Tag: Faith

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Study Guide: Satan is Defeated

William Thompson

1. The Problem of Lukewarmness

Key Idea: The church has become comfortable with being average, unlike sports teams that strive to improve.

Warning: Lukewarm attendance and presence in the community reflect spiritual complacency.

Memory Verse: Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. 1. What does spiritual lukewarmness look like in your life?
  2. 2. Why do you think Jesus warns so strongly against being lukewarm?
  3. 3. What practical steps can you take to rekindle your passion for Christ?

2. Victory Over Satan

Core Scripture: Revelation 12:11 – They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Two Weapons for Victory:

  • The Blood of Christ – Represents Jesus’ sacrificial death and atonement for sin.
  • Our Testimony – Declaring faith in Christ boldly.

Memory Verse: Romans 8:37 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Discussion Questions:

  • 1. How does the blood of Jesus give us victory over Satan?
  • 2. Why is your testimony a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare?
  • 3. Share a time when your testimony encouraged someone else.

3. Satan’s Strategy

Starts in the Mind: Fear, doubt, and negative thoughts are his entry points.

Common Fears: Rejection, unworthiness, failure.

Scripture Defense: Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper; 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8 – Whatsoever things are true… think on these things.

Discussion Questions:

  • 1. Which fear do you struggle with most?
  • 2. How can renewing your mind with God’s Word defeat Satan’s attacks?
  • 3. What practical habits help you guard your thoughts?

4. Understanding Satan

Origin: Once an angel, fell through pride (Isaiah 14:12).

Nature: Accuser, tempter, seeks vulnerable believers.

Limitations: Can only act within God’s permission (Job 1:8-12).

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Discussion Questions:

  1. 1. How does knowing Satan’s limitations strengthen your faith?
  2. 2. Why is vigilance important in the Christian life?
  3. 3. What does resisting the devil look like practically?

Satan is Defeated Study Guide

Memory Verses & Discussion Questions

Prepared by Pastor William Thompson

Date: December 18, 2025

Coffee with the Preacher, Uncategorized

Kingdom Awakening Study Guide

William Thompson

Lesson Theme

Rekindling God’s fire in our hearts to accomplish His work with vision, unity, and faith.

Key Scriptures

  • Jeremiah 20:9 – God’s Word is like fire in our bones; it cannot be contained.
  • Nehemiah 2:17–18 – Vision inspires action and unity in rebuilding.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:1–11 – God’s presence brings renewal and worship.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:13–14 – Humility, prayer, and repentance lead to restoration.
  • Mark 16:17–20 – Signs follow those who believe and act in faith.

Lesson Objectives

  • Understand the importance of vision in God’s work.
  • Recognize the role of God’s presence in revival.
  • Learn how unity and teamwork accomplish Kingdom goals.
  • Apply principles of prayer, humility, and obedience for spiritual renewal.

Main Points

  1. God’s Word Ignites Passion – Jeremiah reminds us that God’s Word cannot be silenced—it burns within us. Application: Let Scripture fuel your calling.
  2. Vision Leads to Action – Nehemiah’s clear vision inspired leaders to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Application: Share God-given ideas boldly and trust the Spirit to move others.
  3. God’s Presence Brings Revival – Solomon’s dedication of the Temple shows that worship and sacrifice invite God’s glory. Application: Create space for God’s presence through prayer and praise.
  4. Repentance Restores the Land – God promises healing when His people humble themselves and turn from sin. Application: Personal and corporate repentance precede awakening.
  5. Faith Produces Signs – Believers empowered by Christ demonstrate His authority through miracles. Application: Live boldly in faith, expecting God to confirm His Word.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is vision essential for accomplishing God’s work?
  • How can we rekindle spiritual fire when discouragement sets in?
  • What practical steps can we take to invite God’s presence into our lives and churches?
  • How does unity among believers impact Kingdom advancement?
  • What does Mark 16 teach us about the power of faith in action?

Action Steps

  • Pray for God to rekindle His fire in your heart.
  • Share your vision for ministry with others.
  • Commit to humility, repentance, and obedience.
  • Work together to accomplish God’s purposes.
  • Expect God to confirm His Word through signs and transformed lives.
Coffee with the Preacher

Study Guide: Spirit-Filled Power

William Thompson

Key Verse

Zechariah 4:6 – ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Background

  • • Zerubbabel’s Role: Tasked with rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 3:2, 8; Haggai 1:1; 2:23).
  • • Prophetic Support: Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people spiritually while Zerubbabel oversaw the work.
  • • Core Principle: Success comes through God’s Spirit, not human strength.

Main Theme

Human strength is insufficient for lasting spiritual impact. God’s Spirit empowers believers to accomplish His purposes.

Task:

The call to lead Christ Community Church.

  1. No building to meet in.
  2. Not chartered
  3. Only 12 people to work with.
  4. Bi-vocational
  5. In School to obtain a degree in Pastoral Ministries
  6. Married with three small children

Marks of a Spirit-Filled Life

  • Confidence: Calm under pressure, unshaken in chaos, unworried in times of lack.
  • Transformation: ‘The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you… and you will be turned into another man.’ (1 Samuel 10:6)
  • Fullness: ‘Be filled with the Spirit…’ (Ephesians 5:18)

Results of Spirit-Filling

  • Boldness: ‘They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.’ (Acts 4:31)
  • Hope and Joy: ‘May the God of hope fill you… through the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
  • Examples: Stephen (Acts 6:5), Barnabas (Acts 11:24), Disciples (Acts 13:52)

Practical Applications

  • Controlled by the Spirit: Yielded will, Spirit-led thoughts and actions (Ephesians 5:18).
  • Strength for Life: Produces fruit—love, joy, peace.
  • Spiritual Maturity: Renewed mind, full of faith and wisdom (Acts 6:5; 11:24).
  • Ongoing Process: Daily dependence on God’s power.
  • Manifested in Action: Evident in relationships, work, and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6).
  • Joyful Witness: Enables effective testimony (Acts 13:52).

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does God emphasize His Spirit over human strength in Zechariah 4:6?
  2. How can you cultivate a Spirit-filled life in practical ways?
  3. Which mark of a Spirit-filled life challenges you most, and why?
  4. How does being Spirit-filled impact your witness to others?
  5. What does ‘Not by might nor by power’ look like in your daily decisions?
  6. How do you recognize when you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s Spirit?
  7. What role does prayer play in staying Spirit-filled?
  8. How can the examples of Stephen, Barnabas, and the early disciples inspire your walk with God?
  9. In what areas of your life do you need boldness from the Holy Spirit?
  10. How can you encourage others to depend on the Spirit rather than their abilities?
Coffee with the Preacher

Has Faith Been Hijacked?

William Thompson

Study Guide on Faith and Temptation

Introduction

In this study, we explore the theme of faith in God and the various influences that seek to hijack it. We will examine scriptural references and related teachings to understand the importance of guarding our faith.

Key Themes

1. The Danger of Hijacking Faith

  • The scriptures warn of false teachers attempting to hijack the faith of believers (Galatians 5:19-21).
  • Key Question: Why do people seek to hijack our faith?

2. The Contrast Between Grace and Law

GraceLaw
Based on faith (2:16)Based on works (2:16)
Justifies sinful men (2:16, 17)Incapable of justification (2:16; 3:11)
Begins and ends with Christ (2:20)Makes Christ nothing (5:3)
Results in intimacy with Christ (3:27)Results in estrangement from Christ (5:4)

3. The Inner Conflict

  • Galatians 5:17 (KJV 1900) discusses the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit.
  • Understanding this conflict is crucial for maintaining our faith.

4. Temptations in the Digital Age

  • The prevalence of technology brings new temptations, similar to the thief described in John 10:10.
  • Awareness of these temptations is essential to preserving our identity and faith.

Key Scriptures

  • Galatians 5:19–21 (NLT): Discusses the results of following the desires of the sinful nature.
  • Romans 3:23 (KJV): “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
  • Acts 16:30-31 (KJV): Encourages belief in Jesus for salvation.

Personal Reflection Questions

  1. How can we actively guard against the hijacking of our faith?
  2. In what ways does understanding grace versus law impact our relationship with God?
  3. How do modern temptations challenge our faith, and what strategies can we employ to resist them?

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever encountered a situation where your faith felt challenged? What helped you navigate that experience?
  2. How can the church community support individuals in recognizing and resisting temptations that can hinder their faith?
  3. What role does personal accountability play in maintaining one’s faith in the face of temptation?
  4. How can we best educate younger generations about the differences between grace and law?
  5. In what ways can technology be used positively to strengthen our faith and community?

Conclusion

This study guide serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and vigilance against influences that may seek to hijack our belief in God. Through understanding scripture and personal reflection, we can strengthen our commitment to God’s grace and truth.

Additional Resources

  • Paul S. Morton’s Song: “I’m Still Standing” – A reminder of resilience in faith.
  • Recommended readings on grace and the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.