Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
The teacher describes humans as “synergists” who can “hold” God’s energy (David, Jonathan and his armor-bearer) or hold the antagonist’s energy to amplify evil; how would early Christians—who expected spiritual conflict and the Spirit’s power—have heard that, and what modern Christian habits (comfort, control, self-reliance) resist this worldview?
Another way to ask: If people can “carry” God’s power or help spread evil, how would early Christians have understood that, and what modern habits like comfort, control, or self-reliance make that hard to accept?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests early Christians would have recognized this as a real spiritual-power worldview—humans participating with God or with the devil—while modern habits of self-sufficiency (“I got this”) resist the idea that life is supernatural conflict needing God’s power.
- He calls humans “synergists,” created so “we can actually hold his energy,” enabling deeds “men aren’t supposed to be able to do.”
- He cites examples like “David” and “Jonathan and his armor bearer…The Philistines were goners,” emphasizing amplified power when God’s energy fills people.
- He warns the “diabolic side”: humans can also “hold energy from the antagonist and create a force that goes against the good force.”
- He frames the main conflict as “supernatural against supernatural,” not merely human politics.
- He repeatedly critiques self-reliance: “We pull up our pants…‘I got this,’” and contrasts it with Jesus’ dependence: “I need my Father all the time.”
- He says our minds are renewed when we stop living by “the devil and his lies,” implying spiritual powers affect thinking.