Empowered Faith: Vision, Victory, and Spiritual Warfare
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared a heartfelt reflection on the journey of faith and the power of vision. Thirteen and a half years ago, I resisted God's call to pastor, believing my path was solely as an evangelist. Yet, God had a different plan, and here we are, blessed by the community and the revelations that come from sharing His word. This year promises to be even more fruitful as we embark on new projects, like our building initiative, which is set to begin on January 1st. This vision is not just about physical structures but about creating spaces that foster community and spiritual growth.
A key insight from a recent men's encounter was the transformative power of setting goals. A dream with a date becomes a goal, a goal broken down becomes a plan, and a plan with action becomes reality. This principle is guiding our efforts as we prepare for the future, including creating a welcoming outdoor space for fellowship.
We are in a harvest generation, witnessing thousands of young people turning to Christ. Our mission at AAHC is to reach the unchurched, those far from God, and those who have drifted away, while also nurturing those who are steadfast in their faith. This requires a shift in our approach, crafting messages that resonate with everyone, regardless of their spiritual journey.
Today's teaching focused on spiritual warfare, a topic often misunderstood or avoided. We explored what the Bible says about it, emphasizing that we have an enemy, but we also have victory through Christ. Spiritual warfare is not about fear but about standing firm in the victory Jesus secured for us on the cross. We are called to be strong in the Lord, not through our own efforts but by receiving His strength through prayer, worship, and the Word.
As we continue this series, we aim to equip everyone with the knowledge and tools to live out their faith boldly. We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from a place of victory. Our task is to stand firm, fully armored in God's truth, and to advance the gospel fearlessly.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Vision and Action: A dream becomes a reality when it is given a date, broken down into actionable steps, and pursued with purpose. This principle is vital for both personal growth and community projects, as it transforms abstract ideas into tangible outcomes. [15:46]
2. Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Spiritual warfare is not about fear but about recognizing that we have an enemy and standing firm in the victory Christ has already won for us. It involves knowing who the enemy is and who he is not, and equipping ourselves with God's truth. [46:15]
3. Strength in God's Power: Our strength comes not from our own efforts but from being in God's presence, through prayer, worship, and the Word. It's about receiving from God, not trying to muster strength on our own. [17:05]
4. The Armor of God: Each piece of God's armor is designed to protect us against specific attacks from the enemy. By suiting up in this armor, we can stand firm against deception, accusation, and temptation, knowing that God has equipped us for victory. [25:57]
5. Advancing the Gospel Boldly: We are called to spread the gospel fearlessly, knowing that the enemy has no defense against the Word of God. Our mission is to bring light into darkness, sharing the love of Christ without condemnation. [40:55]
YouTube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [15:46] - Vision and Goals
- [19:32] - Building Projects and Community
- [22:41] - Worship and Gratitude
- [39:00] - Personal Worship Reflections
- [40:55] - Purposeful Gathering
- [43:16] - Series Introduction: Can We Talk About It?
- [46:15] - Spiritual Warfare Introduction
- [47:34] - C.S. Lewis on Spiritual Warfare
- [51:13] - Understanding Our Enemy
- [56:14] - The Battle We Face
- [58:04] - God's Power vs. Satan's Limitations
- [01:00:23] - Standing in Victory
- [01:17:05] - Building Spiritual Strength
- [01:25:57] - The Full Armor of God
- [01:40:55] - Boldly Advancing the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-20
- Colossians 2:13-15
- Isaiah 14:12-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:10-20 say about the nature of our spiritual battle and the armor of God? How does this passage describe the enemy we face? [51:13]
2. In Colossians 2:13-15, what actions did Jesus take on the cross that demonstrate our victory over spiritual forces? How is this victory described? [01:09:06]
3. According to Isaiah 14:12-15, what was the sin that led to the fall of Lucifer? How does this passage describe his intentions and ultimate fate? [54:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of turning a dream into reality? What steps are involved, and how does this relate to the church's vision? [15:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the nature of our enemy, as described in Ephesians 6, change the way we approach spiritual warfare? What practical steps can believers take to stand firm in this battle? [51:13]
2. In what ways does the victory described in Colossians 2:13-15 empower believers to live out their faith boldly? How can this understanding impact our daily lives? [01:09:06]
3. How does the fall of Lucifer, as described in Isaiah 14, serve as a warning for believers today? What lessons can be learned about pride and ambition? [54:40]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of setting goals and taking action. How can this principle be applied to both personal spiritual growth and community projects within the church? [15:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you incorporate the "first 15" principle into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God? What specific changes will you make this week? [01:24:39]
2. Consider the areas in your life where you feel spiritually attacked. How can you apply the armor of God to these situations? Which piece of armor do you need to focus on the most right now? [01:25:57]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of advancing the gospel fearlessly. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of Christ. How will you share the gospel with them this week in a loving and non-condemning way? [01:40:55]
4. Think about a dream or vision you have for your life or community. What steps can you take to turn this dream into a reality? How will you set goals and take action to achieve it? [15:46]
5. Reflect on the concept of spiritual warfare as a "dogfight." How can you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for the battles you face? What strategies will you use to stand firm in your faith? [01:06:46]
6. The sermon mentions the transformative power of setting goals. What is one spiritual goal you want to achieve in the next month? How will you break it down into actionable steps? [15:46]
7. How can you ensure that your approach to spiritual warfare is balanced, avoiding both extremes of disbelief and excessive focus on the enemy? What role does scripture play in maintaining this balance? [47:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Vision into Reality
A dream becomes a reality when it is given a date, broken down into actionable steps, and pursued with purpose. This principle is vital for both personal growth and community projects, as it transforms abstract ideas into tangible outcomes. The journey of faith often involves discerning God's vision for our lives and taking deliberate steps to bring that vision to fruition. It requires setting clear goals, creating a plan, and taking consistent action. This approach not only applies to personal aspirations but also to collective endeavors, such as community building projects. By aligning our actions with God's vision, we can witness the transformation of dreams into reality. [15:46]
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28, ESV)
Reflection: What is one dream or vision God has placed on your heart? How can you begin to break it down into actionable steps today?
Day 2: Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is not about fear but about recognizing that we have an enemy and standing firm in the victory Christ has already won for us. It involves knowing who the enemy is and who he is not, and equipping ourselves with God's truth. Many people misunderstand spiritual warfare, seeing it as a battle to be fought in fear. However, the truth is that the victory has already been secured through Christ. Our role is to stand firm, equipped with the knowledge of God's truth, and to recognize the enemy's tactics. By understanding spiritual warfare, we can live confidently, knowing that we are not fighting for victory but from a place of victory. [46:15]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually attacked? How can you equip yourself with God's truth to stand firm in those areas?
Day 3: Strength in God's Power
Our strength comes not from our own efforts but from being in God's presence, through prayer, worship, and the Word. It's about receiving from God, not trying to muster strength on our own. In our spiritual journey, it is crucial to recognize that true strength is found in God's presence. Through prayer, worship, and engagement with the Word, we receive the strength we need to face life's challenges. This divine strength is not something we can generate on our own; it is a gift from God that empowers us to live out our faith boldly. By prioritizing time in God's presence, we can draw on His strength daily. [17:05]
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to be in God's presence and receive His strength?
Day 4: The Armor of God
Each piece of God's armor is designed to protect us against specific attacks from the enemy. By suiting up in this armor, we can stand firm against deception, accusation, and temptation, knowing that God has equipped us for victory. The armor of God is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual resources available to believers. Each piece serves a unique purpose, providing protection and strength against the enemy's attacks. By understanding and utilizing this armor, we can stand firm in our faith, confident in the victory that God has already secured for us. This spiritual armor equips us to face challenges with courage and resilience. [25:57]
"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." (Ephesians 6:13, ESV)
Reflection: Which piece of God's armor do you feel you need to focus on strengthening in your life right now? How can you begin to do that today?
Day 5: Advancing the Gospel Boldly
We are called to spread the gospel fearlessly, knowing that the enemy has no defense against the Word of God. Our mission is to bring light into darkness, sharing the love of Christ without condemnation. As believers, we have a mandate to advance the gospel with boldness and confidence. The enemy cannot withstand the power of God's Word, and we are called to share it fearlessly. This mission involves bringing light into dark places and sharing the love of Christ with those who are far from God. By advancing the gospel boldly, we fulfill our calling to be ambassadors of Christ in the world. [40:55]
"And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel." (Ephesians 6:19, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you share it with them in a way that is both bold and loving?
Quotes
1) "A dream with a date becomes a goal and a goal broken down becomes a plan and a plan broken down with action becomes a reality." [15:46] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We are in a harvest generation. And we as AAHC will continue to do what we're doing, but on a greater scale to be able to reach the unchurched, to be able to reach those who are far from God, to be able to reach those who are with God, but maybe they've walking away a little bit, and to be able, to be able to feed those of us that are still close with God." [19:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Honestly, we need to recognize that any time we take a step forward in faith, we will always meet opposition. It always comes." [46:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We fight from a place of victory. We don't fight for victory. We fight from victory. Amen. Amen. We as children of God, we have nothing to fear because we fight from victory." [01:09:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Spiritual warfare is actually simply standing firm in the circle of victory in Christ. Are you with me? Yes. This is the third. Truth." [01:16:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Build up our spiritual strength. Build up our spiritual strength. Back to Ephesians, verse 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Now, I want you to see something. We don't find strength in our own strength. We are strong in his strength." [01:17:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "God makes the armor available, but we must choose to suit up in the armor. Amen? We are living in a very crazy, ungodly world. And let me tell you again, it's a dogfight. We need to suit up in the armor and never take it off." [01:36:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We fearlessly make known the gospel of Jesus Christ. The theology of spiritual warfare is found in Matthew, chapter 16, where Jesus says the church will advance in such a way that the gates of hell will not prevail." [01:40:55] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "When we go to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world, we don't do it with a condemnation. We do it with love. We don't have to say where the Bible says this. You don't have to say that you can speak to people and tell it, give them the word. And they never know it's the word, but their spirit does." [01:45:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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