Paranormal | Part 3 | Overcoming Spiritual Darkness 29 Oct

Are you stuck? Do you keep falling into temptation? Does an addiction rule your life? Your personal battle against these things may go deeper than simple self-control, it may be a spiritual battle. Join us as we look at some root sins that get us stuck and some ways to find freedom in our message, “Paranormal – Overcoming Spiritual Darkness”. #GCParanormal

Sins to Avoid:

False Religions
Rebellion
Unforgiveness
Sexual Immorality

Fighting Our Daily Battle:

Meditate
Pray
Fast

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Key Scripture:

1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT)

23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,

and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

So because you have rejected the command of the LORD,

he has rejected you as king.”

Ephesians 4:26–27 (NLT)

26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Psalm 119:9–11 (NLT)

9 How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word.

10 I have tried hard to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Matthew 26:36–41 (NLT)

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

Can you share a ‘light’ moment where you felt close to God in your faith walk, and a ‘dark’ moment where you faced doubts or challenges in your faith?

Start sharing. These questions are to help get your group thinking and to create openness.

Pastor Troy mentioned 4 sins to avoid because they lead to spiritual strongholds in our lives. Please share an example of choices you made in the past that led to spiritual strongholds in your life.
Read 1 Samuel 15:23. Do you view rebellion and witchcraft as equal? What’s the root reason for rebellion? How does it make us like satan?
Read Ephesians 4:26-27. How does unforgiveness create a foothold for the enemy in our lives? Does satan have a foothold in your life right now? What can you do about it?
Read Psalms 119:9-11. How can a person keep himself pure and undefiled by sin? What does meditating on God’s word look like in your life?
Read Romans 12:2. What happens when we meditate on God’s Word? Share an example of your own changed thinking or transformation over the last year.
Read Matthew 26:36-41. Why was Jesus praying in the garden? How does prayer strengthen our spirit when our flesh is weak?
What are some examples of people fasting in the Bible? What were their reasons for fasting? Have you ever fasted from food or anything else? Is there a spiritual stronghold in your life that could be broken by fasting?

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

This week, commit to the spiritual disciplines Troy outlined in this message: Meditation, Prayer, and Fasting.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Father, we are so thankful that you are a perfect, eternal light shining through the darkness. Help us to see clearly, to avoid the schemes of the enemy, to run away from sin and toward you, following only your perfect will. We ask for strength and endurance to be faithful to your word, and for your grace and guidance as we seek you out in prayer. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

Start digging. For further study.