INTRO:
There are some amazing parallels between physical and spiritual warfare. Wars are costly and the casualties of war are very real with serious consequences. Wars can also last for a long time and it is easy to forget that we are at war unless you or someone you love is engaged in battle. Wars involve deception and the enemy is always plotting the next attack. Which one of these parallels seems most intriguing to you and why?

Read 1 Peter 2:11-12. This passage helps believers understand how our battles on the inside (in the heart) reveal God’s glory on the outside (in our testimonies).

1. Engage in Battle on the Inside (v. 11)
2. Reflect God’s glory on the Outside (v. 12).

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

ENAGING IN BATTLE ON THE INSIDE calls us to "abstain from fleshly lusts." To abstain literally means "to be distant from." During the times that you have battled lusts (or lies) of the flesh what has proven to be most effective to help you create distance from the lies?

1 John 2:16 provides three categories of lusts. Which category do you struggle with the most? What lie(s) are you vulnerable to believing during your battles? Pastor Jon mentioned that when we are engaged in spiritual battle that our lives are reduced to three options; fighting, hiding or surrendering. Why is hiding or surrendering never an option for a believer?

REFLECTING GOD’S GLORY ON THE OUTSIDE starts with truth prevailing in battle. What is the relationship between truth, good works and God’s glory? What are some dangers if you engage in good works without godly desires behind them? How can being equipped with certain passages help you reflect God’s glory?

TRANSPARENCY QUESTION(S)

What lust plagues my life the most? What lie does my heart tell me? What truth does God supply?

CARE GROUP MEMORY VERSES

1 Peter 2:11-12 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.