Engaging in Spiritual Warfare: Strength and Action

 

Summary

In this message, we delve into the profound truth that as Christians, we are engaged in a mighty spiritual warfare against the devil and his forces. The Apostle Paul emphasizes two crucial actions: being strong in the Lord and putting on the whole armor of God. This strength is not a call to passivity but an invitation to active participation, empowered by God. We are not to sit back and let God do everything for us; rather, we are to be active, realizing that our strength comes from Him as we engage in the battle.

The essence of this strength lies in understanding that the power is within us, given to us through the new birth. Just as physical strength requires nourishment and exercise, spiritual strength demands the same. We must nourish ourselves with the Word and exercise our faith through active living. This involves personal discipline, self-control, and a conscious effort to live in the presence of God. We are called to add to our faith virtues such as knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These are not passive attributes but active pursuits that require diligence and effort.

Moreover, in the heat of battle, we are reminded of the power of invoking the name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, a source of strength and safety. Historical examples like Gideon and David illustrate the power of relying on God's name in the face of overwhelming odds. The name of Jesus is not just a label but a source of power and authority that can drive away fear and empower us to stand firm against the enemy.

Ultimately, the message is a call to action, urging us to actively engage in our spiritual walk, relying on the strength and power of the Lord. By doing so, we can stand firm in the evil day, fully equipped and empowered to overcome the challenges we face.

Key Takeaways:

- Active Participation in Spiritual Warfare: Christians are called to be active participants in spiritual warfare, not passive observers. Our strength comes from God, but we must engage in the battle, realizing that He empowers us to act. This active participation involves personal discipline and a conscious effort to live in the presence of God. [01:53]

- Nourishment and Exercise for Spiritual Strength: Just as physical strength requires nourishment and exercise, spiritual strength demands the same. We must nourish ourselves with the Word and exercise our faith through active living. This involves adding virtues to our faith, such as knowledge, temperance, and patience. [03:29]

- The Power of Self-Control: Self-control is essential for conserving spiritual energy. Without it, we waste our strength and become vulnerable to the enemy. Controlling our temper, desires, and instincts is crucial for maintaining spiritual strength and effectiveness in the battle. [21:59]

- Invoking the Name of the Lord: The name of the Lord is a powerful source of strength and safety. Historical examples like Gideon and David illustrate the power of relying on God's name in the face of overwhelming odds. Invoking the name of Jesus can drive away fear and empower us to stand firm against the enemy. [36:43]

- Diligence in Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth requires diligence and effort. We are called to add virtues to our faith and to practice them consistently. This active pursuit of spiritual growth leads to strength and maturity in the Lord, enabling us to stand firm in the evil day. [09:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
- [00:43] - Being Strong in the Lord
- [01:53] - Active Participation, Not Passivity
- [02:29] - Principles of Spiritual Strength
- [03:29] - Nourishment and Exercise
- [04:39] - Practical Application of Strength
- [06:17] - Dangers of Idleness
- [07:48] - Living the Christian Life
- [09:20] - Diligence in Spiritual Growth
- [13:08] - Adding Virtues to Faith
- [21:59] - The Power of Self-Control
- [26:22] - Patience and Endurance
- [29:20] - Godliness and Walking with God
- [36:43] - Invoking the Name of the Lord
- [42:37] - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
2. 2 Peter 1:5-7 - "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."
3. Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 6:10-11, what are the two actions Paul instructs believers to take in spiritual warfare?
2. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, what virtues are believers encouraged to add to their faith, and why might these be important in the context of spiritual growth?
3. How does the sermon describe the role of self-control in maintaining spiritual strength? [21:59]
4. What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the power of invoking the name of the Lord? [36:43]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "being strong in the Lord" differ from relying solely on one's own strength, according to the sermon? [01:53]
2. What might be the significance of adding virtues like self-control and patience to one's faith in the context of spiritual warfare?
3. How does the sermon suggest that invoking the name of the Lord can impact a believer's ability to stand firm against spiritual challenges? [36:43]
4. In what ways does the sermon emphasize the importance of active participation in one's spiritual life, and how does this relate to the biblical passages discussed? [09:20]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you actively participate in your spiritual growth this week, rather than being passive? [01:53]
2. Identify one virtue from 2 Peter 1:5-7 that you feel needs more attention in your life. What specific steps can you take to cultivate this virtue?
3. Consider a situation where you might need to exercise self-control. How can you prepare yourself to respond with self-control when faced with this challenge? [21:59]
4. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by a challenge. How might invoking the name of the Lord have changed your perspective or response in that situation? [36:43]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of invoking the name of the Lord into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual walk?
6. Reflect on your interactions with others. How can you demonstrate brotherly kindness and love in a specific relationship this week? [32:31]
7. What is one area of your life where you feel spiritually idle? What practical steps can you take to become more active in that area? [07:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in Spiritual Warfare
Christians are called to be active participants in spiritual warfare, not passive observers. This means recognizing that while our strength comes from God, we must engage in the battle, realizing that He empowers us to act. This active participation involves personal discipline and a conscious effort to live in the presence of God. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the existence of spiritual warfare; we must actively prepare and equip ourselves to face it. This preparation involves understanding the nature of the battle, the strategies of the enemy, and the resources available to us through our faith. By actively engaging in this spiritual warfare, we align ourselves with God's purposes and become effective instruments in His hands. [01:53]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively engage in the spiritual battles you face, relying on God's strength and guidance?


Day 2: Nourishment and Exercise for Spiritual Strength
Just as physical strength requires nourishment and exercise, spiritual strength demands the same. We must nourish ourselves with the Word and exercise our faith through active living. This involves adding virtues to our faith, such as knowledge, temperance, and patience. Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires intentional effort and dedication. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and applying its truths to our lives, we build a strong foundation for our faith. Additionally, exercising our faith through acts of service, prayer, and obedience strengthens our spiritual muscles, enabling us to withstand the challenges we encounter. [03:29]

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Reflection: How can you incorporate spiritual nourishment and exercise into your daily routine to strengthen your faith and grow closer to God?


Day 3: The Power of Self-Control
Self-control is essential for conserving spiritual energy. Without it, we waste our strength and become vulnerable to the enemy. Controlling our temper, desires, and instincts is crucial for maintaining spiritual strength and effectiveness in the battle. Self-control is not about suppressing our emotions or desires but about channeling them in a way that aligns with God's will. It involves making conscious choices to resist temptation, avoid distractions, and focus on what truly matters. By exercising self-control, we protect ourselves from spiritual fatigue and remain steadfast in our commitment to God. [21:59]

Proverbs 25:28 (ESV): "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with self-control. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your self-discipline in this area today?


Day 4: Invoking the Name of the Lord
The name of the Lord is a powerful source of strength and safety. Historical examples like Gideon and David illustrate the power of relying on God's name in the face of overwhelming odds. Invoking the name of Jesus can drive away fear and empower us to stand firm against the enemy. The name of the Lord is not just a label; it represents His character, authority, and presence. When we call upon His name, we invite His power and protection into our lives. This act of faith reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is always ready to intervene on our behalf. [36:43]

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."

Reflection: In what situations do you need to invoke the name of the Lord for strength and protection? How can you make this a regular practice in your spiritual life?


Day 5: Diligence in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth requires diligence and effort. We are called to add virtues to our faith and to practice them consistently. This active pursuit of spiritual growth leads to strength and maturity in the Lord, enabling us to stand firm in the evil day. Diligence involves a commitment to continuous learning, self-examination, and perseverance. It means being intentional about our spiritual development and seeking opportunities to grow in our relationship with God. By cultivating virtues such as love, patience, and humility, we become more like Christ and better equipped to navigate the challenges of life. [09:38]

2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What specific virtues do you need to cultivate in your life to grow spiritually? How can you actively pursue these virtues in your daily walk with God?

Quotes


We are engaged in a mighty Warfare in a terrible battle and struggle with the devil and all these forces that are arrayed behind him and the apostles teaching is that there is only one way in which all this can be met and that is to do these two things which he mentions here the first is that we have to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might the other is to put on the whole armor of God. [00:24:34]

We are to be as active as we can be but that we must realize that we can only be active in that way as we are in empowered by and of the Lord he doesn't do it for us he enables us to do it it is we who are conscious of his power and the power of His might as we proceed to action. [01:50:45]

The Christian isn't a man who's born again he's not just a man who's decided to live a better life now a new principle has been put into him a seed of God as the first Epistle of John puts it has been implanted into him he's a partaker of the divine nature as we were reminded in one in 2 Peter 1:4 this morning a partaker of the divine nature now well that means there's power in us there's Vigor. [02:58:08]

The more we exercise our muscles the more they're developed and the stronger they become in other words we become stronger and and thus we become strong in the Lord and in the power of His might it's all put into us in the rebirth in this seed but it's for us to develop it and to take these various measures which will enable it to grow. [03:51:56]

The best form of exercise in the last analysis the best way of keeping up our strength is to be doing our work now that's the difference isn't it between a man who has to do his work and a wealthy man who just does exercises to keep up his strength the man the Working Man doesn't need to do the exercises because the work is the exercise. [05:26:52]

The Christian is exalted in many many places in the scripture to be active in the work of the Lord in the right way of course I'm not advocating some foolish activism some just bustling business without knowing what we're doing I'm talking about living the normal Christian Life that's the thing that's being forgotten today. [07:13:40]

The more we know about this truth and the more we understand it the stronger we shall be but we go on to the next one which is temperance and to knowledge Temperance well here again of course is a term that as has become somewhat constricted in its meaning and connotation at the present time people tend to think of temperance only in the matter of alcoholic drinks and so on. [19:37:04]

Self-control and to fail to control ourselves means a loss of energy you know these things can actually be measured and when I say self-control I mean controlling your temper controlling your spirit have you ever seen a man trembling in a rage what energy that man's wasting he's emitting energy at a tremendous rate because he can't control his temper he can't control his own spirit. [22:00:00]

The Christian Life is a very active life isn't it you're not just sitting back and it's all being done it takes time and trouble to control oneself exercise there's discipline nobody can do it for you you've got to do it yourself patience oh but says somebody surely there's an experience to be had in which I can get rid of all these things not according to the Apostle Peter. [26:18:00]

Godliness means piety if you like piety it's not a popular word now but it's a very good word what does it mean well it means consciousness of walking in the sight of God consciousness of Walking with God Enoch walked with God that's godliness the same thing is told us about Noah these men walked with God in other words they were conscious of the fact that they were walking in the presence of God. [29:20:00]

The name of the Lord is a strong tower only his name remember the name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous runneth into it and is safe the name of the Lord but let me give you some other notable illustrations of this this is how to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to know how to use his name and the power of His name. [36:43:00]

The Apostle Paul in writing to a nervous timorous frightened men like Timothy he puts it like this to him he's already told him to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ that's all right that tells him to pull himself together now he wants to give him something that will really fill him with power he says remember remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David is raised from the dead according to my gospel. [41:44:00]

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Transcript
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