Discovering - Your - Freedom - in - Christ Neil Anderson PDF

Breaking the Chains
Freedom in Freedom in Freedom in

Christ Christ Christ

Discovering Your
Freedom in
Christ

Breaking the Chains

September 1, 2001

This material was compiled by the Community Ministry Team of Fellowship Bible Church of
Northwest Arkansas, using an outline written by Rich Miller of Freedom in Christ Ministries.
Several authors from both organizations participated in the writing and editing of this study.

It is designed to be used, primarily, as an interactive small group curriculum, but it can also be
used as discipling material or as a personal study. The purpose of this material is to equip the
average Christian to walk free in Christ. If you are interested in going deeper into topics raised
in this study, the following books are suggested:

Victory Over the Darkness - Neil T. Anderson
The Bondage Breaker - Neil T. Anderson
The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Warfare - Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner

Contents

Lesson 1 Rise Up.. p.3
Lesson 2 Look Up p.16
Lesson 3 Wise Up p.28
Lesson 4 Open Up p.39
Lesson 5 Bow Down & Stand Up p.52
Lesson 6 Wake Up.. p.64
Lesson 7 Get Up.. p.75
Lesson 8 Take Up p.85

Appendices.. p.95

Steps To Freedom.. p.105

ALL SCRI PTURES ARE FROM
THE NEW I NTERNATI ONAL VERSI ON
UNLESS OTHERWI SE I NDI CATED

1

2

3
Rise Up!
Lesson One

WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?

To see mankind's predicament and what God has done for us in
Christ so we can live free as children of God

KEY VERSE:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the
new has come! (2 Corinthians. 5:17)

WHAT FREEDOM REALLY MEANS:

Divorce! How could it have happened to me? I had always been The Good Girl, the obedient
child. Pleasing God and family was my greatest joy. The crushing legalism of my church
tradition put divorce in the same category with murder and adultery, so I knew divorce should
be avoided like leprosy.

But it happened. The ugly D word became attached forever to my identity or so I thought.
Divorced Woman. With all my might I tried to push away the guilt and shame, the self-
hatred and humiliation, but nothing seemed to work.

I chose to move away to try and build a new life. I went to graduate school, remarried, and
over time, rebuilt family relationships. But life was not the same. Gone were the vitality,
enthusiasm and passion that had once energized my life. I dragged through each day like a
dead person, acting out what I could no longer feel. Convinced the real me had died and no
one had bothered to bury me, I wondered if the rest of my existence would be lived out in this
wasteland.

Fifteen years passed, and then one day someone introduced me to the ministry of Freedom in
Christ. Armed with conference videotapes and books I settled in for a weekend marathon.
Quickly I found myself caught up in the message and realized that the truth was touching me at
a very deep level.

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The next morning, without warning, I burst into tears. Asking God to reveal the source of those
tears, He began to show me the unresolved pain I still carried from the divorce. I cried for
more than six hours, confessing my sorrow, regret, and humiliation to the Lord. I thought the
relief that followed was my healing, but there was more to come.

Still feeling unworthy to serve the Lord, being a Divorced Woman, I shared some of my life
story with a friend. Together we prayed for my complete assurance of Gods grace and
forgiveness. The next morning I awoke with the words there is no condemnation in Christ
playing over and over in my head. A powerful tenderness embraced me and the Lord impressed
these words on my mind: Justify yourself to no man, Christ is your justification.

At that moment I saw that my identity was not as a Divorced Woman, but as a deeply loved
child of God. My prison of legalism was shattered. In amazement I experienced the shift from
just knowing Gods love and truth in my head to knowing it in my heart.

God is so blinded by His love and grace that He accepts me in spite of all my failures!
Praise the Lord, the old vitality, enthusiasm, and passion for life and people are returning.
Boldness has replaced unworthiness. Confidence has swept away shame.

Every day I see new evidence of the complete change God has made in my life. These dry bones
that have lain so long in the desert have heard the Word of the Lord. He is replacing flesh and
muscle and covering me with new, moist skin. He has breathed His breath into me again. I
shall truly live, after all, because Gods truth has set me free. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord
eternally!

There is a story line to Christianity that begins in a garden a long time ago
and reaches a focal point several thousand years later on a hill outside
Jerusalem where Jesus Christ, the God-man, is executed to pay the penalty
for the sins of all humanity. That story will culminate someday in heaven
where all humanity will bow before that same Jesus to worship Him. The
story tells us that how we respond to Jesus while we are alive on earth
determines whether we are children of God or children of His adversary, the
devil. If we are children of God, then we too have the same adversary, but
we also have an identity in Christ that bestows upon us incredible power and
benefits. Very few children of God fully understand their identity in Christ or
exercise their spiritual authority. This lesson gives the details of that story
and shares the truth about who we are in Christ.

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Adam & Eve - Paradise Lost
(Please turn to Genesis 1-3 and follow the story of Adam & Eve)

A. Adam & Eve were created in the perfect environment with all their needs met. (Gen.
1:2)

1. They had dignity because they were created in God's image.
2. They were significant.
3. They were safe and secure.
4. They were accepted and belonged.
5. They had an intimate relationship with God.
6. There was one life and death decision.

B. Adam and Eve chose to believe the lie of the devil that God was not trustworthy and
that life and meaning could be found in the world and the flesh outside of God's plan.
(Gen. 3)

1. The deception of Eve can be analyzed as follows:
a. The Devil planted a seed of doubt about God's word and His goodness
(Gen. 3:1).
b. Eve was confused about God's word (Gen. 3:2-3).
c. The devil lied about God's character and His trustworthiness (Gen.
3:4-5
d. Eve relied on her five senses and her own reasoning (Genesis 3:6),
sinned against God, and persuaded her husband to join her in the
rebellion.

2. Because of their sin, Adam and Eve died spiritually (Gen. 2:17). As a result,
death spread to all men (Rom. 5:12). Because people are born separated from
God (Eph. 2:1-3), we are trying to find life, significance, acceptance, and
security apart from God.

3. Because of their sin, Adam and Eve began to live in guilt, fear, and shame.
(Gen. 3:7-11). This guilt, fear, and shame has been spread to the whole human
race, and even the earth itself is cursed. To compensate, man has learned to live
according to the flesh. Some of the ways people try to validate their existence
(identity) are as follows (Jer. 9:23-24):
a. Physical appearance
b. Performance (athletically, academically, artistically, professionally)
c. Prosperity (money, possessions)
d. Prestige and popularity

4. Because of their sin, Adam, Eve and therefore we suffered damage to our
relationships with one other.
a. We feel ashamed about and try to hide who we are from others.
b. We are afraid of God and others.
c. We no longer fully trust others.
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5. Adam and Eve (and all people since then) have lost the complete significance,
security and acceptance they once had in the Garden of Eden. Instead, people
are plagued by a sense of emptiness, meaninglessness, weakness, fear, and
rejection. This is life in Adam and is evidence of spiritual death and great
bondage.

I dentity Development Apart From Christ

Mind
Lies
Will
Strategies
Emotions
Fears

Significance Worth is being
perfect or
successful
Performance
Success
Failures
Acceptance

Love is based
on performing
or conforming
Pleasing
everyone
Rejection
Security I must be in
control or I'm
a victim
Controlling or
withdrawing
Uncertainty or
abandonment

Reflections ~
Take a break from Adam and Eve's story and reflect on what it means to you as
you answer the following questions:
1. What wrong methods have you used in the past to try to justify yourself before
God? ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Which of the following futile methods for gaining significance are you most likely
to fall back on at times?
_____a) physical appearance
_____b) performance
_____c) prosperity
_____d) prestige and popularity

7

Reflections ~
3. Just as sin damaged Adam and Eve's relationship, it damages our relationships.
Describe one situation where your failure (sin) has damaged relationships.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. If you sense that you are in bondage to anything right now, describe what you
believe you are in bondage to. _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Is who you are determined by what you do, or is what you do determined by
who you are? _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

The Second Adam - Paradise Regained

A. To rescue us, God sent the Last Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus lived a perfect life in total dependence upon the Father (John 5:30; John
14:10; 1 Pet. 2:21-23).
2. Where Adam and Eve failed, Jesus was victorious (Matt. 4:1-11).
3. Because of Jesus perfect life, His death was the perfect sacrifice needed to buy
us back from the bondage of sin and death (2 Cor. 5:18-21; 1 Pet. 2:24-25; Cor.
15:55-57).

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B. Through trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we receive life and a
new identity in Christ (1 John 5:11-13; 2 Cor. 5:17).

1. Our sins are forgiven (Eph. 1:7; Col. 2:13-14).
2. We have eternal life (John 5:24).
3. Our old man was crucified with Christ so that we are now dead to sin and alive
to God in Christ Jesus (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6).
4. We are adopted into Gods family and we are His children! (Eph.1:3-6; 1 John
3:1-3; John 1:12)

C. In Christ we recover the acceptance, security and significance that we lost in Adam.
Who God says we are is who we really are! (Gal. 3:29;Col. 3:11)

God's Solution:
Life in Christ - Eph. 2:4-10

In Adam . . . In Christ . . .
we were dead and were
children of wrath.
we are alive and are now
children of God.
You were dead in your
trespasses . . .
but God made us alive
together with Christ.
Eph. 2:2-10
For the wages of sin is
death
. . . but the free gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus
our Lord Rom. 6:23
He who does not have the
Son does not have the life . . .
. . . he who has the Son,
has life. John 5:12

The following verses compare the "before" and "after" effect
of personal salvation:

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Who I WAS Before Christ (came into my life)...

My mind was set on what my sin nature wanted (Rom. 8:5; Eph. 2:3).
Because my mind was set on the flesh, that was death. I was locked into an existence separate
from God (Rom. 8:6; Eph. 2:12; Col. 1:21).
My mind was blinded by Satan, and I was unable to see the truth of the gospel of Christ (2 Cor.
4:4; Eph. 2:2).
My mind was hostile to God (Rom. 8:7).
I was an enemy of God (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21)
My mind was rebelliousunable and unwilling to submit to God. (Rom. 8:7).
I was unable to please God (Rom. 8:8).
I was a slave to sin (Rom. 6:20-21).
I was a captive slave to Satan (2 Tim. 2:26).
I used to follow the sinful ways of this world and the ways of Satan (Eph. 2:2).
I was spiritually dead in my sins (Eph. 2:1).
Even my best efforts at doing what was right and being a good person were horribly corrupted by
my sinful mind
(Isa. 64:6; Titus 1:15).
I was separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2; Eph. 2:12).
I was under the wrath of God, and had no hope (Eph. 2:3; John 3:36; Eph. 2:12).
-Rich Miller, Freedom in Christ Ministries

Who I AM Now...
Because I am in Christ...

I am salt for other people on earth (Matt. 5:13).
I am light for the world (Matt. 5:14).
I am a child of God (John 1:12).
I am part of the true vine, joined to Christ and able to produce lots of fruit (John 15:1-5).
I am Christs chosen friend (John 15:15).
I am chosen by Christ to bear fruit (John 15:16).
I am Christs personal witness sent out to tell everybody about Jesus (Acts 1:8).
I am a slave of righteousness who pleases God (Rom. 6:18).
I am enslaved to God. This makes me holy and gives me eternal life (Rom. 6:22).
I am a son of God; I can call Him my Father (Rom. 8:14-15; Gal. 3:26; 4:6).
I am promised an inheritance and will share in the glory of Christ (Rom. 8:17).
I am a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. His Spirit and His life live in me (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).
I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).
I am a part of Christs body, a member of His family (1 Cor. 12:27).
I am a new person, my past is forgiven and everything is new (2 Cor. 5:17).
I am at peace with God and He has given me the work of making peace between Himself and
others (2 Cor. 5:18-19).
I am a son of God and one in Christ with other Christians (Gal. 3:26 -28).
I am Gods child and will be given the inheritance He has promised (Gal. 4:6-7).
I am a saint, a holy one (Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2).
I am Gods masterpieceHis building projectmade new in Christ to do His work (Eph 2:10).
I am a citizen of heaven with the rest of Gods family (Eph. 2:19)
I am a prisoner of Christ, so I can help others (Eph. 3:1; 4:1).
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I am righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24).
I am a citizen of heaven seated with Christ in heaven right now (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6).
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (Col. 3:4).
I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, one of His special people (Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4).
I am a son of light and belong to the light and not to darkness (1 Thess. 5:5).
I am chosen to be part of Gods heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).
I am part of Christ; I share in His life (Heb. 3:14).
I am one of Gods living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house (1 Pet. 2:5).
I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own
possession (1 Pet. 2:9).
I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live (1 Pet. 2:11).
I am an enemy of the devil (1 Pet. 5:8).
I am a child of God and I will be like Christ when He returns (1 John 3:1-2).
I am born of God, and the evil one, the devil, cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
I am not the great I am (Exod. 3:14; John 8:24, 28, 58); but, by the grace of God, I am what I am
(1 Cor. 15:10).

Since I am in Christ, by the Grace of God...

I am now acceptable to God (justified) Im completely forgiven, I live at peace with Him
(Rom. 5:1).
I am no longer a slave to sin; the person I used to be died with Christ, and now sin has no rule over
my life
(Rom. 6:1-6).
I belong to Jesus and wont be punished; Im free from all punishment (condemnation) that my sin
has brought on me (Rom. 8:1).
I have been placed into Christ by Gods doing (1 Cor. 1:30).
I have been given Gods Spirit to dwell in me so I can recognize the blessings that God has given
me (1 Cor. 2:12).
I have been given the mind of Christ; I can understand what He is thinking (1 Cor. 2:16).
I have been bought with a price; I am not my own; I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
I am Gods possession, secure in Him (sealed) because I have been given the Holy Spirit as a
promise guaranteeing me that I will receive all that God has stored up for His people (2 Cor. 1:21-
22; Eph. 1:13-14).
I have died with Christ, therefore I no longer have to live for myself. I can live for Christ (2 Cor.
5:14-15).
I have been made acceptable to God (righteous) (2 Cor. 5:21).
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I
am now living is Christs life (Gal. 2:20).
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven through Christ (Eph, 1:3).
I was chosen in Christ before the world was created to be holy and without blame before Him
(Eph. 1:4).
I was chosen by God (predestined) to be adopted as His child (Eph. 1:5). I have been bought out of
slavery to sin (redeemed) and forgiven, and I have been given His awesome grace (Eph. 1:7-8).
I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5).
I have been raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven (Eph. 2:6).
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I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18).
I may approach God with courage, freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12).
I have been rescued from the dark power of Satans rule and have been brought into the kingdom
of Christ (Col.1:13).
I have been forgiven of all my sins and set free. The debt against me has been canceled (Col.1:14).
I have Christ living in me, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built up in Him (Col. 2:7).
I have been made complete in Christ (Col.2:10).
I have been buried, raised and made alive with Christ (Col.2:12-13).
I died with Christ and I have been raised up with Christ. My life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Christ is now my life (Col.3:1-4).
I have been given a spirit of power, love and self-control and not a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7).
I have been saved and set apart according to Gods plan (2 Tim.1:9; Titus 3:5).
I have been made holy, and have been set apart (sanctified) into Christs family; thats why He is
not ashamed to call me His brother/sister (Heb. 2:11).
I have the right to come bravely before the throne of God. I will be treated with kindness, and I
will find help (Heb. 4:16).
I have been given great and awesome promises so that His nature would become part of me (2 Pet.
1:4).

Adapted from: Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over The Darkness (Ventura , CA: Regal Books, 1990), p.57-59.

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HOW TO BE SURE YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD

The Bible clearly states that either you are a child of God or you are a child of Satan. There is
no other choice. And yet Gods Word tells us that it is easy to be deceived into thinking you are
a child of God when you are not! (1 John 3:7-10).

There are many misconceptions as to what it takes to become a child of God. Perhaps you have
thought that you become a child of God by:

Growing up in a Christian country
Growing up in a Christian family
Attending church services or Mass regularly
Taking communion
Being baptized
Keeping the Ten Commandments
Trying hard to be a good person
Going to confession
Performing some act of great sacrifice
Praying fervently or reading the Bible faithfully

Most of us seem to have within ourselves the idea that if we just work hard enough, then surely
God will accept us into His heaven. Consider, however, what Paul wrote to the church at
Ephesus:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not
from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one
can boast
(Eph. 2:8-9).

Let's explain a few things from these verses that should make Paul's words quite clear.

What is grace? Grace is the free gift of eternal life and reconciliation with God that
came as a result of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
How do you receive Gods grace? You receive Gods free gift through faith.
What are works? Works are the good things we do to try to earn Gods forgiveness or
salvation.
Can good works save you (gain eternal life for you)? No, salvation is clearly an
undeserved gift from God that we receive through faith.

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Although it is clear from Eph. 2:8-9 that good works cannot save you from paying the penalty
for your sins, it is not clear why trying to work your way to God doesnt work. Fortunately,
though, Paul gives us the answer in his letter to the Roman Christians:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died
for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man; though
for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God
demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners,
Christ died for US (Romans 5:6-8)

Reflections ~
Answer these questions based on Romans 5:6-8:
1. How does God feel about us? _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. What are the three words God uses to describe us? ______________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. In what way are we "powerless? _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. What does ungodly mean? ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. What does it mean to be a sinner? __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
6. What did Christ do to show that He loves us? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

We are almost at the heart of the question of how to become a child of God. But we still have to
answer one more question. One more Scripture from Paul should tie it all back together for us.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)

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Reflections ~
What does it mean? -"Christ died for us"
1. What is a wage in this context? ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. What is the wage we should receive for our sins? ________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. What kind of death? _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Is there hope for us? ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

SO LETS SUMMARIZE HOW TO BECOME A CHILD OF GOD:

1. We must remember that God loves us very much.
2. We must recognize that we have sinned against God and that we deserve to
spend eternity in hell, separated from God.
3. We must realize that Jesus died in our place, suffering the full punishment for
our sins against God. Our good works add nothing to Christs finished work.
4. We must rejoice that Christ did not remain dead, but He rose triumphantly from
the grave as more than a conqueror over death, sin, and Satan!
5. We must repent (turn away from) our sinful, self-centered life.
6. We must receive by faith the Lord Jesus into our hearts to receive forgiveness
for our sins and the gift of eternal life.

Then God mercifully adopts us into His family. And we are no longer a child of Satan, but a
child of God!
If you have doubts about whether you are a child of God, the following is a suggested prayer:
pray it with your whole heart and not just your lips. Your heart (what you desire inside) is far
more important than the words you say.

If you are trusting in Jesus Christ alone to save you from your sins,
YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD!

Dear God, I dont want to be a child of Satan. I want to be a child of God. Lord, I
know You love me, even though I have sinned many times and dont deserve Your
great love. I now realize that all my good works are worthless and cannot save me. I
am helpless to save myself. But thank You that Your Son, the Lord Jesus, died on
the cross for my sins! Thank You, too, that Jesus rose from the dead. Right now, by
faith, I invite the Lord Jesus Christ to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. I
choose to let Him be the Master of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for coming into my life
and making me a child of God today! Amen.
15

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he
gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural
descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
(John 1:12,13)

To read more of the benefits of your salvation turn to Appendix A.

Reflections ~
Take one of the scriptures from this lesson and rewrite it as a prayer back
to God.
For example: 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
My prayer: Jesus, I thank you that I have a new nature in me. Thank you for
delivering me from the sins, the failure and the pain of my past. Help me, Lord, to
forget the old ways and allow your "newness" to fill my mind and my life. Amen
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Write 2 Cor. 5:17 in the blank below and be able to say it from memory.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

16
Look Up!
Lesson Two


To see that trusting God and His Word is the only way to live
free in Christ and not be conformed to the world.

KEY VERSE:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2a)


A large, thick wall surrounded my heart and guarded me from other people. I was afraid that if
I let them know me, they would see the darkness within, be shocked, repulsed, and reject me.

I was raised in a Christian home, and came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior at the young
age of four. I grew to have a close relationship with the Lord, a deep faith, and prayer life, but
darkness was also always present. I heard negative voices and had foul, inappropriate
thoughts. I would confess and ask for forgiveness, but it never went away. A war was always
raging inside of me.

After years of marriage, five children, and hiding, the Lord brought a friend into my life that I
could trust. She was transparent with me about her own sin and failures, so I had the courage
to reveal my own. She encouraged me to go through the "Steps to Freedom"* because the Lord
had used them to change her life.

One weekend, we went on a prayer retreat together. Seven steps and seven hours later, I was
literally jumping up and down shouting, "I'm free! I'm free!" The darkness that I had lived with
for so long was gone and so were the voices and the war. My husband and children could
instantly see the change in me when I returned home.

The "Steps to Freedom"* helped me recognize and renounce the areas in my life that were
strongholds of the enemy. I was finally free to love God, my husband, my children, and other's.
I was free to be the child of God I was created to be. I learned how to reject the lies the enemy
had always told me, about myself, about others, and about God. I learned to believe the truth,
and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. My mind is now a peaceful place for
God and me alone.
17

* "The Steps to Freedom in Christ" are in the back of this study, and will be explained in
depth later. They were developed by: Dr. Neil T. Anderson, founder of "Freedom in Christ
Ministries", and author of many Christian books that deal with our identity in Christ and
spiritual warfare.

When you are alone outdoors on a moonless night gazing into a sky that is alive with the
twinkling of millions of stars, it's hard to imagine that the One who spoke the Milky Way into
existence is the same One that is longing to speak to you. Just as He knows every feature of
every star; He knows every one of your features as well. He is a very "Intimate Infinite." He is
very much involved in the "here and the now" not just in the "there and then".

He speaks to us in many ways; through His creation, through His Spirit, through His people,
and through His Word (the Bible). God reveals Himself to us specifically and intimately
through this book. To truly know and understand the Bible is to know the God of the Bible.
One of the Bible's primary story-lines is God's love for his fallen creatures (you and me). The
Bible is many things, but it is certainly a love letter that beckons us to be intimate with God. It
invites us to an enduring and growing relationship with God, based on the eternal sin-sacrifice
of Jesus' death on a cross to redeem you and me from the power and penalty of our own sin and
to free us from Satan's yoke of bondage.

Reflections ~
Let's take a hard look at the Bible for a few moments. Revelation is defined as the
act of revealing; a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or
realized. Man has always contemplated the possibility of knowing God. Our world
and our universe hint at such a possibility. With its elaborate design, delicate
balance and immense beauty, it urges us to acknowledge a creator rather than
marvel at mere chance. But apart from special revelation, we lack specific
information, e.g. who the creator is and how we relate to Him. Alone in our search,
we are left in a "dilemma of guesses" about God and eternity. God Himself must
reveal the specifics about Himself, otherwise they cannot be known. The Bible
claims to be this special revelation from God. The Bible consists of 66 books
written by approximately 40 authors over a period of 1,500-2000 years. Over
2,600 times the writers of the Old Testament felt compelled to remind us the
messages they were recording were not their words but God's words.

18

Reflections cont. ~
Look up the following verses and then record the specific ways God chose to
reveal Himself to man:
1. Genesis 28:10-16 _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Ezekiel 1:1-6, 2:1-5 _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Numbers 12:5-8 __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Revelation 1:1-2 __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Galatians 1:11-12 _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
6. Inspiration is defined as a supernatural influence that fits those who come under
it to receive divine truths and communicate them to others. Doesn't the fact that
human instruments are recording it raise the possibility of error? How could mere
humans perfectly record the special revelation? Look up 2 Timothy 3:16 and write
it in the space below. ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. God not only chose to reveal Himself to these writers, but He also inspired them
to write down these divine disclosures for us. Inspiration is the means God has
used to record revelation through human personality without error. Read 2 Peter
1:20-21 and explain how this passage supports what has been stated about
inspiration. _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
19
Reflections cont. ~
8. Authentication is defined as proving or demonstrating the genuineness of
something. The fact that the writers of the Bible claimed to have received special
revelation from God is not much proof that they did. The greatest evidence of the
supernatural origin of the Bible is fulfilled prophecy. No book can approach the
Bible's record in this regard. The biblical writers frequently demonstrated their
credibility by prophesying events over which they had no control. Let's look at a
couple of examples:

Fill in the blanks from Zechariah 9:9 then turn and read Luke 19:28-44 for the
literal fulfillment of the prophecy over five centuries later.
See your __________ comes to you, _______________ and having
________________, gentle and riding on a donkey.
One of the most profound statements of faith in the entire Bible was written by
Job (who was not a Jew). In the midst of intense suffering and personal disaster,
he blurted out these words in Job 19:23-27 approximately 2,000 years before
Jesus would promise a bodily resurrection (John 11:25) and then die to redeem
Job as well as you and me (Hebrews 9:26-28). Fill in the blanks from Job 19:23-
27:

"Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they
were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever? I know that
my _______________ lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the
__________. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see
__________; I myself will see him with my own ______ - I, and not another. How
my heart yearns within me!"

Job's redeemer (Jesus) did come to earth and by faith we can relate to Him and hear his voice.
Jesus is often referred to as a shepherd and we are His sheep. His sheep listen to His voice and
He knows them and they follow Him. He calls to Himself those He wants -- His chosen ones --
that they might be with him and He sends us out to preach this "good news", and gives us
authority over the rebel prince of darkness (Satan).

Often God's voice is quiet, like a gentle breeze in the pines. The busy, preoccupied, hurried
and harried traveler sometimes will not hear Him. He wants to speak to you -- to lead, to guide,
to protect, to empower. Are you listening? Will you follow the quiet, unseen, unhurried
Shepherd and Guardian of your soul? The gentle, humble Jesus invites you to join Him on a
journey of faith. It is a walk on the path of truth and an adventure on the road of freedom.

20
A. Everybody lives by faith. (Prov. 3:5-6; Prov. 28:25-26)
1. Faith is trust in, reliance on, or dependence upon someone or something.
(biblical faith: Heb. 11:1)
2. Our faith is only as beneficial as the object of our faith is reliable. (Jer. 17:5-8)

B. God and His Word are the only reliable objects of faith. (Ps. 62:5-8)

1. Faith in God comes from believing that He is there and that He is a rewarder of
those who seek Him. (Heb. 11:6)
2. Faith in God grows as we get to know Him better. (Ps. 9:9-10)
3. God puts us in situations where we can learn that He is reliable. (Mark 4:35-41)

Reflections ~
1. Define faith in your own words. _______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Read Hebrews 12:1-6 for yourself and summarize it. ______________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. What is keeping you from really trusting God with every detail of your life?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
C. Sometimes we struggle in our faith in God.

Some individuals know in their mind that god loves us and can be trusted, but struggle
believing those same truths emotionally. Michael Wells in his book, Sidetracked In The
Wilderness says, it is what we think or feel about someone or something at a difficult time that
shows our true beliefs.

21

Reflections ~
Take this simple test but don't answer on the basis of what you know, but on
how you feel about God at your worst moments.
1. When I think about being with God, I feel_____________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. When I have to trust God, I feel_____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. When I think about God, I wish_____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Sometimes I get angry with God when_______________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. The one thing I would change about myself to please God is...______________
__________________________________________________________________
6. Sometimes I wish God would______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. I can really depend on God for_____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
8. In my relationship with God, I'm always sure that He will..._________________
__________________________________________________________________
9. One thing I'm afraid God will do____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Sometimes we are greatly hindered from walking by faith in our Heavenly Father because of
lies we have believed about Him. Often these lies are the result of our relationship with our
earthly father or authority figure while growing up. The following exercise will help break the
chains of those lies and enable you to begin to experience that intimate "Abba, Father"
relationship with Him.

Work your way down the lists, one-by-one, left to right on the next page. Begin each one with
the statement in bold print at the top of that list. Read through the lists out loud.

22
MY FATHER GOD

I renounce the lie that my
Father God is . . .

1. distant and disinterested

2. insensitive and uncaring

3. stern and demanding

4. passive and cold

5. absent or too busy for me

6. never satisfied with what I do, impatient
or angry

7. mean, cruel or abusive

8. trying to take all the fun out of life

9. controlling or manipulative

10. condemning or unforgiving

11. nit-picking, exacting or perfectionistic

I joyfully accept the truth that my
Father God is . . .

1. intimate and involved (Ps. 139:1-18)

2. kind and compassionate (Ps. 103:8-14)

3. accepting and filled with joy and love
(Rom. 15:7; Zeph. 3:17)

4. warm and affectionate
(Is. 40:11; Hos. 11:34)

5. always with me and eager to be with me
(Heb. 13:5; Jer. 31:20; Ezek. 34:11-16)

6. patient and slow to anger
(Ex.34:6; 2 Pet. 3:9)

7. loving, gentle and protective of me
(Jer. 31:3; Is. 42:3; Ps. 18:2)

8. trustworthy and wants to give me a full
life; His will is good, perfect and
acceptable for me
(Lam. 3:22-23; Jn. 10:10; Rom. 12:1-2)

9. full of grace and mercy, and He gives me
freedom to fail
(Heb. 4:15-16; Lk. 15:11-16)

10. tender-hearted and forgiving; His heart
and arms are always open to me
(Ps. 130:1-4; Lk. 15:17-24)

11. committed to my growth and proud of me
as His growing child
(Rom. 8:28-29; Heb. 12:5-11; 2 Cor. 7:4)

I am the apple of His eye
Deut. 32:9-10

From: Young Adult Steps to Freedom in Christ developed by Neil T. Anderson and Rich Miller

23

Reflections ~
Take this "Personal Worth Appraisal":
Low High
1. How successful are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be more successful if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

2. How significant are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be more significant if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

3. How fulfilled are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be more fulfilled if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

4. How satisfied are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be more satisfied if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

5. How happy are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be happier if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

6. How much fun are you having? 1 2 3 4 5

I would have more fun if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

24
Low High
7. How secure are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would be more secure if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

8. How peaceful are you? 1 2 3 4 5

I would have more peace if:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Adapted from: Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over The Darkness (Ventura , CA: Regal Books, 1990), p.125.

D. Once we learn that God loves us and can be trusted, we must develop our identity and
belief system around His Word (Rom. 12:1-2).

Some key concepts that He wants to reprogram into us are as follows:

1. SUCCESS - The key idea is Goals

Accept Gods goals for your life and by His grace develop Christ-like character.
(Josh. 1:7-9; Phil. 3:3-14; 2 Pet. 1:3-11)

2. SIGNIFICANCE The key idea is Time

What is forgotten as time passes is of little significance; what is remembered for
eternity is of great significance. (2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Cor. 3:10-15)

3. FULFILLMENT The key idea is Gifts

Discover your own uniqueness in Christ and use your God-given gifts and talents to
build His kingdom and glorify the Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-7; Rom. 12:1; Matt. 25:14-30;
Eph. 4:11-16)

4. SATISFACTION The key idea is Quality

Satisfaction comes from seeking to raise the quality of your relationship with God
and others as well as raising the quality of the things you do in life. (Matt. 5:4; Ps.
63:1-5; Prov. 18:24)

25
5. HAPPINESS The key idea is Contentment

Happiness is wanting what you have, not having what you want. (Phil. 4:11-13;
Eccl. 5:18-20; Heb. 13:5-6)

6. PLEASURE The key idea is Freedom

The secret is to do what pleases God without being concerned about pleasing
people. (Gal. 1:10; Jas. 4:17; 2 Sam. 6:14-16; 20-23)

7. SECURITY The key idea is Dependence

Security comes from not depending on temporal things that we have no right or
ability to control, but letting God take care of us. (Heb.12:26-29; Heb. 11:24-26;
John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:31-39)

8. PEACE The key idea is Righteousness (being in a right relationship with God)

Peace comes when we are right with God and this has already been provided for us
through Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:1) As we live out this right relationship through
prayer and obedience, we experience the supernatural peace of God. - (Phil. 4:6-9)

Adapted from: Victory Over The Darkness by Neil T. Anderson

E. We must renounce the lie that our sense of worth and value comes from getting other
people to like us or do what we want. This is bondage! We must instead walk in the
truth that our worth and value come from our identity (who we are in Christ) and our
growth in character (who we are becoming in Christ). This is freedom! (1John 3:1-3;
2 Pet. 1:3-11)

God's desire is to change our lives and that begins by changing the way we think about
ourselves. He wants to reprogram us to become "independently dependent" on Him for
everything. He wants to change the way we think, speak, and act. He wants to tear down
Satan's strongholds in our lives and use us to help tear down the devil's work in our culture
and in the lives of those we love.

The day-to-day activities of life for most of us are simply the motions or habits that we
develop (intentionally or unintentionally) over a period of time. All of these habits or
routines, big and little, good and bad, together over time make up our "life." They define us
and shape our destiny. To change our lives, we must, therefore, change our routines and
habits. The Christian life also consists of routines, habits and disciplines.

Think for a moment what would happen if you were to spend 30 minutes a day for the rest
of your life practicing something or doing the same thing, e.g. a sport, learning to play a
musical instrument, or getting to know a certain person. If you were faithful for the rest of
your life, what would be the result of your endeavor? Most certainly you would become
extremely proficient at what you set out to do or to learn.

26

The Christian life can only be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. We participate with the
Holy Spirit through a commitment to a consistent time alone with God in prayer, application
based Bible study, and listening for His voice.

Reflections ~
1. Tough times in life reveal the true object of our faith. When you are "up against
the wall," to whom do you turn? Think of a recent example. __________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Look back to the "Personal Worth Appraisal." What are one or two areas in
which you clearly need to adopt God's definition instead of the world's? Take
some time to pray about these areas and try to gain God's perspective on your
weaknesses. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Look over the "God, the Father I've Always Needed and Wanted" list (following
this Reflections section). Which description of God's fatherly roles is most
meaningful to you right now and why? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Turn to Appendix B "Encouraging Words From Jesus to Me" and write out the
three most encouraging statements from the list. ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Write Romans 12:2a in the blank below and be able to say it from memory.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

27
GOD, THE FATHER IVE ALWAYS NEEDED AND WANTED

Faithful Provider
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in
Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19 NAS)

Strong Protector
"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; will set him securely on
high, because he has known My name. (Ps. 91:14 NAS)

Wise Counselor
"All this comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent
in wisdom. (Isa. 28:29)

Compassionate Healer
But they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of
human kindness, with ties of love." (Hosea 11:3-4 NAS)

Merciful Forgiver
Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. (Heb. 10:17-22)

Righteous Disciplinarian
The Lord disciplines those He loves. (Heb. 12:5-11)

Ever Present Encourager
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Is. 41:10)

Patient Teacher
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you
and watch over you. (Ps. 32:8)

Loving Daddy
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have
received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, Abba! [Daddy!]
Father! (Rom. 8:15 NAS)

-Rich Miller, Freedom in Christ Ministries

28
Wise Up!
Lesson Three


To see the battle that is going on for our minds through the
influence of fleshly strongholds and demonic deception.

KEY VERSE:
We demolish arguments and every pretense that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to
Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)


"Looking for love in all the wrong places...looking for love in too many faces..." the lyrics to
this country song could have been the theme of my life. Being raised in a godless home with a
demanding, unloving father, left a thirst for love in me that couldn't be quenched.

Looking for love, I became sexually active at the age of thirteen. Even after I became a believer
in Junior High, and grew in my relationship with the Lord, the wrong thoughts, habits, and
behaviors persisted. Strongholds were formed that would plague me for twenty years. I would
beg for forgiveness, repent, try hard, and promise the Lord that it would never happen again,
but it did.

Marriage was a hard adjustment in some ways. All of my dating experience, had taught me
how to quit when the going got tough or boring. When my relationship with my husband didn't
satisfy what I thought were my needs for love, the enemy made sure that another lover was
available, and I took the bait again. I didn't believe that God could meet my needs. After a
devastating adulterous affair, my life, marriage, and ministry were like a million slivers of
glass strewn across the dirt. Had it not been for my love for my two children, I would have
taken my life to escape the pain and shame. I was so confused. How could this happen to
someone who knew God and loved Him?

Desperate for hope and the thought that God could change me, a friend gave me the book,
The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson. I remember weeping as I read it, "Finally someone
is speaking the truth about this struggle in my life". I prayed through the Steps to Freedom,
and I was set free from the strongholds and familiar spirits that had been attached to me
29
through my sin and the sin of my parents. I learned how to win the battle for my mind. I was
forever changed, and I now live in freedom.

Not all stories have a happy ending, but this story does. My marriage is better now than it has
ever been. God has healed us. Gone are the broken slivers and His forgiveness and love now
shine through the window of my life.

Why is the Christian life such a battle at times? We may feel like we're taking two steps
backward for every three steps forward. What we need to realize is that all of us are born into
this world without God's presence or power, so we grow up learning how to cope and survive
on our own. When Christ came into our lives He forgave us completely, but He didn't push the
"clear" button on all our lifetime of sinful habits. We all developed very deeply ingrained
patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, many of which still remain after we come to Christ.
This self-centered way of life is called the flesh.

When particular sins and defense mechanisms become a part of our very personality, we refer
to them as strongholds.

Some Common Defense Mechanisms:

- denial - fantasy - compensation
- regression - emotional insulation - rationalization
- projection - displaced anger - identification

It would be simpler if these strongholds were only the result of all the garbage we programmed
into our minds early in life. If that were the case, all we would need to do is reprogram our
computer brains. And, as a matter of fact, that is a big part of breaking down strongholds, since
we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).

But that is not the whole story. We must battle the world, the flesh, and the devil. In a sense
we are being "triple-teamed" in our spiritual lives. But this is no game like "Wheel of
Fortune"; it is more like "Saving Private Ryan". It is all-out war! Satan acts like a computer
"virus", trying to gum up the whole works. His plan for your life is utter devastation. He wants
to ruin your life, and he has an army of demonic beings to assist him. But as a Christian, you
have incredible power to resist the devil, tear down the strongholds, and destroy his work in
your life.

A. Strongholds are deeply ingrained, destructive habits of thinking, feeling, and acting.
Another definition says, "A stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness
that causes us to accept as unchangeable that which is known to be contrary to the will
of God." (2 Cor. 10:3-5) ~Ed Silvoso
30

1. Strongholds can form slowly over long periods of time.
2. Strongholds can form quickly through traumatic experiences.
3. Strongholds can exist because of generational sin.

B. Strongholds usually start with a temptation to meet legitimate needs in an illegitimate
way; they are unique for each person (Matt. 4:1-11).

1. Temptations can come from our flesh as well as from the devil and the world (Jas.
1:13-15).
2. To be tempted is not to sin; to be tempted is to be human! (Heb. 4:15)
3. We must recognize that the way of escape is at the threshold of our minds (1 Cor.
10:13; 2 Cor. 10:5). We must stop the lie or temptation at the door before it enters
in.
4. God alone can give us the strength to resist temptation (Heb. 4:16; Gal. 5:16-18).

C. When temptation attacks, we naturally weigh our options (Gen. 3:6 vs. Gen. 2:15-17).

1. We can be deceived into thinking we have no control over our emotions and actions;
we can blame circumstances for our wrong feelings and behavior. We can't control
our emotions directly, but we can control them indirectly by our thoughts and
actions (John 13:17; Rev. 1:3). Consider the examples in the following chart. How
would the opposite mental reactions change the emotional responses?

3. My spouse asked I 'm Not Loved! Rejection
for a divorce
2. I didn't get the I 'm No Good! Worthlessness
Promotion or raise
SO I RESPOND
BY FEELING:
MAKE ME
THINK:
LIFE
SITUATIONS:
1. My children are rebel- I t's My Fault! Guilt
lious and rejecting God

2. If what we believe is not true, then how we feel will not reflect reality and how we
act will not be right! In other words, your thoughts affect your feelings and what
you think and feel determine what you do.

31
3. We have two basic options: God's way or our way (Prov. 3:5,6). "You cannot serve
two masters", Jesus said (Matt. 6:24), so eventually either God's "High Road" or
your "Low Road" will win out. Even a slight commitment to one road weakens
your commitment to the other. This works both ways, as the following diagrams
illustrate:

COMMITMENT TO MY WAY COMMITMENT
1
2
COMMITMENT TO MY WAY COMMITMENT

D. The choice is up to us.
E. We act upon our choice.
F. Repeated "Low Road" actions become bad habits -- research tells us that usually
takes about six weeks.
G. Over time, our bad habits can become strongholds -- a part of our actual personality
(e.g. "I can't help it if I worry all the time; that's just the way I am!") as illustrated in
this diagram:

?
FINDS JOY IN
GIVING
COMPLIMENTS
CRITICAL
PERSON
HIGH ROAD
LOW ROAD FIRST TIME I
FIND SOMEONE
LOWER I PUT
THEM DOWN
REPEATEDLY
PUTTING
OTHERS DOWN
I CHOOSE TO
ACCEPT THE
WAY GOD
CREATED ME
OR
PUT OTHERS
DOWN TO
MAKE MYSELF
LOOK GOOD
FIND MY
OWN WAY
TO FEEL
GOOD
ABOUT
MYSELF

Some examples of strongholds are: anger, fear (of rejection, failure, death, etc.), anxiety (over
health, future, finances, etc.), insecurity, laziness, alcoholism, work holism, sexual bondage,
depression, bitterness, pride, rebellion, deception, obsessive thoughts, compulsive action, eating
disorders, etc.

32

Reflections ~

1. Think of an area in which you are frequently tempted. What is the
legitimate need that you are trying to meet in an illegitimate way? What is
God's way of having that need met? __________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Satan always wants us to focus on the "benefits" of a particular sin while
forgetting its consequences. Looking at that same area of sin (that you focused
on in Question #1), what are the possible "benefits" of giving in to that
temptation? What are the consequences? _____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Habits take about six weeks to develop. That includes good habits as well
as bad ones. What can you begin doing today to start developing a good habit
in an area in which you have wanted to change? ________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

H. The devil reinforces our fleshly strongholds by deceiving us into believing his lies (Acts
5:1-4).

1. If we are not wise to his schemes then he is able to implant thoughts into our minds
in such a way that we are convinced they are our own ideas or God's.

33
Some examples from scripture:

"And supper being ended, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas
Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him..." (John 13:2 NAS).

"But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy
Spirit and keep some of the price of the land?' (Acts 5:3 NAS).

"Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel" (1Chr.
21:1 NAS).

How does Satan do this? Does he sit down face to face and say, "Now this is what I
want you to do, David...?" Do we believe that David would have numbered Israel if he
thought it was Satan's idea? Of course not! This was David's idea, or at least he
thought it was.

The point is that Satan is capable of putting a thought in our minds in the first person
singular. We actually believe the thought is our own. Hence, there is the necessity to
take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

2. He gains access to our minds through a fleshly weakness or sin (Eph. 4:26,-27;
1 Chron. 21:1-4).

3. One of his main deceptions is that your condition is hopeless so you might as
well give up and give in (e.g. the lie that a person is born homosexual and that
it is a part of their genetic code).

4. His desire is always that we turn away from following Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).

I. To defeat the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, we must learn to take
every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and choose instead to focus
on the truth (Phil. 4:3).

1. Understanding our thoughts - (noema)

Paul admonishes us to take every thought (noema) captive to the obedience of Christ (2
Cor. 10:5). Since nothing has meaning without context, how does Paul use the word
noema in his writing?

a. Unforgiveness, Satan's greatest access to the Church (2 Cor. 2:10-11); "schemes"
(noema)

b. Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving (2 Cor. 4:3-4); "minds" (noema)

c. Keeping our focus on Christ (2 Cor. 11:3); "minds" (noema)

34

2. Who will decide what we think about? Dr. Neil Anderson gives the following
illustration:

If I were to come to your house tonight and knock on your door, you would first
come to the door to see who is there, and then you would have a choice to make.
You could open the door to allow me to come in, or you could close the door to deny
me access. In the same way, when the enemy tries to invade your mind with lies and
accusations, you have a choice to make. You can choose to allow those thoughts to
come in, or you can deny them access. To "open the door" to the enemy's lies, you
simply remain passive. You let him set the agenda for your thoughts. To "close the
door," you take your thoughts captive; you decide what you choose to believe.

J. To tear down strongholds we must practice the following:

1. Realize that our strongholds are sinful patterns of the flesh and that they can be
changed by God's power (Jer. 32:17, 26; Eph. 3:20).

2. Repent of that sin by confessing it to God and turning away from it (1 John 1:9; 2
Cor. 7:1).

3. Renounce (a formal verbal declaration of rejecting) any lies you have believed and
be done with any objects or relationships that tie you to that sinful behavior (Prov.
28:13; 2 Cor. 4:2; Acts 19:17-20).

4. Renew your mind with the Word of God giving yourself time to change.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as
living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God---this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will
is---his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

a. Read God's Word (out loud and with others around, especially if you have
trouble concentrating by yourself) (1 Tim. 4:13).

b. Study God's Word (2 Tim. 2:15).

c. Meditate (think about) God's Word continually (Ps. 1:20), letting the word of
Christ richly dwell within you (Col. 3:15-16).

d. Obey God's Word (Jas. 1:22-25).

5. Rely upon God and His weapons of warfare to do battle.

a. A spiritual war requires spiritual weapons. "The weapons we fight with are not
the weapons of this world, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" (2
Cor. 10:4).
35

b. Some spiritual weapons are prayer, praise and worship, the truth of Scripture,
the gospel, our testimony, the blood of Christ, fasting, love and grace,
encouragement, church discipline, spiritual gifts, and the armor of God.

6. Respond correctly to God's discipline in your life. God disciplines us in love in
order to break fleshly strongholds.

a. God's discipline is the loving yet often painful process by which God reveals
the bankruptcy of living by the flesh, so that Christ may become our source of
life (Heb. 12:5-11).

b. Brokenness is a result of God's discipline. Brokenness involves surrender not
dedication or rededication of our lives. Brokenness is when I yield my stubborn
will fully to Christ's rule, and I give up the fleshly desire to be in control (Ps.
51:17; Isaiah 66:2).

c. The broken person gives up all personal rights to God. With our lives yielded to
God, we can choose to walk by the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh
(Gal. 1:10).

Some rights to be relinquished, as we stop demanding things and learn to
receive from the Lord's hand whatever He would choose to give us, are as
follows: self-rule; self-protection; physical strength; health; long life;
circumstantial happiness; reputation; popularity; vocational success; the
pursuit and fulfillment of dreams and ambitions; power and influence; material
comfort; ease or prosperity; stress-free relationships; a nice home; nearness to
family or friends; marriage; children; children who cause no pain; job security;
being loved, accepted and understood by people; respect and admiration

d. Unwillingness to surrender to God will result in severe consequences. (Heb.
12:12-13; 1 Cor. 11:28-32; Heb. 2:21-23; Eph. 4:26-27).

7. Refuse to be discouraged, because the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32), and if
Jesus sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36)!

36

Reflections ~

1. Ask the Lord to reveal to your mind at least one or two strongholds in your
life. Then ask Him to show you what lie(s) you have believed from the devil that
has kept you locked into that area of sin. As the way(s) in which you have been
deceived becomes clear to you, renounce that lie out loud. What is the biblical truth
that you can believe in place of that lie? (e.g. Lord, I renounce the lie that I am
unable to forgive, and I choose to believe the truth that I can forgive because you
have forgiven me and commanded me to forgive others.)
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Reflections cont.~

2. Prayerfully consider: If there is an area or circumstance in your life where you
feel that the Lord may be trying to discipline you? (Be careful here, you do not
want to allow our enemy, the great "accuser of the brethren" to bring any
condemnation on you as you think about this. Romans 8:1 says that there is now
no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.) ________________________
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THE ONE WHO THINKS HE CAN

If you think you are beaten - you are.
If you think you dare not - you dont.
If you want to win but think you cant,
Its almost a cinch you wont.
If you think youll lose, youve lost.
For out of the world we find
That success begins with a fellows will;
Its all in the state of mind.
Lifes battles dont always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man that wins
Is the one who thinks he can.

Adapted from: Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over The Darkness (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1990), p.114.

The poem above contains a lot of truth by expressing the power of positive thinking. But the
human mind is limited. We cannot make something true simply by thinking positively about it.

The Christian, however, has a far greater potential in the power of positive believing. Belief
involves the mind but is not limited by it. Belief or faith goes beyond the limitations of the
mind and involves the world of the unseen but not the unreal. With the infinite God of the
universe as the object of Christian faith, what can stop the Christian if God wants anything
done? (Romans 8:31) Someone has said that success comes in cans and failure in cannots!
What follows are the Twenty Cans of Success:

38
Twenty Cans of Success
(The following verses are from NAS)

1. Why should I say I cant when the Bible says I can do all things through Him(Christ)
who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)?

2. Why should my needs not be met knowing that My God shall supply all my needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)?

3. Why should I fear when the Bible says that "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of
power, and of love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7)?

4. Why should I doubt or lack faith knowing that God has allotted to each a measure of faith
(Rom. 12:3)?

5. Why am I weak when the Bible says The Lord is the strength of my life (Ps. 27:1) and
People who know their God will display strength (Dan.11:32)?

6. Why should I allow Satan to have supremacy over my life, for Greater is He that is within
me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says Thanks be to God who always leads us in
His triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14)?

8. Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became to us wisdom from God (1 Cor.1:30) and
God gives wisdom generously and without reproach to all people who ask Him for it
(Jas. 1:5)?

9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to my mind and therefore have hope that
The Lords loving kindness indeed never fails, for His compassions never fail. They are
new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness (Lam. 3:21-23)?

10. Why should I worry and fret when I can Cast all my anxiety upon Christ, because He
cares for me (1 Pet. 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage, for Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2
Cor. 3:17) and It was for freedom that Christ set me free (Gal. 5:1)?

12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says There is no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)?

13. Why should I ever feel alone when Jesus said I am with you always, even to the end of the
age (Matt. 28:20) and I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5)?

14. Why should I feel accursed or the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ
redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us in order that in Christ
Jesus we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Gal. 3:13,14)?
39
15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can Learn to be content in whatever
circumstances I am in (Phil. 4:11)?

16. Why should I feel worthless when God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our
behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21)?

17. Why should I ever have a persecution complex, for If God be for me, who can be against
me (Rom. 8:31)?

18. Why should I be confused? God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor.
14:33). And, Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from
God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God (1 Cor. 2:12).

19. Why should I feel like a failure when, In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer
through Him who loved us (Rom. 8:37)?

20. Why should I let the world bother me when Jesus said, In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16:33)?

Adapted from: Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over The Darkness (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1990), p.115-
117.

Reflections ~

Pick out one of the "Twenty Cans of Success" and rewrite them as a "thank you to
God. (e.g. #19: "Lord, I am struggling today with feeling like a failure. I thank you,
Father, that I am not a failure but a conqueror in all things through you. Thank you
for that truth and for your love.") ________________________________________
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Write 2 Cor. 10:5 in the blank and be able to say it from memory.
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40
Open Up!
Lesson Four

To face the pain in our lives and make the tough choice to
forgive from the heart those who have hurt us and to seek
forgiveness from and reconciliation with those that we have
offended.
KEY VERSE:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you. (Eph. 4:32)


One Wife's Perspective:
God brought the "Steps to Freedom" into my life when my marriage and sanity were on the
brink of destruction. I had not dealt with things that had been done to me by others long ago. I
had tried to "stuff" those offenses, pretend that I had forgiven others, and forgotten the past,
but now the unresolved issues of not forgetting had consumed me. All the pent-up anger was
erupting from me in fits of rage to the point that I was despairing of life. Even though I wanted
to stop myself, the anger, jealousy, and bitterness were in control. I would vent this rage on
my husband, and after I calmed down would ask for his forgiveness. Even though he would
forgive me, I wouldn't forgive myself. Satan would heap condemnation on me and then I would
spiral down into a deep depression, and then the whole cycle would start again. I was a
believer in Jesus Christ and had loved Him for many years, but I still could not control the rage
inside of me.

Most of my anger was centered on my husband's unfaithfulness to me before we were married.
During our marriage of 25 years, my husband had been totally faithful to me so my jealousy
and bitterness were irrational. Even though he had repented of his behavior and begged for my
forgiveness, I had never truly forgiven him or the women that were involved. My unforgiveness
was how the enemy had gained a foothold or stronghold in my life.

After spending six hours going through the Steps to Freedom in Christ with two friends and
being faithful to use the daily devotional, Walking In Freedom, God destroyed the stronghold of
unforgiveness and transformed my life and marriage into something more wonderful than it
was before.

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Her Husband's Perspective:
It was ten months from the time my wife's torment started until the time that she found her
freedom from the bondage. Our life during those ten months was a "living hell". I lived in
constant fear of the next eruption. I never knew what or who would set her off. We would go a
week or more without an attack, but often the attacks would come every 48-72 hours.
Sometimes, I would respond in anger; at other times, I would simply absorb the rage and hold
her until it was over. The depression that followed each outburst was worse than the rage. I
was constantly afraid that she might take her own life.

Our marriage of 25 years had been wonderful and nothing we had experienced prepared us for
this crisis. It seemed the nightmare would never end. I wanted to find the "eject switch" but
there wasn't one. I knew I couldn't leave her even though I threatened to many times. Each
attack would leave me wounded and reeling from the blows, but God would miraculously
restore me within a day or two. Eventually, however, I started developing some stress-related
physical problems. As a pastor, I had to speak a lot and I had difficulty with concentration. I
struggled to control my emotions, and at times I even had problems with stuttering.

Both of us were praying fervently for deliverance. We had tried Christian counseling; she was
taking medication, we had friends praying for us, and she had taken up running to relieve the
stress. All of these helped to a degree, but nothing resolved the conflict until she went through
the "Steps to Freedom in Christ".

Forgiveness is at the very core of Christianity. It is what allows us to have a relationship with
God and with one another. It is the essential ingredient in the recipe for "grace". As Christians,
we are to be a "grace based" people. Jesus describes streams of living water that will flow from
within us. The source of that stream is the grace of God coming from His Spirit that has been
freely given to us as a gift or deposit when we become Christians.

He expects us to draw daily from the fountain of His grace and to pour out that grace upon
others. The primary way we do that is by forgiving those that have offended us.

Psalms 51 tells us that all sin is directed at God. Therefore, God takes our moral failures
personally, no matter how we intended them, but he has chosen to forgive us and has given us
His loving favor. Like Jean Val Jean in "Les Miserables" or the prodigal son, we have not
gotten what we deserve.

As Christians, we are also to live by faith in the objective truth of what God says, as opposed to
the subjective reality of what our feelings tell us. Unfortunately, some Christians have taken
this practice to the extreme, and have chosen to deny their feelings and stuff their real emotions
deep down inside.

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God does not want us to suppress our emotions; neither does He want us to let them out
indiscriminately. The first extreme amounts to living a lie; the second extreme can do great
harm to those around you.

God wants us to be honest with how we are feeling, and admit to Him and to ourselves the hurt,
anger and even hate that we feel toward people that have hurt us. We need to realize that God
can handle our emotions. He knows what they are anyway, so it is foolish and destructive to
try to deny that they are there.

God wants you to be real with Him in order to be right. And until you are real with God
you will not be right with Him or others.

Perhaps Satan's greatest access to Christians is through unresolved anger and bitterness (Eph.
4:26-27). Until we learn how to get rid of our bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and
malice by forgiving others from the heart, we will never be truly free (Eph. 4:31-32).

A. The Need to Forgive

1. It is commanded by God.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every
form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you." (Eph. 4:31-32)

2. It is necessary for maintaining a right relationship with God. (Matt. 6:9-15)

"He said to them, 'when you pray, say: " ' Father, hallowed be your name, your
kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also
forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.' " (Luke11:
2-4)

3. It is crucial for our freedom. (Matt. 18:21-35)

a. Our debt to God is impossible to pay back.
b. We need God's mercy to be forgiven.
c. We need to forgive others or we will suffer greatly.

"Of the seven deadly sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your
wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to savor to the
last toothsome morsel- both the pain you are given and the pain you
are giving back. In many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief
drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton
at the feast is you"
-Frederick Buechner
4. Forgiveness must be extended to those who have hurt us, even if they don't
apologize. (Luke 23:34-35; Acts 7:59-60)
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5. It is the only way to STOP THE PAIN! (ex. Jonah)

6. It is necessary so that no advantage can be taken of us by Satan. (Eph. 4:26-27)

"If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven---I have
forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.
For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Cor. 2:10-11)

44
Reflections ~
1. Read Eph. 4:26-27 and describe some ways that Satan might gain a foothold as a
result of your failure to deal with your anger. ________________________________
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2. What is your definition of grace? _______________________________________
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3. In what ways has God shown you or given you grace? (Please be specific and
personal.) __________________________________________________________
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4. Forgiveness of others for the wrongs that they have done to us is one way we
have of giving grace to others. What impact does this have on our unchurched
friends, neighbors, and co-workers? What impact does it have on these same folks
when they see us failing to forgive those that offended us? ____________________
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5. Read Matt. 18:21-35 and write down at least two truths from this passage other
than those already mentioned. __________________________________________
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6. One literal translation of the last sentence of 2 Cor. 2:11 reads, "For we are not
unaware of Satan's mind games." Describe some ways that Satan can use our lack
of forgiveness to play mind games with us. _________________________________
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B. What is Forgiveness
1. It is not forgetting what was done to you.
2. It is not excusing sin.
3. It is choosing not to take revenge. (Rom. 12:17-19)
4. It is choosing to live with the consequences of another's sin.
5. It is choosing not to hold another's sin against them. (Mark 11:25)
6. It is trusting in the finished work of Christ as full payment for their sin. (John 19:30)
-- THAT IS WHERE JUSTICE WAS DONE!
7. It is an act of love. (1 Cor. 13:5)

C. Steps to Forgiveness

1. Ask God to bring to mind all the people you need to forgive.

2. Make a list of all the names that come to mind, including any people you have
negative feelings toward.

3. Admit the hurt and hate that you felt and don't be afraid of emotions that surface.
That is part of Christ's healing process.

4. Decide you will bear the temporary consequences of their sin, knowing that Christ
bore the eternal consequences (Rom. 5:18).

5. Let God deal with that person and their sin as He sees fit (Rom. 12:19).

6. Make the choice to let go of the offense against you and choose not to hold it
against them anymore. This needs to be done aloud as a prayer:

Lord, I forgive_________ for __(say what they did to hurt or offend you)__
even though it made me feel __(share the painful memories or feelings)__.

Reflections ~

1. Why is it so important that we forgive people, even if what they did to us
happened long ago? __________________________________________________
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45

Reflections ~
2. Why is it so hard sometimes to truly forgive people? ______________________
__________________________________________________________________
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3. Sometimes even after we think we've forgiven someone, we are still haunted by
the painful memories of what was done to us. What are some reasons why that
happens? __________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________
4. Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "God wants you to be real in order
to be right"? Why or why not? _________________________________________
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5. Are you willing to forgive from your heart those people that have offended you?
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________
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Write Ephesians 4:32 in the blank and be able to say it from memory.

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46
CRY OF THE ABUSED (A PARAPHRASE OF PSALM 10)

Lord, how can You do nothing?
Why is it that just when people need You the most, You seem to be the farthest away?
In arrogant pride the criminal stalks and captures his weak prey, and they are trapped in the
web of his schemes.
Fearlessly he brags about his evil plans; he congratulates other greedy men and speaks evil of
the Lord.
He does not turn to God because he thinks hes got everything under control; the thought of
seeking God doesnt even cross his mind.
Things always seem to go well for him, and he looks like he doesnt have a care in the world;
he does what he wants and Your commandments Lord, are the farthest thing in the world from
him; he even laughs at his enemies.
Hes thinking, Ive got it made! Things are going great and they always will!
Hes always swearing, cursing, lying and threatening others; his words are nothing but trouble,
and evil is just waiting to spew out of his mouth.
He lurks silently near the outskirts of town, so he can jump out and grab innocent victims. Then
he kills them.
He is just like a lion crouching in the bushes until its helpless prey comes near; then he attacks
and drags them off.
His poor victims dont have a chance; they fall under the force of his power and are crushed.
He says to himself God doesnt even care about these people; He just looks the other way and
lets me do whatever I want!
Lord, its time for You to rise up and put a stop to this!
Please dont forget about helping those who are helpless.
Why do You let the abuser get away with saying all those wrong things about You, God?
How can he be so foolish as to think You, Lord, will never take vengeance on him?
But the truth is, Lord, that You are not blind to the needs of the needy. You see it all and will
one day make it right.
The victim commits himself or herself to You, Lord, for where else can they go?
You are the One who protects the orphans.
Break the arm of the criminal and abuser, Lord, and bring them before Your throne for the
judgment they so richly deserve for all their evil...the evil that they were so sure no one would
discover.
The Lord always was, always is and always will be the King over the whole world; and He will
wipe out the wicked, and remove them from His land.
Lord, I know that You hear the silent longings of those who are hurting;
You strengthen and comfort them, and Your ears are open to their cries of pain; and
You will come as a Father to defend the fatherless and the abused, so that finally, once and for
all, wicked men will be stopped.
- author unknown
47
FORGIVENESS VS. BITTERNESS

Freedom of forgiveness

Bondage of Bitterness
We must forgive someone no matter how
many times they sin against us.
(Matt. 18:21-22)

"I forgave them the first time they did this, but
not this time!"

The debt we owed to God was impossible for
us to pay back and was far more than any man
could ever owe us.
(Matt. 18:23-25)

But you dont know what they did to me!

Our forgiveness of others should be prompted
by Gods great forgiveness of us.
(Matt. 18:23-25)

"God may forgive them, but I cant!
Forgiveness is an act of mercy (withholding
from someone what they really deserve), and
we are commanded to be merciful as the
Father is merciful.
(Matt. 18:33; Luke 6:36)

But I cant let them get away with this!
We must forgive others from the heart (dont
just say it, mean it!).
(Matt. 18:35)

If itll make you happy, Ill say that I forgive
them.
If we harden our hearts against someone and
choose not to forgive from the heart, we will
give the devil a foothold and be turned over
to be tortured.
(Eph. 4:26, 27; Matt. 18:34)

I know this may tear me up inside, but I just
cant bring myself to forgive them.

Unforgiveness is anger toward someone,
which remains and festers in our heart.
(Eph. 4:26, 27)

I have a right to be mad at them!

Anger plus stubborn pride (missing the grace
of God) yields a bitter root which grows up
and spills over to defile many other people.
(Heb. 12:15)

Of course Ive forgiven them, but let me tell
you the awful things they have done to me.
We are to try and bless (bring joy to) those
who mistreat us.
(Rom. 12:14)

I cant wait until God gets back at them for
what they did to me!

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Adapted from: Freedom In Christ Ministries

Freedom of Forgiveness

Bondage of Bitterness
We are never justified in cursing those who
have hurt us.
(Rom. 12:14)

"God d___ you!"

We are to do all in our power to be at peace
with others.
(Rom. 12:18)

"If they come to me first, then maybe
I'll think about forgiving them."

Forgiveness of others should be as much a
regular part of our prayer life as confession
of our own sin.
(Matt. 6:12)

"No matter how long it takes, I'm
going to make them pay for what they
did to me!"

Our protection from the evil one is prayed for
in the context of our forgiving others.
(Matt. 6:12-15)

"Maybe someday I'll be able to forgive
them, but not now"
God will not forgive us of our sins if we do
not forgive others; but if we do forgive
others, God will forgive us.
(Matt. 7:14-15)

"Why should I be concerned about
forgiving them? They're the ones who
sinned, Not me!"
We must forgive whatever grievances or
complaints we may have against another.
The implication is that there is no sin too
terrible for us to forgive.
(Col. 3:13)

"This time they've gone too far!"

We must forgive others as the Lord forgave
us.
(Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:32)

"Sure I'll forgive them, but I want them
to suffer and sweat for awhile first."

"Forgiveness is setting a prisoner free and then realizing that
the prisoner was you"

49
SEEKING THE FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS

"Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be
reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary
quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, and
the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you,
you will by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny" (Matt. 5:23-26).

Verse 24:
STOP - "Leave your offering there before the altar"

GO - "and go your way"
YIELD - "first be reconciled to your brother"

U - TURN - "and then come and present your offering"
50
THE MOTIVATION FOR SEEKING FORGIVENESS

Matt. 5:23-26 is the key passage on seeking forgiveness. Several points in these verses bear
emphasizing:

The worshiper coming before God to offer a gift remembers that someone has something
against him. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings to his mind the wrong he has done.

Only the actions that have hurt the other person need to be confessed to them. If you have had
jealous, lustful, or angry thoughts toward another, which they dont know about, these are to be
confessed to God alone.

An exception to this principle occurs when restitution needs to be made. If you stole or broke
something, damaged someones reputation, etc., you need to go to that person and make it
right, even if they are unaware of what you did.

THE PROCESS OF SEEKING FORGIVENESS

1. Write out what you did wrong and why you did it.

2. Make sure you have already forgiven them for whatever they may have done to you.

3. Think through exactly how you will ask them to forgive you.
Be sure to:

a. Label your action as wrong.

b. Be specific and admit what you did.

c. Make no defenses or excuses.

d. Do not blame the other, and do not expect or demand that they ask you for your
forgiveness.

e. Your confession should lead to the direct question: Will you forgive me?

4. Seek the right place and the right time to approach the offended person. Ask God to
arrange the right opportunity for you.

5. Ask for forgiveness in person with anyone with whom you can talk face-to-face
with the following exception: DO NOT go alone when your safety is in danger.

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6. Except where no other means of communication is possible, DO NOT write a letter.

a. A letter can be very easily misread or misunderstood.

b. A letter can be read by the wrong people, those having nothing to do with the
offense or the confession.

c. A letter can be kept when it should have been destroyed.

7. Once you sincerely seek forgiveness, you are free, whether the other person forgives
you or not (Rom. 12:18).

8. After forgiveness, fellowship with God in worship (Matt. 5:24).

Adapted From: Freedom In Christ Ministries

52
Reflections ~
1. What are some less than perfect (cheap) ways of seeking forgiveness when you
have offended someone? ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. What does pride/humility have to do with the way we seek forgiveness?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. Why is restitution (if it is possible) important after a verbal apology?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. Why is restitution inappropriate before seeking reconciliation verbally?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
5. If you have a habit of routinely offending others with your words or deeds it may
indicate other spiritual strongholds that need to be dealt with (such as gossiping,
sarcasm, etc.) Turn to Psalms 139:23-24 and rewrite this passage as a prayer that
you can use to participate with God in revealing and dealing with other strongholds.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Bow Down and Stand Up!
Lesson Five

To understand the authority we have to resist the devil when we
surrender to Christ's authority in our lives.

KEY VERSE:
Then He said to them all, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny
himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)


My father abandoned our family when I was a child. I suffered from that wound all my adult
life. I was introduced to God as an adult in a young legalistic church that taught the false
doctrine of works (that you must work for your salvation). I received Jesus as my Savior and
was put into a leadership role. As a new believer, I had no spiritual foundation and soon
experienced burnout. Because of my inability to perform to their standards, I was cast out of
leadership and shunned by my Christian friends. Satan used my bitterness from this experience
to build a spiritual stronghold that kept me from fellowship with God and other Christians for
nearly twenty years. Shortly after this rejection, I developed Crohn's disease, a serious health
problem that eventually disabled me and forced an early retirement.

After 20+ years away from the Lord and church fellowship, my wife asked if I would go to a
home Bible study group and I reluctantly agreed . The Christians in the study group accepted
us and loved us just the way we were. My heart started to change as I saw grace being lived out
and I began attending the worship services.

I knew that surrendering to the Lord was my only hope, but the anger, bitterness, and
unforgiveness were keeping me in bondage. God provided two friends that took me through the
"Steps to Freedom". Going through the steps was a healing process that God used to teach me
how to forgive and break free from the past. I was finally able to forgive my father, the church
leaders, and myself and I quit blaming God.

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I now know that God is pleased and smiles on me today, even in my baby steps. I love coming
to Him, and spending time getting to know Him. Im still learning about myself and understand
that my freedom is something that must be maintained. God has changed my attitude, softened
my heart, and filled my emptiness. Forgiving others, set me free from the bondage of my
bitterness, and now I am growing daily in my relationship with Him.

The kingdom of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of this world stand in sharp contrast. Jesus
repudiated the "climb-the-ladder-of-success" mentality, which says, "having it all is not
enough" and which rewards selfish ambition, intimidation, one-upmanship, and control.

In the kingdom of God, the way up is down. The way to be a leader is to be a servant. The
way to be the greatest is to be the least. The way to be exalted is to humble yourself. Before
you receive the crown, you must go the way of the cross.

Shortly after Peter had been congratulated for declaring that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of
the living God, Jesus needed to rebuke him. Peter had brazenly taken Jesus aside and
reprimanded Him for talking about His death on the cross. Jesus' words to Peter in Matthew
16:23 are as profound as they are poignant:

"Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the things
of God, but the things of men.

God's interests require man to serve Him and others by giving up our own selfish way of life.
Satan's way is to get man to pamper himself, take the easy, comfortable way and be self-
centered. "Look out for number one," (rather than make God number one), the ruler of this
world would say.

The devil does not truly believe anyone really wants to give up the self-life to follow Christ.
He thinks that man only serves God for the goodies He doles out (see Job 1,2). Satan would
say, "There's no such thing as a surrender of the lower life for the higher; all men are selfish at
heart and have their price. Some may hold out longer than others, but in the end every man
will prefer his own way to the ways of God."

Jesus chose God's way by going to the cross and dying for the sins of the world. If we truly
want to follow Christ, we must follow Him to the cross. This is God's way, the way most
people never choose. But all efforts to "resist the devil" will be futile, if we do not first
"submit to God." (Jas. 4:7)

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A. We must follow in Jesus' footsteps (Matt. 16:24-27; Luke 9:23-26).

1. We must deny ourselves.

a. This is not self-denial for worldly gain. (e.g. athletes, musicians) but self-control
or self-discipline for spiritual gain. (Gal. 5:23; 1 Cor. 9:24-27)

b. This is choosing not to serve yourself. (Matt. 20:28)

c. In reality the only choices we have are to serve God and the kingdom of light or
serve Satan and the domain of darkness. It is a delusion to think we can serve
ourselves alone. A "self-serving" mentality is actually a sin-serving and Satan-
serving mentality (Rom. 6:16-23; Jas. 3:13-17).

2. We must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23).

a. We must make the choice each day to put to death the deeds of our flesh. (Rom.
8:13; Eph. 4:22)
b. We must abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against our soul, and choose
to make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (1 Pet. 2:11; Rom.
13:14)

3. We must follow Christ.

a. Our number one goal must be to know Him, and the power of His resurrection
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that
we may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil. 3:10-11)

How would you complete this statement: For me, to live is ________"?
If you put anything in that blank other than Christ, then for you, to die would
not be gain; it would be loss! (Phil. 1:21)

b. This life can only be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:16-18; Rom.
8: 9-14).

Let's take a closer look at what living in the power of the Holy Spirit means:

Since all Christians have the Holy Spirit living within them (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19), you do not
have to ask Him to come into your life. He has lived within you from the very moment you
trusted in Jesus alone to forgive your sins.

If the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and fell in power on the first century
Christians (Eph. 2:19-20; Acts 2) truly dwells in us, then we must begin to acknowledge His
presence "moment by moment," as we move toward eternity together.

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Unfortunately, many Christians do not acknowledge the Holy Spirit or know how to draw upon
the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. So they live frustrated, defeated lives, often acting
very much like those who do not know Christ at all (1 Cor. 3:1-3).

You could put it this way: The Holy Spirit is resident in their lives, but He is not president of
their lives. He is there, but He is not directing and empowering the believers life. We must
choose to depend upon the Holy Spirits power to live. Only then can we be filled with the
Spirit.

STEPS TO BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Just as the wind fills the sails of a sailboat, giving it the power to move and the direction to
travel, so the Holy Spirit wants to fill our lives. But whenever we live lives of disobedience to
God and dependence upon ourselves rather than God, we grieve or quench the Spirit of God
(Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19). We cannot be both filled with ourselves and filled with the Holy
Spirit. Either we trust in ourselves or we trust the Holy Spirit to direct and empower our lives.
It is one or the other. We, however, must choose whom we will serve (Josh. 24:15).

If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the following must be true of you:

You must genuinely desire to live a life pleasing to God (Matt. 5:6).
You must confess all sins that the Holy Spirit reveals to you, especially the sin of
disobeying the command to be filled with the Spirit (Prov. 28:13).
You must surrender your entire life to God as your Master, knowing you can trust such
a merciful God (Rom. 12:1-2).
You must by faith claim the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Because God commands you to
be filled, you know it is Gods will for you to be filled. And Scripture promises that
God will answer every prayer in faith that is according to His will (Eph. 5: 18; 1 John
5:14-15).

Here is a suggested prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit:

"Lord Jesus, I know that I have been trying to run my own life. I confess that (mention
all sins specifically that the Holy Spirit brings to mind) and that I have displeased You. I
choose to turn away from these sins, and I surrender my life fully to Your Lordship.
Jesus, please fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you that I know You have heard my
prayer because it is Your will that I be filled with the Spirit and I am asking in faith.
Thank You that I am now filled with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT?

There is no magic formula or a list of foolproof steps for walking in the Spirit. There's a degree
of mystery to walking in the Spirit which cannot be captured in an equation. In fact, the
moment you think you have reduced the Sprit-filled walk to a formula, it probably isn't Spirit-
filled anymore.

Walking according to the Spirit is more a relationship than a regimen. Walking in the Spirit is
essentially a relationship with the indwelling Spirit which defies quantification. Even though
Scripture doesn't give us a formula, it does help us see what the Sprit-filled walk is and what it
is not.

Helpful parameters are found in Galatians 5:16-18 NAS:

"Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh, For the
flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these
are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you
please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law"

What the Spirit-filled Walk Is Not

1. Walking according to the Spirit is not license; an excessive or undisciplined
freedom constituting an abuse of privilege.

Being led by the Spirit doesn't mean you are free to do anything you want to do. It
means you are finally free to live a responsible, moral life--something you were
incapable of doing when you were the prisoner of your flesh.

2. Walking according to the Spirit is not legalism, the opposite extreme from license.

Imposing rules and regulations of Christian behavior doesn't enable the Spirit-filled
walk; it often kills it. Dr. Neil Anderson says, "Christians have been notorious at
trying to legislate spirituality with don'ts; Christians don't drink, don't smoke, don't
dance, don't attend movies, don't play cards, don't wear makeup, etc. But legalism
can't curb immorality. In fact, laying down the law merely serves to heighten the
temptation. Neither will a Spirit-filled heart be produced by demanding that
someone conform to a religious code of behavior.

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What the Spirit-filled Walk Is

1. The Spirit-filled walk means walking in liberty.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor. 3:17). In Christ we are free moral agents. We are
no longer compelled to walk according to the flesh. We are not even compelled to
walk according to the Spirit. We are completely free to choose to walk according to
the spirit or the flesh.

2. The Spirit-filled walk implies walking not sitting.

One of the most dangerous and harmful detriments to your spiritual growth is
passivity--putting your mind in neutral and coasting. Sitting back and waiting for
God to do everything is not God's way to spiritual maturity. (Jas. 2:14-18)

3. The Spirit-filled walk implies walking not running.

Many Christians are tempted to run ahead of God. We must learn to wait on the
Lord and walk at His pace (Ps. 5:3; 27:14; 37:7). In Matt. 11:28-30, Jesus invites
you to place His yoke upon you. Just as two oxen walk together under the same
yoke, we must walk in tandem with Jesus. As the lead ox, Jesus walks at a steady
pace. If you pace yourself with Him, your burden will be easy. If you are slower or
faster than Jesus, your burden will be uncomfortable.

4. The Spirit-filled walk means walking by being led.

We often wait for God to drive us instead of willingly following Him. The Spirit-
walk is one of being led, not driven. Walking according to the flesh is the same.
God won't make you walk in the Spirit, and the enemy can't make you walk in the
flesh, although he will certainly try to draw you in that direction. You are free to
choose to follow the leading of the Spirit or the desires of the flesh.

5. The Spirit-filled walk is evidenced by the fruit it bears.

You can know if you're being led by the Spirit or by the flesh simply by looking at
your behavior. If you are exercising love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23), you are following the
Spirit's lead. If your actions reflect the deeds of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-
21, you are following the flesh.

What do you do when you discover you are on the wrong path, following the flesh instead
of the Spirit?

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You admit it and correct it. Walking according to the Spirit is a moment-by-moment, day-by-
day experience. When you step off the path of the Spirit, confess your sin to God and anyone
you may have offended, receive forgiveness and return to walking the right path. (1 John 1:9)

Adapted from: Neil T. Anderson, Breaking Through to Spiritual Maturity (Ventura, CA: Gospel Light,
1992), p.33-34.

The Great Exchange (Matt. 16:25-27)

a. Give up the lower life to gain the higher (v. 25).

b. Give up the pleasure of things to gain true life (v. 26). (See Heb. 11:23-26)

c. Give up the temporary to gain the eternal (v. 27). (See Heb. 11:13-16)

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Reflections ~
1. Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice
to God. Which of the following parts of your body do you have the hardest time
surrendering to God: heart, mind, tongue, eyes, ears, hands, feet stomach,
sexual organs? Why is this hard for you? ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Dying to self or telling your flesh, "No" hurts, but the rewards are great. In
Luke 14:28-33, Jesus talks about the cost of following Him. Prayerfully make a
list of what it costs you to follow Jesus and what you gain from following Jesus.
Be prepared to share these insights.

COST GAIN
Principle:
A life of self-discipline costs us a little, but the gain is
great. A life of self-indulgence begins with a little gain
but the eternal cost is very great indeed.

(Reflections cont.)
COST GAIN
3. Think of an area in your life where you really battle believing the truth or find
it hard to obey the Spirit rather than the flesh. What do you need to start doing
today to "submit to God" and "resist the devil"? _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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B. We must recognize the authority we have in Christ.

1. What is the difference between authority and power?

a. Authority is the right to rule.

Websters New World Dictionary:
The right to give commands, enforce
obedience, take action or make final decisions.
b. Power is the ability to rule.

Websters New World Dictionary:
The ability to do, capacity to act, the capability
to perform or produce.
2. The authority of Christ

a. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth! (Matt. 28:18)

b. Jesus (before His resurrection) exercised authority over the devil by virtue of
His life of complete submission to the Father (Luke 7:1-10; John 5:19-23).

1. This serves as an example for us to follow (Jas. 4:6-7).

2. This is why Satan tempted Jesus to exercise His own authority independent of
the Father (Matt. 4:1-11).

c. Jesus (since His resurrection and ascension) exercises authority over the devil by
virtue of His position at Gods right hand (Eph. 1:18-21).

3. Our authority in Christ

a. The right hand of God is the place of all authority (Eph. 1:20-21).

b. Christ is now seated at Gods right hand (Heb. 1:3).

c. We have been raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus! (Eph. 2:6)

d. Therefore, we now share Christs seat of authority, so that as we submit to God,
we can resist the devil. And he will flee from us! (Jas. 4:7)

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C. We must exercise the authority we have in Christ.

1. By faith (2 Cor. 5:7)

In the spiritual realm, if you don't believe you have authority, you're not going to
exercise it. If your belief is weak, your expression of it will also be weak and
ineffective. But if you grasp with confidence the authority that Christ has conferred
upon you, you will exercise it with confidence. You may consider yourself just a
"rookie" at stopping the devil's traffic in your life. But Jesus Christ is a seasoned
veteran, and you're in Him.

2. In humility (John 15:5; 1 Pet. 5:5-9; Luke 10:18-20)

Humility is confidence that is properly placed. In exercising our authority, humility
is placing confidence in Christ, the source of our authority, instead of in ourselves.

3. With boldness (Acts 1:8; 4:31; Prov. 28:1-2 Tim. 1:7)

On the eve of taking authority over the Promised Land, Joshua was challenged four
times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18). When the early church
prayed about their mission of sharing the gospel in Jerusalem, "the place where they
had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and
began to speak the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31). Spirit-inspired
boldness is behind every successful advance in the church today.

a. Understanding fear:

Fear is different than anxiety because fear has a specific object (death, height,
snakes, Satan, etc.). When we are afraid it is usually because the object of our
fear is both:

1. Present (near by)
2. Powerful (able to harm us)

b. Overcoming fear:

To conquer fear, either the presence or power of the object of our fear must be
removed. For example:

1. Death (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
We don't have to be afraid of death because Christ had given us eternal life.

2. Man (Matt.10:28)
Since our life on earth is temporary, we don't have to be afraid of people who
only have the power to control the things that are temporary. The Bible
commands us to fear God and not man.

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3. Satan (Heb. 2:14-15; Col. 2:13-15)
Christ defeated Satan at the cross and stripped him of any
authority and power he had over us. The only authority Satan
has over us is what we give him by believing his lies.

c. The fear of God dispels all other (unhealthy) fears. (Prov. 9:10; Isa. 8:12-14)

The Bible teaches that the only One we are to fear is God. This is not a cringing
fear of a cruel master, but a healthy sense of awe for His great majesty, power,
holiness, and constant presence with us. God is the ultimate fear object because
He is always present and all-powerful (Ps. 139:7-12; Jer. 32:17-19).

D. One Important Caution

We must never use our authority in Christ as an excuse for getting our own way or pushing
other people around. Instead we are to serve others in love (Eph. 5:21; Matt. 20:25-28; Gal.
5:13-15; Rom. 15:1-2).

A Thought:
Jesus has shaped a yoke especially for you that is easy and light. He has
sharpened a plow for your work in His spiritual harvest, and He has a cross
for you on which all of your "self-life" must die. He offers them to you with
nail-pierced hands.
Reflections ~
1. Sometimes we hesitate to truly submit to Gods authority in our lives because
we doubt that He can be trusted. We question whether His will really is good,
acceptable and perfect for us (Rom. 12:2). Is this a struggle for you? Why or why
not?_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Jesus gave His disciples power and authority over evil spiritual forces. (Luke
9:1-2) What's the difference between power and authority? __________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Do Christians today enjoy the same claim to Christ's authority and power in the
spiritual realm as the original disciples? (Eph. 1:19, 2:6, 3:16-17; John 14:12; Luke
10:17; Acts 1:8) Why or why not? ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Reflections ~
4. What does it take to effectively exercise Christ's authority over spiritual powers?
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Write Luke 9:23 in the blank below and be prepared to say it from memory.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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Wake Up!
Lesson Six

To see what the Bible says about the spiritual world.

KEY VERSE:
"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)


I thought I was crazy. I had been hospitalized several times for psychological problems and
diagnosed with several different illnesses. They told me I didn't know reality and that I needed
to base my confidence on what others said and not on what was going on in my head. In
counseling I told them I was hearing voices, but they never explored the possibility of them
being demonic. They told me I would be dependent on medication for the rest of my life. It
took up to fifteen pills a day just to remain in control.

The nighttimes were especially bad, with demonic voices and visitations. Sometimes I crawled
down the hall, trying to get away from things flying around my room. I was terrorized;
thoughts of cutting my heart out dominated my mind. Somehow during the day, I managed to
do a good job at work, and then I would get in my car and pull out my razor blades. I was
talking with all of my "friends" in my head and cutting ritualistically on myself for the blood. I
just wanted to feel; I knew I was not in touch with reality. When childhood memories started to
surface, I lost it. I was back in the hospital again and totally out of control.

Friends invited me to California for a visit, and I decided I wanted to meet Neil Anderson, the
author of The Bondage Breaker. I went to his office and we talked for about two hours. He
opened his Bible and was going through the Scriptures, but the voices were so loud I couldn't
hear a word he said. It was like he was talking gibberish--his words were like another
language. That's how it always was with me when people were using the Bible.

I got through the Steps to Freedom, but I didn't feel any different when I left. I wondered if the
words just went straight from my eyes to my mouth without my internalizing anything I was
reading. But then two areas improved. The struggle with food was better, and I never cut
myself again. The voices were also gone for a couple of weeks, but then they came back. I
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didn't remember Neil saying what to do when the voices and thoughts came back, and it never
occurred to me that I didn't have to listen. I didn't know I had a choice, so I got hit worse than
ever.

Six months later I was in the hospital again, both suicidal and psychotic. I was out of it and did
everything the voices were telling me to do. I was encouraged to see Neil again, but if that
didn't work I knew I was going to die. I went to the conference on Resolving Personal and
Spiritual Conflicts, and again met with Neil. He introduced me to a lady with a past similar to
mine. She sat beside me and prayed for me, so I was more able to hear and comprehend what
Neil was saying.

I learned a lot about the spiritual battle that was going on for my mind and what I needed to
do to take a stand. Once that part became clear, I was free. I knew what to do and how to do
it. Previously, I didn't know how to stay free and walk in my freedom, although I was raised in
a good Christian home. Even though I accepted Christ when I was four, I never knew who I
was in Christ and I didn't understand the authority I had as a child of God.

I told my psychiatrist that I was free in Christ now and wanted to get off my medication. He
said, "You've tried this before and look at your history." I said, "But it's different now. Will
you support me in this?" When he said, "No, I can't, " I replied, "Well I'm going to do it
anyway; I'll take responsibility for myself." He said he would see me in a month. I came back
in a month and was functioning on half of the prescription, and in two months I was off
completely. He asked how I felt and when I told him I was fine, he shook my hand and said I
wouldn't need to come back anymore. It was like I was discovering life for the first time.

I am still seeing a Christian counselor and this has been very helpful. I cannot express the
difference in my heart and life. Where my heart used to reside in pieces, now it is whole.
Where my mind was void, now there is a song and an intellect beyond anything I could have
previously comprehended. Where there was a life of unreality and despair, now there is joy
and freedom and light.

(from: Released From Bondage by Dr. Neil T. Anderson)

Any football team, from the high school level on up, has scouts. Their purpose is to go and
watch their upcoming opponents play. Then they report back to the rest of the coaching staff
what they perceive to be their adversarys strengths and weaknesses.

A football team does not spend all its time looking at films of their opponents or listening to
scouting reports. Most of their time is devoted to practicing the fundamentals of blocking,
tackling, and running their own offensive, defensive and special teams plays. But neither does
the team simply ignore the advice of the scouts. It would be foolish to do so.

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Unfortunately, in the church, Gods people tend to gravitate toward extremes when it comes to
the world of the demonic. Some people prefer the "head in the sand approach" ignoring their
opponents hoping that if they leave the devil alone he will leave them alone. That is ridiculous
at best and fatal at worst.

The other extreme are those who think demons are under every bush and behind every sin.
They blame temptation and sin on demonic influence rather than take personal responsibility
for the deeds of the flesh.

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can
fall about the demons. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The
other is to believe and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They
themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist
or a magician with the same delight."
(from The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis)

What is desperately needed is a biblical, balanced view of how Satan can attack and influence
Christians.

World View:
A set of presuppositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or
subconsciously) about the basic make-up of our world.
- James Sire, The Universe Next Door

We all have filters through which we pass all information from the world around us in order to
give it meaning. Any consideration of matters relating to the realm of spirits and especially to
spirit activity in the material world will usually begin with a worldview problem for those
reared in a Western culture.

Representative Worldviews

Satan has created much deception through false worldviews. In ANIMISM the lie (error) is the
preoccupation with and the fear of evil spirits ... In WESTERN worldview the lie (error) is a
denial of the impact of evil spirits...

A. Animism
1. Animism is the most widely-held worldview.

a. It is the belief system of tribal societies.
b. It is the folk-level practice of most adherents to world religions.
c. It is widely practiced at a popular level in Western societies.

2. It often (if not always) includes a belief in a high god. This god however, does not
play a very significant part in the world today.

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3. Major beliefs include:

a. The world (animal, vegetable, and mineral) is pervaded with an impersonal
spiritual power often referred to as manna.

1. This power is not that of a living being.
2. It is amoral and can be controlled by man.

b. There are also personal spirits of many kinds:

1. Which inhabit our world and control or affect most aspects of human, animal,
and plant life.
2. Values are defined in terms of maintaining right relationships with this spirit
world.

c. There are specialists in dealing with the spirit world who are called shamans
(medicine men, witch doctors).

B. Western Worldview

1. There is no one Western world view. The one described here is typical of the view
held by most Western Christians.

2. This view has two functional realms natural and the supernatural.

a. The supernatural realm is essentially the other world and contains all spirit
beings-good or evil.

b. The natural realm is this world. It is run by natural (scientific) laws and is
seldom, if ever, directly affected by spirit beings.

3. It is assumed that science and religion can be kept entirely separate, as in public
education.

4. Questions often asked:

Is it scientific or is it religious? Is it a spiritual problem or a psychological problem?
Is it a demon or is it the flesh? Is it sacred or is it secular? Such questions are
invalid because the worldview on which they are based is invalid.

Trying to resolve physical problems by spiritual means is not always the best ap-
proach and trying to resolve spiritual problems by physical means will never work.
A Biblical worldview will see the need for the pastor as well as the doctor.

Western culture was different 300 years ago. In western European universities
theology was considered the queen of the sciences. The physical world could be
properly understood only when it was seen as Gods work and as a part of His
revelation to us.
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With the Enlightenment came strong philosophical voices that saidman did not
get significance from a relationship to some supernatural person or power but from
the fact that he was a reasoning being.

The scientific revolution added the concept that the scientific method was the only
reliable method of finding truth and that divine revelation was secondary or insig-
nificant.

Then evolution added that since the world was assumed to have evolved rather than
been created, we could no longer see the natural world as a channel of Gods
revelation.

This Enlightenment worldview not only eliminated God from any functional
relationship to life on earth, it also eliminated the idea of angels and demons.

C. Biblical Worldview
See diagram on the next page:

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Adapted from: Beginners Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Neil T. Anderson and Timothy Warne
70

Reflections ~
1. According to Hebrews 1:14 what is one of the functions of angels? ___________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Describe the angel's mission in the story told in Daniel 10: 1-20. What forces
were opposing his mission? ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Describe the angel's mission in Luke 22:43. _____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. How can we resist the devil as described in James 4:7 or overcome his power as
described in Luke 10:20? ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
5. Give your analysis of the temptations of Christ and how he overcame the power
of the devil in Matt. 4:1-11. _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
6. Has it ever seemed to you that Satan was devouring some area of your life as
described in 1 Peter 5:8? How did you escape? ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
7. How does Satan lead the whole world astray as described in Rev. 12:9? (see
John 8:44) __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
8. Who is in control of the "world system" according to 1 John 5:19? ____________
___________________________________________________________________

71
The Reality and Personality of Demons (Luke 11:24-26)

The Bible clearly states that the devil exists. In both the Old and New Testaments, however, it
is plain to see that the devil is on a leash (Job 1, 2). He is not equal with God and can only do
that which God permits him to do.

Satan, like all angels, was created. He is not all-powerful, all-knowing or everywhere-present.
Only God has these attributes.

A. The devil seeks to carry out his world-wide schemes through his army of fallen angels
we call "demons." Luke 11:24-26 gives us many helpful insights into what demons are
like:

1. They can live either inside or outside humans. Demons, like the holy angels, are
spirits without fleshly bodies.

2. They can travel as they choose and are not hindered by physical barriers (such as
walls, etc.).

3. They find a measure of rest living inside a body. They preferred the pigs to the pit!
(Mark 5:12)

4. They are able to communicate (it says...").

5. Each has its own individual identity (I will return ...").

6. Demons view their host as belonging to them (my house...").

7. They are able to remember and make plans.

8. They are able to make a spiritual evaluation of a person.

9. They are able to make decisions.

10. They are able to live together as a group (one alone is joined by seven others).

11. They vary in degrees of wickedness ("then it goes and takes along seven other
spirits more evil than itself...").

12. Demons can afflict the physical body of people (Matt. 9:32-33; Mark 5:1-13, 9:20;
Acts 10:38).

13. Demons can use physical objects as the medium through which to affect people.

a. The objects themselves have no power (Is. 44:9-20; Jer. 10:3-5).

b. Two types of objects:
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1. Those made for occult/religious purposes. These should not be
brought into Christian homes (Deut. 7:25-26) and usually need to be
destroyed. (Acts 19:20)

2. Objects that are spiritually neutral like objects in nature, houses,
building, etc. may be cleansed by claiming one's authority in Christ.

B. Christians and demons - Can a Christian be demon possessed?

1. If one uses the normal definition of possession used elsewhere in English as
ownership or total control, the answer is a definite "no".

2. It is inappropriate to use the terms possession and oppression. The English
connotations of "possession" are not present in the Greek word daimonizomai. It
should have been translated demonize which implies influence.

3. Christians can be influenced (1 Pet. 1:15-19; 2 Cor. 11:3 NAS).

"But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds
should be led astray from the simplicity and purity; of devotion to Christ."

4. Christians can also be controlled by demons (Acts 5:3 NAS).

"But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit
and to keep back some of the price of the land?"

5. Believers can never be owned (1 Cor. 6:19-20 NAS).

"Or do you not know...you are not your own? For you have been bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body."

6. Grounds for Attack on believers.

a. Generational sin
b. Personal sin
c. Previous trauma
d. Curses
e. Careless invasion of enemy territory
f. God's providence

As believers we must take seriously the spiritual dimension of our struggles with our
enemy, if we are to win the battle against the flesh and the world. But our focus must
be kept on Jesus our Lord and Savior, if we're to become more Christ-like.

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Reflections ~
1. A believer in Christ cannot be "possessed' by the devil because possession
implies ownership. We are owned by God since we have been bought with the
blood of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor.6:20, 7:23). In what ways, however, do you
believe that a believer in Christ can be influenced or even controlled by the
devil? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Jesus said, "...you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free"
(John 8:32). If truth sets us free, then lies keep us in bondage. Is there any
area of your life where you have believed the lie that you could never change?
If so, renounce that lie now and pray for God's power to be unleashed in your
life in that area. Share this with the group if you feel comfortable.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The Vulnerability of the Believer
Influenced
(Probable)
1 Pet. 1:15-19
Controlled
(Possible)
Acts 5:3
Owned
(Never)
1 Pet. 5:6

74
The Bible warns us to be on the alert, having a clear mind. We are told to resist the devil. We
are told to put on the full armor of God. The fact of the matter is that it is never safe to take off
the armor!

What is going to happen to us if we dont resist the evil one? What will happen if we dont take
the shield of faith and we end up getting zapped by one of Satans fiery arrows? What will
happen to us if we dont take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and we begin to
believe the devils lies?

The possibility of being tempted, accused and deceived by Satan is a constant reality and threat.
Our position in Christ is secure (1 John 5:18). Nothing can separate us from the love of God,
including the devil (Rom. 8:38, 39). God will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

However, we can become confused, defeated and fruitless Christians if we give into temptation
believe the devils accusations or fall for his deceptions. The following is a word picture of
how the enemy can accuse or deceive us:

Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides
with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ and your
Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity in Him. There
is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when
you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.
But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row of houses on either
side of you are inhabited by beings that are committed to keeping you from reaching
your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step,
so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away
from your goal and disrupt your progress.
(from: The Bondage Breaker by Dr. Neil T. Anderson)

We will take a closer look at the devils tactics so that we can honestly say we are not ignorant
of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:11) in the next lesson.

Write Eph. 6:12 in the space below and be prepared to say it from memory.

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

75
Get Up!
Lesson Seven

To expose the devil's tactics so that we will not be ignorant of his
schemes of temptation, accusation, and deception.

KEY VERSE:
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God
is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But
when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can
stand up under it." (1 Cor. 10:13)


I grew up in an emotionally distant family. My relationship with my father was nonexistent,
and I was sexually abused from the time I was 3 until the age of 13 by my step-brother. I
told my mother about it when I was seven, but the abuse didn't stop until I threatened to kill
him if he didn't leave me alone.

As I grew up, I believed the only way to be loved and accepted by a man was to share my
body with him. I went from man to man, repeating the cycle of abuse over and over. I was
like a drug addict, except my drug of choice was men.

Even after marrying a wonderful and godly man, I still found myself looking for that
emotional fix through other men. Sometimes flirting was enough--sometimes not. Sin, feel
guilty, confess, repent, and eventually sin again was the continuous cycle in my life. Satan
would not only tempt me to meet my need for love outside of my marriage, but would beat
me up with consuming guilt and shame about it after I sinned.

I was desperately seeking help to escape this cycle when our church held a "Freedom in
Christ" conference. I heard that this conference could help me break the sin cycle in my
life. I read several of Dr. Neil Anderson's books, and then attended the conference. I
remember thinking, "Wow, here is the spiritual ammunition that every Christian needs to do
warfare!"

76
After going through the steps, I no longer felt trapped. Instead of sin, confess, sin, confess, I
learned how to RESIST! Instead of trying to battle Satan by myself, I realized that I had all
the power of Jesus Christ to back me up. I can call out in Jesus' name and the enemy must
flee.

I finally felt free to pursue a deep and emotional relationship with God without feeling like
the next fall was just around the corner. For the first time in my life, I was given hope. I
quit believing the lie that I was predestined to live a life of sexual sin. I was finally free!

That doesn't mean that Satan no longer tempts me. I am tempted daily. The hard part is
seeing it for what it is. Sin doesn't walk up to us and boldly introduce itself. It is by baby
steps (little wrong thoughts, and actions) that we fall. Satan will say or do anything to get
us to take that first inappropriate step, no matter how small, because he knows that the steps
to follow will be easier to take. Even though we may start down the spiral of temptation, we
always have the option of getting off at anytime. Although at some point, it may require the
help of other believers. The further down we go, the more difficult it becomes to get off and
the more devastating the consequences.

I still have to stay in the battle continually, but now I know that I have the weapons to fight
with, and Jesus has already won the war.

A Story ~

She was the most gorgeous thing that I had ever laid eyes on. I was consumed with desire
and overcome with passion for her. I knew I shouldn't call her because she might come, and
then what? Her husband had been away for a long time and she was bound to be lonely.

If only I could have seen the devastation of "giving in" to the temptation. I had planned a
harmless little affair - no one would find out. I didn't foresee the pregnancy, the cover up,
the death of her husband, then the death of our child, and all the other mess.

How could I have known that I was sowing the seeds of destruction in my own children and
grandchildren? All of this tragedy from one little rendezvous with a beautiful lady.

~ King David
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The story of David's great failure is told in 2 Samuel 11. His prayer for forgiveness is in
Psalms 51. Some consequences of his actions are told in later chapters of 2 Samuel. David's
"giving in" to temptation is similar to Eve's "giving in" described in Genesis 3.

If you have failed in the "sexual" area or any other area of life, the issue is not to worry
about the devastation caused by past failure. We live in the age of grace and God can
redeem your past and change your future.

The question for us is how to avoid the present and future schemes of the devil, and not
"give in" to the temptations, so that we don't have to face the consequences. This lesson
takes a look at these issues.

A. Temptation
1. All temptation is an attempt to draw us away from depending on God to meet our
needs (Gen. 3).

2. The strategy of temptation is to work through the world system around us to
stimulate the flesh (1 John 2:15-17).

a. The lust of the flesh refers to our legitimate desires which cry out for
fulfillment outside of Gods good plan for us. For example:

sleep vs. laziness
eating vs. gluttony
intimacy vs. sexual immorality
friendships vs. controlling relationships
work vs. drivenness and workaholism

Eve battled the lust of the flesh when she saw that the tree was good for food..."
(Gen. 3:6)

b. The lust of the eyes refers to our strong cravings to possess that which is
visually appealing, but is not presently within Gods good plan for us.

1. We need to be very careful what we look at. (Matt. 6:22-23; Prov. 4:23-27)

2. The lust of the eyes is usually accompanied by envy, greed, and a lack of
contentment.

Eve battled the lust of the eyes when she saw that it was a delight to the eyes..."
(Gen. 3:6)

c. The boastful pride of life refers to an attitude of proudly exalting ourselves
and our accomplishments rather than humbly glorifying God.

1. We need to realize that all that we have is a gift from God. (1 Cor. : 6-7)

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2. Possible areas of boasting might include:

School(s) you attend(ed) Musical talent
GPA Artistic gifts
Athletic ability Salary
Company you work for Job title/Position
High-tech gadgets Size of family
House/Car Clothes/Jewelry
Spiritual successes Other accomplishments

Eve battled the boastful pride of life when she saw that the tree was desirable to
make one wise. (Gen. 3:6)

3. Overcoming Temptation

a. Dont believe the lie that you have to give in to temptation or that its just
the way I am-- no matter how many times you have fallen in that area before
(1 Cor. 10:13).

b. Dont swallow the lie that you are evil because you were tempted in that area
so you might as well go ahead with the sin. Jesus was tempted, yet was
without sin (Heb. 4:15). Temptation becomes sin when we accept the thought
in our minds and dwell on it (Matt. 5:27-28).

c. Learn to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor.
10:5).

d. Choose to fill your mind with thoughts that are true, right, pure, lovely, of
good reputation, excellent and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8).

e. Thank the Lord that He will meet all your needs in His perfectly wise time
and in His perfectly loving way (1 Thess. 5:18; Phil 4:19; Rom. 8:32).

f. Make a conscious decision to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to say
no to sin and yes to God. Gods grace is indeed sufficient (John 15: 5;
Gal 5:16; Titus 2:11-14).

g. If the temptation is severe, find some other brothers or sisters who can
encourage you and pray for you (Heb. 3:12-13).

h. Refuse to make any plans or go any places that would make it easy to fall
into sin. Instead, wrap yourself up in Christ and put on the armor of God
(Rom. 13:12-14).
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Reflections ~
1. Look at Gal. 5:19-21 and any other Scripture passages the Lord brings to mind.
Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas of "the lust of the flesh" that have been out
of control. Go through the "Overcoming Temptation" section in Appendices E & F
on p.99-100. If you are in a group and feel the freedom to share your struggles, let
those around you walk with you through this process.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Apart from the Lord, what do you tend to brag about in your life? Why is it so
hard to keep from boasting about ourselves and our successes?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. In what ways are you tempted to meet your needs and not depend on
God?______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

B. Accusation

Many things became true of us at the moment we, by faith, began our relationship with God
through Jesus Christ. We became children of God totally forgiven, completely accepted,
holy and blameless in Christ.

We are seated with Christ at the right hand of God (Eph. 2:6), whether the devil likes it or
not! Satan can do nothing to shake our position and identity as children of God (1 John
5:18).

Knowing these things very well, Satan uses another tactic to try and knock us off our feet.
He tries to get us to forget who we are in Christ or deceive us into believing we are less than
the saints God says we are! Every time we sin he wants us to believe God has given up on
80
us and that He doesnt love us anymore. He even tries to mimic the voice of God. He does
this by hurling accusations at us like the following:

You call yourself a Christian? Look what you did!
You cant do anything right never could and never will!
Youre a loser; youll never amount to anything!

Many times he puts his accusations in the first person, trying to get us to think his
thoughts are really our thoughts. For example:

God cant use me anymore; I am so sinful and dirty.
Oh no! Ive committed the unpardonable sin! Im doomed!
A true Christian would never do that. Maybe Im not a Christian at all!
Im a hopeless case; I am never going to change.

One of the devils favorite tricks is to tempt us to sin (Aw, go ahead. Once wont matter.
Nobodys looking. Besides, everybodys doing it. You can always ask God to forgive you
later...), and then kick us in the teeth after weve committed that sin by heaping a ton of
guilt and shame on us!

It should be obvious by now that the devil does not play fair. He is called the accuser of the
brethren (Rev. 12:10). And many sincere believers in Christ are terribly discouraged and
defeated because they have believed his lies.

But we do not have to be pawns in his mind game. James 4:7 tells us that we are to submit
to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from us. God has given us the truth we need to fight
and win this war against accusation.

1. We need to distinguish between the accusations of Satan and the conviction of
the Holy Spirit.

a. Satans accusations: the sorrow of the world (2 Cor. 7:10) produces guilt
and shame leading to death. (example: Judas Iscariot) Satan always
condemns the individual. Psalm 44:15-16 captures the agony of accusation:

All day long my dishonor is before me, and my humiliation has
overwhelmed me, because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles,
because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger."

c. The Holy Spirits conviction: the sorrow that is according to the will of
God (2 Cor. 7:10) produces a repentance without regret, leading to life. The
Holy Spirit only condemns the sin. (Example: Peter, the disciple)

God is the Judge, Satan is the prosecutor, Jesus is the defender, and Hes
never lost a case yet. (1 John 2:1-2)

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2. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
(Rom. 8:1). God never, ever condemns His precious children-- never has, never
will! The Lord has forgiven us of all our sins through Christs death on the cross
(Col. 1:13-14; 2:13-14; Eph. 1:7). We are cleansed from all unrighteousness and
are restored to fellowship with God when we confess our sins to Him (1 John
1:7-9).

3. Satan accuses us on the basis of our poor behavior (sins). Remove the ground of
his accusation by confessing and renouncing your sin (Prov. 28:13), and walk by
faith in the forgiveness and cleansing that is yours in Christ. Confession is saying
to God, You are right. I did it and it was wrong. True confession involves
repentance--a change of heart resulting in a change of behavior (Matt. 3:8).
Repentance is saying to God, I want no more to do with this sin, Lord! (Prov.
28:13).

4. Rest in the assurance of your salvation (1 John 5:11-13), and the knowledge that
it is impossible for a Christian to commit the unpardonable sin. If you are still
unsure of your salvation at this point, review How to Be Sure You Are a Child
of God. (Lesson 1)

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Reflections ~
1. What are some of the ways that you can distinguish between the voice of God
and the voice of the devil? (for more insight on this question see Appendix D)
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. What are some key biblical truths that you need to continually choose to believe
about your true identity in Christ? _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. What is Satan accusing you of right now? ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Reflections ~
4. What can you do to counter his specific accusation? _____________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

C. Deception

This is the most difficult of Satans strategies to recognize. When we are tempted, most of
the time we know it. When we are being accused, its obvious whats going on. But when
we are being deceived, we are often clueless as to whats happening. That is the nature of
deception.

To deceive is to mislead. Satan is a master at this. He presents what is false as though it were
true, and tries to convince us that what is really true is actually a lie. He seeks to persuade us
into thinking something is good for us when in reality it is quite bad. And he attempts to
confuse us into thinking that something that is quite harmful is actually beneficial!

The Bible talks about a variety of ways that we can be deceived. Our own hearts can deceive
us (self-deception). False teachers and false prophets can deceive us as well. In addition,
we can become victims of the lies of deceiving spirits or demons.

1. Self Deception (Jer. 17:9-10)

a. We are deceiving ourselves if we are hearers of Gods Word but not doers of
it (Jas. 1:22-25).

b. We are deceiving ourselves if we say that we have no sin (1 John 1:8).

c. We are deceiving ourselves if we think we are something that we are really
not (Gal. 6:3).

d. We are deceiving ourselves if we think we are wise in this worldly age (1
Cor. 3:18-19).

e. We are deceiving ourselves if we think we are truly religious but do not
bridle our tongues (Jas. 1:26).

2. False Prophets and False Teachers (Jer. 23:16-40)

Not everyone who claims to be speaking for God can be trusted. Even false
teachers and false prophets may use the name of Jesus, quote from the Bible,
pray and use Christian lingo like born again".
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We must be discerning and listen carefully to those who teach on spiritual
matters. We must learn to compare their teachings with what the Bible says (Acts
17:11). Not everyone on the radio or TV is worth listening to! Not every
Christian book is worth reading!

a. They can even show amazing signs and wonders that seem to be from God.
Jesus warned us of this. (Matt. 24:4, 11, 24; 7:21-23; Rev. 13:13-14)

b. They can make predictions that will sometimes come true, but the mark of a
prophet of God is 100% accuracy! (Deut. 18:21-22)

If someone makes a prediction that comes true or performs a miraculous sign,
and yet does not point people to the true God of the Bible, dont listen to
them. (Deut. 13:1-3)

c. They can work within the church and even have the title Reverend or
Minister or Pastor (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Pet. 2:1; Acts 20:28-31).

d. Eventually they will show their true colors and get involved with:

1. Sexual immorality and greed (2 Pet. 2:13-14)

2. Rebellion--they despise authority and will not listen to anyone (2 Pet. 2:10,
11)

One who truly has the gift of prophecy will encourage people, strengthen them and
comfort them (1 Cor. 14:3). He will be gifted by God and will preach Gods Word
(Jer. 23:21-22). He will preach a message that will move others to get right with God
(1 Cor. 14:24-25).

3. Deceiving spirits (1 Tim. 4:1; 1 John 4:1-6)

We must learn to take every thought, vision, gift, dream, teaching, or miraculous
sign captive to make it obedient to Christ. Does it bear up under the microscope
of Gods Word? That is the ultimate test of truth! A word of caution
concerning:

a. Spirit Guides (2 Cor. 11:2-3)

b. Angels (2 Cor. 11:14)

Satans counterfeits are not always easy to spot. Therefore, it would be wise to
pray and exercise your authority in Christ as follows:

Dear Heavenly Father, I commit myself completely to do only Your will. If
I have been deceived in any way, I pray that You would open my eyes to
that deception. I command in the name of the Lord J esus Christ that all
deceiving spirits depart from me, and I renounce and reject all counterfeit
gifts or experiences. Lord, what is truly from You I ask You to bless and
cause to grow that Your body may be blessed and edified through it.
Amen."
84

Reflections ~

1. What has Satan deceived you about in the past and how did he accomplish it?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. What methods of deception are you the most vulnerable to? ________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Why is it so important to check out every gift, experience, vision, teaching, or
"word from the Lord" with Scripture? Are we in danger of quenching the Spirit when
we do that? Explain your answer. ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Write 1 Cor. 10:13 in the blanks below and be prepared to say it from memory.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

85
Take Up!
Lesson Eight

To understand what protection God has given us against our
enemy.
KEY VERSE:
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the
contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Cor. 10:4)


My parents were alcoholics, and I was sexually abused when I was young by my uncle. The
shame that began with the behavior of my parents and the sexual abuse continually plagued
me. I felt that I was dirty, and unworthy of a good life. My lack of self worth made me shy
and withdrawn. I believed that I had to perform well for anyone to love and accept me so I
tried hard to please; so hard I allowed myself to be abused for acceptance. My sexual abuse
remained a dark secret until I was 22 years old.

At the age of 13, I became a Christian after attending a confirmation class at a Methodist
church that my family irregularly attended. The performance basis that I lived by
continued to influence how I related to God. Through the years, my faith and knowledge of
God's word grew, but the repeated thoughts and feelings that I was unworthy continued.
Self-doubt ruled my life, and the enemy constantly reminded me of my past even after I chose
to forgive my abusers.

Staying focused during times of prayer and Bible study was always extremely difficult for
me. Lists of things I needed to do and a whirlwind of other miscellaneous thoughts would
occupy my mind when I tried to pray. It wasn't until I went through the "Steps to Freedom"
that I realized that wasn't normal. I remember that after going through the first three Steps
to Freedom we had a prayer before eating our lunch. I was delighted and amazed that my
mind was quiet and I was able to pray without distractions. The distracting thoughts were
gone.

I was totally amazed at the sneaky, little ways in which Satan gained entrance into my life.
Things that I thought were innocent like my involvement with astrology, playing "Bloody
Mary" and "Quija Board" (occult games) when I was a child, I found out were not so
86
innocent and in fact Satan had used these activities to gain access to my life. I also learned
that believing subtle lies about God and myself was another way that the enemy gained
entrance to my life.

The greatest changes in me since going through the steps are that I now know the truth
about who I am in Christ, and my position in Him. The nagging, accusing thoughts are
gone and for the first time in my life I believe that I am worthy, through Christ, to be
involved in a ministry or occupy a position of leadership. I feel the power and authority that
is mine in the Lord, and I realize that Satan is under my feet. The victory is mine. The truth
that I live by today is, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because
the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Can you imagine an ice hockey goalie taking the ice for a game with no equipment on
because it "cramps his style? Not only would he let in a lot of unnecessary goals, he would
get seriously beat-up in the process. He would soon have to leave the game...and probably
head for the hospital?

Even crazier would be the infantryman who decided to go into battle without his helmet,
gun, boots and other equipment. If he were lucky enough to survive, he would surely be
injured or taken captive.

Unfortunately, we have far too many Christians who are spiritually and emotionally beat up
and shot up because they did not avail themselves of the armor of God. Some have been in
the "infirmary" for years. Others have become spiritual P.O.W.'s -- in such bondage they
need help to get out. Still others have gone spiritually A.W.O.L. -- hiding in fear when they
should be standing firm in boldness and faith.

The tragedy is that Jesus Christ has already won this war and the daily battles we encounter -
- difficult as they may be -- are opportunities for us to be more than conquerors through Him
who loves us (see Romans 8:31-39)!

Knowing that planet earth is "enemy territory" and that all of His people are "behind enemy
lines," God has not left us defenseless, but has given us His very own armor to use. By
putting on the full armor of God we can stand our ground and become Christ's invincible
army of light?

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A. We must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Eph. 6:10).

If you try to battle the devil according to who you are and what you can do in the flesh,
you will lose every time. The flesh is Satan's "home-court advantage." You cannot out-
wit, out-argue, out-fight, or out-last the evil-one in your own strength. This is a spiritual
battle and only spiritual weapons will work (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Zech. 4:6).

B. Our struggle is against the devil's schemes (Eph. 6:11, 12).

1. The battle is for your mind -- since truth sets you free, believing Satan's lies can
keep you in bondage (John 8:32). Hence the need to "take every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5) and fix your mind on what is true, right,
pure, lovely, etc. (Phil. 4:8)

2. Satan also tries to entrap us through an unhealthy curiosity about mysterious or
secret (occult) knowledge and power (Deut. 18:9-13). If life is viewed as dull
and boring or stressful and "out-of-control," the occult can appear to offer an
exciting alternative.

The evil pride of man lusts after a sense of being in control -- of the future, of
other people, of life and death, of financial success. Our flesh yearns to know
things that others don't know and to be able to do things that others can't do.
When rebellion against the true God is added to the equation, a person is set up
for involvement in the occult (1 Sam. 15:23).

An unhealthy fascination with violence (a brutal form of powerful control over
another) is another symptom of buying into the devil's agenda and is in clear
violation of Scripture (Proverbs 3:31,32; Proverbs 13:2).

Playing around with the devil's arsenal of counterfeit practices is like a mouse
playing around with a cat. Sooner or later the cat tires of the game and pounces
on the mouse. In the same way, people involved in the occult foolishly think
they are manipulating the powers of darkness. In reality, Satan merely uses
people for his purposes and then, when they have outlived their usefulness, he
discards them as rubbish (one example is Judas Iscariot; Matt. 27:3-5).

C. Our struggle is not against people, but against the powers of darkness which, many
times, operate through people (Eph. 6:12).

These powers of darkness are the demonic forces controlled by Satan. Demons are also
referred to as unclean spirits or evil spirits in the New Testament. It is not clear from
scripture exactly where they came from. But most Bible scholars believe that they may
be the fallen angels that followed Satan when he rebelled against God (Is. 14:12-17;
Luke 11:14-23).

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D. The goal is to stand when evil comes; the means is to take up the full armor of God
(Eph. 6:13). This is not a passive protection, but an active stance of resistance (Jas.
4:7).

E. Buckle up with the belt of truth (Eph. 6:14).

1. Fill your mind continually with the truth. (John 8:31-32; 17:15-17; Ps. 119:45;
Phil. 4:8)

2. Speak truth to others. (Eph. 4:15,25)

3. Satan is the father of lies and the belt of truth is our main protection against his
lies and deception. (John 8:44; Rev. 12:9)

F. Put on the breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14).

1. In Christ you are already right with God; He is your righteousness. (Rom. 4:4; 1
Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21)

2. Choose to walk in the light and confess any sin right away! (1 John 1:5-2:2)

3. Make no provision for the flesh but "put on" the Lord Jesus instead (Rom. 13:12-
14).

4. The breastplate of righteousness protects you from Satan's accusations and
temptations (Rev. 12:10; Matt. 4:3).

G. Stand firm and move out after putting on the sandals of the gospel of peace(Eph.
6:15).

1. Remember that you already have peace with God through faith in Christ (Rom.
5:10).

2. Don't let anxiety rule, but let the peace of Christ rule (Col. 3:15; Phil. 4:6-7; 1
Pet. 5:6-10).

3. Bring God's peace to those around you through the gospel (Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor.
5:18-20; 1 Pet. 3:15).

4. The sandals of the gospel of peace enable you to stand firm in the face of doubt,
fear, and anxiety. Being always ready to share the good news enables you to
move out in boldness to a lost and dying world.

H. Take up the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).

1. Knowing who God is and what His promises are, as well as knowing who you
are in Christ, will enable you to stand firm in faith even when Satan fires his
most painful arrows at you!
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2. Some of Satan's vicious flaming arrows are:

a. Doubt h. Discouragement/Depression
b. Guilt i. Loneliness
c. Fear j. Gossip/Slander
d. Abuse k. Illness (esp. serious/chronic)
e. Anxiety l. Persecution
f. Betrayal m. Separation or Divorce
g. Loss of job n. Despair over loss of loved one

3. The shield of faith will protect you from every one of Satan's missiles even in the
midst of the toughest trials. That is a promise from God! (Eph. 6:16)

I. Take up the helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:17).

1. The helmet protects the most important part of your body, the head. Your mind
is the place where spiritual battles are won or lost.

2. The assurance of salvation is a key part of our spiritual armor. Those under
attack by the devil very often have doubts about their salvation, and you can see
why. If Satan can destroy your hope, he can literally cause you to lose your mind
(1 John 5:11-13; John 10:27-30; 1 Thess. 5:8; 1 Peter 1:23).

J. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken Word of God (Eph. 6:17).

1. Satan cannot read our minds, so he cannot obey our thoughts. (2 Chron. 6:30).

2. Jesus, when He was tempted, spoke the Word of God (Deuteronomy) out loud to
Satan (Matt. 4:1-11), and the devil was forced to flee from Him.

3. The devil is not impressed by our great arguments, loud voices, or strong
personalities. But he must flee from the truth spoken by a Christian who is truly
walking with God (Jas. 4:6-7).

K. We must pray at all times in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18-20).

1. Pray under the Holy Spirit's guidance, for we don't know how to pray as we
should (Rom. 8:26-27).

2. Pray without ceasing and never give up (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 18:1).

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3. Be aware of the needs of other Christians as well as yourself, and pray. Always
be on the alert for ways Satan would try to keep you from praying (Col. 4:2;
Mark 14:38). Here are some powerful prayers you can use in praying for others
and yourself:

a. Eph. 1:18-19
b. Eph. 3:14-19
c. Col. 1:9-12
d. Phil. 1:9-11
e. 2 Thess. 3:1-3

4. Pray that you and other Christians would boldly proclaim the gospel (Acts 4:31;
Col. 4:3-5).

5. If the apostle Paul needed prayer, how much more do we?!

Reflections ~
1. What are some of the schemes that the enemy is trying to get you to fall for
in your life? If you are unsure, ask the Lord right now to reveal to your mind the
ways Satan is trying to seduce or deceive you. __________________________
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2. Which of the following military terms best describes you right now: a soldier
fighting bravely on the front lines; a wounded soldier in the infirmary; a P.O.W.;
a soldier gone A.W.O.L.; or a civilian? Explain you choice.
_______________________________________________________________
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Reflections cont~
3. Some Christians believe that they are automatically protected from the devil
because of Christ. They take a passive view of spiritual warfare. Based on
Ephesians 6:10-20, do you think that is a biblical position? Why or why not? In
what ways have you perhaps been too passive in the battle for your mind?
_______________________________________________________________
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4. Looking at the full armor of God, which piece or pieces do you need to be
more diligent to keep in place? How have you been affected negatively by not
doing so? What can you do today to make sure you are putting on the full
armor of God? ___________________________________________________
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SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYING

Scripture teaches us that prayer is one form of spiritual warfare. J. Oswald Sanders
describes this type of prayer in his book, Effective Prayer:

In this aspect of prayer, three and not two are involved. Between God and the devil
the god of this world, stands the praying man. Though pitifully weak in himself, he
occupies a strategic role in this truceless warfare. His power and authority as he
battles in faith are not inherent, but are his through his union with the Victor of Cal-
vary.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is seen occupied not so much with the wicked men and evil
conditions He confronted, as with the forces of evil behind them. In the words of well-
meaning Peter and in the treachery of the traitorous Judas, Jesus detected the black hand of
Satan. Get thee behind Me, Satan, He said to Peter. Behind the hideous idol the
missionary sees the foul spirit who enslaves the devotee. We see souls bound in sin, but our
concern in prayer should be not only to pray for them, but also to pray against Satan who
holds them captive. He must be made to relax his hold on them, and only the power of
Christs victory, appropriated and applied through the prayer of faith, can achieve this. Jesus
dealt with the cause, not the effect, and if we are to pray effectively we must follow the
same pattern.

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In a graphic illustration, our Lord likened Satan to a well-armed strong man who kept his
palace in peace. Before he could be dislodged and his captives liberated, Jesus said he must
first be bound. Only then could the rescue be affected (Matt. 12:28-29; Luke 11:21-22).

We may be spiritual and prayerful, courageous and determined. We may even
succeed in breaking into the strong mans house, but if we have not learned the
secret of warfare and how to bind the strong man, he will very likely return in fury
and drive us out. Such a counter-attack can have a devastating effect on those who
have been praying and laboring hopefully, and it can also supply opposers with the
ammunition they require. --Arthur Wallis

What does it mean to bind the strong man, if not to restrain his activity by appealing to the
conquering power of Him who was manifested to destroy --render inoperative, powerless --
the work of the devil (1 John 3:8)? And how can this be done but by the prayer of faith,
which lays hold of the victory of Calvary and believes for its manifestation in the situation
on which prayer is being focused? Let us not reverse the Lords order --first bind then
spoil --and still expect to affect the rescue without neutralizing the adversary. Let us
confidently accept our divine-given authority and exercise it. "Behold I have given you
authority...over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19, RSV). What value is this
delegation of authority if not exercised?"

See Appendix G for Warfare Prayer

Reflections ~
1. Take some time alone or in a group and pray for yourself and other
struggling, hurting brothers and sisters in Christ that you know. You might want
to use the Scripture prayers listed in K-3 on p.88 in this session's teaching
outline as a guide.
2. Beth Moore in her book Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual
Strongholds recommends using a Bible concordance or a topical Bible
resource, to search for Scriptures pertaining to any issue that is preoccupying
you and robbing you of your freedom in Christ. You might not find a detailed
description of your stronghold, but you will most definitely be able to find verses
that apply. Ask God to guide you and open your eyes to His Word. If you are
not sure how to use Bible resources like a concordance, ask a Christian friend
or your group leader to help you. Once you've found a list of pertinent
Scriptures, simply rewrite them into prayer and start using them. You may
want to keep these scripture prayers in a special notebook. God's word is
powerful and effective. (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16)

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Reflections cont~
Some examples: If I had an addiction, I could use Rom. 13:14 as a prayer.
"Father, help me to clothe myself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and not to
think about how to gratify the desirers of the sinful nature. I desperately
need Your help to do this Father! Teach me and help me."
If I struggled with self-hatred, I could use Ps. 139:14 as one of my prayers;
"O, Lord, please forgive me for my self-loathing. Help me to praise You
because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."
The Bible is filled with indescribable treasures, and time in His Word is never
wasted. Enjoy your dig into God's Word. ______________________________
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This course was designed to help you fully grasp your identity in Christ and understand the
authority you have as a child of God. It was also written to make you aware of the struggle
that is going on around you at every moment of the day and night. We have a powerful
adversary whose goal is to totally wreck our lives, ruin our relationships, neutralize our
influence, and to fill us with guilt, despair, and hopelessness. We have a God that is
stronger than our adversary who has equipped us to destroy the works of the devil in our
lives, the lives of our loved ones, and in the society we live in.

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We believe that every Christian can benefit from taking a few hours of time to get alone
with a Freedom in Christ counselor and a trusted friend (prayer partner) and go through the
"Steps to Freedom in Christ" that follow this lesson. We hope and pray that you will do just
that.

After you have gone through the steps we recommend that you then spend several weeks
praying through Dr. Neil Andersons, Walking in Freedom. This book is a daily devotional
tool that God has used in many individuals lives to "nail down" the principles of the study,
and to help them maintain their freedom in Christ. We pray that you will always walk in the
freedom that God has given you in Christ and that you exercise the authority that He has
given you to tear down Satan's strongholds in your life and in your sphere of influence.
Amen

Write 2 Cor. 10:4 in the blanks below and be prepared to say it from memory.
__________________________________________________________________________
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Appendix A: Some More Benefits Of My Salvation:

I once was dead but now Im alive (Luke 15:32).
I once was lost but now I have been found (Luke 15:32).
I shall not perish; I have eternal life (John 3:16; John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13).
I am clean from my sin through Jesus Word (John 15:3).
I have been chosen by Jesus to bear fruit for God that will last (John 15:16).
I have power to be Christs witness through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
I have been declared not guilty of my sin (Rom. 5:1)
I have Gods love poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).
God showed how much He loved me by sending His Son to die for me! (Rom. 5:8)
I have died to sin (Rom. 6:2, 11).
I have been raised up with Christ to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4-5; Col. 2:12)
I have died to the law and now I belong to God to bear fruit for Him (Rom. 7:4).
I am forever free from condemnation for my sin! (Rom. 8:1).
I have received a Spirit of son-ship and by Him I cry out, Abba, Father! (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6).
I am told by the Holy Spirit within me that I am Gods child (Rom. 8:16).
I have the Holy Spirit within me, praying for me (Rom. 8:27).
I have the assurance that God is causing all things in my life to work for good (Rom. 8:28).
I am being made into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18).
I have the assurance that Christ is always praying for me (Rom. 8:31, Heb. 7:25).
I know that God is for me, so who can be against me (Rom. 8:31)?
Since God did not spare His Son for me, will He not give me all I need (Rom. 8:32; Matt. 6:33)?
Nothing can separate me from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39).
I am called Gods loved one (Rom. 9:25).
I have been totally accepted by Christ (Rom. 15:7)
I have been enriched in Christ in every way (1 Cor. 1:5).
God will not allow me to be tempted beyond my ability to escape and endure it (1 Cor. 10:13).
I have been gifted spiritually by God to do His work (1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10).
I have been baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
I am what I am by the grace of God (1 Cor. 15:10).
I have victory over death through my Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
All that I do in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
It is God who makes me stand firm in Christ by faith (2 Cor. 1:21, 24).
I have been anointed by God (2 Cor. 1:21).
God has set His seal of ownership on me (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14).
God has put His Spirit in my heart as a pledge, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor. 1:22).
God always leads me in His triumphal procession (2 Cor. 2:14).
God sees me as an aroma (fragrance) of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15).
I am adequate for Gods work because God has made me adequate (2 Cor. 3:5-6).
I have the treasure of the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in me (2 Cor. 4:6-7).
I have been reconciled to God and given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18).
I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9).
I am strong in Christ when I am weak in myself (2 Cor. 12:10).
I am crucified with Christ and now Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20).
I have clothed myself with Christ (Gal. 3:27).
I have been called to freedom in Christ (Gal. 5:1, 13).
I have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires, since I belong to Christ (Gal. 5:24).
I have been crucified to the world and the world has been crucified to me (Gal. 6:14).
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
I have been chosen by God to be holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4).
I have been predestined to adoption as Gods son (Eph. 1:5).
I have redemption, the forgiveness of my sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Col. 2:1) .
I have been lavished with Gods grace (Eph. 1:7-8).
I was created to be the praise of Gods glory (Eph.1:12).
I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5; Col. 2:13).
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(Appendix A cont.)
I have been saved by the grace of God through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
I have been brought near to God through the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
I have access to the Father through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18.).
God will present me to Himself as part of a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but
holy and blameless (Eph. 5:27).
I can be confident that God will complete the good work He began in me (Phil. 1:6).
God is at work in me both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:1).
I have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son God loves
(Col. 1:13).
I am free from accusation, holy in Gods sight, without blemish (Col. 1:22).
Christ is in me (Col. 1:27).
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
I have been raised with Christ (Col. 3:1).
My life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
My life is Christ (Col. 3:4).
I am greatly loved by God and chosen by God (1 Thess. 1:4; 1 John 3:1).
I will be rescued from the coming wrath of God (1 Thess. 1:10).
God is faithful and will keep my whole spirit, soul and body blameless when Jesus comes again (1 Thess.
5:23-24).
I have been chosen from the beginning for salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
I will one day gain the glory of my Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:14).
God will strengthen me and protect me from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3).
I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
Jesus is not ashamed to call me brother (Heb. 2:11).
Jesus is able to come to my aid when Im tempted (Heb. 2:18).
I have bold and confident access to God through faith in Jesus (Heb. 4:16; Heb. 10:19-22; Eph. 3:12).
I have been sanctified (made holy) by Christs death (Heb. 10:10).
I have been perfected for all time by Christs death (Heb. 10:14).
God has put His laws on my heart and written them on my mind (Heb. 10:16).
God has chosen to remember my sins and lawless deeds no more (Heb. 10:17).
I have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28).
God will never desert me nor forsake me! (Heb. 13:5).
The Lord is my helper; therefore, I will not be afraid (Heb. 13:6).
I have been born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3, 23).
I have an inheritance waiting for me in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4).
My salvation is protected by the power of God through faith (1 Pet. 1:5).
God and I are part of the same family; He is my Father (1 Pet. 1:17; Heb. 2:11).
I was redeemed from my old, futile life through the blood of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
My soul is purified to be able to sincerely love others (1 Pet. 1:22).
By Christs wounds I have been healed (from sin) (1 Pet. 2:24).
I have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of my soul (1 Pet. 2:25).
I have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
I have been granted Gods precious and magnificent promises in order to partake of Gods nature (2 Pet.
1:4).
I have been purified from my former sins (2 Pet. 1:9).
I have an anointing from the Holy One and I know the truth (1 John 2:20-21).
I am righteous just as God is righteous (1 John 3:7).
I am from God and have overcome false spirits, because greater is He (the Holy Spirit) who is in me than
he (Satan) who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
I have overcome the world through my faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4-5).
I have Jesus and I know that I have eternal life! (1 John 5:11-13).
Jesus loves me and released me from my sins by His blood (Rev. 1:5).
My name has been written in the Lambs book of life and I shall enter the holy city, the new Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:10, 27).
I will see Jesus face and His name will be on my forehead and I will serve Him in heaven forever!
Hallelujah! (Rev. 22:3-4).
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Appendix B: ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM JESUS TO ME

The Father knows what I need before I ask Him (Matt. 6:8).
I am of much more value to my Father than plants and animals (Matt. 6:26, 30).
The Father will give good gifts to me when I ask Him (Matt. 7:11).
I do not need to fear any man, but I should fear God alone (Matt. 10:28).
God, my Father, watches over me; He even knows the numbers of hairs on my head (Matt. 10:30).
I can come to Jesus for rest for my soul when I am weary and burdened (Matt. 11:28-30).
If I have faith as a mustard seed, nothing (within Gods will) will be impossible for me! (Matt. 17:21; 1
John 5:14-15).
Jesus will be with me always, until the end of time (Matt. 28:20).
I should not be afraid; for my Father has been pleased to give me the kingdom (of God) (Luke 12:32).
The Lord will bring justice to me, one of His chosen ones, when I cry out to Him in prayer and dont give
up (Luke 18:1, 7).
The Lord has given me living water (the Holy Spirit) at no cost, so Ill never thirst again (John 4:13-14;
John 7:37-39; Rev. 21:6).
The Father seeks people like me to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
Because I have come to Jesus, the bread of life, my soul will never be hungry again (John 6:35).
Jesus will raise me up at the last day (John 6:40).
If I continue in Jesus word, I am truly His disciple, and I will know the truth, and the truth will set me
free! (John 8:31-32).
If Jesus sets me free, I will really be free! (John 8:36).
Since I belong to God, I can hear what God says (John 8:47).
Since I am Jesus sheep, He leads me, calls me by name and He knows me (John 10:3, 14).
Jesus has come to give me life to the fullest (John 10:10).
Jesus, my Good Shepherd, laid down His life for me (John 10:11).
No one can snatch me out of Jesus or the Fathers hand (John 10:28-29).
My Father will honor me when I serve Him (John 12:26).
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me in heaven, and Hell come back one day to bring me home (John
14:3).
Jesus will not leave me as an orphan, He has sent the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to be with me, inside me,
forever (John 14:16-18).
The Father loves me, and Jesus and the Father have made their home with me (John 14:23).
The Comforter/Counselor (the Holy Spirit) will teach me and remind me of Jesus words (John 14:26).
Jesus gives me His peace (not like the worlds peace), so I do not have to be troubled or afraid (John
14:27).
I can ask for whatever I wish and it will be done for me as I obey (abide in) Jesus and fill my mind with
His truth (John 15:7).
Jesus loves me as much as the Father loves Jesus! (John 15:9).
I experience Jesus love as I obey Him (John 15:10).
Jesus joy is in me completely when I obey Him and experience His love (John 15:11).
All that belongs to the Father also belongs to Jesus, and He will give it to me through the Holy Spirit (John
16:15).
I can ask the Father anything in Jesus name and He will do it (John 16:23).
Even though I have affliction in the world, I can be of good courage, because Jesus overcame the world!
(John 16:33).
Jesus prayed for me and prays for me even now! (John 17:20; Rom. 8:34).
Jesus Himself is in me! (John 17:26).
As the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent me (John 20:21)

Rich Miller, Freedom In Christ Ministries

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Appendix C: JESUS, THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Advocate 1 John 2:1 High Priest - Heb. 4:14

Ruler - Matt. 2:6

Alpha and Omega Rev. 21:6 Holy One - 1 John 2:20

Savior - Luke 2:11

Amen Rev. 3:14 Horn of Salvation - Luke 1:69

Son of God - Rom. 1:4

Anointed One Ps. 2:2 I Am - John 8:58

Son of Man - Matt. 24:30

Apostle of our Confession Heb. 3:1 Immanuel - Matt. 1:23

Teacher - John 13:13

Author and Perfecter of our Faith
Heb. 12:2
King of Israel - John 12:13

True Vine - John 15:1

Beginning and End Rev. 21:6

King of kings - Rev. 17:14

Truth - John 14:6

Beloved - Eph. 1:6

Lamb - Rev. 13:8

Way - John 14:6

Branch - Zech. 3:8

Life - John 14:6

Wonderful - Isa. 9:6

Bread of Life - John 6:35

Light of the World - John 8:12

Word of God - Rev. 19:13

Bright, Morning Star - Rev. 22:16 Lion of Judah - Rev. 5:5

Chief Cornerstone - Mark 12:10

Living Stone - 1 Pet. 2:4

Chief Shepherd - 1 Pet. 5:4

Lord - John 21:7

Christ - Matt. 16:16,17

Lord Jesus Christ - 1 Pet. 1:3

Counselor - Isa. 9:6

Lord of lords - Rev. 17:14

Deliverer- Rom. 11:26

Messiah - John 4:25, 26

Door - John 10:2

Mighty God - Isa. 9:6

Eternal Father - Isa. 9:6

Our Passover Lamb - 1 Cor. 5:7

Faithful and True - Rev. 19:11

Prince of Peace - Isa. 9:6

First and Last - Rev. 22:13

Prophet - Deut. 18:15,18

God - John 1:1,14

Redeemer - Isa. 59:20

Good Shepherd - John 10:11 Resurrection and Life - John 11:25

Guardian of Souls - 1 Pet. 2:25

Righteous One - Isa. 53:11

Head - Eph. 4:15

Rock - 1 Cor. 10:4

Heir of All Things - Heb. 1:2

Root and Offspring of David - Rev. 22:16

99
Appendix D: DISCERNMENT
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE VOICES OF GOOD AND EVIL

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish
good from evil" (Heb. 5:14)

"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21-22).

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1John 4:1).

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in
the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your
hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but
is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition there you find
disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure,
then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere
(Jas. 3:13-17).

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all
discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and
blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes
through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Phil. 1:9-11).
Our minds are constantly receiving input. Some of it is in the form of thoughts or ideas that just seem
to pop up in our brains.
A lot of the input we receive comes from our hearing what other people are saying, either live or
from the media (TV, radio, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.). How can we decide what is from
God and what is not? That is a very important question in todays world.
Hebrews 5:14 tells us that discernment is learned. How do you learn it? By constant use of biblical
truth (solid food). That is, the more we understand the Scripture and apply the biblical principles of
discernment, the better we get at it. Now, it is true that the Bible speaks of a supernatural ability from
the Holy Spirit to be able to distinguish good from evil spirits (1 Cor. 12:10). But whether you have
this gift or not, all mature believers in Christ are expected to learn how to accurately discern the
voices of good and evil. And, in most cases, a disciplined study of Gods Word over time (2 Tim.
2:15) will enable you to distinguish truth from error and right from wrong.
The checklist on the following page should be helpful to you in deciding whether the thought,
impression, vision, dream, teaching, or preaching that you hear is from God or not. Discernment is
first and foremost based on measuring everything by the truth taught in the Bible. All other means of
discernment are secondary in importance to a thorough searching of Gods Word. Of course, all
efforts at discernment should be bathed in humble, believing prayer for wisdom from God. He
promises to always answer such a request (Jas. 1:5-8).
-Rich Miller, Freedom In Christ Ministries

100
Appendix D cont.: DI SCERNMENT CHECKLI ST
The following are general principles, in order of priority! Gods Word, of course, is our
ultimate authority. But it must be Gods Word accurately interpreted. In matters that seem
confusing and unclear to us, it is always a wise practice to consult several mature, Spirit-
filled, Bible-wise believers in Christ.

The Voice of Good

The Voice of Evil

Agrees with or does not clearly
violate any truth or principle of
Gods Word, the Bible
(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Contradicts Gods Word clearly or twists
or misinterprets it (often taking one
isolated verse out of the whole context of
Scripture) (Eph. 4:14)
Stands in basic agreement with historical,
biblical church doctrine (Titus 2:1)

Comes across as new, radical truth that
no one has ever discovered before
(1 Cor. 14:29-33)

Exalts God the Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ
(1 Tim. 1:17; 2 Pet. 3:18)

Exalts a particular person, group of
people, or organization
(1 Cor. 3:1-9; Jude 3-4)
Submits humbly to the leadership of the
local church or Christian organization
(1 Pet. 5:1-5)

Is proud, judgmental, lacking humble
subjection to human authority
(Jude 8,16)

Stands as right, ethical and full of integrity
by wise and discerning people
(Phil. 4:8)

Subtly introduces compromise of ethics or
moral values or integrity (seems like too
easy a short-cut); often will cause a sense
of uneasiness within discerning people
(1 Cor. 6:12)

Is confirmed as true over time by
prayerful, Spirit-filled, Bible-searching
believers (1 Thess. 5:21)

Fades away over time through the careful
and prayerful study of the Scriptures
(2 Tim. 2:15)

Comes from a source that fears God
and walks in humble dependence on
Him; promotes holy living in others
(Titus 1:1)

Often comes from a source with no proven
record of wisdom, humility, and the fear of
the Lord; somehow stimulates the flesh
(2 Pet. 2:1-3; Col. 2:20-23)
Builds up the body of Christ in love
(Eph. 4:14-16)

Causes unnecessary division in the body
of Christ (Titus 3:9-11; 1 Cor. 8:1)
Stimulates a calm, composed and peaceful
spirit within (Phil. 4:9)
Creates a sense of anxiety, restlessness, or
frantic hurry (Col. 3:15)

-Rich Miller, Freedom In Christ Ministries
101
Appendix E: Overcoming The Adversary Handling Temptations
102
Temptation Truth About God Truth About Me Command to Obey
Anger
I have a right to
be mad at them!
God is slow to anger,
and kind even to
those who are evil
and ungrateful (Ps.
103:8; Luke 6:27-36)

I am now, by
nature, a
peacemaker, since I
am a child of God
(Matt. 5:9)

Do not let the sun
go down on my
anger; do not seek
revenge (Eph. 4:26-
27; Rom. 12:17-21)

Fear
Im scared.
God loves me and
promises His
powerful presence
(Jer. 31:3; Isa.
41:10)

God has given me a
spirit of power,
love, and a sound
mind (2 Tim. 1:7)

Fear God alone and
no one or nothing
else; He will be a
Sanctuary.
(Isa. 8:11-14)

Rebellion
I dont care what
God says!
God is Lord of all
creation and I will
stand before the
judgment seat of
Christ one day.
(2 Cor. 5:9-10)

I am a child of
God, and God is my
Lord and Father,
so obeying Him is
best for me (Heb.
12:9)

Do what God says;
do not think hearing
Gods Word is
enough (Jas. 1:22-
25)

Worry (anxiety)
Im really
nervous about
what might
happen!

God knows all things
and He is sovereignly
in control (Ps. 139:1-
18; Job 42:1)

God is for me, who
can be against me?
God has given
Jesus to me; cant I
then trust Him with
the rest of my life?
(Rom. 8:31-32;
Phil. 4:19)

Dont worry about
anything, but pray
to God with thanks
about everything
and He will give me
all I need. He really
cares for me (Phil.
4:6-7;
1 Pet. 5:7)

Lust of the Flesh
I just cant help
myself!
God knows whats
best for me and His
Word protects me
and brings freedom.
(Ps. 19:7-11)

My body is a
temple of the Holy
Spirit and I belong
to God; I am not
my own master
(1 Cor. 6:19-20)

Walk by the Spirit.
Flee youthful lusts
(Gal. 5:16;
2 Tim. 2:22)

Lust of the Eyes
I must have
that!

Christ is a treasure of
wisdom and
knowledge, and
wisdom is greater
than riches! (Col.
2:3; Prov. 8:10-11;
Isa. 33:5-6)
I am complete in
Christ and all I
need comes from
Jesus the vine (Col.
2:10; John 15:5-7)

Be free from the
love of money and
be content with
what you have since
you have God (Heb.
13:5)

Boastful Pride of
Life
Look what I
did!
God gives grace to
the humble but
opposes the proud
(Jas. 4:6)

All I have and all I
am is a gift from
God
(1 Cor. 4:7, 15:10)

Humble yourself
under Gods mighty
hand; He will exalt
you at the right time
(1 Pet. 5:6; Jas.
4:7)
Appendix F: OVERCOMING THE ADVERSARY
(HANDLING ACCUSATIONS)

When Satan says to me...

God says to me...

"Look at you, you just committed that sin
again!

"I have forgiven you and I still love you
even when you sin. (Ps. 103:8-13)

"You cant stop sinning!

"I have set you free from sin; you no
longer have to sin! (Rom. 6:18-22)

God has rejected you!

"I have chosen and accepted you! (Eph.
1:4; Rom. 15:7)

"You dont belong anywhere!

"I have adopted you into My family; you
belong to Mel (Rom. 8 :15,
1 Cor. 6:19-20)

Nobody loves you!

"I will love you always!
(Rom. 8:38-39)

You are worthless and wicked, what
right do you have to tell others about
Christ?

"I sent My Son to die for you, you are not
worthless! I have put my Spirit within you
to give you the power to do what is right
and to be My witness!" (Rom. 5:8; Acts
1:8)

You are so helpless and incompetent!
God cannot use you!

"I have gifted you for My service and
your adequacy is in Me! (1 Pet. 4:10;
2 Cor. 3:5)

103
Appendix G: Spiritual Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I humble myself in worship before you. To your holy name be glory, honor, and praise forever! You are
worthy of my adoration, devotion, and thanksgiving. By faith I claim the protection of the blood of the
Lord Jesus Christ around and within me. In union with Christ, I take my stand against all efforts of
Satan and his demons to hinder me in this time of prayer. I address myself only to the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ and reject any involvement of Satan in this prayer.
(At this point, pause and rebuke Satan directly before continuing in prayer. God wont mind; He's used
to interruptions. Speak these next three sentences aloud.)
Satan, I command you in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ to leave my presence with all
your demons and to go to the place where Jesus Christ sends you. Do not come back. I bring His blood
between us and around me as a shield. In the name of the- Lord Jesus Christ, I order you not to approach
me in any way except by the heavenly Fathers perfect will.
(Resume praying.)
Righteous Father, by faith and in obedience to your command I put off the old self which is being
corrupted by its deceitful desires and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness
and holiness. I clothe myself with Jesus Christ, resist all the forces of darkness that stimulate the desires
of my flesh, and claim the appearing of the Son of God to destroy the devils work in my life. By the
power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I retake any ground given to the devil and release its full
control to the Holy Spirit.
By faith I come into union with the presence, power, life, work and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. I
claim the power and effect of His work in Creation, Revelation in Scripture, Incarnation, Crucifixion,
Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, Session (seating at the heavenly Fathers right hand), Outpouring of
the Holy Spirit, Intercession, Headship of the church, rule in the Kingdom of God and Second Coming
in power and great glory. I claim the power of the written and living Word of God. I bring all this power
to bear against Satan, his forces of evil and his strategies against me. Heavenly Father, with the divine
power of weapons of righteousness that you give in Christ I tear down Satans strongholds in my life
and the lives of those I love. I destroy every argument and excuse for not knowing the triune God better
and better. I reject the images, ideas and phrases that make sin attractive and plausible. By faith I claim
the mind of Christ. I take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. I demolish the plans of
Satan formed against me today. I smash the plans of Satan against my heart, emotions, mind, will, spirit,
body, soul, character and personality. I burst the strongholds of the enemy against any and every part of
myself and bring my deepest desires to you for satisfaction. In obedience to the command in your Word,
I commit myself to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Thank you for the full armor of God
that you provide. Right now I put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots of
readiness that come from the gospel of peace. I hold up the shield of faith that extinguishes all the
flaming arrows of the evil one. I put on the helmet of salvation. I grasp the sword of the Spirit, the Word
of God. Train me to use it with supernatural ability. Stimulate me to pray on all occasions with all kinds
of prayers and requests.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving me and laying down your life for me. Open my eyes today for the
opportunity to love others and to lay down my life for them. Grant me opportunities to use the spiritual
gifts you have given to me in a spirit of humility, joy and service. Help me to take my focus off myself
and to fix my eyes on Jesus Christ and on those whom you want me to love and serve. I enter this day
with thanksgiving and praise. Open my eyes to what you are doing, Holy Father, and allow me to be
used of the Holy Spirit as a part of it. I pray in the confidence of the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus
Christ who is able to keep me from falling and present me before your presence without fault and with
great joy. AMEN
Reprinted from Supernatural Energy for Your Daily Race by Charles Mylander
104

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