Main Idea: As we advance the gospel and face spiritual darkness, we can trust the Light of Christ to overcome.
- Spiritual darkness is as __________ as spiritual Light. (vs. 16)
[16] As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.
- Sometimes spiritual darkness appears as _________. (vs. 17)
[17] She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 11:14: And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
- Jesus’ authority and power ___________________________ spiritual darkness. (vs. 18)
[18] And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
Ephesians 6:10–12: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] 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.
- Sometimes spiritual darkness seems to prevail, but God is to be ________________________ in the midst of it. (vs. 19-24)
[19] But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. [20] And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. [21] They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” [22] The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. [23] And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. [24] Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
*2 Corinthians 10:3–5, James 4:6–10, Ephesians 6:13–18
Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?
Today’s Lunch Discussion: Do you see the reality of spiritual warfare in front of you? Do you ever underestimate the power of the devil and his demons? How does Satan use the truth against God’s people, appearing as an “angel of light?” How does it affect you to understand that Christ has all power and authority over Satan? How does this encourage you in spiritual warfare? In what ways could trust in Jesus be more deeply expressed when it seems like the enemy is winning a battle? Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and discuss how we should be fighting the spiritual darkness?