THE DEVIL GOES TO CHURCH
PRAYER AS SPIRITUAL WARFARELesson 7: How the Devil Deceives and Discourages
You have likely had some experiences in your life where you felt deceived or discouraged. This lesson focuses on how Satan uses these weapons to come against Christians to weaken our walk with Jesus, and to damage the Church.
In this lesson you will:
• discover that Satan is a liar who delights in deception.
• understand the great deception of confusing hearing with doing.
• see how Satan uses criticism to steal the courage of believers.
Video 7: How the Devil Deceives and Discourages
Discussion Questions:
1. Can you describe some ways the devil deceives and discourages believers? Describe one way he has done this to you personally.
2. How did Dave Butts describe the major deception the church faces? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. How can God’s people stop being deceived about hearing the Word vs. doing the Word? What will you do differently now that you are aware of this deception?
4. How has the enemy brought discouragement to your life?
5. How important is courage to the Church today?
6. How might your church be an encouragement to your community?
7. What is God asking you to do that you are not or have not obeyed?
Download Lesson 7 Discussion Questions
Watch Dave’s Summary Video (2-3 minutes)
Spend Time in Prayer
Spend time in silent prayer: If you have been resistant to or disobedient about doing something you feel the Father has called you to do or is currently calling you to do, humble yourself and ask for His forgiveness. Ask the Father to prompt you to be a doer of the Word rather than just a hearer of the Word.
Read Hebrews 10:19-25:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Those who wish to share and ask for prayer, accountability, and encouragement may do so. Spend time praying for one another and agreeing together to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and “encouraging one another.”
Next Steps:
• If you don’t already, start taking notes or journal through Bible studies and sermons. Be sure to ask the question: “How can I do what God is calling me to do through this message? Through this Bible study?
• Consider how you can be an instrument of God’s courage to others this week! Step out and be an encourager to as many people as possible. One great way to do that is by praying for them – either in person, over the phone or through a text, note, etc.
Supplemental Material for Lesson 7:
4 Ways Satan will Try to Deceive You
https://faithinthenews.com/4-ways-satan-will-try-to-deceive-you/
Optional Consultation/Question-Answer Session
With every PrayerU course, there is an option to have a one-hour Zoom session with your instructor(s). This is your opportunity to engage your instructor(s) on a personal level with either a question-answer session, a deeper level conversation about the course content, or both.
There is an additional cost for the consultation session and scheduling is subject to availability.