Battle Ready
Youth
The Enemy's Strategies
June 28, 2023 • Michael Fitzgerald
All summer, we’re breaking down what it means to live Battle Ready using Ephesians 6:10-18. So far, we’ve seen- We’re in a spiritual battle (vs. 13) so we must live battle ready The battle is the Lord’s, so we stand firm in his power (vs. 10) We are to resist our enemy, who is Satan For the next few weeks, we’re going to focus on the strategies of Satan mentioned in Ephesians 6:11. A heart that truly wants to know the Rescuer will always find Him (Jer. 29:13). Turn to Him today and ask Him to remove the spiritual blinders erected by the enemy. As He reveals Himself to you, put your faith in Him as Savior and Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Discussion 1. Read 2nd Corinthians 4:3-4 | and answer the following questions -Does the message of the cross seem foolish to you? Why or why not? -In what ways is Satan blinding your mind to the Gospel (the good news) -Why do you think Satan wants to blind you from the Gospel? -Why is the Gospel good news? 2. What strategies is the enemy currently using on you? Do you recognize them and how do you differentiate them? 3. What are you currently doing to combat the schemes of the enemy?
Who is our enemy?
June 21, 2023 • Michael Fitzgerald
Now that we know we are in a very real spiritual battle that belongs to the Lord (and is sure to be won by Him!), you might be wondering about the enemy noted in our memory verse. After all, resisting him is a key part of standing firm through the battle. So who is our enemy? Until Jesus returns and evil is eradicated, living Battle Ready means recognizing who our enemy is. Discussion 1. Why is it important to know who our enemy is and what he’s devoted to? 2. Read Job chapter 1 and answer the following questions. -What is Satan’s goal for Job? What is God’s goal for Job? -With these answers in mind, what is Satan’s goal for you during your spiritual struggles? What is the Lord’s goal? -In your past spiritual battles, did your choices align with Satan’s goal for you or the Lord’s? In what ways? 3. How do we resist the enemy? Take some time this week to unpack the daily devo in the app and discuss with your parents or leaders/peers what God is teaching you.
The battle is the LORD's
June 14, 2023 • Michael Fitzgerald
Last week we began by recognizing that we are indeed in a very real spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Because of this, we are told to live Battle Ready! In 2nd Chronicles 20, THREE armies declare war against King Jehoshaphat. Everyone is TERRIFIED as their destruction seems certain. Rather than running away in fear or fighting according to his own strength or wisdom, Jehoshaphat shows us where to turn when the battle around us is raging–READ 2nd Chronicles 20:12 The Almighty (Rev. 1:8) Rescuer/Deliverer (Romans 11:26) and Redeemer (Job 19:25), who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Tim. 6:15), is in you and greater than the one who is in this world (1 John 4:4). Remember, the battle is the Lord’s! Discussion 1.What spiritual battles are you currently facing? 2.In what ways are you trying to fight the battles you regularly encounter? How is that going for you? 3.What can we learn from the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20? 4.What does it practically look like to lean on God’s power instead of your own when it comes to the spiritual battles you encounter?
Elisha & the invisible army
June 7, 2023 • Michael Fitzgerald
This world is full of stories of archenemies and epic battles, some fictional like Superman vs. Lex Luthor and Batman vs. Joker, and others factual, like Hitler vs. the Jews and the Battle of Gettysburg. The Bible warns us that each of us, whether we realize it or not, is also part of a battle- not a physical one, but instead, a spiritual war. We must live battle ready. This summer, we’ll dig into understanding this battle and the weapons of our warfare so that we too can stand firm, ready for the battle.