Reclaiming What the Enemy Has Stolen
Summary
### Summary
Today, we confront the reality of loss and the spiritual warfare that often accompanies it. Many of us have experienced theft in various forms—whether it be our peace, joy, relationships, or resources. The enemy, described in John 10 as a thief, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. However, we are not without hope. The Bible assures us that we have the authority to reclaim what has been stolen from us.
In Genesis 6, we see a world in chaos, much like today. Yet, God had a plan for renewal through Noah. Similarly, we are on the brink of a spiritual revival, moving from a dispensation of grace to the last days, where God promises an outpouring of His Spirit. This is a time for us to rise as remnant warriors and take back what the enemy has stolen.
The story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8 illustrates the power of divine timing and restoration. After seven years of famine, she returned to find her land and home taken. Yet, through God's perfect timing, she was able to reclaim everything, including the income from her land during her absence. This story serves as a powerful reminder that God is always interceding for us, and His timing is impeccable.
We must also recognize that some losses are necessary for spiritual growth. Philippians 3:8 teaches us to consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. We need to let go of things that hinder our spiritual journey, including sin and unhealthy relationships.
Finally, 2 Corinthians 13:11 encourages us to rejoice, strive for full restoration, and live in peace. As we do this, we align ourselves with God's promises and open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives. Today is the day to take back what the enemy has stolen. Stand firm in your faith, resist the devil, and reclaim your God-given inheritance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Recognize the Thief and His Tactics: The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, often targeting our peace, joy, and relationships. Acknowledging this spiritual warfare is the first step in reclaiming what has been lost. We must be vigilant and aware of the enemy's schemes to effectively combat them. [02:11]
2. Divine Timing and Restoration: The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8 shows that God's timing is perfect. Even after years of loss, God can restore everything, including what was lost during the period of absence. Trust in God's timing and His ability to restore beyond what was taken. [19:00]
3. Necessary Losses for Spiritual Growth: Philippians 3:8 teaches us that some losses are necessary for gaining Christ. We must be willing to let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth, including sin and unhealthy relationships. This process of pruning is essential for spiritual maturity. [30:36]
4. Rejoice and Strive for Full Restoration: 2 Corinthians 13:11 encourages us to rejoice and strive for full restoration. This means actively pursuing what has been lost and trusting God for complete recovery. Our attitude of praise and worship plays a crucial role in this process. [33:59]
5. Intercession and Community Support: Just as Gehazi spoke to the king on behalf of the Shunammite woman, we should intercede for others. Praying for others not only aligns us with God's will but also brings blessings into our own lives. Who are you interceding for today? [22:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - The Thief's Agenda
[02:11] - Recognizing Loss
[03:59] - The Lie of Wasted Time
[04:46] - The Devil's Deception
[06:20] - The Condition of the Earth
[07:23] - God's Plan for Renewal
[08:00] - The Last Days Outpouring
[08:48] - Rise as Remnant Warriors
[09:18] - Take It Back
[09:52] - The Reality of Loss
[10:40] - Stop Blaming Others
[11:18] - Spiritual Loss Happens Slowly
[12:20] - Evaluating Loss
[13:05] - Authority to Reclaim
[14:00] - The Story of Elisha and the Shunammite Woman
[15:24] - The Necessity of Shifts
[16:38] - Trust in God's Timing
[17:28] - Faith in Barren Places
[18:27] - Remembering Miracles
[19:00] - Get It Back
[19:52] - Divine Timing
[21:01] - Jesus' Intercession
[22:14] - The Power of Intercession
[23:14] - Rejoice and Praise
[24:25] - Take Back Your Praise
[26:07] - The Power of Testimony
[27:45] - The King's Decree
[29:40] - Full Restoration
[30:36] - Necessary Losses
[32:33] - Rejoice and Strive for Restoration
[33:59] - Be a Praiser
[35:02] - Encourage One Another
[35:44] - Live in Peace
[36:33] - Evaluate and Resist
[37:10] - Today is the Day to Take It Back
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10 (NIV) - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
2. 2 Kings 8:1-6 (NIV) - The story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman.
3. Philippians 3:8 (NIV) - "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:10, what are the three actions the thief comes to do? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about loss? [02:11]
2. In 2 Kings 8:1-6, what did the Shunammite woman lose, and how was it restored to her? [19:00]
3. What does Philippians 3:8 suggest about the value of knowing Christ compared to other things in life? How does this relate to the concept of necessary losses mentioned in the sermon? [30:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the current state of the world in relation to Genesis 6? What is the significance of this comparison? [06:20]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing the thief’s tactics help believers in their spiritual warfare? Why is it important to be aware of these tactics? [02:11]
2. What does the story of the Shunammite woman teach us about God’s timing and restoration? How can this story encourage someone who feels they have lost everything? [19:00]
3. Why might some losses be necessary for spiritual growth, according to Philippians 3:8? How can this perspective change the way we view our own losses? [30:36]
4. How does 2 Corinthians 13:11 encourage believers to strive for full restoration? What role does rejoicing and living in peace play in this process? [33:59]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt something precious was stolen from you. How did you respond, and what steps can you take now to reclaim what was lost? [02:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of divine timing. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God’s timing more? How can you actively practice this trust? [19:00]
3. Philippians 3:8 talks about considering everything a loss compared to knowing Christ. What are some things in your life that you need to let go of to grow closer to Christ? [30:36]
4. 2 Corinthians 13:11 encourages us to rejoice and strive for full restoration. How can you incorporate more rejoicing and praise into your daily routine, especially during difficult times? [33:59]
5. The sermon mentions the power of intercession and community support. Who in your life can you start interceding for, and how can you make this a regular practice? [22:14]
6. Think about a specific loss you have experienced. How can you begin the process of reclaiming it, both spiritually and practically? [13:05]
7. The sermon encourages believers to live in peace. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with peace. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate peace in that area? [35:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognize the Thief and His Tactics
The enemy, often referred to as the thief in John 10, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This spiritual warfare targets our peace, joy, relationships, and resources. Recognizing the enemy's tactics is crucial for reclaiming what has been lost. By being vigilant and aware of these schemes, we can effectively combat them and protect our spiritual well-being. Understanding that the enemy's goal is to disrupt our lives helps us to stay alert and proactive in our spiritual journey. [02:11]
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 areas of your life do you feel the enemy has targeted? How can you be more vigilant in recognizing and combating these attacks?
Day 2: Divine Timing and Restoration
The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8 illustrates the power of divine timing and restoration. After seven years of famine, she returned to find her land and home taken. Yet, through God's perfect timing, she was able to reclaim everything, including the income from her land during her absence. This story serves as a powerful reminder that God is always interceding for us, and His timing is impeccable. Trusting in God's timing and His ability to restore beyond what was taken is essential for our faith journey. [19:00]
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's timing brought restoration in your life? How can you trust Him more in areas where you are still waiting for restoration?
Day 3: Necessary Losses for Spiritual Growth
Philippians 3:8 teaches us that some losses are necessary for gaining Christ. We must be willing to let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth, including sin and unhealthy relationships. This process of pruning is essential for spiritual maturity. Recognizing that some losses are part of God's plan for our growth helps us to embrace these changes with faith and trust. Letting go of what hinders us allows us to fully experience the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. [30:36]
John 15:2 (ESV): "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
Reflection: What are some things in your life that you need to let go of for your spiritual growth? How can you begin the process of letting go today?
Day 4: Rejoice and Strive for Full Restoration
2 Corinthians 13:11 encourages us to rejoice and strive for full restoration. This means actively pursuing what has been lost and trusting God for complete recovery. Our attitude of praise and worship plays a crucial role in this process. By rejoicing and maintaining a positive outlook, we align ourselves with God's promises and open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives. Full restoration is not just about reclaiming what was lost but also about experiencing God's abundance in every area of our lives. [33:59]
Isaiah 61:7 (ESV): "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine? What specific areas of your life do you need to actively pursue restoration?
Day 5: Intercession and Community Support
Just as Gehazi spoke to the king on behalf of the Shunammite woman, we should intercede for others. Praying for others not only aligns us with God's will but also brings blessings into our own lives. Intercession is a powerful tool that can bring about change and restoration for those we care about. By supporting each other in prayer, we build a strong community of faith that reflects God's love and compassion. Who are you interceding for today? [22:14]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Who in your life needs your intercession today? How can you commit to praying for them consistently and supporting them in their spiritual journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The thief comes to steal. To kill. And to destroy. And the thief wants to do that to you. Whether you realize it or not. Whether you recognize it or not. Whether you admit it or not. He wants to steal, kill, and to destroy everything that is precious to you. His agenda. His purpose. His plan. Is to take from you things that are precious." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The devil's lied to you and told you now it's too late. He's a liar. The devil is a liar. He is a thief. He will lie to you. He will convince you that you don't have... Time to do anything for God because you wasted time. He'll convince you that it's too late. He'll tell you that you can't use your gifts now because you didn't use them and you lost them. You've heard that, right? You don't use it. You lose it." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are on the breakthrough. Of a revival on planet earth. We are at the verge of the threshold. We are crossing the threshold now. We are moving from the dispensation of grace to the dispensation of the last days. We are crossing the threshold now. For this last days season. This outpouring that he promised on all flesh. Where sons and daughters would prophesy. And old men would dream dreams. And young men would see visions." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you know who you are. When you are in God. When you know what the word of God says. You have the right. You have the authority. To take back what the devil has stolen from you. You have the right. And you need to plant your feet on the solid rock. You need to draw the bloodline in the sand. And you need to say. Devil back up, back up, back up. I am taking back what you stole from me." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some loss is necessary. Oh, somebody said, no, no, I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't want to lose nothing. Well, you need to lose some things. There's some things you don't need to lose. There's some things you need to hang on to. But there are some things you need to lose. Philippians 3 verse 8 says, what is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Spiritual loss can happen. And it usually doesn't happen overnight. It is a slow process. You don't just wake up one morning and go. I think I am going to back slide today. It doesn't happen that way. It is little foxes. That spoil the vine. It is a process. You stop reading your bible. You are too tired. You miss a church service on Sunday. And then it rains another Sunday. And you think. Oh this is a good day to sleep in. And then it rains another Sunday. Even though you wouldn't do that on Monday. And miss work. But you think. Well they won't miss me. Nobody will miss me. Yeah we miss you. Your spot is empty. And nobody can feel your spot." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes when God does a miracle. A shift will follow. Sometimes he does a miracle getting ready. Getting you ready for what's about to take place. So that when famine comes. When challenges comes. When despair comes. When trouble comes. You don't forget who he is. And you don't start grumbling and complaining. Because your focus is on the miracle that he just raised your son from the dead. And when your focus is on that. You're not really worried about where you are. Or where you live. Or where you sleep. Or where you eat. You just want to thank God my son is alive again." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're in a barren place. Remember that you have a miracle. Remember that God has done something supernatural for you. You may be in a tough spot. It may be a season that you don't want to be in. But do not forget the miracles that God has done. Do not forget what He did for you. Do not forget where He brought you from. Do not forget His promises to you. Because God always keeps His promises." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Who are you praying for? Who are you interceding for? Who are you talking to the king for on their behalf? Because they're going through a storm. Yes, we know Jesus is at the right hand of the father. We know he is interceding for us. But who are you praying for? Who are you talking to the king? Who did you talk to the king for this morning? Who did you talk to the king about yesterday? Who are you talking to the king for? Are you talking to the king for your children? For your spouse? For your business? For your friends? For your church? For your city? For your nation? For this planet?" (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. We need to rejoice. We need to be rejoicers. We need to be worshipers. In the midst of your famine, in the midst of your situation, whatever it is, He tells us we should rejoice. We should always rejoice. Your miracle comes on the wings of your praise. Be a praiser. Be a worshiper, no matter the circumstances or the situation. Worship. Rejoice. So He said, finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. And then He said this. Strive. Strive for full restoration. Somebody say, that means get it back. That means get it back. Strive for full restoration. Get it back. Strive. Push for full restoration. What have you lost? Get it back. Strive for full restoration. What have you lost? Get it back. Take it back." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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