Equipped for Victory: The Armor of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to express our gratitude to Jesus, the way maker, who has been faithful in our lives and will continue to be so. We prayed for miracles and blessings over our congregation, declaring that our best days are ahead. We then transitioned into our series on the armor of God, focusing on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.
We shared testimonies from our recent crusades in Honduras and Africa, where we witnessed God's miraculous works, including healings and spiritual transformations. These stories serve as a reminder that God is actively pursuing people and transforming lives globally. We encouraged our young people to recognize that they are never too young to be used mightily by God.
We then delved into the significance of the armor of God, emphasizing that it is not just a metaphor but a powerful spiritual weapon. The belt of truth, for instance, holds everything together, allowing us to move freely and confidently in our faith. The enemy seeks to distract and paralyze us, but standing firm in the truth gives us the authority to resist him.
The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and is not based on our own righteousness, which is like filthy rags, but on the righteousness of Jesus, imparted to us through His blood. This righteousness sustains us and enables us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.
We concluded with a call to ensure that everyone is washed in the blood of Jesus, as this is the foundation for accessing the armor of God and all the gifts He has for us. We invited those who needed prayer for miracles or to receive the blood of Jesus to come forward, emphasizing that it is through His blood that we are made clean and can walk in victory.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Faithfulness of Jesus: Jesus is our way maker, always faithful even when we feel cornered or broken. Reflecting on His past faithfulness gives us confidence in His future promises. This faithfulness is a cornerstone of our spiritual journey, reminding us that our best days are ahead. [00:52]
2. The Belt of Truth: The belt of truth is essential for spiritual warfare, holding everything together and allowing us to move freely without distraction. The enemy seeks to paralyze us with lies, but standing firm in the truth gives us the authority to resist him. This truth is not just a concept but a powerful weapon in our daily lives. [15:00]
3. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Our righteousness is not based on our deeds but on the righteousness of Jesus, imparted to us through His blood. This breastplate protects our hearts and sustains us in spiritual battles. It is a gift from God, enabling us to stand firm and move forward in our faith. [25:03]
4. The Power of the Blood of Jesus: The blood of Jesus is essential for our salvation and access to God's gifts. It cleanses us from sin and imparts righteousness, making us worthy to receive the armor of God. Without the blood, we cannot stand before God or access His spiritual gifts. [32:48]
5. Active Participation in God's Work: God is doing miraculous things around the world, and He invites us to be part of His work. Whether through prayer, missions, or daily acts of faith, we are called to actively participate in His kingdom. Young or old, everyone has a role to play in God's plan. [04:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:52] - Gratitude and Prayer
[02:13] - Introduction to the Armor of God
[02:43] - Testimonies from Honduras
[03:48] - God's Pursuit and Love
[04:22] - Encouragement for Young People
[05:31] - Testimonies from Africa
[07:19] - Upcoming Missions and Prayer Requests
[07:52] - Reading of the Word
[08:56] - Prayer for Anointing
[09:57] - Paul's Vision of the Church
[11:00] - The Armor of God Explained
[12:37] - The Belt of Truth
[15:00] - Spiritual Warfare and Truth
[17:00] - The Enemy's Tactics
[19:19] - Praying for the Belt of Truth
[22:29] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
[25:03] - Righteousness Through Jesus
[27:22] - Call to Stand and Receive
[29:11] - The Importance of the Blood of Jesus
[32:48] - Applying the Blood of Jesus
[35:07] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[38:33] - Prayer for Miracles and Breakthroughs
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:13-14 (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."
2. Isaiah 59:17 (ESV): "He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak."
3. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the "belt of truth" symbolize in Ephesians 6:14, and why is it important for spiritual warfare? ([15:00])
2. According to the sermon, how does the "breastplate of righteousness" protect us, and whose righteousness does it represent? ([25:03])
3. What are some of the miraculous works mentioned in the sermon that were witnessed during the crusades in Honduras and Africa? ([02:43])
4. How does 1 Peter 5:8-9 describe our adversary, and what are we instructed to do in response? ([17:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that our righteousness is based on Jesus' righteousness and not our own deeds? How does this understanding impact our daily spiritual battles? ([25:03])
2. How does the belt of truth help us resist the enemy's lies and distractions, according to the sermon? ([15:00])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that young people can be mightily used by God, and why is this important for the church's mission? ([04:52])
4. How does the blood of Jesus enable us to access the armor of God and His spiritual gifts? ([29:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt cornered or broken. How did Jesus make a way for you, and how can this past faithfulness give you confidence in His future promises? ([00:52])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth. What are some practical ways you can ensure you are girded with the belt of truth in your daily life? ([15:00])
3. Think about the concept of the breastplate of righteousness. How can you remind yourself daily that your righteousness comes from Jesus and not from your own efforts? ([25:03])
4. The sermon shared testimonies of God's miraculous works around the world. How can you actively participate in God's work, whether through prayer, missions, or daily acts of faith? ([04:52])
5. The blood of Jesus is essential for our salvation and access to God's gifts. Have you fully embraced the cleansing power of Jesus' blood in your life? If not, what steps can you take to do so? ([29:11])
6. The enemy seeks to paralyze us with lies and distractions. Identify one lie or distraction in your life that you need to resist. How can you use the truth of God's Word to combat it? ([17:00])
7. The sermon calls for us to be washed in the blood of Jesus to access the armor of God. How can you ensure that you are living a life that reflects this cleansing and victory? ([29:11])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Faithfulness of Jesus
Theme: Jesus' faithfulness assures us of a hopeful future.
Description: Jesus is described as our way maker, always faithful even when we feel cornered or broken. Reflecting on His past faithfulness gives us confidence in His future promises. This faithfulness is a cornerstone of our spiritual journey, reminding us that our best days are ahead. When we look back at the times Jesus has come through for us, it strengthens our faith and gives us hope for what lies ahead. His faithfulness is not just a past event but a continuous promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [00:52]
Bible Passage: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific instance in your life where you experienced Jesus' faithfulness. How does this memory give you hope and confidence for the future?
### Day 2: The Belt of Truth
Theme: Truth as a foundation for spiritual freedom.
Description: The belt of truth is essential for spiritual warfare, holding everything together and allowing us to move freely without distraction. The enemy seeks to paralyze us with lies, but standing firm in the truth gives us the authority to resist him. This truth is not just a concept but a powerful weapon in our daily lives. When we embrace the truth of God's Word, we are equipped to face the challenges and deceptions that come our way. The belt of truth enables us to stand firm and move forward in our faith journey with confidence and clarity. [15:00]
Bible Passage: "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness." (Ephesians 6:14, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a lie that you have believed about yourself or your situation. How can you replace this lie with the truth of God's Word today?
### Day 3: The Breastplate of Righteousness
Theme: Righteousness through Jesus protects and sustains us.
Description: Our righteousness is not based on our deeds but on the righteousness of Jesus, imparted to us through His blood. This breastplate protects our hearts and sustains us in spiritual battles. It is a gift from God, enabling us to stand firm and move forward in our faith. The breastplate of righteousness shields us from the enemy's attacks, reminding us that our worth and identity are found in Jesus alone. By embracing His righteousness, we are empowered to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are covered and protected by His grace. [25:03]
Bible Passage: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have been relying on your own righteousness. How can you shift your focus to rely on the righteousness of Jesus instead?
### Day 4: The Power of the Blood of Jesus
Theme: The blood of Jesus cleanses and empowers us.
Description: The blood of Jesus is essential for our salvation and access to God's gifts. It cleanses us from sin and imparts righteousness, making us worthy to receive the armor of God. Without the blood, we cannot stand before God or access His spiritual gifts. The power of the blood of Jesus is transformative, enabling us to walk in victory and freedom. By applying His blood to our lives, we are made clean and empowered to live out our faith with boldness and assurance. [32:48]
Bible Passage: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need cleansing and renewal. How can you apply the power of Jesus' blood to this area today?
### Day 5: Active Participation in God's Work
Theme: Everyone has a role in God's miraculous work.
Description: God is doing miraculous things around the world, and He invites us to be part of His work. Whether through prayer, missions, or daily acts of faith, we are called to actively participate in His kingdom. Young or old, everyone has a role to play in God's plan. By stepping out in faith and obedience, we become instruments of His love and power, witnessing His transformative work in our lives and the lives of others. Our participation in God's work is not limited by age or ability but is fueled by our willingness to be used by Him. [04:52]
Bible Passage: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one specific way you can actively participate in God's work this week. How can you step out in faith to be used by Him in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "Some of the most incredible revivals in the world, world's history have happened because teenagers have gotten radical for God. And then 20-something-year-olds have gotten radical for God. And so there is no age limit to being used in this earth mighty by God. And maybe this morning the Lord wants to drop something in your heart and say, hey, I'm knocking on your door. Let's go do something together." [04:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, it's amazing when you see thousands of people coming to the kingdom. And then it's amazing when you see the love of God poured out. And then people's lives are transformed. The miracles begin to happen. People are baptized in the Holy Spirit. This is what our loving God is doing in the earth. He's touching people. The Holy Spirit is pursuing people. Maybe you're here this morning and He's pursuing you. And He wants to bring you to the feet of Jesus that you can experience the love of God. The love of God personally for yourself." [03:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have an enemy, an adversary who is looking to devour you. Who is looking to absolutely take you out. But you have to be strong, mighty men and women of God. You have to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. And you have to resist him. Because you have the authority to do that. And you have to stand steadfast in the convicting power of truth." [17:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is a God in heaven today, Bethesda, that loves you. That there is a God in heaven who loves you. And just think about that for a moment. John 3.16 says this. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Think about that. God gave us, sent us his only son. And he did that for our salvation. But it's not just that he gave us his son. He gave us the Holy Spirit. For our transformation. For the activation. Into the great commission. And here again, another gift from the Father." [12:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, he wants you to be distracted. He wants you to be hurt and hindered. He wants you to be ground to a stop. Where you are paralyzed, unable to move forward. You know, I was reading in 1 Peter chapter 5. And it paints this picture about our adversary. He goes around like a roaring lion. Looking who he can devour. I mean, he looks at all of us as appetizers. Just going around looking whom he can devour. But you know what the Bible tells us? Think of this in a military term. He says, resist him. Be strong and steadfast in the faith." [16:12] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You can intimidate people with your volume. You can impress people with your logic. But unless you are standing. And you have the belt of truth wrapped around you. You're not able to move forward. Because you don't carry his authority. Someone's going to catch that later. And so how do we pray along these lines? This morning, I just want to get very real with you. I've done this before. And I feel like I needed to do it in this situation too. This is how Stephen Evans, not the way anybody else. But this is just the way Stephen prays. When he's in his prayer closet alone with the Lord. Regarding the belt of truth." [19:19] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's an opportunity, this armor of God, for us to be outstanding in our faith. It's an opportunity for us to be strong in the Lord. And in the power of his might. It's an opportunity to recognize that we don't just have something to stand for. We have somebody to stand with. Amen. Now, I just have to give a word of warning. A word of caution. When we're talking about the armor of God. We have to be really careful that we don't just make it this picturesque, romantic phrase or idea. But that we don't forget that it's actually a power, these are powerful weapons of our spiritual warfare." [14:19] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You know, this one is zoomed in, but when the presence of the Lord falls, when the fire of God falls, suddenly you're just aware that, yes, you may be standing in a crowd of thousands, but you also know that you're in the audience of one. And in that moment, the Lord just begins to reach out. He begins to touch people. He begins to transform people. And I love this picture. I just, I mean, every single one of them, it just seems like they've got their hands lifted. They're crying out. And this one man who was in the forefront, just the Lord is just blessing him." [06:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If our redeemer is taking the time to put on his breastplate and his armor to go fight. How much more so should we be putting on our breastplate of righteousness and armor of God? It's a gift given us by the Father for us to wear it. Because the weapons of our warfare. What are they for? They're for us fighting the hordes of hell. So that we will not just be protected. But that we can move forward." [24:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You must know that the blood of Jesus has washed your sins away. This morning, if you don't have assurance in your heart that the blood of Jesus has washed your sins away, do you realize 2,000 years ago he stretched out his hands on a cross because he loves you, because he loves us, because he wants to be with us forever, that we would not walk in our rebellion and be separated him from ever, but that we would walk with him in fellowship for eternity." [34:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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