1. Introduction and Background

• Speaker: Jim Erickson, filling in for Mike Crawford.
• Acknowledgement: Diverse Christian views on spiritual warfare.
• Purpose: To understand and respond effectively to spiritual warfare.

2. Main Goals and Approach

• Objective: To help believers discern and respond effectively to spiritual warfare.
• Categories of Belief: Avoiding extremes – “ditches” of dismissiveness and hyper-spiritualism.

3. Three-Part Framework for Addressing Spiritual Warfare

• Determine: Assess if one leans toward dismissiveness or hyper-spiritualism.
• Calibrate: Align perspectives with Scripture; identify root causes of temptations.
• Respond: Take action based on accurate spiritual diagnosis and Biblical guidance.

4. Understanding Spiritual Warfare

• Definition: Opposition to God’s work by demons and Satan.
• Key Points:
  • Spiritual warfare persists post-resurrection.
  • Not all temptations stem from demonic influence.
• Purpose of Demonic Activity: To destroy, deceive, and distract believers from God’s work.

5. Types of Temptation

• Four main sources:
  • Fallen nature (flesh)
  • Fallen world and its culture
  • Lies or untruths
  • Spiritual warfare (demonic influence)

6. Practical Application for Recognizing Spiritual Warfare

• Triage Approach: Discern sources of temptations.
• Biblical Counsel:
  • Physical urges: Practical responses (e.g., distraction or exercise).
  • Mental/ideational temptations: Met with truth and Biblical thought.
  • Direct spiritual warfare: Involves prayer, focus on Jesus, and brotherly support.

7. Responding to Spiritual Warfare

• Steps Outlined in Workbook (pages 59-61):
  • Fix focus on Jesus’ sovereignty over all spiritual realms.
  • Submit to God’s authority; resist the devil.
  • Seek fellowship support for prayer and accountability.

8. Closing Encouragement

• Emphasis: Brotherhood and mutual support.
• Goal: Application-oriented approach to foster group discussion and personal reflection.