6/30/2019
Keys To Spiritual Growth – Pt 5
Ephesians 4:13…until we all reach unity in the faith & in the knowledge of the Son of God & become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The Stages Of Maturity-Fathers, Young Men & Children
1 John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
Young Men Have Left Infancy
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Spiritual Strength Matures As God’s Word Is Established In One’s Heart
1 John 2:13 &14 I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one…I write to you, young men, because you are strong, the Word of God lives in you & you have overcome the evil one.
Overcoming Satan Comes From Knowing Sound Doctrine
1 John 2:14b …you are strong, the Word of God lives in you & you have overcome the evil one.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
Spiritual War Concerns The Battle Of Ideology
1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the last days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits & doctrines of devils.
Satan Operates In False Belief Systems
John 8:44b-45 …he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar & the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light…his servants masquerade as servants of goodness…
Satan Commands All Worldly Anti-God Systems
Luke 4:5-8 The devil led him up to a high place & showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. He said to Him, “I will give you all their authority & splendor, for it has been given to me, I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God & serve Him only!'”
Psalm 2:1-3 Why do nations conspire & the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand & the rulers gather together against the LORD & against His Anointed One. “Let us break their chains, & throw off their fetters.”
False Religions Spoil God’s People Through Cultural/Intellectual Peer Pressure
Psalm 106:35-37 …they (Israel) mingled among the heathen & learned their works. They served their idols: which were a snare unto them. They sacrificed their sons & their daughters unto devils…
False Belief Systems Are Satanic
1 Corinthians 10:20 …the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, I do not want you to be participants with demons.
The Characteristics Of A “Young Man” They Know The Word Of God
Hebrews 5:13-14 Anyone who lives on milk is still a baby & knows nothing about right teaching. But solid food is for those who are grown up. They have put it into practice in order to know the difference between good & evil.
Satan’s Weaponry Consists Of False Words, Beliefs & Ideas
Revelation 12:15-17 The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. The earth helped the woman & the earth opened her mouth & swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. The dragon was wroth with the woman & went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, having the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong in the Lord & in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day & having done all, to stand…
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth & having on the breastplate of righteousness; your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer & supplication in the Spirit, watching with all perseverance & supplication for all God’s people…