Embracing Peace and Unity Through Spiritual Armor

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound peace that Jesus offers and how it contrasts with the turmoil often found in our earthly lives. We began by acknowledging the importance of not letting politics overshadow our trust in God's heavenly kingdom. While we should pray for our leaders, our ultimate trust must be in God. Ephesians 2 reminds us that Jesus brought peace and unity, breaking down the walls of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, and by extension, all of us. This peace is not just personal but also communal, urging us to pray for our nation and its leaders, regardless of our political preferences.

We then delved into the concept of spiritual armor as described in Ephesians 6. The armor of God equips us to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Each piece of armor, from the belt of truth to the shield of faith, serves a specific purpose in our spiritual battle. The shoes of peace, derived from the good news of Jesus, prepare us for the spiritual warfare we face daily. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but an internal tranquility assured by our salvation in Christ.

We also discussed the importance of community and trust within the body of Christ. Just as Roman soldiers relied on their shields and each other in battle, we too must rely on our faith and our fellow believers. Trust is foundational, and we must work through past hurts and mistrust to form strong, supportive relationships. This unity is crucial for advancing God's kingdom and standing firm against the enemy.

Finally, we emphasized the need for continuous prayer and spiritual readiness. The armor of God is spiritual, and we access it through persistent prayer and communion with God. This readiness allows us to bring the peace of Christ into every situation, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.

### Key Takeaways

1. Trust in God's Kingdom Over Earthly Politics: While it's important to pray for our leaders and be aware of political issues, our ultimate trust should be in God's heavenly kingdom. Earthly governments can fail us, but God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. This perspective helps us maintain peace and unity, even in politically turbulent times. [27:05]

2. The Armor of God is Essential for Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6 outlines the armor of God, which equips us to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Each piece, from the belt of truth to the shield of faith, serves a specific purpose. Understanding and putting on this armor daily is crucial for spiritual readiness and victory. [01:03:13]

3. Peace is a Choice and a Gift from Jesus: The shoes of peace, derived from the good news of Jesus, prepare us for spiritual battles. This peace is an internal tranquility assured by our salvation in Christ. It is a choice we make daily, and it empowers us to stand firm and advance God's kingdom. [01:17:06]

4. Community and Trust are Vital in Spiritual Battles: Just as Roman soldiers relied on their shields and each other, we must rely on our faith and our fellow believers. Trust is foundational, and we must work through past hurts to form strong, supportive relationships. This unity is crucial for advancing God's kingdom and standing firm against the enemy. [01:33:14]

5. Persistent Prayer is Key to Spiritual Readiness: The armor of God is spiritual, and we access it through persistent prayer and communion with God. This readiness allows us to bring the peace of Christ into every situation, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. Prayer is our direct line to God, enabling us to receive His strength and guidance. [01:06:32]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[27:05] - Trust in God's Kingdom Over Earthly Politics
[01:03:13] - The Armor of God
[01:17:06] - Peace as a Choice and Gift
[01:33:14] - Importance of Community and Trust
[01:06:32] - Persistent Prayer and Spiritual Readiness
[01:41:32] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Community

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:12-14: "You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."
2. Ephesians 6:10-18: "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:12-14 say about the peace that Jesus brings to us? How does it describe the unity between Jews and Gentiles? [27:05]
2. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the different pieces of the armor of God, and what purpose does each piece serve? [01:03:13]
3. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the importance of community and trust among believers? How does this relate to the Roman soldiers' use of shields? [01:33:14]
4. What does the sermon say about the role of persistent prayer in accessing the armor of God? [01:06:32]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the peace that Jesus offers differ from the peace that the world offers, according to John 14:27 and John 16:33? [01:17:06]
2. Why is it important to trust in God's kingdom over earthly politics, and how can this perspective help maintain peace and unity? [27:05]
3. What does it mean to be a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper, and how does this concept apply to spiritual warfare? [01:15:28]
4. How does the analogy of Roman soldiers relying on their shields and each other illustrate the importance of community and trust within the body of Christ? [01:33:14]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of trust in God's kingdom versus earthly politics. How can you shift your focus more towards trusting in God's eternal kingdom? [27:05]
2. Think about a recent situation where you faced spiritual warfare. How did you utilize the armor of God, and what can you do to better equip yourself in the future? [01:03:13]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to choose peace. What steps can you take to put on the shoes of peace and bring the tranquility of Christ into that situation? [01:17:06]
4. Consider a past hurt or mistrust that is affecting your relationships within the church. What actions can you take to work through this and build stronger, supportive relationships? [01:33:14]
5. How can you incorporate persistent prayer into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually ready for the challenges you face? [01:06:32]
6. Reflect on a time when you acted as a peacekeeper rather than a peacemaker. How can you change your approach to bring about true peace in future conflicts? [01:15:28]
7. Think of a fellow believer who might be struggling with trust issues. How can you support them in building trust and becoming a stronger part of the community? [01:33:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Kingdom Over Earthly Politics
In our world, politics can often dominate our thoughts and conversations, leading to division and anxiety. However, as believers, our ultimate trust should be in God's heavenly kingdom, which is eternal and unshakeable. While it is important to pray for our leaders and be aware of political issues, we must remember that earthly governments can fail us, but God's kingdom will never falter. This perspective helps us maintain peace and unity, even in politically turbulent times. By focusing on God's sovereignty, we can find profound peace that transcends earthly turmoil. [27:05]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from political anxieties to trusting in God's eternal kingdom today? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's sovereignty?

Day 2: The Armor of God is Essential for Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6 outlines the armor of God, which equips us to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Each piece of armor, from the belt of truth to the shield of faith, serves a specific purpose in our spiritual battle. Understanding and putting on this armor daily is crucial for spiritual readiness and victory. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a spiritual reality that we must embrace to protect ourselves from the enemy's attacks. By wearing this armor, we can stand firm in our faith and overcome the challenges we face. [01:03:13]

Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: Which piece of the armor of God do you find most challenging to put on daily? How can you make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your spiritual routine?

Day 3: Peace is a Choice and a Gift from Jesus
The shoes of peace, derived from the good news of Jesus, prepare us for spiritual battles. This peace is an internal tranquility assured by our salvation in Christ. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being that comes from knowing we are secure in God's love. This peace is a choice we make daily, and it empowers us to stand firm and advance God's kingdom. By embracing this peace, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. [01:17:06]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to experience Christ's peace? How can you actively choose to let His peace rule in your heart today?

Day 4: Community and Trust are Vital in Spiritual Battles
Just as Roman soldiers relied on their shields and each other, we must rely on our faith and our fellow believers. Trust is foundational, and we must work through past hurts to form strong, supportive relationships. This unity is crucial for advancing God's kingdom and standing firm against the enemy. By building a community of trust and support, we can face spiritual battles together and encourage one another in our faith journeys. [01:33:14]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community you need to rebuild trust with? How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity today?

Day 5: Persistent Prayer is Key to Spiritual Readiness
The armor of God is spiritual, and we access it through persistent prayer and communion with God. This readiness allows us to bring the peace of Christ into every situation, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. Prayer is our direct line to God, enabling us to receive His strength and guidance. By committing to a life of persistent prayer, we can stay spiritually ready and equipped to face any challenge. [01:06:32]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more persistent prayer into your daily routine? What specific times or activities can you dedicate to prayer to ensure you remain spiritually ready?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know, I've started to discover that the deeper I go with Jesus, and the more I learn, the more I know about Him, and the more healing I walk in, I actually feel more inadequate. And in charismatic world, that's like, no, you can't. You have to feel boldness and all those things. And that's true, because that comes when you allow Him in more. But at the same time, I think we're hit with more of the reality of how we are nothing without Him." [01:00:00] (937 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Peace is a choice. A lot of people are looking for internal peace. I'm all for meditation as long as you're meditating on the right thing. But a lot of people are out there meditating on just nothingness and trying to find some sort of inner peace. And can I just tell you, if that's what you're looking for, you're never going to find it. The only way you're ever going to find internal peace is if you have the Holy Spirit internally living in you. That's the only way." [01:15:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you want peace in your life, go to the good news. The good news of Jesus Christ. This mystery that Christ is in us. For the good news, for those of us who believe, the good news is the peace that prepares you for anything that might be thrown at you." [01:23:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have to realize that we are literally being given an opportunity to fight in a war that has already been won. It's like my son when he was playing rugby. If I was like, hey, it's time for a game. He's up. He's out of bed. He's ready to go. Because he's excited. You want to know how much faster he would get ready to go if I said, and I know that you're going to win." [01:24:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need each other. We need each other. We need to advance together." [01:41:32] (4 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We need to be praying for people in leadership whether we like them or not so whether you like trump or whether you like biden or whether you like whoever you like it doesn't matter you need to be praying we need to be praying and we need to be praying that the the will of god would manifest in this earth and in our nation and in our cities and in our homes." [28:45] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "That actually probably the best thing that I could do as a leader is to lead from a place of vulnerability, lead from a place of going, literally, I'm nothing. None of us are anything without Christ. That is the mystery that the New Testament talks about, is the mystery of Christ in us. Like, it's a mystery that has been hidden and then revealed with Jesus is that Christ comes to live in any one of us who choose to say yes to him." [01:02:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The way to receive, the way to step in, the way to actually receive the spirit and this armor is through prayer, which is communion, communication with our father. It's to get ourselves right size, able to go in here and go, everything that you're teaching me right now, I get to put into practice right now and pray and receive that readiness and that peace and everything that God has for me." [01:07:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We need to make sure that we're not just like flimsy and, and slippery out there falling in the mud. If you want to look at the next picture, this is how they ended up all dirty and muddy at the end of it. But this, this is the reality is we need to stand firm and we need the right things on our feet in order to be able to advance this kingdom in order to be able to advance as individual soldiers and as an army together." [01:13:52] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need faith for every day. We need faith for every situation. We need faith for everything we face. We need faith in order to stand against the schemes of the devil. Because the moment that we set aside our faith and go, I'm already good. I'm saved. Well, guess what. Now the enemy comes with lies. He comes with struggle. He comes with trials. He comes with all these things. And if we've put our faith down, we aren't ready to stand against this. It takes faith to get through life." [01:26:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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