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Series: Unveiling the Bible Story – Seeing Glory & Walking in Grace Mini-Series: Gospel DNA – Living By the Power of the Spirit Today: A Lifestyle of Radical Repentance (Acts 3-9; for next wk Acts 7-8) While I strongly encourage everyone to follow along in a Bible as I teach (Acts 17:11), I believe that only some will find these notes helpful. Most are better served by listening than by writing. – Pastor Jeff
Intro:
*** Acts chapters 3-9 shows that what defeats sin, Satan (& this fallen world) is regular, radical __________________. Holy Spirit-filled people & churches defeat sin, Satan (& this fallen world):
I. … by regularly, radically _______________ of tampering with the gospel (Acts 4:1-37, 5:17-42, 6:8-7:53). · satanic strategy #1: intimidate us into doctrinal & evangelistic _____________ (which destroys our outreach by our holding back of truth)
II. … by regularly, radically ________________ of spiritual & moral _______________ (Acts 5:1-16).
·
satanic strategy #2: _______
us into spiritual & moral hypocrisy (which _________ our humility &
holiness) III. … by regularly, radically ________________ of divisive _______________ & complaining (Acts 6:1-7). · satanic strategy #3: corrupt our _________ (which fractures our unity)
Holy Spirit-filled people & churches defeat sin, Satan (& this fallen world):
IV. … by regularly, radically repenting of not ___________ those who mistreat us (Acts 7:54-8:3; 9:1-31). · satanic strategy #4: tempt us to “not love __________” (which destroys our outreach by our lack of showing grace)
Concl: Questions for small group &/or family discussion of today’s message
1. Read 2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:11 (& Eph 4:14) and ask what does Paul mean by the “schemes” or “designs” of the devil? What kind of schemes does Satan use on you? 2. How does reflecting on his schemes help us not be “outwitted” by the devil? 3. What 1 or 2 of the “satanic strategies” discussed in today’s message & text are the most tempting to you? Which 1-2 are the biggest problem in our church? 4. How does Acts 3-9 gives us good remedies for each of our enemy’s attacks?
Digging Deeper into today’s Bible verses & themes A few suggestions for personal study
1. Read 2 Cor 2:11 & its context with a focus on the word “design”. What kinds of “designs” does Paul think Satan uses to try & “outwit us”? How does he seek to outwit you? How does he seek to “outwit” our church? 2. Read Eph 6:11 with a focus on the word “scheme(s)”. In light of Eph 6:10-20 what are some of the main methods of the devil? What are God’s remedies? 3. In light of Eph chapters 4-6 what are some of his additional methods? What are some more of God’s remedies? Which remedies do you most need to apply? 4. Read Eph 4:14 which also uses the word “scheme” as in 6:11. As you read & reflect on the context what do we learn about satanic schemes? What are some of the ways this passage tells us we can overcome these evil schemes? 5. The best book I know on this topic was written by Pastor Thomas Brooks in the mid-1600’s and is still in print! It is called PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES. Also online pdf version at www.swordofthelord.us/Library/Brooks/Satans-devices/index.html
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