Equipped for Battle: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Devotional

Day 1: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is a real and present danger that we face daily. The devil is strategic and intentional in his attacks, studying our weaknesses and planning schemes to lead us astray. We must be vigilant and prepared, recognizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This means understanding that our daily challenges and temptations are not merely physical or emotional but have a spiritual dimension that requires spiritual solutions.

The Bible teaches us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This imagery is a stark reminder of the seriousness of spiritual warfare. We must be sober-minded and alert, always ready to stand firm in our faith. By acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare, we can better prepare ourselves to face it with the strength and resources that God provides. [10:32]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What are some specific areas in your life where you feel spiritually attacked? How can you be more vigilant and prepared to face these challenges with God's help?

Day 2: The Importance of Faith and Prayer

In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus emphasizes the power of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual battles. The father's plea, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," reminds us that even in our moments of doubt, we can turn to Jesus for strength and support. Faith and prayer are our primary weapons in spiritual warfare, enabling us to connect with God's power and wisdom.

Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and character. Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, allowing us to seek His guidance, strength, and intervention in our lives. When we face spiritual battles, we must remember that our faith and prayers can move mountains and bring about God's miraculous intervention. [09:05]

James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with unbelief? How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?

Day 3: Putting on the Full Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20 instructs us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the devil's schemes. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each piece is essential for our defense and enables us to withstand the enemy's attacks. By equipping ourselves with this spiritual armor, we can be prepared for any challenge that comes our way.

The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a practical guide for how we can protect ourselves spiritually. Truth helps us discern lies, righteousness guards our hearts, the gospel of peace keeps us grounded, faith shields us from doubt, salvation assures us of our identity in Christ, and the Word of God is our offensive weapon against the enemy. By daily putting on this armor, we can stand firm in our faith and resist the devil's schemes. [34:09]

Ephesians 6:13 (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."

Reflection: Which piece of the armor of God do you feel you need to strengthen the most? How can you practically incorporate this piece into your daily life?

Day 4: Standing Firm in God's Strength

Our strength to fight spiritual battles does not come from ourselves but from the Lord. We must rely on His power and not our own abilities. By standing firm in God's strength and wearing His armor, we can remain steadfast in our faith and resist the devil's schemes. This means acknowledging our own limitations and fully depending on God's unlimited power and resources.

God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we feel overwhelmed or inadequate, we can find comfort in knowing that God's power is at work within us. By surrendering our battles to Him and trusting in His strength, we can face any challenge with confidence and peace. [37:14]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of God's? How can you begin to trust more in His power and less in your own abilities?

Day 5: The Danger of Complacency

Ignoring or underestimating the reality of spiritual warfare can lead to our downfall. The devil is always looking for opportunities to attack, and complacency makes us vulnerable. We must be sober and alert, always prepared to stand our ground and fight the good fight of faith. Complacency can lead to spiritual stagnation and make us easy targets for the enemy's schemes.

Being vigilant means actively pursuing spiritual growth and staying connected to God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. It means being aware of the enemy's tactics and guarding our hearts and minds against his lies. By staying alert and proactive in our faith, we can protect ourselves from spiritual complacency and remain strong in the Lord. [53:24]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become complacent? What steps can you take today to become more vigilant and proactive in your faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome to Multiply Church! Whether you're a regular attendee or a first-time visitor, you are part of our family, and we are thrilled to have you here. Today, we delved into the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that it is not something to be taken lightly or ignored. We explored Mark 9:14-29, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit, highlighting the importance of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual battles. The father’s plea, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," serves as a powerful reminder that even in our moments of doubt, we can turn to Jesus for strength and support.

We also discussed the necessity of putting on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-20. This armor is essential for standing firm against the devil's schemes. Spiritual warfare is not a hypothetical scenario; it is a real and present danger that requires us to be vigilant and prepared. The devil is intentional and strategic in his attacks, studying our weaknesses and planning schemes to lead us astray. Therefore, we must be equally intentional in our defense, relying on God's strength and the spiritual armor He provides.

The key takeaway is that we cannot fight this battle on our own. Our strength comes from the Lord, and our victory is secured through His power. We must stand firm, not in our own abilities, but in the full armor of God. This includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. By doing so, we can withstand the enemy's attacks and remain steadfast in our faith.

###

Key Takeaways

1. aM7TU&t=632s'>[10:32]
2. The Importance of Faith and Prayer: In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus emphasizes the power of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual battles. The father's plea, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," reminds us that even in our moments of doubt, we can turn to Jesus for strength and support. Faith and prayer are our primary weapons in spiritual warfare.

3. Putting on the Full Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-20 instructs us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the devil's schemes. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each piece is essential for our defense and enables us to withstand the enemy's attacks.

4. Standing Firm in God's Strength: Our strength to fight spiritual battles does not come from ourselves but from the Lord. We must rely on His power and not our own abilities. By standing firm in God's strength and wearing His armor, we can remain steadfast in our faith and resist the devil's schemes.

5. The Danger of Complacency: Ignoring or underestimating the reality of spiritual warfare can lead to our downfall. The devil is always looking for opportunities to attack, and complacency makes us vulnerable. We must be sober and alert, always prepared to stand our ground and fight the good fight of faith.

### [10:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:25] - Authentic Community
[03:17] - Connecting with Newcomers
[03:56] - Back-to-School Fellowship
[05:14] - Movie Night Announcement
[06:02] - Discipleship Focus
[06:49] - Families for Families Event
[07:49] - Scripture Reading: Mark 9:14-29
[09:05] - The Power of Faith and Prayer
[10:32] - Spiritual Warfare Introduction
[28:24] - Ephesians 6:10-20 Overview
[34:09] - The Full Armor of God
[37:14] - Standing Firm in God's Strength
[53:24] - The Danger of Complacency
[77:39] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Mark 9:14-29, what was the father's plea to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to it? ([09:05])
According to Ephesians 6:10-20, what are the components of the full armor of God? ([34:09])
What does the sermon say about the devil's approach to spiritual warfare? How does he plan his attacks? ([42:46])
What is the significance of the phrase "stand firm" in Ephesians 6:13-14, and how is it emphasized in the sermon? ([47:10])

Interpretation Questions

Why is the father's statement, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," significant in the context of spiritual warfare? How does this reflect our own struggles with faith? ([09:05])
How does the concept of putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 relate to the idea of standing firm against the devil's schemes? ([34:09])
The sermon mentions that the devil is strategic and intentional in his attacks. How does this understanding change the way we approach our spiritual defenses? ([42:46])
What does it mean to rely on God's strength rather than our own abilities in the context of spiritual warfare? How is this principle illustrated in the sermon? ([37:14])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually attacked. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to stand firm in God's strength? ([47:10])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual battles. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual defenses? ([09:05])
Identify a specific area in your life where you feel vulnerable to the devil's schemes. What steps can you take to put on the full armor of God in that area? ([34:09])
The sermon warns against the danger of complacency in spiritual warfare. What are some signs of complacency in your spiritual life, and how can you address them? ([53:24])
How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to stand firm in their faith and put on the full armor of God? ([37:14])
The father in Mark 9:24 asked Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief. Is there an area of your life where you need to make a similar plea? How can you seek Jesus' help in overcoming your doubts? ([09:05])
The sermon discusses the intentional and strategic nature of the devil's attacks. How can you be more vigilant and prepared to recognize and resist these attacks in your daily life? ([42:46])

Sermon Clips

1. "You won't hear the best preaching at this church. We definitely don't have the best facility, but I promise you one thing. You won't find people who are more authentic or love Jesus anymore than the people in this place. I believe that with everything in me. And so welcome, welcome online. I want to say again, if you're joining us online, and we hear this pretty frequently, I've been watching online for months and finally decided to come six months in, seven months in, whatever. Don't wait. Come on. We would love to have you." [02:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We want to be people who what? Multiply God's kingdom through being and making disciples. That's a fancy way of saying we want to be people who walk with Jesus, but we don't want to walk with him by ourself. We want to help other people know him and walk with him because we believe this with everything in us. He is the treasure that the world is looking for. He's not the way to it. He is the treasure. And we're learning that at Multiply Church, and God's growing us." [06:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are in a conversation about spiritual warfare. I told you last week, you've probably been more mindful this week and seen it for yourself. It's very real. Very real. Not to be played with. But it's also not something to be afraid of. We respect it. We don't fear it. Why? Because greater is he that's in us than he that's in this world. We have power over Satan. It's not our own. What does it take? Jesus says to his disciples, his followers, what did he say to them? They said, why couldn't we do that? And he said, what? This comes by fasting and prayer." [10:32] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We need reminded there is nothing good in us except Jesus. There is nothing good in us. In a world that tries to give us a better image of ourself and make us feel better about ourself, you need to understand and need to know what God says about it. And what he says is our righteousness, in other words, our right standing in comparison to a holy God is filthy rags. So, nobody would describe themselves as filthy rags and be proud of that." [28:54] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you belong to Jesus, if the blood of Jesus has covered your soul Satan according to scripture wants to steal kill and destroy you and according to Paul he is going to destroy you he has schemes other words he don't just go I know what I'll do I'll just let them trip their self we're pretty good at that but that's not how he works what he says is I'm going to I'm going to watch Matt Jones this is what Satan says Satan's demon this is what they say I'm going to watch Matt I'm going to study him." [43:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Running from the devil is not a strategy to win. You have to stand. But you cannot stand. Until you've done all to stand. You hear me? You can't stand until you've done everything to stand. In other words, you don't stand in your own strength. You don't even do this. You don't sort of spend time with God and sort of have on your armor. But probably not like I should. But, you know, but I mean, I got some of it on. I'm doing some of the things that I need to be doing. I should be all right." [01:06:37] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "It's time to quit messing around with the devil and his demons and it's time to stand up and fight. It's time for God's people to quit taking this war casually. I must warn you, as I did last week, if you get serious about going to war, with the devil, you better have your armor on. Listen to me, parents. Satan's job, his end goal, his end goal is for you not to bring glory to God. Anything he can do to keep you from bringing glory to God, he is winning that battle. That is his goal." [01:10:32] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If you put on the armor of God as a mom or a dad and you fight the enemy and he can't get a fiery dart into your armor, he's going to look around for your most vulnerable spot. And your most vulnerable spot is probably going to be one of your children's names. He don't care. He will wreck their life. He won't think twice about If I was visiting the church to talk like that, I wouldn't ever go back. Who wants to go to a place like that?" [01:12:48] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We find ourselves making deals with the devil. We find ourselves trying to outsmart him or outwit him or outrun him. We find ourselves trying to outsmart him or outwit him or ignore him. And those strategies, if we look at our lives, they're not working. According to Paul, under the inspiration of God, writing your holy word, he said we're to put on the armor. In fact, he said it repeatedly. We're to put on the armor so that we can stand. Not dance, not run, not argue, stand." [01:14:52] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If we wait until we think that they might need it now, we've probably waited too long. So Lord, would you help us to be sober in it. Help us to be people who are equipped for battle so that we can be disciples who follow you well, who fight the battles, and who help other people do the same. Lord, we love you and we ask it in your name, Jesus. Amen." [01:16:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?