Battle and Build: Embracing Our Kingdom Authority

 

Summary

In this season, we are called to both battle and build, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah's story where the people of God rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. This dual focus is crucial as we navigate a time of intense spiritual warfare and kingdom advancement. The enemy seeks to bring division and distraction, but we must stand firm, recognizing that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We are all ministers, intercessors, and priests, called to step into our roles beyond the traditional church model. This is not the church of Constantine, where faith became a mere formality, but the vibrant, active church of the Book of Acts.

The church is in a transition, moving away from a passive model to one where every believer is actively engaged in spiritual warfare and kingdom building. We must reclaim our authority in Christ, understanding that while the enemy is defeated, he still seeks to deceive and distract us. Our strength lies in the joy of the Lord, which empowers us to overcome weariness and discouragement. We are called to be peacemakers, bringing the kingdom of God into every sphere of society, from business to government.

Family is at the heart of God's strategy for transformation. The spirit of Elijah is turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa, emphasizing the importance of generational unity in advancing the kingdom. We must embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God, stepping into the authority and inheritance He has given us. This season is about stepping out in faith, taking radical steps that seem impossible without Jesus. It's a time to remember and pray for the dreams we've stopped believing in, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Key Takeaways:

- Battle and Build: We are in a season where spiritual warfare is intense, and we must be vigilant. Like Nehemiah, we are called to build with one hand and fight with the other, recognizing that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. This requires us to step into our roles as ministers and intercessors, actively engaging in the work of the kingdom. [06:57]

- Authority in Christ: The enemy is defeated, but we must not re-empower him through ignorance or complacency. We have been given authority in Christ to displace demonic forces and bring the kingdom of God into every area of life. This requires us to reclaim our identity and authority as sons and daughters of God. [25:27]

- Joy as Strength: The joy of the Lord is our strength, enabling us to overcome weariness and discouragement. In the face of spiritual warfare, we must cultivate joy, which is a supernatural strength that empowers us to stand firm and advance the kingdom. [27:31]

- Family and Generational Unity: God's strategy for transformation involves turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa. This generational unity is crucial for advancing the kingdom, as it combines the zeal of the youth with the wisdom of the ages. We must embrace our identity as sons and daughters, stepping into the authority and inheritance God has given us. [33:41]

- Radical Faith and Dreams: This season is about stepping out in faith, taking radical steps that seem impossible without Jesus. We are called to remember and pray for the dreams we've stopped believing in, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. It's a time to co-labor with God, advancing the kingdom in every sphere of society. [47:40]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:57] - Battle and Build
[25:27] - Authority in Christ
[27:31] - Joy as Strength
[33:41] - Family and Generational Unity
[47:40] - Radical Faith and Dreams
[49:53] - Prophetic Vision for the Church
[52:15] - Anointing the Builders
[59:12] - Commissioning Leaders
[01:04:48] - Apostolic Anointing
[01:08:35] - Empowering the Shepherds
[01:11:31] - Healing and Restoration
[01:14:22] - Overcoming Trauma
[01:14:22] - Fighting for Families
[01:14:22] - Returning to First Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 4:17-18
2. Ephesians 6:12
3. Malachi 4:5-6

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Observation Questions:

1. In Nehemiah's story, what were the people of God doing with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other? How does this dual action symbolize the balance between building and battling? [06:57]

2. According to Ephesians 6:12, who are we truly battling against, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on spiritual warfare? [06:57]

3. What is the significance of the spirit of Elijah turning the hearts of fathers to their children in Malachi 4:5-6, and how does this relate to the sermon’s focus on family and generational unity? [33:41]

4. How does the sermon describe the transition of the church from a passive model to one of active engagement in spiritual warfare and kingdom building? [06:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "battle and build" from Nehemiah's story apply to the modern church's role in society today? What are some practical ways believers can engage in both building and battling in their daily lives? [06:57]

2. The sermon mentions reclaiming our authority in Christ. What does it mean to reclaim this authority, and how can believers avoid re-empowering a defeated enemy through ignorance or complacency? [25:27]

3. The joy of the Lord is described as a source of strength. How can cultivating joy help believers overcome weariness and discouragement in the face of spiritual warfare? [27:31]

4. How does the sermon suggest that generational unity can advance the kingdom of God, and what role does family play in this strategy? [33:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual battles. How can you balance the act of building God’s kingdom while also engaging in spiritual warfare? What practical steps can you take this week to do both? [06:57]

2. In what areas of your life do you need to reclaim your authority in Christ? Identify one specific area where you feel the enemy has been trying to deceive or distract you, and discuss how you can stand firm in your authority. [25:27]

3. Joy is described as a supernatural strength. What are some ways you can intentionally cultivate joy in your life, especially during challenging times? Share one specific action you can take this week to increase your joy. [27:31]

4. Consider the relationships within your family. How can you actively work towards turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa? What is one practical step you can take to strengthen generational unity in your family? [33:41]

5. Think about a dream or promise from God that you have stopped believing in. What steps can you take to reignite your faith in that promise? How can you co-labor with God to see it fulfilled? [47:40]

6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being peacemakers in every sphere of society. Identify one area in your life where you can be a peacemaker this week. What specific actions will you take to bring peace and the kingdom of God into that area? [27:31]

7. Reflect on the concept of radical faith. What is one radical step of faith you feel God is calling you to take? How can you rely on Jesus to make this step possible? [47:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Battle and Build
In this season, believers are called to engage in both spiritual warfare and kingdom building, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah's story. The dual focus of battling and building is essential as we face intense spiritual challenges. The enemy aims to create division and distraction, but we must remain vigilant, understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Each believer is called to step into their role as ministers and intercessors, actively participating in the work of the kingdom. This requires a commitment to both defend against spiritual attacks and to constructively contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. [06:57]

Nehemiah 4:17-18 (ESV): "Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me."

Reflection: What specific area of your life requires both spiritual defense and active building? How can you practically engage in both today?


Day 2: Authority in Christ
Believers are reminded that while the enemy is defeated, he still seeks to deceive and distract. It is crucial to reclaim the authority given in Christ to displace demonic forces and bring the kingdom of God into every area of life. This involves understanding and embracing our identity as sons and daughters of God, stepping into the authority and inheritance He has provided. By doing so, we can effectively counter the enemy's attempts to re-empower himself through our ignorance or complacency. [25:27]

Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to reclaim your authority in Christ? What steps can you take today to assert this authority?


Day 3: Joy as Strength
The joy of the Lord is emphasized as a source of strength, enabling believers to overcome weariness and discouragement. In the midst of spiritual warfare, cultivating joy is essential as it provides supernatural strength to stand firm and advance the kingdom. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a gift from God that empowers believers to remain steadfast and resilient in their faith journey. [27:31]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you cultivate the joy of the Lord in your life today, especially in areas where you feel weary or discouraged?


Day 4: Family and Generational Unity
God's strategy for transformation involves turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa, highlighting the importance of generational unity in advancing the kingdom. This unity combines the zeal of the youth with the wisdom of the ages, creating a powerful force for kingdom advancement. Believers are encouraged to embrace their identity as sons and daughters, stepping into the authority and inheritance God has given them, and fostering unity within their families and communities. [33:41]

Malachi 4:6 (ESV): "And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

Reflection: How can you actively promote generational unity in your family or community today? What steps can you take to bridge any gaps?


Day 5: Radical Faith and Dreams
This season calls for stepping out in radical faith, taking steps that seem impossible without Jesus. Believers are encouraged to remember and pray for the dreams they've stopped believing in, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. It is a time to co-labor with God, advancing the kingdom in every sphere of society, and to take bold actions that align with His purposes. [47:40]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: What is one dream or promise from God that you have stopped believing in? How can you take a step of faith today to pursue it again?

Quotes



It's a time of spiritual war and kingdom advancement. Stand firm in the battle, while simultaneously building for the future. Battle and build is taken out of Nehemiah, where we see Nehemiah, the walls have come down, Nehemiah's the governor, he comes back, and he tells the men that they would build with one hand, with the trowel in one hand, and the sword in the other. [00:04:48] (22 seconds)


This has to be the season that you step into. It can no longer be church as usual. It can no longer be, if I could push a little bit, the church that Constantine created. This is the church of the book of Acts. This is where we all get to play, and not just on a Sunday morning. [00:05:26] (19 seconds)


I had a vision during worship where I in a vision I saw Jesus and he was walking on the water and he said Ivan I still walk on the water I mean you know okay what's the invitation the invitation is to this congregation to those of you here this morning to take radical steps that without Jesus being on the water would be impossible. [00:42:40] (24 seconds)


I saw a picture and I hope I can share this I saw a picture I guess I'm gonna share it anyway but of a large check coming to this church to purchase all this land and it's the Lord and some of you are going to wrestle with that. Because why? We got a building. We're debt free, you know. [00:45:52] (28 seconds)


I can give a lot of examples, but there's something about the Lord visiting each and every one of you individually and saying, I'm asking for you to walk on the water with me. What can you do with him in this season that's impossible to do in your own strength? Start thinking about it. [00:47:50] (19 seconds)


I just saw that in the spirit as a congregation. I saw you like the, what would they be called? The people in the story of Nehemiah. And you were building and you were building and you were building and you're coming into a building season. I don't know if I'm relaying this well, but I'm telling you, it's going to require your finances and it's going to require the thing that's the hardest thing to give away, your time. [00:48:31] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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