Title: Silencing the Accuser

Series: Courtroom of Heaven

Icebreaker: How do you handle knowing something is coming, but you have to wait on it to actually happen? Is patience a strength of yours or an area you're still growing in?

This Sunday our Bishop continued his conversation on the Courtroom of Heaven. We know that as believers we are expected to have a prayer life, this is why Jesus took the time to teach his disciples how to pray. We labor in prayer as we wait to see the kingdom of God come to the earth, and we labor in prayer to silence the voice of our accuser who works tirelessly to block us from the plans of God for our lives. Through intentional and fervent prayer we can answer every accusation the enemy throws our way and continue to overcome his tactics.

John 8:1-11

I. Satan has already been cast down... (Revelation 12:10)

a. We know that Satan busies himself with roaming the earth searching for accusations to use against us. We also know that it is already written in Scripture that Satan will be cast down once and for all when Jesus returns, no longer able to tempt and accuse us.

b. Though he has already been cast out of heaven, Satan still goes to the Lord's court to bring cases before Him. This is where he brings accusations and asks permission to tempt, to expose and exploit our weaknesses, and to put us on trial (Luke 22:31). While God allows Satan to sometimes tempt and try us, He uses it as an opportunity to cleanse us by the blood of Christ to ultimately change us.

c. As we grow and are elevated in the Spirit, the enemy only ramps up his attacks. His aim is to block us from walking in the plan of God for our lives, and to use our influence against us, causing those connected to us to fall, as well. Not only that, but Satan will wait until you're at your "best" in your walk to remind you of the accusations he holds against you, to attack your mind and overwhelm you with shame about your past mistakes (Isaiah 54:17).

Discussion:

Have you ever experienced that attack of the mind we described, where everything is going well but you just can't shake the feelings of guilt? How do you address and overcome that feeling, especially when you know you've done nothing wrong?

II. Satan's power will be broken... (Romans 8:33-34)

a. What we must know and always keep in mind is that our accuser is not God, God is good and His plans for us are good. It is the devil who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. It is the devil who bombards us with guilt and shame. On the other hand, it is God who provides a way for us to be reconciled to Him and who has already broken the power of the enemy. 

b. What we find in John 8:1-11 is a picture of what goes on in the courtroom of heaven. Satan, through this group of people, brings an accusation against this woman caught in a sinful act. Jesus doesn't rush to judgement, but waits for the Spirit to give him the answer to this case. As the Spirit moves in response the enemy is confounded and forced to flee.

c. Our response to the enemy's accusations should always be to first agree that we have sinned and fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3:23). Then, we allow the blood of Jesus to be our defense. Thanks to the work of the cross we can rest assured that forgiveness is already ours and our righteous Judge finds no fault in us.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!