Engaging in Spiritual Warfare: A Call to Arms

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we embarked on a transformative journey, not just as a congregation but as an army of warriors ready to engage in spiritual warfare. The essence of our time together was a call to arms, a rallying cry to recognize the spiritual battles we face and to prepare ourselves to fight with the weapons God has given us. This is not merely a sermon; it is a declaration of war against the forces of darkness that seek to oppress and bind us.

The Lord impressed upon me the importance of seeing ourselves not as passive believers but as active warriors in His army. This perspective shift is crucial as we prepare to enter a 21-day Daniel fast, a powerful spiritual discipline that strengthens our spirit while weakening the flesh. Fasting is not a diet; it is a spiritual act of war against the enemy. It is a time to draw closer to God, allowing His light to push back the darkness in our lives.

We are reminded of the power of prayer and fasting through the story of my mother's miraculous deliverance from addiction. Her transformation is a testament to the truth that some spiritual battles can only be won through these disciplines. Her story is a modern-day miracle, a living proof of Jesus' power to heal and restore.

As we prepare for this fast, we are encouraged to identify the areas of bondage in our lives—those chains that have held us back from living in the fullness of God's freedom. We are called to write these down and to envision the freedom that lies on the other side. This fast is an opportunity to break those chains and reclaim what the enemy has stolen from us.

Throughout this journey, we will support one another through daily calls, Bible studies, and spiritual coaching. We are not alone in this battle; we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, an army of fellow warriors. Together, we will stand in victory, knowing that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.

Key Takeaways:

1. A Call to Arms: We are not just believers; we are warriors in God's army. This perspective empowers us to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that we are equipped to fight against the enemy. Our identity as warriors is crucial in understanding our role in God's kingdom. [18:00]

2. The Power of Fasting: Fasting is a spiritual weapon that strengthens our spirit and weakens our flesh. It is a time to draw closer to God and push back the darkness in our lives. Through fasting, we invite God's light into our lives, which blinds the enemy and breaks chains of bondage. [25:23]

3. Miraculous Deliverance: The story of my mother's deliverance from addiction is a testament to the power of prayer and fasting. Her transformation is a modern-day miracle, showing that Jesus can heal and restore even the most broken situations. [36:45]

4. Identifying Bondage: We are encouraged to identify the areas of bondage in our lives and envision the freedom that lies on the other side. This process is essential in breaking the chains that have held us back and reclaiming what the enemy has stolen. [44:11]

5. Community Support: We are not alone in this journey. As an army of warriors, we support one another through daily calls, Bible studies, and spiritual coaching. Together, we stand in victory, knowing that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. [45:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:00] - A Call to Arms
- [20:52] - Standing as an Army
- [22:30] - God's Change of Plans
- [25:23] - The Power of Fasting
- [28:07] - Biblical Foundation for Fasting
- [33:20] - A Christmas Miracle
- [34:46] - Deliverance and Forgiveness
- [36:45] - A Mother's Transformation
- [38:10] - Spiritual Warfare and Victory
- [40:11] - A Living Miracle
- [40:48] - Hope and Proof of Jesus
- [44:11] - Identifying Bondage
- [45:54] - Claiming Freedom
- [47:00] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 10:34 - "Do not think that I came to bring peace to the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
2. Matthew 17:14-21 - The story of Jesus healing a boy with a demon, emphasizing the power of prayer and fasting.

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He says He came to bring a sword instead of peace in Matthew 10:34? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare discussed in the sermon? [18:00]

2. In Matthew 17:14-21, why were the disciples unable to cast out the demon from the boy? What does Jesus say is necessary for such a miracle to occur? [28:07]

3. How does the speaker describe the role of fasting in spiritual warfare? What are the intended outcomes of the 21-day Daniel fast mentioned in the sermon? [25:23]

4. What was the significance of the speaker's mother's story in illustrating the power of prayer and fasting? How did her experience serve as a testament to the sermon’s message? [36:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the concept of being a "warrior" in God's army change a believer's perspective on their spiritual life and daily challenges? [20:52]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fasting and spiritual breakthroughs? How does this align with the biblical account in Matthew 17:21? [28:07]

3. In what ways does the speaker's mother's deliverance story illustrate the potential impact of faith and obedience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges? [36:45]

4. How does the sermon encourage believers to identify and confront areas of bondage in their lives? What role does community support play in this process? [45:54]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of being a warrior in God's army. How can this perspective influence your approach to spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting? [20:52]

2. Consider the areas of bondage in your life that you identified. What practical steps can you take during the 21-day fast to address these areas and seek freedom? [44:11]

3. How can you incorporate the discipline of fasting into your spiritual routine beyond the 21-day challenge? What specific outcomes are you hoping to achieve through fasting? [25:23]

4. The sermon emphasizes the power of community support. How can you actively engage with your small group or church community to encourage and support one another in spiritual growth? [45:54]

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a spiritual breakthrough. What role did prayer and fasting play in that experience, and how can you apply those lessons to your current spiritual journey? [36:45]

6. How can you use the story of the speaker's mother's deliverance as a source of hope and encouragement in your own life or in the lives of others facing similar struggles? [40:11]

7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that the spiritual gains made during the fast are sustained in your life moving forward? How can you remain vigilant in spiritual warfare? [45:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Warrior Identity
In the spiritual realm, believers are not merely passive participants but are called to be active warriors in God's army. This identity shift is crucial for engaging in spiritual warfare with confidence and purpose. Recognizing oneself as a warrior empowers individuals to confront the forces of darkness with the assurance that they are equipped by God to fight. This perspective is not just about personal empowerment but understanding one's role in the broader context of God's kingdom. As warriors, believers are called to stand firm, equipped with spiritual armor, and ready to face the challenges that come their way. [18:00]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life requires you to adopt a warrior mindset, and how can you begin to equip yourself spiritually to face this challenge today?


Day 2: Fasting as a Spiritual Weapon
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that strengthens the spirit while weakening the flesh. It is not merely abstaining from food but a deliberate act of drawing closer to God and pushing back the darkness in one's life. Through fasting, believers invite God's light to shine into their lives, which blinds the enemy and breaks chains of bondage. This spiritual practice is a form of warfare that allows individuals to focus on God, seek His guidance, and experience His transformative power. Fasting is a time to realign priorities, deepen one's relationship with God, and experience spiritual breakthroughs. [25:23]

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of darkness in your life that you can focus on during a fast, and how can you invite God's light to transform it?


Day 3: Witnessing Miraculous Deliverance
The power of prayer and fasting is vividly demonstrated through the story of miraculous deliverance from addiction. This transformation serves as a testament to Jesus' ability to heal and restore even the most broken situations. It is a reminder that some spiritual battles can only be won through these disciplines. The story of deliverance is not just a historical account but a living proof of God's power at work today. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to bring about change and to seek His intervention in their own lives and the lives of others. [36:45]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life or someone else's where you desire to see God's miraculous intervention. How can you commit to prayer and fasting for this situation?


Day 4: Breaking Chains of Bondage
Identifying areas of bondage in one's life is a crucial step toward experiencing freedom in Christ. Believers are encouraged to recognize the chains that have held them back and to envision the freedom that lies on the other side. This process involves introspection, honesty, and a willingness to confront the areas where the enemy has stolen joy, peace, or purpose. By acknowledging these areas, individuals can begin the journey of breaking free from bondage and reclaiming what has been lost. This is an opportunity to experience the fullness of God's freedom and to live a life unencumbered by past struggles. [44:11]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area of bondage in your life that you need to confront, and what steps can you take today to begin breaking free from it?


Day 5: Strength in Community Support
Believers are not alone in their spiritual journey; they are part of a community of fellow warriors who support one another. This communal aspect is vital for standing in victory and overcoming challenges. Through daily calls, Bible studies, and spiritual coaching, individuals can find encouragement, accountability, and strength. The support of a community provides a sense of belonging and reinforces the truth that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Together, believers can face spiritual battles with confidence, knowing they are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses and an army of fellow warriors. [45:54]

"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support in your spiritual journey, and how can you also be a source of encouragement for others today?

Quotes

We are going to war as a church. My favorite thing that Jesus ever said in the Bible is Matthew 10, 34. He said, do not think that I came to bring peace to the earth, for I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. And that word sword in Greek means war. So God didn't come to bring peace. He came to bring war. And in order to bring war, what does he need? He needs an army of warriors. [00:18:47]

Fasting is an act of war against Satan and darkness. It is not a diet, right? If I was a master at fasting, you guys are looking at me like that guy doesn't fast. Pastor Christian's like, you know, you got to eat healthy and do all this stuff. And he's going to teach about fasting. I'm like, oh man, I'm working on it. Pastor Andrew's helping me. [00:19:10]

We are going to come against the attack of the enemy and we're going to thwart the enemy and we will stand in victory. And so what you can see is that this is not a church. This is an army and you're not alone in this battle. And so we're going to pray again because we're going to start to dive into some spiritual warfare and we need a covering. [00:21:11]

Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus. Lord, we thank you that you choose us, that you use us, that you've called us and created us, Lord. We declare in your mighty holy name victory today, victory over all the attacks of the enemy. Lord, your word says that we are the light of the world and a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Lord. [00:22:30]

Fasting is an amazing weapon against the enemy. It is so powerful. It is crazy. It's one of the most underused weapons of warfare that Christians use. We pray, we read the Bible, we worship, but very few believers actually fast. It's crazy because the world fasts more than we do. Intermittent fasting is like the thing to do. [00:23:55]

When you fast, it is one of the most incredible things because your flesh gets weak, but your spirit gets strong. What happens is you invite God's light into your body and it pushes back the darkness. And so over the next 21 days, we are going to do this Daniel fast. And this is what it actually looks like. [00:25:57]

The closer we get to God, the farther demons get from us. And so when we fast, we get closer to God and those spirits that are attacking us, whether it's fear, anxiety, depression, lust, whatever it is, they are pushed back because the light blinds them. The light of God pushes back the enemy. And so when we fast, we're literally inviting the light of God into our body. [00:25:57]

And so if you look on the back of this, on the white side, there's a little QR code. So every Thursday night during Bible study, we're going to be teaching you guys about the fast. We're going to be teaching you how to succeed in it, how to stand in victory. Also, we're going to be doing a call, a victory call at 7 30 every morning, a live Zoom call. [00:27:47]

And so those are all the details. I have to get through the what and how really quickly because I want to teach you guys about the why. Why fasting is powerful and actually show you how it works. So you can go to your Bibles. We are going to Matthew. Matthew 17, 14 through 21. And so I'm reading out of the NASB version. [00:28:07]

And Jesus answered and said, you unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? Jesus is like intense like that is that's an intense rebuke uh how long will i be with you um how long shall i put up with you bring him here to me and jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him and the boy was cured at once. [00:28:13]

And so my mom and I, we actually started having conversations that we had never had before. And we started to have these breakthroughs. And then Christmas day came and I wake up and I was like so warm and cozy. And God says, go say Merry Christmas to your mom. And you know, like when you're in bed and it's really cold in your room, but it's really warm under the blankets. [00:33:38]

And so when Jesus says that, you know, certain demons can't be delivered except through prayer and fasting, I know that's the truth because I've experienced it myself. And so, we just celebrated her two -year anniversary of being clean and sober. And it's been a beautiful process because our whole life has changed dramatically from a fast, from a single fast. [00:38:10]

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Transcript
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