Empowered Faith: Strength in God's Armor
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul exhorts believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, emphasizing the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This strength is not about passive reliance on God but involves active participation in the spiritual battle. The call to be strong in the Lord is a profound teaching that requires us to recognize our need for divine power, especially when faced with the formidable strength of our adversary and our own weaknesses.
The sermon challenges the notion of "let go and let God," which suggests a passive approach to faith. Instead, it argues for a dynamic partnership where our activity is empowered by God's strength. This is not about doing everything ourselves or expecting God to do everything for us. It is about a harmonious blend of divine power and human effort. Scriptures like Hebrews 2:18 and Romans 8:26 illustrate this partnership, showing how Christ and the Holy Spirit aid us in our struggles without removing our responsibility to act.
Paul's own experiences, as recounted in Acts and his epistles, demonstrate this principle. Whether facing trials, shipwrecks, or imprisonment, Paul was strengthened by God's presence and promises, enabling him to persevere and fulfill his mission. This strength is rooted in the assurance of salvation and the joy of the Lord, which empowers believers to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
The practical application of this teaching involves understanding and embracing our identity as children of God. This realization infuses us with strength and courage, as exemplified by Old Testament figures like Ezra and Nehemiah, who found strength in their identity and relationship with God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of assurance in our salvation as the foundation for spiritual strength and victory over the enemy.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Participation in Faith: Being strong in the Lord involves active engagement in spiritual warfare, not passive reliance on God. We are called to exert ourselves, relying on His power to enable our efforts. This partnership between divine strength and human action is essential for overcoming the enemy. [06:21]
- The Role of Assurance: Assurance of salvation is crucial for spiritual strength. Knowing our identity in Christ and our relationship with God empowers us to stand firm against the devil's schemes. This certainty is the foundation for spiritual resilience and victory. [30:15]
- Joy as Strength: The joy of the Lord is a source of strength. When we are joyful and assured in our faith, we are empowered to face challenges with confidence. This joy transforms our perspective and energizes us for the spiritual battle. [33:49]
- Scriptural Examples of Strength: Biblical figures like Paul, Ezra, and Nehemiah exemplify the principle of being strong in the Lord. Their stories illustrate how divine strength and human effort work together to achieve victory in the face of adversity. [43:19]
- Identity as God's Children: Realizing our identity as children of God is foundational for spiritual strength. This awareness infuses us with power and courage, enabling us to overcome fear and stand firm in the face of challenges. [46:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
[01:10] - The Call to Be Strong in the Lord
[02:12] - Misinterpretations of Strength in the Lord
[03:19] - Rejecting Passive Faith
[05:31] - Harmonizing Divine Power and Human Effort
[06:55] - Scriptural Evidence of Active Faith
[09:01] - The Role of Christ and the Holy Spirit
[12:15] - Paul's Personal Testimonies
[18:11] - Paul's Experiences in Acts
[23:29] - Assurance and Joy as Sources of Strength
[30:15] - The Importance of Assurance in Salvation
[33:49] - Joy of the Lord as Strength
[43:19] - Old Testament Examples of Strength
[46:43] - Conclusion: Identity as God's Children
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- Hebrews 2:18
- Romans 8:26
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" in Ephesians 6:10? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare? [01:10]
2. How does the sermon challenge the notion of "let go and let God"? What are the implications of this for our understanding of faith and action? [03:19]
3. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the partnership between divine strength and human effort using the examples of Paul, Ezra, and Nehemiah? [46:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of joy in providing strength to believers? What biblical examples are used to support this idea? [33:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of salvation contribute to a believer's spiritual strength, according to the sermon? Why is this assurance considered foundational for overcoming the enemy? [30:15]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between human effort and divine power in the context of spiritual warfare? How can believers balance these two aspects in their daily lives? [06:21]
3. How do the examples of Paul, Ezra, and Nehemiah illustrate the principle of being strong in the Lord? What can we learn from their experiences about facing challenges with confidence? [46:43]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of joy as a source of strength? In what ways can joy transform a believer's perspective and energize them for spiritual battles? [33:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on God's strength, and how did you contribute your own effort? What might you do differently next time to better balance divine power and human action? [06:21]
2. Consider your current level of assurance in your salvation. How does this assurance (or lack thereof) affect your spiritual strength and ability to stand firm against challenges? What steps can you take to deepen your assurance? [30:15]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you might be adopting a passive approach to faith. How can you actively engage in this area, relying on God's strength to empower your efforts? [03:19]
4. Think of a time when joy in the Lord helped you overcome a difficult situation. How can you cultivate this joy more consistently in your life to face future challenges with confidence? [33:49]
5. Reflect on your identity as a child of God. How does this awareness influence your courage and strength in facing life's challenges? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this identity daily? [46:43]
6. How can you apply the principle of being strong in the Lord in your relationships with others? Are there specific ways you can encourage and support others in their spiritual battles? [46:43]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you invite God's strength into this area, and what specific actions can you take to address it? [12:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Engagement in Spiritual Warfare
Being strong in the Lord requires active participation in spiritual warfare, not passive reliance on God. This involves a dynamic partnership where believers exert themselves, relying on God's power to enable their efforts. The notion of "let go and let God" is challenged, emphasizing that faith is not about doing everything ourselves or expecting God to do everything for us. Instead, it is about harmonizing divine power and human effort to overcome the enemy. This active engagement is essential for spiritual growth and victory. [06:21]
Ephesians 6:14-17 (ESV): "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: What is one specific area in your life where you can actively engage in spiritual warfare today, relying on God's strength to guide your actions?
Day 2: Assurance of Salvation as Spiritual Strength
Assurance of salvation is crucial for spiritual strength. Knowing one's identity in Christ and relationship with God empowers believers to stand firm against the devil's schemes. This certainty provides a foundation for spiritual resilience and victory. When believers are assured of their salvation, they are more confident in their faith and better equipped to face challenges. This assurance is not just a mental acknowledgment but a deep-seated conviction that transforms how one lives and interacts with the world. [30:15]
1 John 5:13 (ESV): "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Day 3: Joy of the Lord as a Source of Strength
The joy of the Lord is a profound source of strength for believers. When one is joyful and assured in their faith, they are empowered to face challenges with confidence. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the relationship with God. It transforms perspectives and energizes believers for the spiritual battle, providing resilience and hope even in difficult times. Joy in the Lord is a powerful tool that can change how one approaches life's challenges. [33:49]
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: What is one way you can cultivate joy in your relationship with God today, regardless of your current circumstances?
Day 4: Scriptural Examples of Strength
Biblical figures like Paul, Ezra, and Nehemiah exemplify the principle of being strong in the Lord. Their stories illustrate how divine strength and human effort work together to achieve victory in the face of adversity. These examples serve as powerful reminders that God empowers His people to overcome challenges and fulfill their purposes. By studying these figures, believers can gain insights into how to apply these principles in their own lives, drawing strength from their faith and relationship with God. [43:19]
Ezra 7:28 (ESV): "And who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me."
Reflection: Reflect on a biblical figure who inspires you. How can their example of strength in the Lord guide you in a current challenge you are facing?
Day 5: Identity as God's Children
Realizing one's identity as a child of God is foundational for spiritual strength. This awareness infuses believers with power and courage, enabling them to overcome fear and stand firm in the face of challenges. Understanding and embracing this identity transforms how one views themselves and their purpose in the world. It provides a sense of belonging and empowerment that is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience. By embracing their identity in Christ, believers can face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [46:43]
Romans 8:16-17 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection: How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you approach your daily life and the challenges you face?
Quotes
There are two things you see that the Apostle urges upon these Ephesian Christians and upon all Christians in our conflict in our wrestling against these terrible powers that are set against us there are two things that are essential to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and and to put on the whole armor of God. [00:01:10]
The scriptures never give the impression that it's quite simple that it's quite easy never the terms as I showed you are those of warfare wrestling fighting the good fight of Faith being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and so on very well then we must reject this it doesn't mean that we can hand the whole thing over and we've got nothing to do but to enjoy the victory. [00:04:28]
Surely the answer is that it is our activity but that he provides the power for the activity he doesn't tell us to do nothing indeed it tells us to exert ourselves for all we are worth but that the power given to us to do that is his and from him and that we must learn increasingly how to rely upon that power. [00:05:46]
He doesn't take it from them he doesn't take the battle from them he doesn't tell them to handed all over to him that because he's been through it he will fight their battles for them that isn't what we are told he is able to sucker them he helps them doesn't take it right out of their hands and they do nothing but abide and reap the fruits of his victory. [00:07:48]
Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirm he doesn't take it all over from us because we are infirmed the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what to pray for as we ought but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered now there's exactly the same thing he doesn't take it all from us. [00:09:45]
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me I beg your pardon Paul said the old preacher I didn't realize that there were two of you well now that's it you see he'd been giving the impression that there was only one that it was only the Apostle Paul no no but you must emphasize that I says Paul can do all things but he's able to do all things only through Christ which strengtheneth me. [00:20:17]
The joy of the Lord is your strength while you're miserable and unhappy and uncertain says Ezra you'll never do it you'll be absolutely defeated now this is something that one can illustrate endlessly don't we all know this when you're feeling unhappy miserable troubl you wake up like that in the morning preps and you find yourself like that now you know the sort of day you're going to have don't you everything will go wrong. [00:31:40]
The joy of the Lord it puts strength into you it puts power into you but you say how can it the problem is still there and I'm still the same man ah but my dear friend Young not a machine you see you're not a machine men's a stranger melum he's got the same nerves and the same muscles the same brain the same everything yes but you haven't finished talking about men when you say that you see there's a sort of electricity in men as well. [00:33:49]
The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits the people are going to be strong and they they are going to do the explits they're not just going to fold their arms and look on while it's done for them no no they are going to be strong and they're going to do exploits what's going to enable them oh just the fact that they know their God it is the knowledge of God that does it that makes them strong. [00:35:09]
The mere realization of the fact that we are the children of God is one of the greatest sources of strength and of power a man can ever have I want to end by just giving you two illustrations of it and I go to the Old Testament again and if this was true of Old Testament Saints how much more so should it be true of New Testament Saints. [00:46:43]
Should such a man as I flee you see what saves him he knows who he is should such a man as I flee what's he talking about is he just a great egotist is he just in a self- admiration Society is he just thinking too much of nemah not at all should such a man as I flee and who is there that being as I am would would go into the temple to save his life I will not go in. [00:45:00]
This is the beginning of being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might as you realize who you are and what you are you are already almost all the way to certain victory over the devil and all his forces God willing we'll continue this practical consideration next Sunday morning. [00:46:43]
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