Alpha | Session 13 | How Can I Resist Evil?

Where does evil come from?

• Triple alliance:
  • World – the enemy around
  • Flesh – the enemy within
  • Devil – the enemy above

1. WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT THE DEVIL EXISTS?
(Romans 12:21)

• Scripture: The Bible presents a personal, spiritual being in active rebellion against God
  • Old Testament (Isaiah 14; Job 1; 1 Chronicles 21:1)
  • Jesus (Luke 10:17–20)
  • Peter (1 Peter 5:8–11)
  • Paul (Ephesians 6:11–12)
• Tradition: Christians down through the ages have believed
• Reason: It makes sense of the world we see around us – Why do bad things happen?
• Avoid two extremes: Disbelief vs unhealthy, excessive interest

2. WHAT ARE THE DEVIL’S TACTICS? (Genesis 3)

• The devil wants to destroy our lives (John 10:10)
  • Doubt (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:3)
  • Temptation (Genesis 2:16–17)
  • Deception (Genesis 3:4)
  • Condemnation

But, ‘there is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 8:1)

3. WHAT IS OUR POSITION? (Colossians 1:13)

• We are transferred from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus
• We experience God’s love
• It’s a process – we won’t be complete until Jesus returns

4. HOW DO WE DEFEND OURSELVES? (Ephesians 6)

‘Be strong in the Lord… Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’ (Ephesians 6:10–11)

Focus on Jesus – belt of truth (v.14)

• ‘I am the truth.’ (John 14:6)
• Authenticity, integrity, openness in your life

Keep your relationships right – breastplate of righteousness (v.14)

• Keep short accounts with God
• Ask forgiveness from God and others

Get involved in service – boots of the gospel of peace(v.15)

• The readiness to speak of Christ (Isaiah 52:7–10)

Trust God in difficult times – shield of faith (v.16)

• The devil will challenge us with doubt, fear, anxiety, lust…
• Keep trusting; don’t give up on your faith

Win the battle of the mind – helmet of salvation (v.17)

• Salvation = freedom
• Protect your mind: temptation starts with a thought, which leads to action

Know your Bible – sword of the Spirit (v.17)

• Soak yourself in the word of God
• The only offensive piece of armour (Hebrews 4:12)

5. HOW DO WE ATTACK?

• Prayer: ‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions…’ (Ephesians 6:18)
• Action: ‘Don’t be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21)