Equipping for Spiritual Battles: Peace, Faith, and Prayer

 

Summary

In our spiritual journey, we face constant battles against forces that seek to undermine our integrity, purity, and peace. Satan attacks our integrity with lies, our purity with lust, and our serenity with worry. When we worry, we leave ourselves vulnerable, lacking the peace that God desires for us. The Bible instructs us to live and speak peace, as seen in Romans 12:18, which calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. We are encouraged to build harmony and avoid conflict, understanding that while some relationships may be irreconcilable, we must do our part to live in peace.

God calls us to speak peace, sharing the message of reconciliation through Christ, who did not hold the world guilty of its sins. We are sent to speak for Christ, wearing the shoes of peace as we share the good news. Many are hesitant to speak about Jesus, the Prince of Peace, but we are urged to overcome our fears and share the message that God is not mad at us but mad about us.

In our spiritual battle, we need the shield of faith, which represents certainty and trust in God's promises, even when life seems uncertain. The shield of faith helps us withstand the fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, delay, and difficulty. We are reminded to doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs, holding onto the certainty of God's truth.

The helmet of salvation protects our minds, offering sanity in a world filled with evil thoughts. Salvation gives us a new mind, guarding us against Satan's attacks. We must control our thoughts, focusing on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2. By choosing to think on God's word, we put on the helmet of salvation.

Maturity in our faith involves knowing and using the Bible against Satan. It is not just about knowledge but practicing the word of God. Maturity allows us to discern right from wrong, using the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Memorizing scripture equips us with a powerful weapon in our spiritual battles.

Prayer is essential in putting on the armor of God. It is not a mere ritual but a vital part of our spiritual warfare. By praying and mentally dressing ourselves in the armor of God each day, we prepare for the battles ahead, living in victory through Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Peace as a Defense: Living and speaking peace is crucial in our spiritual battle. We are called to be peacemakers, building harmony and avoiding conflict. Even when relationships are irreconcilable, we must do our part to live in peace, protecting ourselves from satanic attacks. [00:42]

- Certainty in Faith: The shield of faith represents certainty and trust in God's promises. It helps us withstand the fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and delay. By doubting our doubts and believing our beliefs, we hold onto the certainty of God's truth. [04:43]

- Mind Protection through Salvation: The helmet of salvation protects our minds, offering sanity in a world filled with evil thoughts. Salvation gives us a new mind, guarding us against Satan's attacks. We must control our thoughts, focusing on things above. [09:43]

- Maturity in Faith: Maturity involves knowing and using the Bible against Satan. It is not just about knowledge but practicing the word of God. Maturity allows us to discern right from wrong, using the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [14:05]

- Prayer as Spiritual Warfare: Prayer is essential in putting on the armor of God. It is not a mere ritual but a vital part of our spiritual warfare. By praying and mentally dressing ourselves in the armor of God each day, we prepare for the battles ahead. [21:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Vulnerability through Worry
- [00:42] - Living and Speaking Peace
- [01:41] - Reconciliation and Peace
- [02:09] - Sent to Speak Peace
- [03:10] - Overcoming Fear to Share Peace
- [04:08] - The Shield of Faith
- [05:01] - Certainty in God's Promises
- [06:22] - Fiery Darts of Doubt
- [08:02] - Doubt Your Doubts
- [09:11] - The Helmet of Salvation
- [10:01] - Protecting Your Mind
- [14:05] - Maturity in Faith
- [16:40] - The Sword of the Spirit
- [21:31] - Prayer as Spiritual Warfare

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:18 - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 - "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
3. Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:18, what is our responsibility in maintaining peace with others? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on being peacemakers? [00:42]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, what role are we given in the ministry of reconciliation? How does this relate to the concept of wearing the "shoes of peace"? [02:09]
3. What does Colossians 3:2 instruct us to focus our minds on, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the helmet of salvation? [11:19]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest we can overcome the fear of sharing the message of peace with others? What practical steps can be taken to speak peace more boldly? [03:10]
2. The sermon mentions the "fiery darts" of doubt, discouragement, and delay. How can the shield of faith help us combat these mental attacks? [06:22]
3. What does it mean to "doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs," and how can this mindset strengthen our faith during spiritual battles? [08:02]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a relationship in your life that lacks peace. What steps can you take this week to live at peace with that person, as instructed in Romans 12:18? [00:42]
2. Consider a situation where you hesitated to share your faith. What specific fears held you back, and how can you prepare to overcome them next time? [03:10]
3. Identify a recent moment of doubt or discouragement. How did you respond, and how might you use the shield of faith differently in a similar future situation? [06:22]
4. What are some "earthly things" that often distract you from focusing on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:2? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [11:19]
5. Think of a Bible verse that has been meaningful to you. How can you commit it to memory this week to use as a "sword of the Spirit" in your spiritual battles? [17:29]
6. How can you incorporate prayer more intentionally into your daily routine to mentally dress yourself in the armor of God? What specific time of day works best for you? [22:31]
7. Reflect on the concept of maturity in faith. What is one practical way you can practice the word of God this week to grow in spiritual maturity? [14:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Peace as a Spiritual Shield
In our spiritual journey, peace acts as a vital defense against the forces that seek to disrupt our integrity and serenity. The Bible calls us to be peacemakers, striving to build harmony and avoid conflict wherever possible. Even when relationships seem irreconcilable, we are encouraged to do our part to live in peace, thereby protecting ourselves from satanic attacks. By living and speaking peace, we align ourselves with God's desire for us to experience His tranquility, shielding us from the vulnerabilities that worry can introduce. [00:42]

Romans 12:18 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Reflection: Identify a relationship in your life that is currently strained. What steps can you take today to be a peacemaker in that situation, even if reconciliation seems unlikely?


Day 2: Certainty in Faith
The shield of faith is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal, representing certainty and trust in God's promises. It helps us withstand the fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and delay that life often throws our way. By choosing to doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs, we hold onto the certainty of God's truth, even when circumstances seem uncertain. This unwavering faith allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God's promises are steadfast and true. [04:43]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively choose to trust in God's promises today, despite any doubts or uncertainties you may have?


Day 3: Mind Protection through Salvation
The helmet of salvation is essential for protecting our minds in a world filled with evil thoughts and influences. Salvation offers us a new mind, guarding us against Satan's attacks and providing sanity amidst chaos. By controlling our thoughts and focusing on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, we put on the helmet of salvation. This conscious effort to think on God's word helps us maintain a clear and focused mind, safeguarding us from the enemy's attempts to lead us astray. [09:43]

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: What negative or harmful thoughts have been occupying your mind lately? How can you replace them with thoughts that align with God's truth today?


Day 4: Maturity in Faith
Maturity in faith involves more than just knowledge of the Bible; it requires actively using the word of God against Satan. This maturity allows us to discern right from wrong, wielding the sword of the Spirit effectively in our spiritual battles. By memorizing scripture and practicing its teachings, we equip ourselves with a powerful weapon to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with God as we grow in understanding and application of His word. [14:05]

Ephesians 6:17 (ESV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: Choose a Bible verse to memorize this week. How can you apply its truth to a specific area of your life where you need discernment or strength?


Day 5: Prayer as Spiritual Warfare
Prayer is not just a ritual but a vital part of our spiritual warfare, enabling us to put on the armor of God each day. By praying and mentally dressing ourselves in this armor, we prepare for the battles ahead, living in victory through Christ. Prayer connects us with God's power and guidance, equipping us to face challenges with confidence and resilience. It is through this daily practice of prayer that we find strength and protection, ensuring we are ready to stand firm against any spiritual attacks. [21:31]

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific time of prayer into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the day ahead?

Quotes


Satan is going to attack your integrity with lies and Satan is going to attack your Purity with lust but Satan is going to attack your serenity with worry every time you worry you are open it's like leaving yourself vulnerable it's not wearing the shoes of peace when you're worried you're not at peace and Satan can you just push you over because you're anxious you're fearful you're worried so he's going to cause that that lack of relational peace is going to cause you to be anxious. [00:00:00]

Romans 12:18 says this as much as it is possible as far as it depends on you live in peace with everyone God says I want you to be a peacemaker not a troublemaker I want you to build Harmony not conflict I don't want you to be critical I want you to be a peace Builder and a bridge builder and he says as much as possible I love that part as far as it depends on you. [00:00:46]

God was in Christ making peace between the world and himself in Christ God did not hold the world guilty of its sin that's good news in Christ God didn't hold the world guilty of its sin and he gave us this message of Peace we have been sent to speak for Christ now notice it says sent when you're sent somewhere that means you either got to walk or run or do something you got to move. [00:02:09]

The shield of faith it is the fourth quality you need in life and it is certainty certainty is The Shield of faith and it is certainty is trusting the promises of God when everything is going wrong in my life that's the shield of Faith the certainty of I know what God has said and he's going to help me through this so I'm going to trust God when all these arrows are coming at me. [00:04:43]

The helmet of salvation Salvation now what is the purpose of a helmet it is to protect your mind your mind and so the fifth piece of weapon of of weapon protection you you need is sanity sanity and Sanity means I protect my mind from Evil thoughts I protect my mind that's what a helmet does it protects your mind it protects your head and if you're going to win the spiritual battles of Life. [00:09:43]

Maturity and what is maturity just knowing a lot of of the Bible no it is knowing the Bible and knowing how to use the Bible against Satan maturity is the ability to use the word of God against Satan and unfortunately most people don't know how to do this you may have been in church for a year or two years or 10 years and you've heard lots of Bible taught but you don't know how to use the Bible against Satan. [00:14:05]

The sword of the spirit which is what is it the Bible is your sword and the Bible says it can cut and the sharper your sword is the more you can do with it this is your sword now here's that listen to me very very closely the Bible does not become your sword until you memorize it if it's all the words you're in this little book and you got on your shelf it does you no good at all. [00:16:40]

Prayer is how we fight the battle a lot of people don't get prayer a lot of people think prayer is just something you just tag on it's kind of like singing the National Anthem before game yeah you know it's kind of nice it's important to do but has no relationship whatsoever to the game it's like Oh say can you you know and then and everybody claps and then the real game starts. [00:21:31]

You do you put on all of these pieces by praying about them and you say God today I need Integrity in my life I need it I need to know your truth and I need to do your truth I need to build my life on truth and God I need Purity in my life today and there's a lot of impure things out there I don't want impure relationships impure thoughts I don't want impure motives I need a clean heart. [00:19:29]

You need to speak it you need to speak peace look at this verse 2 Corinthians 5 says God was in Christ making peace between the world and himself in Christ God did not hold the world guilty of its sin that's good news in Christ God didn't hold the world guilty of its sin and he gave us this message of Peace we have been sent to speak for Christ now notice it says sent when you're sent somewhere that means you either got to walk or run or do something you got to move. [00:02:09]

The Bible says this in Colossians 3:2 keep your mind on things above not on worldly things that means when Satan puts a dart and he shoots a dart of doubt in your mind you go I'm not going to believe that I got the helmet of salvation on instead I'm going to think this you cannot choose what happens to you you cannot choose everything that's going to happen if you but you can choose what you think about you have 100% control over that. [00:11:24]

Maturity is when you know the Bible so well that you go you hear an idea you go oh that's not of God of course that's wrong that's foolish that's dumb this is right that's wrong and you can quickly judge you know that's not right because I know what the Bible says that's wrong that's the B that's a good thing I shouldn't say that I should say this I shouldn't do that I should do this because you've trained yourself to know right from wrong. [00:15:45]

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Transcript
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