Further Study: Growing in Christ
Read Ellen G. White, The Book of Books, p. 136, in Fundamentals of Christian Education; 
Spiritualism, pp. 394, 395, in The Story of Redemption; Agency of Evil Spirits, pp. 511-517, in The Great Controversy. “A battle unseen by human eyes is being waged. The army of the Lord is on the ground, seeking to save souls. Satan and his host are also at work, trying in every possible way to deceive and destroy. . . . Day by day the battle goes on. If our eyes could be opened to see the good and evil agencies at work, there would be no trifling, no vanity, no jesting or joking. If all would put on the whole armor of God and fight manfully the battles of the Lord, victories would be gained that would cause the kingdom of darkness to tremble.” − Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 41. As men seek to come into harmony with God, they will find that the offense of the cross has not ceased. Principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places are arrayed against all who yield obedience to the law of heaven. Therefore, so far from causing grief, persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following in the steps of their Master. − Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings, pp. 29, 30.
Discussion Questions
- Look at Hebrews 2:14-15 a little more closely. Death as an agent of enslavement is clearly depicted here. Notice, too, the emphasis on our fear of death. Why do we fear death so much? How does the fear hold us in, as the text says, a kind of slavery? How should the Christian, free in Christ, view death?
- For some people the whole idea of demonic forces is silly superstition; for others, this fear dominates their entire life. How, as Christians, can we strike the right balance in our understanding of the reality of these powers, and yet at the same time understand what Christ has done for us in the fight against them?
- What are some examples of how evil forces control or influence various worldly powers?
- How does the great controversy worldview help us to understand the continued existence of evil, even after Christ’s victory at the cross?
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If we embrace the word of God and believe in Him, then the principalities and powers of the evil one shall we overcome and completely destroy, Paul says in Phillipians 4:13 that I have the power to overcome/face all situations through Christ who gives me strength. How I wish we would embrace, cling, hold onto God and do His will, then victory over the powers and principalities of the evil one would be ours. Amen
Indeed the stage was set for me and you. What more do we need brethren. Can't we see the amazing love God has for humanity? Think for while, God created everything in His infinite wisdom that would make man enjoy life with His creator. When everything was in place, was created and found everything that he desired. Furthermore, man was warned about the lurking enemy, but God still made man free to choose and decided what was good for him.
Man sinned willfully- made a choice a life full of misery and no hope beyond the grave, but the Almighty, be Love, He left the beauties and glory of heaven to follow this sinful man. Is this not love beyond imagination!
Life of his dear Son was sacrificed for you and me. When this stage was laid, He went to heaven, still He did not leave us alone to wander in this sinful world where the devil has power over us without Him. He went to His Father to request that we need not be left alone now that the devil claimed victory over us, His Spirit that leads into all truth was sent to be our companion, not to mention His angels to guard each believer. This is incredible brethren. Before doing all this, He made sure that the principalities and power and other enemies were brought under His subjection, a privilege and advantage given to every believer. Honor and Glory be Him.
From this Stage, Let us build our houses to completion because all material need for building is available. What is required of us only to exercise that is within us- will to start building with courage, confidence and that by Faith we can accomplish it.