Equipped for Battle: Embracing God's Armor and Courage
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of "No Boundaries" in our spiritual journey, focusing on the importance of being strong in the Lord and putting on the full armor of God. We began with a light-hearted look at the confusion surrounding scientific studies, using it as a metaphor for the mixed messages we often receive in life. This led us into our main topic: the spiritual battle we face as believers and the necessity of being equipped with God's armor to stand firm against the devil's schemes.
We delved into Ephesians 6, where Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness for the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These elements are crucial for standing against the spiritual forces of evil.
We then examined the story of Nehemiah, who faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's story illustrates how the enemy uses schemes to distract and instill fear in us, attempting to halt the work God has called us to do. Despite the threats and accusations from external enemies like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, Nehemiah remained focused and steadfast, refusing to be deterred from his mission.
The message emphasized that fear is a common tactic used by the enemy, both from outside and within our own ranks. However, the command "Do not be afraid" is consistently followed by a promise of God's presence and support. This assurance empowers us to continue the work of the Lord with courage and faith.
In conclusion, we are reminded that standing strong in faith requires us to be vigilant, equipped with God's armor, and unwavering in our commitment to His work. By doing so, we not only overcome fear but also become a testament to God's power and presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Armor of God: As believers, we are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual battles. This armor equips us with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, enabling us to withstand the enemy's schemes and remain steadfast in our faith. [36:37]
2. Nehemiah's Resolve: Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of staying focused on God's work despite external opposition. His unwavering commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, even in the face of threats and distractions, exemplifies the power of faith and determination in fulfilling God's purpose. [47:18]
3. Fear as a Tactic: The enemy often uses fear to deter us from God's work. However, the repeated biblical command "Do not be afraid" is always accompanied by a promise of God's presence and support, reminding us that we are never alone in our spiritual journey. [01:04:39]
4. Internal Challenges: Sometimes, the enemy's schemes come from within our own community. Nehemiah faced deception from those inside the walls, highlighting the need for discernment and courage to stand firm in our convictions, even when the threat is close to home. [01:01:06]
5. God's Promise: Every command to not fear is coupled with a promise of God's protection and strength. This assurance empowers us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will sustain us through every trial. [01:07:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Introduction and Humor
- [05:00] - No Boundaries Series
- [10:00] - Ephesians 6: Armor of God
- [15:00] - Spiritual Battle and Schemes
- [20:00] - Nehemiah's Mission
- [25:00] - Opposition and Distraction
- [30:00] - Fear as a Weapon
- [35:00] - Internal Deception
- [40:00] - God's Assurance
- [45:00] - Standing Strong in Faith
- [50:00] - Application and Encouragement
- [55:00] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "No Boundaries"
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-18
- Nehemiah 6:1-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the components of the "full armor of God" as described in Ephesians 6, and why are they important for believers? [36:37]
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the repeated invitations from Sanballat and Geshem to meet in the plains of Ono, and what does this reveal about his character? [50:36]
3. What tactics did the enemies of Nehemiah use to try to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, and how did Nehemiah counter these tactics? [51:46]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the repeated biblical command "Do not be afraid," and how is it typically accompanied? [01:04:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of the "armor of God" help believers understand the nature of spiritual battles they face? [36:37]
2. In what ways does Nehemiah's story illustrate the importance of discernment and focus when facing opposition, both external and internal? [01:01:06]
3. Why might fear be a particularly effective tactic used by the enemy, and how does the promise of God's presence help counteract this fear? [01:07:01]
4. How can the story of Nehemiah encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission despite challenges and distractions? [49:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distracted from your spiritual goals. How can Nehemiah's example of focus and determination inspire you to stay on track? [49:34]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of putting on the full armor of God daily. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually equipped each day? [36:37]
3. Fear is a common tactic used by the enemy. Identify a fear that has been holding you back in your spiritual journey. How can you confront this fear with the assurance of God's presence? [01:04:39]
4. Nehemiah faced opposition from both outside and within his community. How can you develop discernment to recognize and address internal challenges in your own life or community? [01:01:06]
5. Consider the promise that accompanies the command "Do not be afraid." How can you anchor your faith in God's promises when facing personal or spiritual challenges? [01:07:01]
6. Nehemiah's resolve was strengthened by prayer. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek strength and guidance from God? [57:12]
7. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to stand strong in faith. What steps can you take this week to demonstrate unwavering commitment to God's work? [01:11:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Equipping for Spiritual Warfare
In our spiritual journey, we are called to be vigilant and prepared for the battles we face. Ephesians 6 provides a vivid depiction of the armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness for the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece of this armor is essential for standing firm against the spiritual forces of evil. By putting on this full armor, believers are equipped to withstand the enemy's schemes and remain steadfast in their faith. This preparation is not just a one-time event but a daily commitment to living in truth, righteousness, and faith. [36:37]
Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "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. 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 specific piece of God's armor do you feel you need to focus on today, and how can you actively incorporate it into your daily routine?
Day 2: Resolute in Purpose
The story of Nehemiah is a powerful example of staying focused on God's work despite external opposition. Nehemiah faced significant challenges while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, including threats and distractions from adversaries like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Despite these obstacles, Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to his mission exemplifies the power of faith and determination in fulfilling God's purpose. His resolve teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast and focused on the tasks God has called us to, even when faced with adversity. [47:18]
Nehemiah 4:7-9 (ESV): "But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."
Reflection: What distractions or oppositions are currently challenging your focus on God's work, and how can you, like Nehemiah, remain resolute in your purpose?
Day 3: Overcoming Fear with Faith
Fear is a common tactic used by the enemy to deter us from God's work. Throughout the Bible, the command "Do not be afraid" is consistently followed by a promise of God's presence and support. This assurance empowers believers to continue their spiritual journey with courage and faith, knowing that they are never alone. By trusting in God's promises, we can overcome fear and remain steadfast in our commitment to His work. This requires a conscious effort to replace fear with faith, relying on God's strength and presence to guide us through challenges. [01:04:39]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a fear that is holding you back from fully engaging in God's work. How can you actively replace that fear with faith today, trusting in God's promise to be with you?
Day 4: Discernment in Community
Sometimes, the enemy's schemes come from within our own community. Nehemiah faced deception from those inside the walls, highlighting the need for discernment and courage to stand firm in our convictions. This internal challenge requires believers to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing that not all opposition comes from external sources. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can navigate these challenges and remain committed to His work, even when the threat is close to home. [01:01:06]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: Are there any internal challenges or deceptions within your community that you need to address with discernment and courage? How can you seek God's wisdom in navigating these situations?
Day 5: Assurance of God's Presence
Every command to not fear is coupled with a promise of God's protection and strength. This assurance empowers believers to face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with them and will sustain them through every trial. By holding onto this promise, we can overcome fear and become a testament to God's power and presence in our lives. This requires a deep trust in God's faithfulness and a willingness to rely on His strength in times of difficulty. [01:07:01]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's promise to be with you in times of fear and uncertainty? What practical steps can you take to rely on His strength and presence today?
Quotes
1. "Eat and drink whatever you want, but apparently speaking English kills you. Yeah. That's as good as we're going to get from that. This morning, we're walking through our series on no boundaries. And so don't have any boundaries with food. Just be wise in your moderation." [36:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Then, Paul says, And then the rest of Ephesians talks about, in one blaming this good work as we see here, he could not live without eulogy. I wonder, we're here tonight to talk you through this differently, but now that it's there, I am So let me tell you, we know we said here what's not tomorrow's good." [36:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Satan is always scheming to disrupt the work of the lord. I want you to want you to think about that satan is always scheming to disrupt the work of the lord it's not like he's going to take a holiday and he's going to say well that person's off he's a scheme scheming it has the idea of there's a specific plan it has an idea that there's a strategy behind it the strategy that satan has for you and for you is different than the strategy that he has for me he knows my weaknesses he so he schemes he connives he cajoles and he goes in a certain direction that will cause me to walk and move and get off of the path that god wants me to do and follow him you this morning we're going to talk about one of his schemes there's going to be a great example that we're going to look at how he uses that scheme" [43:22] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Amazing things can be accomplished for those people who have submitted themselves to the work of God. Chapter 6, verse 1. When the word of the Lord came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies, that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it, so up to that time I had not set the doors and the gates." [45:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Stop what you're doing and spend time listening to the enemy. Stop what you're doing. You're doing the work of the Lord and somebody outside, somebody who doesn't understand, somebody who might be antagonistic to you, hey, hey, hey, come over here. They might flatter you. They might control you. They want you to stop what you're doing and come spend time with them. Stay focused. Stay focused on what you're doing." [48:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The enemy will lie about you. The enemy will accuse you. The enemy will ask you to leave God's work for something else. Stop doing what you're doing. Stop. Stop walking like you're walking. You know, you're too judgmental. You're too hard on people. You're not compassionate enough. Stop holding to the truth. Come, listen to the world and all of its wisdom." [55:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Being a faithful follower of Jesus takes courage, church. Because the enemy is scheming to always take us down, and just to get us to stop doing the work of God. You can live your life like you want to. You just can't do the work of God." [57:12] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Church. This is incredible. Don't sin against the Lord. Whether somebody on the inside. Or on the outside tempts you. Stay faithful. To doing God's work. Remember. He says. He prays. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat my God. Because of what they have done. And remember the prophet. Here's another person that came in. Nobadiah. And how she and the rest of the prophets. Have been trying to intimidate me." [01:03:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Do not be afraid. The phrase. Do not be afraid. You know. That is the number one command. In all of scripture. It's repeated more often than any other command. In all of the scriptures. Do. Not. Be. Afraid. And it's not just written to some little puny person down on the corner. Do not be afraid. In other words. Don't let fear give in. It is written. To. The major place. To. In all of the Old Testament. New Testament. Do not be afraid." [01:04:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The promise is if you're doing the work of the Lord, God is with you. And God will sustain you. God will hold you up. Be strong in the faith. Second one. Be strong because you've on the full armor of God. You've got the breastplate of righteousness. You the belt of truth. You the helmet of salvation. Etc. On. You're equipped to do the work of the Lord." [01:11:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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