“Ghosts and Goblins” The Unseen World
Listen to the Sermon here 2821068
The Unseen World – What does the Bible say?
Ephesians 6:10-6:12 NLT
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
There is an Unseen World – yes spirits of varying kinds do exist
Luke 24:38-40
New Living Translation (NLT)
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
Greek Word – pneuma – means breath or spirit – translated ghost
John 16: 7-15
7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
#1. The Holy Spirit – the Comforter
God is Spirit – God became Flesh in Jesus – Now God dwells with us or rather within us as Spirit.
What is the Holy Spirit’s Mission?
To convict the world of sin…
To convince the world of God’s Righteousness…
To convince the world of a coming judgement…
To guide believers into all truth…
Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) is part of the Unseen World
#2. The Unholy Spirit or (Unholy Spirit – Satan)
II Cor. 11:14-15
14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
What is the Unholy Spirit’s Mission or Satan’s Mission?
Commander of the evil spirits of the world
To blind the minds of those who do not believe
To destroy the testimony of Christians (he wants to eat your lunch)
He is a liar and the father of lies (when you lie, you are like satan)
He is the tempter of Christians (sometimes it’s just you)
To steal, kill, and destroy
Ephesians 2:2
2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
I Peter 5:8
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
John 8:44
44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
I Thessalonians 3:5
5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
John 10:10
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
#3. How do we deal with the Unseen World?
Eph. 6:13-18
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Put on God’s Armor – you have it available, use it!
Belt of Truth – We have the truth, demonstrate it!
Breastplate of Righteousness – we have God’s Righteousness (stop dwelling in the past)
Shoes of Peace – Go share the Good News (it takes 50 members of 1st Hillsville-OOTBWC to win 1 person to Christ)
Shield of Faith – Faith is the opposite of Fear (Stop living in fear)
Helmet of Salvation – Live for Eternity
Sword of the Spirit – God’s Words, the Bible
Prayer – Communicate with God
I John 4:4
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
Pastor Ronnie