The middle three parts are the three things that are against us: the devil, the flesh and the world. Our battle is first of all spiritual. Here are the notes.

The well-worn, wide path is dangerous

• 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. – Matthew 13
• 13 For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. – Matthew 7

The wide path is slavery and blindness

• The wide path includes following rules so we don’t get in trouble, understanding things with our minds to stay in control, and protecting ourselves from unknowns and risk.
• 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? – Galatians 4
• 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers [Greek: the unbelieving], so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4

We are body, soul and spirit

• 23 May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 5

Our kingdom battle is spiritual

• 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6
• 30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” “No,” he said. 31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. – Numbers 22

The Devil’s Schemes

• God created us to rule the world, but we got fooled by Satan in the garden. Jesus came and restored our authority. But Satan still finds ways to trick us. This is the kingdom battle. Here are some ways to deal with the devil’s schemes and the demons that carry them out.
• 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. – 2 Corinthians

Dealing with demons

• Love the person – e.g. don’t say “demon” if that’s going to make them anxious
• Demons are like diseases – ignorable, treatable or life-threatening
• People generally like their demons – they need to be decisively “unfriended”
• Demons are legalistic – they have a right to be there & they’ll take you literally
• Let Jesus fight them – don’t let them get you thinking you know what to do
• The battle is spiritual – you may not understand what’s happening until later
• There’s not always a demon – could be a curse or a lie; let the Spirit lead you
• Demons may come to help (9-1-1) –  don’t be intimidated by distractions
• You may feel the attack – pay attention if something’s been bothering you
• Demons have hierarchies – if it won’t go, you may have to deal with the others
• Not 100% first try – don’t panic, find out why, and they find deeper freedom
• Non-Christians – same posture, less of a process