Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, Mentor's Guide, MG08

/ 3 1

E V A N G E L I S M A N D S P I R I T U A L W A R F A R E

Through Jesus Christ, those who believe are delivered from Satan’s dominion and tyranny (his deception and oppression) and the fear of death. The salvation of God in Christ also delivers those who believe from the effects of the Curse and sin through the power of the Spirit. Evangelism is the declaration of God’s promised and prophesied deliverance through Jesus Christ to the entire world in the power of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the spiritual conflict which has occurred as a result of the Fall, and salvation as deliverance from the devil and sin. These concepts lie at the heart of all discussion about ministry, evangelism, and spiritual liberation. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Why is it important to affirm right from the beginning that the Fall, the Curse, and all the effects of sin resulted from our rebellion and not from God’s creation ? * In what way is it possible for us to describe all the evil down through human history as a result of both satanic influence and human choice, refusing to live under God’s righteous rule? * In light of what we know about the bondage that creation and humankind suffer as a result of sin, why is Jesus the only one who can bring deliverance to us? Support your answer with Scripture. * Is it fair for God to hold the entire human race accountable for the sin committed by Adam and Eve? What is the relationship of your sinning to their fall ? * How does understanding salvation as deliverance from wicked powers influence the way we think about sharing the Good News in evangelism? What should we expect when people accept the good news of salvation in Christ? * How does the Christian live out victoriously the deliverance that Jesus won for them on the cross? If a believer is not living in the freedom of Christ, how might we explain what is going on in their particular situation?

Student Application and Implications

1

page 176 10