Empowered by God: Strength for Spiritual Warfare
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, we are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This strength is not of our own making but is derived from our relationship with God. We face a spiritual battle against principalities and powers, and human strength alone is insufficient. We must actively engage in this battle, empowered by God's might, avoiding the extremes of self-reliance and passivity. Assurance of our salvation is crucial; uncertainty weakens us, but knowing we are God's children gives us strength. Our identity in Christ and the hope of future glory motivate us to live righteously and resist temptation.
The realization of our eternal destiny and the honor of representing God in this world should inspire us to live lives that reflect His glory. We are not isolated individuals; our actions impact the entire body of Christ. This awareness strengthens us, as we understand that we are ambassadors of God's kingdom. To grow in strength, we must nurture the new life within us through spiritual nourishment. This involves feeding on Christ, the bread of life, through continual communion with Him, and engaging deeply with the Word of God. The scriptures are given to build us up, providing wisdom and strength for the journey.
Prayer is another vital source of strength, offering communion with God and allowing us to draw on His power. It is not merely about presenting requests but about fellowship with the divine. The sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper, also serve to strengthen us spiritually, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and our dependence on Him. Through these means, we grow stronger in the Lord, equipped to stand firm against the enemy.
Key Takeaways:
- Assurance of salvation is foundational for spiritual strength. Doubt about our relationship with God can paralyze us, but confidence in our identity as His children empowers us to stand firm against the enemy. This assurance is not just a feeling but a deep-seated knowledge rooted in the promises of Scripture. [04:09]
- Our eternal perspective shapes our present actions. The hope of future glory motivates us to live righteously, purifying ourselves as we prepare for the life to come. This perspective helps us see the world's temptations in their true light, as fleeting and insignificant compared to the eternal reward. [08:23]
- We are representatives of God's kingdom, and our actions reflect on Him. This responsibility should inspire us to live lives that honor God, understanding that we are part of a larger family and our conduct impacts the entire body of Christ. [12:40]
- Spiritual growth requires nourishment through the Word of God. The scriptures are given to build us up, providing the wisdom and strength needed to withstand the enemy's attacks. Engaging deeply with the Bible, beyond mere surface reading, is essential for spiritual maturity. [32:13]
- Prayer is a source of strength, offering communion with God. It is not just about presenting requests but about fellowship with the divine, drawing on His power and presence. This communion strengthens us, enabling us to face the challenges of life with confidence. [43:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [00:48] - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare
- [01:42] - Misinterpretations of Spiritual Strength
- [03:01] - Active Participation in God's Strength
- [03:52] - Assurance of Salvation
- [05:44] - Realization of Our Identity in Christ
- [06:57] - The Hope of Future Glory
- [09:16] - Living as Representatives of God's Kingdom
- [12:21] - God's Honor in Our Hands
- [15:13] - Nurturing the New Life Within
- [19:10] - Spiritual Nourishment: Food and Drink
- [21:13] - Feeding on Christ, the Bread of Life
- [32:13] - The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Growth
- [43:59] - The Power of Prayer and Communion with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- 1 John 3:2-3
- John 6:35
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:10-13 say about the source of our strength in spiritual battles? How does this passage describe the nature of the battle we face? [00:11]
2. According to the sermon, why is assurance of salvation considered foundational for spiritual strength? [03:52]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in strengthening believers? What is the primary purpose of prayer as mentioned? [43:59]
4. What analogy does the sermon use to explain the importance of spiritual nourishment, and how does it relate to our growth in faith? [19:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of salvation empower believers to stand firm against spiritual attacks, according to the sermon? [03:52]
2. In what ways does having an eternal perspective influence a believer's daily actions and decisions, as discussed in the sermon? [08:23]
3. The sermon mentions that believers are representatives of God's kingdom. How does this responsibility impact the way they live and interact with others? [12:40]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should engage with the Word of God to foster spiritual growth and strength? [32:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own assurance of salvation. How does this assurance, or lack thereof, affect your spiritual strength and confidence in facing life's challenges? [03:52]
2. Consider your current perspective on life. How does the hope of future glory shape your daily decisions and interactions with others? [08:23]
3. As a representative of God's kingdom, what specific actions can you take this week to reflect God's glory in your community or workplace? [12:40]
4. Identify one area in your life where you rely too much on your own strength rather than God's. What steps can you take to shift this reliance? [01:42]
5. How can you deepen your engagement with the Word of God beyond surface reading? What practical steps can you take to make Bible study a more integral part of your daily routine? [32:13]
6. Reflect on your prayer life. How can you incorporate more fellowship and communion with God into your prayers, rather than just presenting requests? [43:59]
7. Think about the spiritual nourishment you receive. What changes can you make to ensure you are feeding on Christ, the bread of life, regularly and meaningfully? [19:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance of Salvation Empowers Us
Assurance of salvation is foundational for spiritual strength. Doubt about our relationship with God can paralyze us, but confidence in our identity as His children empowers us to stand firm against the enemy. This assurance is not just a feeling but a deep-seated knowledge rooted in the promises of Scripture. When we are certain of our salvation, we are emboldened to face spiritual battles with courage, knowing that we are secure in God's love and grace. This confidence allows us to resist the enemy's attempts to sow doubt and fear in our hearts. [04:09]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. How can you remind yourself of God's promises today to strengthen your assurance?
Day 2: Eternal Perspective Shapes Present Actions
Our eternal perspective shapes our present actions. The hope of future glory motivates us to live righteously, purifying ourselves as we prepare for the life to come. This perspective helps us see the world's temptations in their true light, as fleeting and insignificant compared to the eternal reward. By focusing on the eternal, we are empowered to make choices that honor God and align with His will, resisting the temporary allure of sin. [08:23]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one temptation you face that seems significant now but is insignificant in light of eternity? How can you shift your focus to the eternal today?
Day 3: Representing God's Kingdom Through Our Actions
We are representatives of God's kingdom, and our actions reflect on Him. This responsibility should inspire us to live lives that honor God, understanding that we are part of a larger family and our conduct impacts the entire body of Christ. As ambassadors of God's kingdom, we are called to embody His love, grace, and truth in our interactions with others, serving as a testament to His transformative power in our lives. [12:40]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Consider a recent interaction where your actions reflected on God's kingdom. How can you intentionally represent Christ in your relationships today?
Day 4: Spiritual Growth Through the Word of God
Spiritual growth requires nourishment through the Word of God. The scriptures are given to build us up, providing the wisdom and strength needed to withstand the enemy's attacks. Engaging deeply with the Bible, beyond mere surface reading, is essential for spiritual maturity. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we gain insight into His character and His will for our lives, equipping us to navigate life's challenges with discernment and faith. [32:13]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can engage more deeply with Scripture this week to nourish your spiritual growth?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Communion with God
Prayer is a source of strength, offering communion with God. It is not just about presenting requests but about fellowship with the divine, drawing on His power and presence. This communion strengthens us, enabling us to face the challenges of life with confidence. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God's will, seeking His guidance and strength to navigate the complexities of life. [43:59]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you need God's strength. How can you incorporate intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek His guidance and power?
Quotes
There is nothing that is more paralyzing than for any individual to be uncertain as to whether he or she is a Christian or not. That is why such attention is paid in the scriptures to this whole doctrine of assurance. A man who's uncertain about his relationship to God and His ultimate Destiny is already defeated by the devil. [00:04:00]
The realization that we are the children of God immediately put strength and power and vigor into us and we saw how negatively it keeps us from yielding to the insinuations and The Temptations of the devil. You remember I quoted to you those words of Nehemiah in particular should such men as I flee the things Unthinkable. [00:05:13]
There is nothing that is so strengthening as the realization of what is awaiting us and coming to us as God's people. Here is a theme of course that is so frequently held before us in the Bible. I mean by that the Blessed hope that is there before all God's people. [00:06:00]
The Christian is a man who has his eye on the glory to which he is going. Beloved says John in his first epistle chapter 3:2 beloved now are we the sons of God and it does not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall see him as he is. [00:07:49]
As long as we realize that truth as long as we realize that we are going there as long as we therefore have a right view of life in this world but realize that the thing that matters ultimately is our arriving there well a man who remembers that and realizes that says John he purifies himself. [00:08:30]
We are God's people and we can't divers ourselves from the relationship and the whole family is involved by what we are and by what we do. Now if only we always remembered this what a difference it would make what strength and power it put into US you can't detach yourself. [00:12:40]
What makes a man a Christian is that a seed of new life is put into it. This is the biblical terminology as you know John uses that take for instance again the first Epistle of John 3 and: 9 he says whosoever is born of God does not commit sin what he means is does not practice sin. [00:15:52]
This principle of life that he has put into us has got power in it it has got strength in it it changes everything if any man be in Christ he's a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new you see this idea that a Christian remains what he always was. [00:16:47]
Food and drink are absolutely essential the newborn babe helpless weak can't do anything for itself but a day will come when it will have Vigor and strength and power be able to do things for itself and for others what produces this food and drink now it's exactly the same in this Christian Life. [00:19:36]
The moment we become Christians we are given a strength a power this seed of life yes but it's got to grow and develop that's what he's exalting us to so we don't just do nothing and hand it all over no no we've got to take measures to see that the life that he's given us is going to grow. [00:20:01]
The word has been given in order that we may be built up and made strong now there is no question about it as those scriptures alone in and of themselves prove abundantly that all the scripture has been provided for that reason had you ever asked yourself that question why did God ever give us the Bible. [00:32:49]
Prayer means primarily communion and fellowship with him listen to him he says behold I stand at the door and knock If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in unto him and will s with him and he with me that's not an Evangelistic statement it's addressed to the church to Christian Believers. [00:43:59]
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