Today, many people fail to recognize that we are in the midst of a spiritual contest – one that while ongoing since the beginning, has an ending that is certain and sure. Until this contest concludes, we, in our service to the One True God, walk in the light of God’s Word and the power of the gift from the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of the Spiritual Light and Darkness page is to discuss the spiritual contest of which we are all a part. We will consider light and darkness, the qualities of our God, His Son and our Lord, His children, our Adversary and his motives and methods, and how we can stand against him in this day and time.
Two Spiritual Kingdoms
God’s word speaks of two spiritual kingdoms: one of darkness and one of light. We begin this great subject by identifying those kingdoms and briefly considering their structure.
Light
In this session, we will consider “light” from the biblical perspective: its qualities, what it represents, and how it is dispensed.
Darkness
In this session, we will consider “darkness” as opposed to light. What does spiritual darkness look like? What are its qualities and what does it represent? How is it distributed?
God Almighty
In this session, we will begin a consideration of the major players in our fight against spiritual darkness – God Almighty.
Our Exalted Lord
In this session, we will begin a consideration of the another major player in our fight against spiritual darkness – Our Exalted Lord.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
In this session, we will begin a consideration of the another major player in our fight against spiritual darkness – The Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Our Adversary – Part 1
In this session, we will consider the first of a two-part discussion regarding – Our Adversary.
Our Adversary – Part 2
In this session, we will consider the second of a two-part discussion regarding – Our Adversary.
The Times in Which we Live
Biblical chronology speaks of a period of approximately 4000 years from Adam to the birth of Jesus Christ. Since his coming and accomplishing all that God determined was necessary for mankind’s redemption another 2000 years have passed – and during the 6000 years from Adam to today, people have had to deal with the Adversary. To fully exercise our rights, we need to appreciate what we have as a result of the work of our Lord. We live in an exceptional time!
The Motivation of the Adversary
Understanding our enemy, recognizing his schemes and ways, will help us stand against him. In this session, we begin to discuss how he operates and what motivates him.
The Adversary Operates in Secret
Our real enemy is not people (flesh and blood) but Satan. Knowing how he operates against us helps us deal with his schemes. In this session we consider that one of his methods is to operate behind the scenes, in secret.
The Adversary Counterfeits the Truth
God’s Word exposes the means and methods of our Adversary. In this session we consider one of his methods – he offers counterfeits to the things of God by offering appealing substitutes that looks good but fall short of God’s will for His children.
The Adversary Offers Good Causes
In this session we consider one of the Adversary’s schemes – offering a good cause in place of God’s cause. The world offers many enticing substitutes to lure believers away from the One True God: politics, social and environmental activism, fraternal organizations, career paths … these can be irresistible and cause one to take their eyes off of God. These appealing substitutes can cause one to miss out on all that God offers to bless His own.
Some Characteristics of Devil Spirits
While the Adversary and his minions existed in Old Testament times, they were really exposed by Jesus Christ during his ministry. In this session, we consider some of the characteristics by which they exhibit themselves.
20230516 – Submit Yourself to God
God’s Word tells us that we are to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand firm in the evil day. In this session we will consider that in this spiritual fight, we are to submit ourselves to God.
How to Resist The Devil – Part 1
God’s Word tells us that we are to put on the whole armor of God. In this session we will concentrate on two of our armor elements: 1) being girt about wiith truth and 2) putting on the breastplate of righteousness.
How to Resist The Devil – Part 2
We can resist the Devil by putting on the whole armor of God. In this session we will concentrate on two more parts of our armor elements: 1) moving forward with the gospel of peace and 2) taking the shield of the right way of believing.
How to Resist The Devil – Part 3
We resist the Devil by putting on the whole armor of God, including: 1) the helmet of salvation, 2) the sword of the Spirit, and 3) prayer in the spirit with perseverance.
Controlling our Thinking – Finding a Life of Peace
We have seen that to resist the Devil we must be receptive to God’s instructions. Receptivity includes having minds that are at peace – clear and not cluttered with confusion, anxiety, or the white noise of life. We need to remove the negatives from our minds and replace that content with God’s Words.
Controlling our Thinking – Operating a Life of Power
God’s Word explains how we can resist the Adversary with the result that he will flee! We use every tool given us by God and follow His instructions without wavering. In this final session of Spiritual Light and Darkness, we see the value of clearing our minds and living our lives by operating the power we have within.