Spiritual Warfare and Kingdom Advancement

We must open our eyes to the reality that some practical opposition originates from spiritual forces.

From An Earthly Perspective

• Opposition increased so much that the leaders had to depart for the safety of the church (2:17; cf. Acts 17:5).
• Being separated from these other believers was so traumatic that it felt like being torn from a family (2:17).
• Every time they attempted to return, something would come up to prevent their reunion (2:18).

From a Heavenly Perspective

• If we are separated physically from other believers, we do not have to be disconnected spiritually (2:17).
• Satan employs tangible circumstances to hinder spiritual progress (2:18).
• The most valuable reward in heaven is being a part of another’s story for how they got there (2:19-20).

From a Personal Perspective

• The devil is not to blame for every one of your negative circumstances, but he is responsible for some of them.
• Consider the influencing factors in your life to determine if they are helping or hindering your Kingdom activity.
• If your obsession over details regarding Christ’s second coming distracts you from telling people about his first coming, you have missed the point.
• Your value of another’s discipleship will determine if you lay down or take up arms when spiritual warfare comes