37. Spiritual Threats, Weapons, and Tactics (w/ Major James “Hook” Knauss)

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Today we welcome back Maj James “Hook” Knauss who shared his testimony on episode 32 - go back and give episode 32 a listen. During Hook’s interview, he mentioned applying a military mission planning construct of “threats-weapons-tactics” to teach a class on mortification of sin at his church. Today’s Hook is going to provide us a pristine, 50 minute fighter pilot brief on spiritual threats, weapons and tactics. But before we hop in, let’s talk objectives and definitions: 

Resources

• Heritage Bible Church
• Mortification of Sin - John Owen
• Habits of Grace - David Mathis
• Atomic Habits (Identity-Processes-Outcomes) - James Clear
• Morning Battle Rhythm (Identity in Christ)

Episode Notes:

• What are our overall mission objectives (or purpose) of this brief? We were God’s enemies, at war with God before coming to Christ. We cannot win a war against God - we will be destroyed. When we come to Christ we change sides of the war and we are to put to death the deeds of the flesh and mortify sin.
• Threats: Our flesh, our sin, specific sins we struggle with (Rom 1, Gal 5). *We must identify our specific sin threats to effectively mitigate*
• Weapons: The Holy Spirit - amazing promises in scripture as our offensive weapon
• Tactics: Romans 8:26- Spirit helps us pray effectively as we are unable by ourselves. Convictions show us our sin (no conviction indicates no Spirit). Ephesians 6: The Armor of God - sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Mediate and fill mind with the scriptures. Prayer. Accountability/fellowship
• How do we identify our specific sin patterns? Romans 1.
• How do we identify areas where we have suppressed the truth and are suppressing the truth? Changed heart is work of God - Ezekiel 36 / John 3: born again of the Spirit. Hebrews 10: Drawing connection between mortification of sin, new hearts/new identity. Romans 8: no condemnation if we are in Christ

Reflect:

• What does this episode reveal about God’s character?

• How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior? 

• How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

• ✝️ “Choose this day whom you will serve...” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬

• ‭✝️ “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ 

Next steps:

• Share with an armed forces member

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