help you in this?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Is there a friend in your circle of influence that you can encourage to rest in God’s goodness within their storm? How can you help them do this in practical ways?

DISCUSSION #4: Combat Apparel

Though we live in a physical and scientific world, the Bible teaches that our world has a spiritual dimension as well. This can be a positive reality, such as God sending angelic creatures to instruct, guide, and protect His people. It equally means that there is a spiritual battle taking place and active forces working against the will and purposes of God and those who identify with Him.

In this discussion we will learn that we can (and should) arm ourselves with armor for the spiritual battles we face.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Can you think of a camping trip or other excursion where you were not well-equipped for the conditions you encountered?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and the list of what we are supposed to “put on” for the spiritual battle we live within.

Go over each item and discuss:

• Is it an offensive or defensive resource?
• What is its primary purpose?
• Is there a possible secondary purpose?
• What does it practically look like to “put this on”?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

The passage beautifully ends with the charge to, “keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

In addition to prayers, how else can we have each other’s back in this battle?

Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength to rightly stand together and in the power of God.

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Prayerfully consider a friend you might need to connect with and offer your spiritual support to. Discern what God might specifically be calling you to, then offer it to them.