Practicing Christian Leadership, Student Workbook, SW11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

c. The devil: that infernal enemy who deceives the whole world and seeks to devour any believers who are neither alert nor prepared for his tactics, cf. 1 John 5.19; Rev. 12.10; 1 Pet. 5.8-9

2. The Christian life is not a 100-yard dash sprint, but a marathon: a crown of life is given to those who withstand the trials which will inevitably come to every disciple, James 1.12.

3. God has given leaders to the Church to reprove, rebuke, and exhort believers to stay true to the kingdom promise that he has given them, Titus 2.15.

II. Why Is Exhortation and Spiritual Discipline Necessary: the Reality of Backsliding

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A. The devil tempts and deceives believers to turn their backs on the truth and resume their former ways.

1. The devil pursues believers to destroy their faith and testimony before God, 1 Pet. 5.8-9.

2. We can withstand the devil’s schemes with God’s armor, Eph. 6.11.

3. Believers are to resist the devil’s lies and schemes, James 4.7.

B. Discipline confirms your calling as God’s child (our identity as God’s own people).