Bondage Breaker Chapter 12
The Danger of Losing Control
Spiritual Vulnerability
· Satanic intrusion does not mean satanic ownership. How does Romans 8:35-39 support this truth?
· Even though he can never own a believer, how does Satan seem to control a believer’s life?
Kingdoms in Conflict
· Some Christians argue that believers cannot yield control to evil spirits. What things suggest that this argument is incorrect?
· Why does the English term “demon-possessed” sometimes lead to confusion?
· In what way is our vulnerability a “matter of degree”?
Saints in Bondage
· If we don’t accept the reality that Christians can come under demonic influence, we will likely blame ourselves or God for the problems we face. What is the problem with blaming ourselves or God?
Scripture supports the fact that believers can lose control or come under bondage to demons, as the following passages illustrate.
· Luke 13:10-17. Note where the woman was (verse 10) and how she was described (verse 16). What things didn’t protect her from Satan’s power?
· Luke 22:31-34. What request did Satan make of Jesus? And what does the fact that Satan made the request suggest about a believer’s vulnerability?
· Ephesians 6:10-17. What does the existence of this armor and the command to put it on suggest about the power and strategy of demons?
· James 3:14-16. What warning does James offer believers?
· 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
· Who will be “paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons”?
· 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. What suggests that the man discussed in this passage was a believer?
· Ephesians 4:26,27. According to this passage, what is one way believers can give Satan a foothold in their lives?
· 1 Peter 5:6-9. What are two other ways that believers can give Satan a foothold?
· Acts 5:1-11. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach you about the possibility and consequences of Satan’s control of believers?
The Devil Did Not Make You Do It
When you allow Satan to deceive you in any area of your life, you are vulnerable to his control in that area.
· What is inaccurate about the phrase “The devil made me do it”?
· How is a person’s free will or choice involved in the devil’s control of his or her life?
· What is – and what is not – at stake if you allow Satan to control an area of your life?
· On what does God’s protection of believers depend? Asked another way, how do we as believers activate the protection God promises?
· What acts of responsibility in putting on our spiritual protection are outlines for each believer is these no-familiar passages? (See also page 185 in the text.)
n Romans 13:14
n 2 Corinthians 10:15
n Romans 6:12
n James 4:7
· In the letter titled “Silence,” the woman who wrote it describes some specific steps of responsibility she took in her life. List two or three of these steps that you see her take in the letter, and then list some Scripture verses that relate to those actions. How do you think you can follow her in the path of responsibility?
A Postscript
· Was anything in this chapter disturbing to you? Do whatever is necessary to put your questions to rest so that Satan and his demons won’t find a foothold of doubt in your mind.
· What statements in this chapter were especially encouraging? Make a note of those which help provide the strength and courage you need to stand strong in Christ Jesus.
Neal T. Anderrson. The Bondage Breaker® Study Guide, Kindle Edition.