Supernatural
December 20, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters
by Dr. Michael S. Heiser
Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible
Introduction: The Church as Sacred Ground in a Hostile World
In John 17, Jesus prays that His followers would be protected—not by removal from the world, but by spiritual protection within it. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” That declaration wasn’t poetic—it was strategic. Because to follow Jesus means entering a cosmic conflict, bearing the presence of God in a land still under the shadow of enemy dominion.
In this chapter, Dr. Michael Heiser explores how believers, both individually and corporately, are now sacred space—God’s holy ground. The concept of the temple as the dwelling place of God transitions from Jerusalem to the church. We are the temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), and the church is now the spiritual beachhead of the Kingdom.
But being sacred space in enemy territory carries risks. Heiser discusses the concept of being “delivered to Satan” (1 Cor. 5:5), not as punishment alone, but as spiritual discipline with redemptive intent. The church is meant to reflect God’s holiness and advance His Kingdom—not merely exist safely.
Lastly, Heiser presents baptism as spiritual warfare. In light of 1 Peter 3:18–22, baptism is not a private ritual—it’s a public declaration of allegiance to King Jesus, a pledge of loyalty in the face of fallen powers, and a visible marker that we are not of this world, but of His.
Chapter Outline: Not of This World
I. Jesus’ Prayer: A Discipleship of Distinction
- John 17:13–21 – Jesus asks the Father not to remove us, but to sanctify us.
- Believers are not of this world, but they are sent into it with purpose.
- The mark of sanctification is truth—God’s Word.
II. Sacred Space and Holy Ground
A. Personal Temple
- 1 Cor. 6:19–20 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”
- God dwells in every believer—this makes us sacred ground.
B. Corporate Temple
- 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:19–22 – The church is the collective temple.
- Where two or three gather, God is present (Matt. 18:20).
C. Cosmic Geography Continues
- God’s presence used to dwell in the Jerusalem temple; now it dwells in us, scattered across a world still ruled in part by fallen powers.
- The Church is now the location of God’s presence.
III. Delivered to Satan? Understanding Church Discipline
A. 1 Cor. 5:1–13– Paul instructs the church to deliver an immoral man to Satan
- This isn’t eternal condemnation—it’s redemptive correction.
- Like the scapegoat sent to Azazel (Lev. 16:8–10), the man is exiled from sacred space into the wilderness (symbol of demonic domain) to learn repentance.
B. 1 Cor. 11:32–33; Gal. 5:24 – Church judgment is meant for purification.
- Spiritual discipline is always connected to the holiness of the sacred space.
IV. Baptism as Spiritual Warfare
A. 1 Peter 3:14–22 – A cosmic context
- Jesus proclaims victory over imprisoned spirits from the days of Noah.
- Baptism is connected not to cleansing dirt, but to a pledge of loyalty (Greek: eperōtēma).
B. Baptism Declares Allegiance
- Public loyalty to Jesus and rejection of other powers.
- Through the resurrection, Christ triumphed over angels, authorities, and powers (1 Pet. 3:22; Col. 2:15).
V. Why This Matters
- Your Body and Life Are Sacred
- You are not common ground—you are holy ground.
- The Church Is Sacred Ground
- What happens in churches should reflect the presence of God—not consumerism, but worship.
- Spiritual Warfare Is Real
- The forces of darkness are watching. Our loyalty is visible to them.
- Church Discipline Is for Purity and Restoration
- Protecting sacred space is about restoring image-bearers.
- Baptism Is a Spiritual Declaration
- It is not just symbolic—it’s spiritual war. A pledge of allegiance to the risen King.
Key Scriptures
- John 17:13–21 – Jesus’ prayer for His disciples
- 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19–20 – You are the temple
- Ephesians 2:19–22 – The church as God’s dwelling
- 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; 11:32 – Delivering to Satan
- Leviticus 16:8–10 – The scapegoat for Azazel
- 1 Peter 3:14–22 – Baptism, victory, and loyalty
- Ephesians 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15 – Powers and spiritual conflict
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you treat your body (and your life) as sacred space?
- How can your local church better reflect God’s holiness and presence?
- What does baptism mean in light of supernatural warfare?
- How should understanding “delivered to Satan” affect church discipline and restoration?
Key Takeaway
- You are not of this world—because you belong to a greater one.
- Your life is sacred space. Your baptism is a declaration of war.
- The church is not a building—it is the battlefield and the temple.
- And Christ, risen and reigning, is with us always, even to the end of the age.
This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020