Icebreaker: “Sticks and stone can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Is that saying true? How have you been hurt by someone else’s words? How have you been encouraged? Why do these events remain with us for long periods of time? Why do we need to be careful with our words? (Psalm 141:3 / Matthew 12:33-37) ____________________________________
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1. Words are a powerful tool. (James 3:2-12) How does the enemy use them against us? How can we sometimes be used as a tool of the enemy? ____________________________________
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2. How would God have us use words? (Mark 16:5 / Ephesians 4:29 / Colossians 4:5-6 / Hebrews 13:15) ________________________________________________________________
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3. Many times the accusations of the enemy are true. (You’re not: strong; worthy; capable; etc.) How do we counter these accusations? (II Corinthians 12:9-10 / James 4:7-10 / Galatians 2:20)
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4. How can God’s promises help us in battle against the enemy? (Give specific promises and how they help) (Hebrews 13:5 / Philippians 1:6 / I John 4:4 / Ephesians 3:20 / Luke 1:37)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What strategies can we employ in order to secure a victory over the enemy’s attacks? (James 4:7 / II Corinthians 10:3-5 / Psalm 18:1-3) ____________________________________________
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6. What happens when we let down our guard (Ephesians 6:10-13) and allow the enemy to gain a victory? (Psalm 32:3-4 / I Corinthians 11:17-18; 29-30) ________________________________
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7. God’s desire is that we have whole-hearted devotion to Him. What does that look like? (i.e. what would characterize a believer wholly devoted to God?) ____________________________
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Think about this week: As we seek to rebuild (our lives, families, church, communities) we need to be prepared for resistance and persecution. How can you begin preparing your mind and heart for what you might soon be facing? How can you use words to help prepare others?
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