Foundational Issues ­ It starts with Pride. Why was Satan cast out of Heaven? What was the rebellion in him”? 1) Read Isaiah 14:12­14 and list the meanings of the five “ I wills”. a) I will ascend to Heaven – b) I will raise my throne above the stars Refer to Daniel 8:9­10 and Revelation 12:4 as well) – c) I will sit on the mount of assembly – d) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds­ e) I will make myself like the Most High. ­ 2) Satan is not only jealous of God, but he jealous of man as well. List two reasons: 3) How does Satan steal glory away from God? 4) Do you believe most Christians understand the glory of God to be the central issue in spiritual warfare? Why or why not? 5) Does the relationship between spiritual warfare and the glory of God change the way you perceive Satan and his work in your life? Worldview is defined as: “The thought system we develop for explaining the world around us and our experiences in it. It is determined almost entirely by the society in which we grow up. In most instances, it is something that we absorb subconsciously more than something we adopt after careful study.” 1 1= Timothy M Warner, Spiritual Warfare, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books 1991), PG 24 6) With the above definition of worldview, describe how it affects our perception of reality.
Lesson 2­ Foundational Issues ­ It starts with Pride. Christian Victory © 2010 1 “We are usually more aware of the people who live around us, than we are of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.” Other Views a) Animistic Worldview: Believes that spiritual power permeates everything in the world. This spiritual power can be in a rock, a cow as it is capable of permeating everything. For animists, spiritual power is a neutral force to be manipulated for good or evil. In their view, the natural and supernatural realms are so intricately linked together that they are forever mixed and inseparable. b) Scientific World View: This view has divided reality into two distinct parts, the supernatural and natural spheres. This places everything into an either or category. Religious or secular, spiritual or physical, etc. In this view, ultimately God exists in Heaven alone and man exists on earth with no connection between the two. c) Scriptural Worldview: This view brings balance needed to correct the world around us and accurately assess the status of our foe. This view maintains that there are three different beings interacting together: God, angels and humans. Scripture supports the concept of two realms, a spiritual realm and a physical realm that are connected by the presence, function, and activities of both good and evil angels. 7) Do you believe that most Christians maintain a scientific worldview or a biblical worldview? Why or why not? "Many of us are constantly defeated by what is happening around us because we aren't ready to accept that the battle is God's, not ours. Even when we realize our own powerlessness to cope with the enemy, we are afraid to let go and trust ourselves to God's power...the only way out of that dilemma is a step of faith on our part." ~Power In Praise 15, Merlin Carothers. (FP) Food for thought: Knowing that it was impossible for Satan to overcome God, why do you think that he became jealous? Practical application: How will a biblical worldview and an understanding of the glory issue change your daily Christian walk? Digging Deeper: Utilize commentaries and outside resources to study Isaiah 14: 12­14 and write a one page summary of your findings.
Lesson 2­ Foundational Issues ­ It starts with Pride. Christian Victory © 2010 2