SPIRITUAL WARFARE

DANGEROUS MATH:
We Can't Afford to Miscalculate The Spiritual Situation We Are In

We must be alert and vigilant so Satan might not outsmart us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Cor 2:11)

The Men of Issachar "understood the times" and "knew what Israel should do”
(1 Chronicles 12:32)

On the Immediate, Visual Level, We Are Teaching Students Various Subject Areas as Christian Teachers

At a Deeper Level, We Are Equipping Disciple-Soldiers for Spiritual Warfare

1 Timothy is one of the so-called "Pastoral Epistles." The Pastoral Epistles include the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. They were written by the Apostle Paul for the primary purpose of equipping church leaders. Timothy joined Paul in his missionary work and ministered with him during Paul’s earlier imprisonment. He is now in Ephesus serving the church where Paul had sent him. The Ephesian church had been facing important theological, personal, and cultural challenges. Paul writes to challenge Timothy to stand with strength against these things and to guard the church in the midst of great cultural evil, because lives depended on it.

1 Timothy 6:11-14 Selections:
But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH... I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ

Truths

• There "is" a Fight
• The Fight is Good
• It is "For the Faith"

Christians are in a Cosmic Struggle Against Evil

Without Christ and Equipped Christian Disciples the World Is Without Hope

The Stockdale Paradox

Shot down over North Vietnam, Admiral Stockdale endured seven years of captivity as a Prisoner of War in the "Hanoi Hilton." It was one of the longest such ordeals in American history. Tortured 15-20 times, he was forced to wear heavy leg irons for two years, and spent four of the seven years in solitary confinement, in total darkness

Ultimately his captors stopped torturing him. His indomitable spirit earned their respect, but more importantly, his courage only strengthened the resolve of other soldiers

Stockdale found that soldiers lying to themselves about "reality" and what they faced, led to their undoing and defeat

"Stockdale Paradox"
Confront the Brutal Facts Without Losing Hope That You Will Ultimately Be Victorious

Christians Face Great Challenges Both Outside and Inside
the Church

Challenges Outside
the Church

BRUTAL FACT:
Geo-Political Crises Rage with Threats Everywhere

BRUTAL FACT:
The Moral Fabric of Nations is Wearing Thin or in Tatters

BRUTAL FACT:
Extremism Rages and Some Believers Face Martyrdom

BRUTAL FACT:
Global Financial Markets are in Deep Turmoil

BRUTAL FACT:
Educational Costs Put Great Strains on Schools & Families

Challenges Inside
the Church

BRUTAL FACT:
Some Schools & Churches Are Weak on Scriptural Authority

BRUTAL FACT:
Families are Under More Strain and Pressure

FACT:
Religious Pluralism is Practiced By Some Christians

FACT:
Biblical Illiteracy Exists Among Some Christians

FACT:
Lack of Spiritual Flourishing of Some

Our Call of Duty requires fierce devotion to God's Kingdom and Those We Teach

The Devil is like a 'Lion'

"Your Enemy the Devil"

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Edmund Burke

The Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.
Deuteronomy 20:4

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 6:10-18

Call to Action

Intensely Commit Yourself to Being Fully Informed

Radically Devote Yourself to Equipping Students

Reflection Questions

• Which area of Spiritual Warfare do you consider most threatening to you or your students?
• What can you do to help your students be victorious in these battles?
• What can you encourage your students to do as they fight the good fight?