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Ask the Experts Discussion: Jill Briscoe

What should I do when someone is under spiritual warfare?

Jill Briscoe is executive editor of Just Between Us magazine and minister-at-large of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Jill Briscoe responds in our Ask the Experts discussion.

Topics:	Conflict, Congregational care, Discipleship, Intercessory prayer, Obedience, Opposition, Spiritual care, Spiritual warfare
Filters:	Christian education, Counseling, Discipleship, Pastor, Prayer, Shepherd, Small group leader, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
Date Added:	October 24, 2007

Total Reader Responses: 10 (see below)

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Everyone in the world is under spiritual warfare. We are on a battleground, not a playground (Ephesians 6). We need a solid theology of God and Satan, of good and evil. Along the pathway of everyday, we need to be in tune with God and the work he has to do in and through us. Interruptions should be regarded as his appointments for he will send us people to help in the battle. Believers are soldiers of the cross, while the lost are to be rescued through the gospel of grace and freedom.

This will mean we meet with the Lord early—remembering "sleep deprivation is better than God deprivation" (Isaiah 50:4 f)—the picture of God's perfect servant who rises early to be instructed by the Master Teacher. In my Bible I have put these words: "I am His servant. Get up and listen to Him so you can go out and listen to them, and match the word received in the morning with the need of the one who is weary along the way."

We can pray for them, with them, and encourage them to pray for themselves when under attack, claiming their birthright in Jesus, using the words of scripture. We can ever-learn to be a better soldier for our Savior and Lord (2 Timothy) and we can appropriate the Spirit's power over all Satan's attacks that come our way.

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Grant Hignight (Registered User)

Posted: October 31, 2007

Though this topic is quite broad and is most likely highly dependent on the individual who is under attack along with the nature of the attack, here are some general suggestions for consideration. (1) Make certain of your own spiritual wellbeing and the status of your fellowship with the Father first. (2) Seek God's wisdom as to this specific circumstance/context [James 1:5; 3:17]. Ginjayu wrote,"One should pray for discernment so we are not caught rebuking God when His Spirit is contending with us!" Do we not also far too often dismiss the Father's discipline by labeling it satan's work? Further, not everything to which we are exposed is our personal, specific ministry assignment. (3) Be redemptive toward the one under attack. (4) Pray for God's will and purposes to be accomplished and illuminated to His glory, particularly in the life of the one being attacked. (5) Remember and declare that God is in control--period.

V. H. Santillan (Guest)

Posted: October 27, 2007

There are three specific, constant activities that a Christian should learn to do, and do each day for GOD's Glory: 1 Pray unceasingly, interceding for others 2 Be righteous and faithful in all his/her manner of living as a witness of CHRIST JESUS and 3 Do spiritual warfare in behalf of family members, friends and neighbors. When someone is under spiritual attack, Christians should use some or all of the six biblical, spiritual weapons available to them in CHRIST JESUS: 1 The Name: JESUS CHRIST 2 The Blood of the LAMB of GOD 3 GOD's Word 4 Faith in GOD 5 Sing heartfelt Praises and 6 Put on the whole Armor of GOD.

Mutale Nkonde (Rev) (Guest)

Posted: October 26, 2007

It is important first to realize that Sunday School is not just ordinary place for young people but it is church also for young people. Then once this is established an agenda should be set in accordance with needs of these young people. Drama and music should be encouraged, also you can use peppets and art to stimulate interest in the young people. Get youth pastors trained and encourage outings with these young people to places of interest. lastly but very important spend time with individual families praying and ministering to them within the family settings.

Ginjayu (Guest)

Posted: October 25, 2007

My background is Charismatic, and I've seen a tendency to ascribe anything considered hard or negative to be "spiritual warfare." One should pray for discernment so we are not caught rebuking God when His Spirit is contending with us! My own desire for instant relief can also get in the way - instead of valuing the process of warfare as a training ground which will result in greater strength (as Scott noted, "combat experience"), I just want to be taken out of the situation!

Bro. Allen (Guest)

Posted: October 25, 2007

I find a bigger problem is that people do not realize they can experience spiritual wrfare. Most believers under attack get discouraged and quit wahat they are doing for the Lord not realizing they have raised a white flag to Satan. We need to be proactive in helping people understand that this world IS a spiritula battlefield and no matter how many times we experience victory in Jesus Satan is coming right back at us. My greatest spiritual setbacks have come after a great victory, when my guard is down, over the most minor of matters. We must be vigilent to remain voctorious and teach our people to do the same.

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