Equipping for Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series titled "This is War," focusing on the Armor of God. The essence of our discussion is the critical need for spiritual preparedness. Many of us, myself included, often show up in our spiritual lives unprepared, akin to wearing pajamas to a battlefield. We must recognize that we are in a spiritual war and need to be equipped with the full armor of God. This involves understanding that while God fights for us, we are also commanded to stand firm and be ready.
A significant point of reflection is the misconception that once we become believers, the enemy's attacks lessen. In reality, the enemy intensifies his efforts against us to prevent us from influencing others. This calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare and the necessity of being vigilant and prepared.
We also explored the concept of "glory to glory," often misunderstood as moving from one good circumstance to another. True glory, however, is the manifest presence of God within us, transforming us internally to reflect His image. This transformation is not about external circumstances but about our inner spiritual growth and maturity.
The sermon emphasized the importance of gratitude and contentment, drawing from personal experiences and scriptural references. We are reminded that our spiritual journey involves both abundance and lack, and in both, we are to be content and grateful. This contentment is rooted in the understanding that God uses all circumstances, good and bad, to refine us and make us more like Him.
Finally, we are called to action, to put on the full armor of God and engage in the spiritual battle daily. This involves standing firm in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. We must recognize that spiritual warfare is not seasonal but a constant reality, and our growth and maturity should not be dependent solely on challenges but also on our proactive engagement in our spiritual disciplines.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Preparedness is Essential: We must recognize that we are in a spiritual war and cannot afford to be complacent. Just as soldiers prepare for battle, we need to equip ourselves with the full armor of God, understanding that while God fights for us, we are also commanded to stand firm and be ready. [01:02:05]
2. True Glory is Internal Transformation: The concept of "glory to glory" is often misunderstood as moving from one good circumstance to another. True glory is the manifest presence of God within us, transforming us internally to reflect His image. This transformation is not about external circumstances but about our inner spiritual growth and maturity. [01:07:47]
3. Contentment in All Circumstances: Drawing from personal experiences and scriptural references, we are reminded to be content and grateful in both abundance and lack. This contentment is rooted in the understanding that God uses all circumstances, good and bad, to refine us and make us more like Him. [01:19:47]
4. Engage in the Spiritual Battle Daily: Spiritual warfare is not seasonal but a constant reality. We are called to put on the full armor of God and engage in the battle daily. This involves standing firm in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Our growth and maturity should not be dependent solely on challenges but also on our proactive engagement in our spiritual disciplines. [01:34:07]
5. The Power of Truth: The belt of truth is crucial as it holds everything together in our spiritual armor. Believing lies can cause us to put down this belt, leading to vulnerability. We must seek and hold onto God's truth, as it is foundational to our spiritual strength and integrity. [01:41:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:02:05] - The Call to Spiritual Preparedness
[01:03:31] - The Enemy's Intensified Attacks
[01:07:47] - Understanding True Glory
[01:19:47] - Contentment in All Circumstances
[01:34:07] - Engaging in Daily Spiritual Battle
[01:41:34] - The Importance of Truth
[01:48:45] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (NIV)
> Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
3. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
> I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
### Observation Questions
1. What are the different pieces of the Armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, what is the difference between the glory of the old covenant and the glory of the new covenant?
3. In Philippians 4:11-13, what does Paul say he has learned to be content in?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to put on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare discussed in the sermon? [01:02:05]
2. How does the transformation "from glory to glory" in 2 Corinthians 3:18 reflect the internal change that believers undergo? How does this differ from the common misconception of moving from one good circumstance to another? [01:07:47]
3. What does Paul mean when he says he has learned to be content in all circumstances in Philippians 4:11-13? How does this idea of contentment tie into the sermon’s emphasis on gratitude and spiritual growth? [01:19:47]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual preparedness. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are showing up "in pajamas" instead of being fully equipped with the Armor of God? What steps can you take to better prepare yourself for spiritual battles? [01:02:05]
2. The sermon discussed the misconception of "glory to glory" as moving from one good circumstance to another. How can you shift your focus from external circumstances to internal spiritual growth? What practical steps can you take to foster this internal transformation? [01:07:47]
3. Contentment in all circumstances was a key point in the sermon. Think of a recent situation where you felt discontent. How can you apply Paul’s teaching on contentment to that situation? What can you do to cultivate a heart of gratitude regardless of your circumstances? [01:19:47]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of engaging in the spiritual battle daily. What are some specific spiritual disciplines you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are actively participating in this battle? [01:34:07]
5. The belt of truth is crucial in holding the spiritual armor together. Are there any lies you have been believing that might be causing you to put down this belt? How can you seek and hold onto God’s truth in your daily life? [01:41:34]
6. The sermon mentioned that true maturity involves growing even in times of favor and not just during challenges. How can you proactively seek spiritual growth during times of abundance and peace? [01:36:03]
7. Reflect on the idea of being content in both abundance and lack. How can you practice gratitude in your daily life, especially in situations where you feel you are lacking? What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God’s refining work in all circumstances? [01:19:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Preparedness is Essential
We must recognize that we are in a spiritual war and cannot afford to be complacent. Just as soldiers prepare for battle, we need to equip ourselves with the full armor of God, understanding that while God fights for us, we are also commanded to stand firm and be ready. This means actively engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Word, and living out our faith daily. The enemy does not take breaks, and neither should we in our spiritual vigilance.
The misconception that the enemy's attacks lessen once we become believers is dangerous. In reality, the enemy intensifies his efforts against us to prevent us from influencing others. This calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare and the necessity of being vigilant and prepared. We must be proactive in our spiritual lives, recognizing that our preparedness is not just for our benefit but also for the sake of those we are called to influence and lead.
[01:02:05]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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 specific steps can you take today to better prepare yourself spiritually for the battles you face?
Day 2: True Glory is Internal Transformation
The concept of "glory to glory" is often misunderstood as moving from one good circumstance to another. True glory is the manifest presence of God within us, transforming us internally to reflect His image. This transformation is not about external circumstances but about our inner spiritual growth and maturity. It is about becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character, regardless of what is happening around us.
This internal transformation is a process that requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It involves allowing God to work in us, even in difficult times, to shape us into His likeness. Our focus should be on our spiritual growth rather than on seeking favorable circumstances. True glory is seen in how we respond to life's challenges with faith, hope, and love, reflecting the character of Christ to those around us.
[01:07:47]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from external circumstances to internal transformation?
Day 3: Contentment in All Circumstances
Drawing from personal experiences and scriptural references, we are reminded to be content and grateful in both abundance and lack. This contentment is rooted in the understanding that God uses all circumstances, good and bad, to refine us and make us more like Him. Our spiritual journey involves both seasons of plenty and seasons of want, and in both, we are to find our satisfaction in God alone.
Contentment is not about denying the reality of our circumstances but about trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. It is about recognizing that He is at work in every situation, using it for our growth and His glory. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we can find peace and joy regardless of our external conditions, knowing that God is with us and for us.
[01:19:47]
Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
Reflection: How can you practice gratitude and contentment in your current circumstances, whether they are favorable or challenging?
Day 4: Engage in the Spiritual Battle Daily
Spiritual warfare is not seasonal but a constant reality. We are called to put on the full armor of God and engage in the battle daily. This involves standing firm in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Our growth and maturity should not be dependent solely on challenges but also on our proactive engagement in our spiritual disciplines.
Daily engagement in spiritual warfare means being intentional about our spiritual practices. It means starting each day with prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and being mindful of the spiritual realities around us. By doing so, we strengthen our faith and become more resilient against the enemy's attacks. Our daily commitment to spiritual disciplines equips us to stand firm and be effective in our spiritual battles.
[01:34:07]
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."
Reflection: What daily spiritual disciplines can you commit to in order to strengthen your faith and stand firm in the spiritual battle?
Day 5: The Power of Truth
The belt of truth is crucial as it holds everything together in our spiritual armor. Believing lies can cause us to put down this belt, leading to vulnerability. We must seek and hold onto God's truth, as it is foundational to our spiritual strength and integrity. Truth is not just about knowing the right doctrines but about living in alignment with God's Word and His character.
Holding onto truth means rejecting the lies of the enemy and the world. It means allowing God's Word to shape our beliefs, values, and actions. When we live in truth, we are protected from deception and empowered to stand firm in our faith. The truth of God's Word is our anchor in the midst of life's storms, giving us clarity and direction.
[01:41:34]
John 17:17 (ESV): "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: Are there any lies you have been believing that you need to replace with God's truth? How can you actively seek and hold onto truth in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to be hit with the fact that so often this is how we show up and he's called us to be more than conquerors instead and he's called us to be ready and to be prepared and to actually show up with the full armor of God on knowing that we're in a war we're in a battle and we can't show up unprepared." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I honestly think that the demonic a much easier time with non-believers than with believers and that actually when when people step over when we step over and we make the choice to step over into the kingdom that actually the demonic then starts to up like the enemy starts to up his attacks on us." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Even some preachers are showing up in their pajamas, and they're teaching their congregations. My fear is that sometimes we've taught you, because it's okay to show up to Jesus with all your mess, that it's okay to just kind of show up unprepared in your life. And that's just not true. We're in a war." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The true definition of glory throughout Scripture that we see is the manifest presence of God. That's what glory is. It's the manifest presence of God." (7 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The war is waged in our souls. It is an internal war first and foremost. And yes, there's things that we fight out there, but it is an internal war. It is an internal struggle." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I started to think that glory to glory means good thing to good thing. But maybe glory actually means deepening with Him. And since then, it's like this idea of glory to glory has just been revealed more and more to me. This understanding of what that actually means." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I truly repent before you. If I've ever given you the impression, the impression that I believed, that if you will just seek after him, everything around you will just manifest perfectly. And you might wonder, well, why is this such a big deal? And I think it's a big deal because of what happened to me." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to be clear and I'm going to say this more later, but I want to be clear. I'm not saying that life's just going to be bad all the time. Okay, I don't believe that I believe that heaven is coming to Earth. I believe it's happening, but but I there's just something deeper. We need to grab hold of first for each of us individually, because otherwise if we don't then even when heaven comes, we don't see it because we're in our own health." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think too many of us as Christians start to see spiritual attack as seasonal like oh man. I've been under such attack lately. Well duh. We're in a war every day, but we've kind of like the devil's kind of lulled us into this complacent place where it's like. I'm just sitting here and oh man the attacks heating up. I better pray but the truth is we're in this battle. We're in this war every single day." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think what happens to us though as we go but if Jesus defeated everything then why are we still fighting and I think that's like D-Day you guys know D-Day when they came in and Normandy and they they they stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War two and they say that D-Day was actually the turning point of the war but it was only 11 months later on VE victory in Europe day that Germany actually surrendered see the enemy is still trying to fight anyone he can so we're in between the it's the words already turned Jesus said I'm not going to let you go I'm not going to let you go already won but we're just we're just we are the ones who get to wage this war to get the enemy to surrender more and more to come under Jesus feet." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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