1. Read the following passages. Briefly describe Jesus’ approach to exorcism? How did these encounters come about? Mark 1:21-26, Mark 7:24-30, Mark 9:14-27

2. Can Satan/demons possess Christians? Why or why not? Read the following passages and list characteristics of the people who were demon possessed. What do these accounts have in common? Mk 1:22-26, Mk 5:1-5, Mk 9:17-26

3. Read Exodus 20:5,34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deut. 5:9. Some argue that these verses teach “generational curses”…the idea that sins of parents can cause a “curse” in the form of satanic activity to be passed onto their children. What do you think?

Group Questions…

“the Christian’s struggle against otherworldly forces”

(Millard Erickson)

Spiritual Warfare

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

Matthew 4:23

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong

1st Corinthians 16:13

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision,…

Daniel 10:4-21

…And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me,…

Daniel 10:4-21

… for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come." When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, "O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. How can my

Daniel 10:4-21

For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me." Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, "O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage." And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me." Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come…

Daniel 10:4-21

…But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.

Daniel 10:4-21

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1st Cornithians 6:19-20

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1st Cornithians 3:16-17

1. Accusation & False Messages2. Leads us to Doubt our Salvation3. Persistent Discouragement4. Continual Temptation

4 Ways The Enemy Opresses

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:13

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

John 17:15

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Luke 22:31-32

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:23-25

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one

2nd Thessalonians 3:3

Though many foes beset you round,And feeble is your arm,Your life is hid with Christ in GodBeyond the realm of harm.

Weak as you are you shall not fade,Or fainting shall not die;Jesus the strength of every saintWill aid you from on high.

John Newton

Though unperceived by mortal sense,Faith sees Him always near,A guide, a glory, a defense,What have you to fear?

As surely as He overcame,And triumphed once for you,So surely you that love His nameShall in Him triumph too.

John Newton