Establishing Equipping Empowering

Student Book

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Table of Contents

PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY page 3 UNIT 1: SHARING pages 4-10 4Why do We Share?................................... page 5 How do We Share?................................... page 6 Scripture.. page 7 Answering the Hard Questions.. page 8 Personal Story.. page 9 UNIT 2: DISCIPLESHIP.. pages 11-24 11What is Discipleship? ... page 12 Follow-Up Study. pages 13-15 Follow13Identity in Christ page 16 Spiritual Warfare... pages 17-20 17Spiritual Disciplines page 22 Structure of the Book page 23 UNIT 3: SMALL GROUP.. pages 25-30 25Principles.. page 26 Basic Book Study.. page 27 Character Study page 28 Topical Study page 29 UNIT 4: HEARING FROM GOD. pages 31-35 31Biblical Examples pages 32-33 32Heart Preparation..... page 34

Notes

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Hearing from God

Unit 4: Hearing from God

Purpose of This Study

Practical Preparations
1. Pray for our hearts to be ready to hear: A. Ezekiel 36:26: Stone v. Flesh What would be some character differences between a person with a heart of stone, and a person with a heart of flesh? Jeremiah 24:7 What does God say he will give the people? Why do you think this gift is significant to our study about hearing God? --God wants to give us a heart that knows Him. If we know Him we will be able to hear Him. The heart we need comes only from a work of God. That is why we must pray for it. 2. We must trust in the truth we know about God: Jeremiah 17:7-8; Luke 8:13: What is the root that we need? --Trust in the truth you already have of God. That is the best way to prepare yourself to receive more. 3. Come with meekness and a learners attitude: James 1:21: What is meekness? What is a learners attitude? --We have the Bible and we have a brain, we should ask God to help us use them together properly. Meekness is a humble openness to Gods truth with a longing to be changed by it. 4. We need to cultivate a desire for Gods word: 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 19:10-11 a. We should desire the word of God more than what? What does this truth mean? --We should desire the word more than riches or food. The purpose of this study is to Establish disciples followers of Jesus who lead others to follow Jesus. Equip workers to give people tools and show them how to learn and apply the Word in such a way that the truth is understood and integrated into everyday life Empower leaders Believe it or not, thats YOU We hope this basic training course can provide a foundation for you to know how to share your faith, discuss deeper truths with new believers, lead studies in your own language, and know practical ways to follow Gods leading. The more we know Christ, the better we can make him known The goal is for the foreign teacher to decrease, so that the Father can increasethrough YOU. Know that God wants to use you to share his message. There are four units in this study. Each unit includes space to write down thoughts that you have about the subject. Prepare well. Come with questions. Think in a different way. Discuss. Be open. Be honest with your thoughts. Believe that God has something to say to you. We take this seriously. We hope you do, too. Your commitment here is important. The question isare you Faithful, Available, Teachable?

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Hearing From God

Unit 4: Hearing from God

The 3 Lights
There are also 3 lights by which we can test whether something is the will of God. 1) Circumstances 2) Impressions of the Spirit 3) Passages from the Bible These should not be looked at in isolation of the others. They are interdependent of one another and should be taken as a whole. When all 3 are pointing in the same direction they may give us some idea of what He wants us to do. It is first necessary to be able to recognize the inner voice of God.

More Examples from Scripture

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Hearing From God

Unit 4: Hearing from God Unit 1: Sharing

WHY Do We Share?

Biblical Examples
When we think about Hearing from God in the Bible, usually thoughts of God speaking to Moses in a loud voice, burning bush, or pillar of cloud come to mind. Though God did speak to prophets in astonishing ways, He also spoke to them in ways that our common today. Such examples include God's communication with Samuel, David, and Joseph. Nathan Rebukes David (2 Samuel 12:1-13) Samuel's Calling (1 Samuel 3) Joseph's Dreams (Genesis 37:1-9) Note: Every dream we have should not be assumed to have come from God. Here are some general guidelines to determine whether a dream is from God: 1) Understand that all dreams are not from God. 2) Make sure that the dream doesn't conflict with the Scriptures. 3) Talk with other Brothers and Sisters about the dream. 4) Think about the purpose and character of the dream. 5) Nurture a willingness to obey God. (When God speaks to us, it is usually because he wants us to do something.) Ananias' Vision of Paul (Acts 9:11) Read each of these passages and answer the following questions for each one: -How does God communicate to each of these characters? -Why were they spoken to? What did God say? How did they respond? -How are these situations different? How are they similar? -Do you believe God would/could speak to you in the same way? To understand what Father thinks about this question we need to review His plan for teaching the world about Jn 3:16, and what our part in that plan should be. As we do that lets keep two truths in mind: *Eternal punishment/separation from God is real! Rev. 20:11-15 *We are commanded to share. Mat. 28:19-20 Read Acts 1:8. You will receive power when the HS has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses even to the remotest part of the earth. 1. What is Fathers plan for saving the world? We know that Father wants to use believers (Cs) as witnesses (someone who tells the truth about something). 2 Tim 2:1-2 the things you have heard from meentrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others. 2. Where do you have opportunities to witness for Him? D

Father also tells us how to fulfill his plan, how to complete the great task of reaching the dying. Review Mat. 28:19-20 go therefore and make disciples of all nations, [washing] themteaching them to observe all that I commanded you 3. What two parts are described in these verses as Fathers method for reaching dying people? a. Making disciples (sharing/washing) b. Discipleship (teaching them to obey the commands of His Son.) Summary: Because eternal punishment is real, and because we are commanded we should allow Father to use us as his witnesses to the dying people in our families, in our community, our nation, and the world. We should concern ourselves with making disciples, and training them to obey the Son.

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HOW Do We Share?
Unit 1: Sharing

Here are some key points to remember when you are sharing:
Your job is to step out in faith, trusting the HS to do the rest. It is not your job to prove the book, or to win a debate. Your job is to obey the HS and share the message. It is the HSs job to change the heart of the dying. It is His job to prove the book.) Remember that Father loves these people. We need to speak to them with respect, understanding that its not easy to believe our message. We should have genuine concern for them, remembering that they are not a project. We should meet them where they are. We should understand that we all have different problems and personalities. As we become involved in their lives that shows genuine concern and builds trust that can open new doors for sharing the message. Also we should be willing to speak to them about their lack of faith, or their doubts, looking for teachable moments to speak into their lives. Our message is confrontational, but we dont have to present it in a confrontational manner. Again we should speak the message with humbleness, and respect, expecting the HS to confront the dying of their need for the Father. If youre not talking about the Son you arent completely sharing the message. The only way to the Father is through the Son and the dying need to know the truth. Jn 14:6

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Scripture
Unit 1: Sharing

Notes

Helpful Scripture when sharing: [Father] so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (Jn 3:16). "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" [that it might be full and meaningful] (Jn. 10:10). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of [Father]" (Rom. 3:23). "The wages of sin is death" [spiritual separation from Father] (Rom. 6:23). "[Father] demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, [The Son] died for us" (Rom. 5:8). "[J] said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me'" (Jn 14:6). "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of [Father], even to those who believe in His name" (Jn 1:12) By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of [Father]; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9). "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him" (Rev. 3:20) Jn 3:1-8 1 Jn 5:11-13

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Answering the Hard Questions

Topical Study
Unit 1: Sharing Unit 3: Small Groups

How do you deal with questions and objections to faith that skeptics or seekers may pose? Pray for wisdom, for His love for seekers, ask for the love that Paul had (Rom. 9:1-3), and for your seekers heart. Briefly share the message first. The Holy Spirit may draw your friends to [J]. Dont push, though. It may be best to answer their questions first. It is impossible to know all the questions that seekers or skeptics might ask you so: You should be ready at all times to give an answer for the hope that is in you. (1 pet. 3:15) You should study the book and prove yourself diligentcorrectly handling the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15) You should continue in the things you have learned, and become convinced of them even if others dont agree with you. Stand firm in your faith. (2 Tim 3:14) You should understand that Scripture is from Father, and good for teaching, correction, training, and equipping someone for good works. (2 Tim 3:16) **Know the Book, be in prayer, and dont be afraid to say, I dont know, but I will find out Examples of Hard Questions You Might Encounter: 1. Why is there evil and suffering? 2. What about all the contradictions in the Bible? 3. What about those who never hear of Jesus? 4. How can Jesus be the only way to God? 5. Isnt Christianity just a psychological crutch? 6. How could someone take the blind leap of faith that believing in Christ requires? 7. It doesnt matter what you believe as long as youre sincere, right?

1. Choose a good topic (possible list below) 2. Select 10-12 best passages on the topic. 3. Summarize the content of each passagewhat does each say about the topic? 4. Key Verse: Find one verse that would be a key verse of what the Bible teaches it. Memorize it as a reminder of the topic. 5. Collect examples from the Bible, your life, from nature, or from the experiences of others 6. Write down questions, problems or things you think might be hard for others to understand. 7. Write an application: a. review the study, ask God to show you some aspect of truth you should teach b. write a brief statement about that truth c. add a statement of the need in your life that needs to be changed or improved according to what you have learned d. record a plan of action you will follow to help bring about the needed correction In the end you should have: -topic, verses studied, summary, key verse, real examples, problems, application Possible topics: anger, baptism, complaining, compassion, creation, depending on God, faith in action, faithfulness, fasting, fellowship, forgiveness, fruits of the Spirit, gifts of the Spirit, altars and idols, good works, gossip, grace, heaven and hell, Holy Spirit, humility, jealousy, joy, judging others, mercy, marriage, loving your neighbor, parables, persecution, prayer (attitude, confession, effects, for others, thanks), promises, the rich and poor, second coming of Jesus, Satan, servanthood, stewardship, success, giving thanks, tithing, truth, unity, wisdom, worship

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Character Study
Unit 3: Small Groups Unit 1: Sharing

Personal Story (Testimony)

What were your attitudes about life? What were problems you faced?

1. Choose a character in the Bible.

2. Find every reference to the character you have chosen. Also consider the surrounding verses and chapters which also tell about him or her. 3. Summary of his or her life. Look for such things as: A. Name, significance B. Ancestry- what does it say about his or her family? C. Environment, what kind of education did he or she receive, how does society view him or her? D. Conversion- is he or she a follower of the Lord? Bad times, good times E. Work accomplished, spiritual growth F. Years lived 4. Strong Points for his or her life and reasons for these: A. desirable traits B. friendships C. influence by others and upon others D. Bibles evaluation of the person 5. Weak points A. undesirable traits B. sins and weaknesses C. Bibles evaluation of the person 6. Cross-referencewhat does the rest of the Bible say about him or her? Find other passages 7. Personal Application A. Lessons to be learned from this persons life B. How can I apply his or her example to my life?

Before You Knew JC

What kinds of feelings did you experience? What was important to you? How did you interact with others?

How JC made a positive change in your life

How did you first hear the message? How was the Gospel presented? What was appealing? What questions did you have? How did you place your trust in J? How did your attitudes change?

How you were different after JCs work

How do you face problems differently? What are your feelings like now? What is important to you now?

1. Your testimony should be about three minutes long. Any longer and many people will not listen. 2. It should be clear and concise. Let someone evaluate you in this area. 3. It should tend to focus on problems and feelings which people can relate to rather than on how bad you were. 4. Try to keep it free of Christian words. If you use a Christian word such as sin define what the word means as you go.

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Basic Book Study

Unit 3: Small Groups
Before you Start

Notes

1. Get a notebook, write down any questions, comments that you have 2. Open your heart and your mind. Ask God to help you understand His Word (the Holy Spirit is our ultimate Teacher) Observation Read the book to be studied several times through Write down any questions that you have. Look at the text in some detail. (Who wrote it? When? What problems/issues is he talking about? Why is this important?) Do not answer questions at this point. Get a general idea of what the author is saying in the passage. Interpretation Do character studies. What else do you know about the author or characters from other places in Scripture? Are there patterns? How does the passage fit in with other known facts about the characters involved? Discover cultural issues. Are there cultural issues which might affect an accurate understanding of the passage? How should they be weighted in YOUR understanding of the passage? What do YOU understand this passage to mean? Write down your own interpretation of the passage. Give meaningful titles to each section. What is the key idea of each chapter? What is the key idea of the book? Accurate understanding of the Word means that it must agree with itself. The Word has One Author, the Holy Spirit, and He does not disagree with Himself. We must compare our understanding of a passage against the WHOLE of the Word. Cross-reference. Cross-reference portions of the book you are studying with other places in the Bible that deal with the same idea. This will give you a better picture of what the WHOLE or the Word says on a topic rather than jut one or two passages. Consult concordances and friends. Application In order to let the Word have its full effect, we need to apply it to our lives. Failure to do this will produce a great deal of "head knowledge" but will not transfer our lives. Questions to ask yourself: 1. What can I learn about God here? 2. What can I learn about man here? 3. What can I learn about sin here? 4. Is there an example to follow? 5. Is there a sin to avoid? 6. Is there a promise to trust? 7. Is there a difficulty to explore? 8. Is there something to pray about? 9. Is there someone I need to ask for help?

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Unit 3: Small Groups

Leading a Small Group

What do you think are the qualifications of a good leader/teacher of the Word?

What are some principles to remember?

Where to Start?

What does it mean to have authority?

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Discipleship
Unit 2: Discipleship

What is Discipleship? What are the marks of being a disciple?

What does it mean for a disciple to take up his cross? (Lk. 14:27, Matt. 10:38)

What help does the Holy Spirit offer us in the process of discipleship?

Scripture Passages about Discipleship

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Follow-Up
Unit 2: Discipleship

Notes

What are the foundations of the Christian faith the believer needs to know right away? What kind of subjects do you need to teach young believers?
Assurance of Salvation -based on Gods promises, not our feelings (2 Cor. 5:17, John 5:24) -new birth is spiritual, not physical (John 3:6-7) -gift from God (Eph. 2:8,9) -trust placed in God, not yourself (Rom. 10:9,10) Learn to read the Bible for yourself (John 8:31, 1 Peter 2:2-3) -begin in the New Testament, start with the Gospels -mark places where there are questions -who is Jesus? How to pray -talk to God like a friend, tell him everything -base prayers on what you find in the Bible Find other national Christians, if possible Apply what you are learning to your life; make it real, not just intellectual -submit to God daily, a new creature (Rom. 12:1,2) -allow God to change your thinking and behavior Begin to memorize verses (Psalm 119:11) Spiritual Warfare (Eph. 6:13-18) -you have an enemy (1 Peter 5:8) -leave folk religions (Phil. 3:13, Heb. 6:1) Begin to share your faith -loving actions (John 13:35) -learn to share the Gospel (Acts 2:41-47) -dont be ashamed to admit you are a Christian (use caution)

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Follow-Up
Unit 2: Discipleship

Structure of the Book

Old Testament The Five Law Books tell the origin of the Jewish race and culture. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy History Books continue history of Israelites moved into the land of Canaan and established a Kingdom lasting almost 500 years. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther The Word of God Acts 2:42, John 8:31-32, John 5:39, 1 John 2:1, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 1:1-3, *Psalm 119:9-11 Books of Poetry focuses on questions about pain, God, life and love Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Books of the Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi New Testament Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Early Church History Acts Paul's Letters Prayer Acts 2:42, Psalm 62:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 John 5:14-15, John 15:7, James 4:3, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 5:23-24, Fellowship with the Body of Christ Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:1-3, *Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 12:12-21 Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Other Letters Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, Jude, Revelation

Jesus-our foundation Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:21, Romans 3:23-24, *John 14:6, John 17:3, John 1:12-13; Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:13-16

**summaries of each of the books available to you

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Spiritual Disciplines
Silence Solitude Fasting (highlights our constant dependence on God; increases sensitivity for awareness of our bodies, and of people who do not have food in the world) Simplicity and Frugality (our worldview is reflective of Gods goals and activities, thus eliminating everything else) Chastity (loyalty- who have I been loyal or disloyal to? What about my current circle of relationships? How does God fit into my relationships?) Secrecy (doing things out of love for God, not for other peoples recognition or approval) Sacrifice (what would stand between you and God should He ask you for it?) Worship (God initiates things with us, we are to respond) Celebration (joyful spirit of festivity) Service (Matthew 25:34-40) Prayer (talking to God and trying to listen for the same amount of time) Fellowship (fitting us into a beautiful edifice larger than ourselves) Confession (first step towards repentance, which involves a change in direction) Submission (we cannot trust God if we do not know Him) Connecting with Creation (cannot know God without a concern for Gods world)

Unit 2: Discipleship

Breaking of Bread Acts 2:42, Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Acts 2:4146; 1 Corinthians 11:18-34

Holy Spirit John 15:26, Acts 1:7-8; 2:1-21 Being filled: Acts 2:4, 4:8, 7:55, 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 4:30 Role: Acts 9:31; Luke 12:12, John 14:26; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 15:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6; Romans 5:5; Romans 15:16, Titus 3:5; Jude 1:20, Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 2:4, Mark 13:11, Luke 4:1, Acts 13:2, 2 Peter 1:21 Gifts: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11

Baptism: Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13, 29-38; 9:1-18; Matthew 3:13-17, 28:18-20

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Identity in Christ
Unit 2: Discipleship Unit 2: Discipleship

I am accepted: I am Gods child (John 1:12) I am Christs friend (John 15:15) I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am united with the Lord and one with Him in spirit (1 Cor. 6:17) I have been bought with a price- I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:20) I am a member of Christs body (1 Cor. 12:27) I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1) I have been adopted as Gods child (Ephesians 1:5) I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18) I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:4) I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) I am secure: I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1,2) I am assured that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28) I am free from any condemning charges against me (Rom. 8:31-34) I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39) I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21,22) I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected (Philippians 1:6) I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20) I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) I can find grace and mercy in time of need (Hebrews 4:16) I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18) I am significant: I am the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13) I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His live (John 15:1, 5) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16) I am a personal witness of Christs (Acts 1:8) I am Gods temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) I am Gods coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6) I am Gods workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

Discipleship is More than a Bible Study-It is a Lifestyle

What does this mean to you?

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The Armor of God

Spiritual Warfare
Unit 2: Discipleship Unit 2: Discipleship

Can you think of any stories, or passages from the OT that talk about the spiritual world?

In the NT, how does J deal with the Spiritual world?

Belt of Truth Breastplate of Righteousness

Sandals of Peace Shield of Faith

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Spiritual Warfare
Unit 2: Discipleship

Unit 2: Discipleship

Satan, the Devil

Three Areas Where Cs Experience Spiritual Attack

The World
Overcome by the renewing of your mind. (Rom 8:5) The mind is a battle-field of 2 opposing world-views: material vs. spiritual The key to overcome the opposing worldview is renewing the mind with the truths of the Book. (Rom 12:2)

The Nature of Satan: Possesses intellect, emotion, and will * For each area (World, Flesh, (Zech 3:1-2; Lk 4:1-13; 2 Cor 11:3; Devil) can you think of speRev 20:7-8) cific ways you are attacked (tempted) in your country? Was created by God as an angel (Is 14:12-13; Mat 25:41; Rev 12:9) Was originally perfect in beauty and blameless until his rebellion (Ez 28:12-15) Is the most powerful creature God ever made (Jude 9) Raised himself up against God (Ez 28:16-17; Is 14:12-15) * What do you think about when you hear the name of Satan? Who is he? Where does he come from? What does he do? The Work of Satan: To destroy the reputation and ministries of believers (Lk 22:31) Incites the persecution of believers (Rev 2:10) Hinders the plans of believers (1 Thess 2:18) Attempts to make Christians doubt God's love (Gen 3:1-5) Accuses believers before God (Rev 12:10) Heaps guilt and self-condemnation upon Christians because of their sins Promotes a neglect of confession of sin and tempts Christians to believe that God will not forgive them (Eph 4:26-27)

The Flesh
Overcome by considering yourself dead to sin, alive to G in JC. (Rom 6:6-8, 11) Consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to G in C. Walk in submission to the rule of the Holy Spirit.

The Devil
Overcome by submitting to G and resisting the Devil. (James 4:7) S's primary target of attack is our mind (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:3) Submit therefore to G. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7