Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: Trusting God in Battle
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the concept of spiritual warfare and the importance of understanding our calling as believers. I emphasized the significance of the apostolic prayers and the wisdom they impart, particularly in understanding our divine calling. I also delved into the last portion of the letter starting in verse 10 of chapter six, which discusses the concept of spiritual warfare. I highlighted the importance of being strong in the Lord and putting on the whole armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. I also stressed that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
In the second part of the sermon, I challenged the congregation to trust God in all areas of their lives, including their finances. I encouraged them to be givers and to trust that God will open up the storehouses of heaven when we trust Him. I also discussed the importance of being alert and ready for service, keeping our hearts connected to the Lord. I emphasized that we need to be aware of the weapons we've been given because we are in a spiritual battle.
Key Takeaways:
- We must understand our divine calling and the importance of spiritual warfare in our Christian journey. ([57:28])
- Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. ([58:53])
- Trusting God in all areas of our lives, including our finances, is crucial. ([51:43])
- We need to be alert and ready for service, keeping our hearts connected to the Lord. ([01:12:29])
- We must be aware of the spiritual weapons we've been given to fight our battles. ([01:15:10])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 58 [48:21]
2. Nehemiah (no specific chapter or verse mentioned) [01:07:01]
3. Luke 22:3 [01:07:40]
Observation Questions:
1. What is the main message or theme of Isaiah 58 and how does it relate to the concept of serving others?
2. In the context of Nehemiah, what does the imagery of a sword in one hand and a hammer in the other represent?
3. In Luke 22:3, what does the phrase "Satan entered Judas" mean?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Isaiah 58 challenge our understanding of true service and sacrifice?
2. How does the story of Nehemiah equip us for spiritual battles?
3. What can we learn from the account of Judas' betrayal in Luke 22:3 about spiritual vulnerability?
Application Questions:
1. How can you practically live out the principles of service and sacrifice found in Isaiah 58 in your community this week?
2. Reflecting on the story of Nehemiah, what are some "tools" God has given you for the spiritual battles you're facing right now?
3. Considering the account of Judas in Luke 22:3, what steps can you take to guard against spiritual vulnerability in your life?
4. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt the enemy was trying to cause turmoil within you? How did you respond and how could you respond differently in the future?
5. What is one specific thing you believe God has called you to do? How can you take a step towards that calling this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
God invites us to understand and know the calling He has placed on our lives. This understanding comes through the spirit of wisdom and revelation, a divine gift that allows us to discern our spiritual warfare and the authority we possess as believers. This wisdom and revelation are not just for knowledge's sake but for the application in our daily lives ([57:28]).
Ephesians 1:17 - "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
Reflection: How can you seek the spirit of wisdom and revelation in your life this week?
Day 2: Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare
We are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This strength is not our own but comes from putting on the whole armor of God. This armor equips us to stand against the wiles of the devil, reminding us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces ([58:53]).
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: What part of God's armor do you need to put on more firmly this week?
Day 3: Trust in God's Provision
God invites us to trust Him in every area of our lives, including our finances. When we trust Him, He promises to open up the storehouses of heaven. This trust is not just about giving but about recognizing God's sovereignty and provision in our lives ([51:43]).
Malachi 3:10 - "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your trust in God's provision this week?
Day 4: Be Vigilant and Alert
We are living in challenging times, and the call to be sober and alert has never been more relevant. We are not to be afraid but to be hopeful, fearless, and ready, equipped with the armor of God. We are called to push back against the lies of the enemy and declare the truth in Jesus' name ([01:41:42]).
1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Reflection: How can you practice vigilance and alertness in your spiritual life this week?
Day 5: Rise Up in Confidence
God calls us to rise up in confidence, not in our own strength but in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This confidence enables us to push back against the enemy and see breakthroughs in our lives. We are not to shrink back but to stand firm, trusting in God's power at work within us ([01:44:31]).
Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you rise up in confidence in God's power this week?
Quotes
1. "You know who else knows who you are? The one that formed you, the one that made you, the one that put his spirit in you and he is for you. He is not against you, he is with you, he is filling you, he's empowering you. Everything that you need to win this battle, he has given to you. We just got to stay in the fight, we gotta link arms, we gotta go up and in together and push back." - 01:38:09
2. "There is a spot for every single person, young and old. There is a spot for every single person and it's an incredible opportunity. I get to encounter hundreds of people right where they're at and to release the love of God. I don't care that I can't feel my fingers, I don't care how cold I am, I am right where I want to be, loving on people and releasing the love of God." - 49:00
3. "God has given us this great invitation, trust him in this area of our lives and see him show up and open up the storehouses of heaven when we trust him in this. It's an invitation that comes with a blessing." - 51:43
4. "Father, as we give today's offering, we declare that your kingdom is invading our lives in our families, in our jobs, in our finances, in our schools, in our minds, in our hearts and in our bodies. Your kingdom is breaking through." - 52:34
5. "In Jesus name, I break off right now that Spirit of sleepiness, no more that flashbang thing that trauma that has lulled us into this place of shrinking back. I break that off right now in Jesus name and I pray for just a confidence to rise up to push back, strength on the inside, strength on the inside, strength on the inside." - 01:45:15
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