Introduction

Sin: Defection from God’s moral standard, motivated by my flesh.

Evil: Those who over a long period of time, persistently and consistently refuse to acknowledge their sin.

Demonization: The influence of demons on people from small suggestions to inhabiting people’s minds.

So What?!

How do you fight demonic influence?

#1. Admit you’re in a spiritual battle.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day…Ephesians 6:12-13

#2. Realize a demon cannot inhabit a Christian.

…He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
I John 3:24
…greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.
I John 4:4

3. Commit to spiritual growth practice.

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. I John 2:29

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. I John 3:4

Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life
Luke 8:26-39, July 29 & August 1, 2021

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: Have you ever traveled to another country and been in a different culture and felt out of place?

Read out loud: Luke 8:26-39

How do you fight demonic influence ?

#1. Admit you’re in a spiritual battle. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day…Ephesians 6:12-13.
Name as many physical types of weapons of warfare you can think of and then name as many types of weapons of spiritual warfare that you can think of. Did you come up with more physical or spiritual weapons and why?
Have you ever been in a situation when you felt or sensed some kind of presence of evil and what was that like? What did you do?

#2. Realize a demon cannot inhabit a Christian. …He (God) abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. I John 3:24. …greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world. I John 4:4
A demon cannot live in a person that the Spirit of God is inhabiting, but I can be influenced by demon forces. I’m influenced through my sinful weaknesses or my flesh as Paul calls it, what’s one area I need to strengthen so I’m not so susceptible to demonic influence?

3. Commit to spiritual growth practice. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. I John 2:29. Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. I John 3:4
How would you define righteousness and describe what characteristics righteousness has. What did you practice the most growing up; sports, academic studies, music or something else? Do you remember feeling proud of yourself for the progress you made? What part of righteousness are you practicing? What part of righteousness do you think you’ve made the most progress in and what part do you need to practice more?

Family Time: Read Luke 8:39 to your children and ask them what they would talk about to their friends if they were going to, “describe what great things God has done for them.”
Be prepared to share with your kids the great things God has done for you, describe something small and simple as well as something large and deeply meaningful.