Active Christians Today at The University of Toledo
Alpha Week Eight - How Can I Resist Evil?
You are invited to our special Alpha Study! Whether you are a Believer, searching or don’t know what you believe, Alpha is for you. What is Alpha? It is a weekly session exploring different aspects of the Christian faith. Each Wednesday we will consider a different question about faith. Our weekly talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each focuses on the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity through God's Word.
Locations & Times
Delta Church of Christ
2018 Bretton Pl, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Wednesday 7:00 PM
Introduction:
Look at the daily news and we see evil all around us. What do we do about the issue of evil? Evil is obviously a serious issue and something we need to talk about. The world is talking about it... we can’t keep our heads in the sand!
Why do you think bad things happen?
Where does temptation come from?
How do you resist temptation?
Do you believe that there is a real “devil?”
Do you believe that “devil” can affect our lives?
Look at the daily news and we see evil all around us. What do we do about the issue of evil? Evil is obviously a serious issue and something we need to talk about. The world is talking about it... we can’t keep our heads in the sand!
Why do you think bad things happen?
Where does temptation come from?
How do you resist temptation?
Do you believe that there is a real “devil?”
Do you believe that “devil” can affect our lives?
Watch ALPHA 8 Part One
How do you answer “where does evil come from?”
• Triple alliance:
World—the enemy around
Flesh—the enemy within
Devil—the enemy above
Give an example of evil in each part of the “alliance.”
• Triple alliance:
World—the enemy around
Flesh—the enemy within
Devil—the enemy above
Give an example of evil in each part of the “alliance.”
1. WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT THE DEVIL EXISTS? (Romans 12:21)
• Scripture
• Tradition
• Reason
Of the three, which convinces you the most? Why?
“As far as God goes, I'm a non-believer. But when it comes to the devil, well, that's something else! The devil keeps advertising. The devil does lots of commercials.”
~ William Peter Blatty, author of the book The Exorcist and the screenplay for the film The Exorcist
What does that statement mean to you?
• Scripture
• Tradition
• Reason
Of the three, which convinces you the most? Why?
“As far as God goes, I'm a non-believer. But when it comes to the devil, well, that's something else! The devil keeps advertising. The devil does lots of commercials.”
~ William Peter Blatty, author of the book The Exorcist and the screenplay for the film The Exorcist
What does that statement mean to you?
2. WHAT ARE THE DEVIL’S TACTICS? (Genesis 3)
John 10:10 (ESV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Why do you believe the devil is described as a thief?
Do you believe you have been robbed by the devil in your life?
Doubt (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:3)
Temptation (Genesis 2:16–17)
Deception (Genesis 3:4)
Condemnation creates doubt... but, “there is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Of these four, which tactic is most difficult for you and why?
John 10:10 (ESV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Why do you believe the devil is described as a thief?
Do you believe you have been robbed by the devil in your life?
Doubt (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:3)
Temptation (Genesis 2:16–17)
Deception (Genesis 3:4)
Condemnation creates doubt... but, “there is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Of these four, which tactic is most difficult for you and why?
3. WHAT IS OUR POSITION? (Colossians 1:13)
Colossians 1:13 (ESV)
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
What does Paul mean when he says that we have been delivered from the domain of darkness?
If we’ve been delivered, what’s the problem? Why do we keep on struggling with evil in our lives?
Colossians 1:13 (ESV)
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
What does Paul mean when he says that we have been delivered from the domain of darkness?
If we’ve been delivered, what’s the problem? Why do we keep on struggling with evil in our lives?
Watch ALPHA 8 Part Two
Do you see the work of the devil in a personal way during your everyday life? Where? When?
Nikki talks about the incident with his bike. What is he trying to say with his example?
The Tutsi vs Hutu conflict in Rwanda is one of the saddest chapters in world history along with the Holocaust. Real evil thrived.
“I know that there is a God, because in Rwanda I shook hands with the devil. I've seen him. I've smelled him. I've touched him. I know the devil exists. And therefore I know that there's a God.”
~ Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire was part of the UN peacekeeping force in Rwanda and author of Shake Hands with the Devil
How do you feel hearing that the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide now live side by side with those they attempted to murder?
What kind of forgiveness is required in a case like that?
Nikki talks about the incident with his bike. What is he trying to say with his example?
The Tutsi vs Hutu conflict in Rwanda is one of the saddest chapters in world history along with the Holocaust. Real evil thrived.
“I know that there is a God, because in Rwanda I shook hands with the devil. I've seen him. I've smelled him. I've touched him. I know the devil exists. And therefore I know that there's a God.”
~ Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire was part of the UN peacekeeping force in Rwanda and author of Shake Hands with the Devil
How do you feel hearing that the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide now live side by side with those they attempted to murder?
What kind of forgiveness is required in a case like that?
4. HOW DO WE DEFEND OURSELVES? (Ephesians 6)
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10 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.
Focus on Jesus – belt of truth (v.14)
Keep your relationships right – breastplate of righteousness (v.14)
Get involved in service – boots of the gospel of peace (v.15)
Trust God in difficult times – shield of faith (v.16)
Win the battle of the mind – helmet of salvation (v.17)
Know your Bible – sword of the Spirit (v.17)
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10 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.
Focus on Jesus – belt of truth (v.14)
Keep your relationships right – breastplate of righteousness (v.14)
Get involved in service – boots of the gospel of peace (v.15)
Trust God in difficult times – shield of faith (v.16)
Win the battle of the mind – helmet of salvation (v.17)
Know your Bible – sword of the Spirit (v.17)
5. HOW DO WE ATTACK?
• Prayer: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions….” (Ephesians 6:18)
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Why do you believe prayer is so important when fighting evil in your life?
• Action: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Romans 12:21 (ESV)
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When you hear a story like that of Gram Seed, what does that tell you about the struggles you have in your life?
• Prayer: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions….” (Ephesians 6:18)
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Why do you believe prayer is so important when fighting evil in your life?
• Action: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Romans 12:21 (ESV)
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When you hear a story like that of Gram Seed, what does that tell you about the struggles you have in your life?
Your Story
What area of your life would you say the devil is using most to rob you? Why?
How can you make some practical changes in your life to fight evil?
What area of your life would you say the devil is using most to rob you? Why?
How can you make some practical changes in your life to fight evil?
RECOMMENDED READING
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
Café Theology by Michael Lloyd
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
Café Theology by Michael Lloyd
Praise & Prayer