Spiritual Warfare: Hope and Responsibility in Christ

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage serves as a reminder that Christians are not merely improved versions of their former selves but are fundamentally new creations, reborn with a divine nature. This transformation affects every aspect of a believer's life, including how they perceive and respond to events like Remembrance Day. Unlike the world, which may view such a day through a nationalistic or political lens, Christians are called to approach it with a spiritual perspective, recognizing the profound spiritual conflict that underlies human history.

The Bible teaches that the ultimate cause of wars and conflicts is not merely human but spiritual, rooted in the operations of the devil and his forces. These spiritual forces incite lawlessness, pride, greed, and rebellion, leading to chaos and war. Throughout history, God has allowed certain powers to rise and fall, demonstrating His sovereignty and ultimate control over human affairs. While temporary measures like governments are instituted by God to restrain evil, the ultimate solution is found in the coming of God's Kingdom, where Christ will reign supreme.

Christians are called to live in light of this spiritual reality, refusing to participate in aggressive wars and instead supporting efforts to restrain evil. The future outlook, according to the Bible, is not one of false optimism but of realistic hope. While wars and conflicts may continue, believers are assured of the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. This hope should shape our lives, encouraging us to endure whatever trials may come, knowing that our true citizenship is in Heaven.

Key Takeaways:

1. New Creation in Christ: Christians are fundamentally new creations, reborn with a divine nature that transforms their perspective on life and events. This new identity calls for a distinct, spiritual approach to worldly events, recognizing the deeper spiritual realities at play. [01:09]

2. Spiritual Warfare: The root cause of wars and conflicts is spiritual, driven by the devil and his forces. Understanding this helps Christians to see beyond surface-level explanations and to recognize the profound spiritual battle that underlies human history. [07:09]

3. God's Sovereignty in History: Throughout history, God has allowed powers to rise and fall, demonstrating His ultimate control. This reminds believers that while human empires may seem powerful, they are temporary and subject to God's judgment. [31:49]

4. Christian Responsibility: Christians are called to resist the causes of war, such as pride and greed, and to support efforts to restrain evil. This includes participating in just wars that aim to maintain peace and order, reflecting God's ordained role for governments. [36:40]

5. Hope in Christ's Return: The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the return of Christ, who will establish His eternal Kingdom of peace and righteousness. This future reality should shape our present lives, providing assurance and strength to endure trials. [43:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [01:09] - The New Creation in Christ
- [02:04] - A Christian's New Perspective
- [03:29] - Remembrance Day as a Test
- [05:18] - The Spiritual Approach to History
- [07:09] - The Spiritual Conflict in History
- [08:18] - The Origin of Evil and the Fall
- [11:14] - The Cause of Wars
- [13:27] - The Devil's Role in Chaos
- [17:04] - Pride and Greed as Causes of War
- [21:08] - The Demonic Element in History
- [26:40] - God's Temporary and Ultimate Measures
- [36:40] - The Christian's Duty in War
- [43:04] - The Future Outlook and Hope in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "put on the whole armor of God"? How does this relate to standing against the devil's schemes? [00:08]

2. How does the sermon describe the transformation of Christians as "new creations"? What implications does this have for their perspective on worldly events? [01:09]

3. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate cause of wars and conflicts in the world? How does this differ from common secular explanations? [07:09]

4. How does the sermon explain God's sovereignty in allowing powers to rise and fall throughout history? What purpose does this serve according to the sermon? [31:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ challenge the way Christians view national and political events, such as Remembrance Day? [02:57]

2. How does understanding the spiritual root of conflicts change a Christian's approach to addressing issues of war and peace? [13:27]

3. What role do governments play in God's temporary measures to restrain evil, according to the sermon? How should Christians view their participation in such systems? [28:23]

4. How does the hope in Christ's return and the establishment of His Kingdom provide a different perspective on current world events and personal trials? [43:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: How does the idea of being a "new creation" influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? Are there areas where you still view things through a worldly lens? [02:04]

2. Considering the spiritual nature of conflicts, how can you contribute to peace in your community or workplace? What practical steps can you take to resist pride and greed? [16:36]

3. How do you currently engage with political and national events? In what ways can you ensure that your perspective aligns with a spiritual understanding rather than a purely nationalistic one? [04:21]

4. In what ways can you support efforts to restrain evil in your community or nation? Are there specific causes or organizations you feel called to support? [37:44]

5. How does the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory and return shape your response to personal trials and global crises? What practices can you adopt to keep this hope at the forefront of your mind? [43:04]

6. Identify a situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed by chaos or conflict. How can you apply the principles of spiritual warfare to stand firm in your faith? [07:09]

7. As a citizen of Heaven, how can you balance your responsibilities in this world with your ultimate allegiance to God's Kingdom? What changes might you need to make in your priorities or actions? [45:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your New Identity in Christ
Christians are not just improved versions of their former selves; they are fundamentally new creations, reborn with a divine nature. This transformation affects every aspect of a believer's life, including how they perceive and respond to worldly events. As new creations, Christians are called to approach life with a spiritual perspective, recognizing the deeper spiritual realities at play. This new identity calls for a distinct approach to events like Remembrance Day, where believers are encouraged to see beyond nationalistic or political lenses and understand the profound spiritual conflict that underlies human history. [01:09]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: How does your identity as a new creation in Christ influence the way you view and respond to current events in the world today?


Day 2: Recognize the Spiritual Battle
The root cause of wars and conflicts is spiritual, driven by the devil and his forces. Understanding this helps Christians to see beyond surface-level explanations and to recognize the profound spiritual battle that underlies human history. This perspective encourages believers to engage in spiritual warfare, putting on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. By acknowledging the spiritual dimension of conflicts, Christians can better align their actions and prayers with God's will, seeking His guidance and strength in the face of adversity. [07:09]

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage in spiritual warfare in your daily life, recognizing the spiritual forces at work around you?


Day 3: Trust in God's Sovereignty
Throughout history, God has allowed powers to rise and fall, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs. This reminds believers that while human empires may seem powerful, they are temporary and subject to God's judgment. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control even when the world seems chaotic. This trust in God's plan provides peace and assurance, allowing believers to focus on their role in His Kingdom rather than being consumed by the transient nature of worldly powers. [31:49]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with uncertainty or chaos in the world?


Day 4: Fulfill Your Christian Responsibility
Christians are called to resist the causes of war, such as pride and greed, and to support efforts to restrain evil. This includes participating in just wars that aim to maintain peace and order, reflecting God's ordained role for governments. Believers are encouraged to live in light of this responsibility, actively seeking ways to promote peace and justice in their communities. By aligning their actions with God's will, Christians can be agents of change, demonstrating His love and righteousness in a world often marked by conflict and division. [36:40]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to promote peace and justice in your community, reflecting God's love and righteousness?


Day 5: Hope in Christ's Return
The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the return of Christ, who will establish His eternal Kingdom of peace and righteousness. This future reality should shape our present lives, providing assurance and strength to endure trials. Believers are encouraged to live with this hope, knowing that while wars and conflicts may continue, the ultimate victory belongs to Christ. This hope empowers Christians to persevere through challenges, keeping their eyes fixed on the eternal Kingdom where Christ will reign supreme. [43:04]

Titus 2:13-14 (ESV): "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Quotes


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that he may be able to stand against the Ws of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against Powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [00:10:22]

The Christian is a new man. He's not merely a good man. He's not merely a better man than others. He is essentially a new man. What makes us Christian is that we undergo a rebirth, that we become partakers of the Divine nature, that the life of God enters into our souls, that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. [00:68:00]

The Christian views a day like this, this Remembrance Day, as we have come to call it, in an entirely different way and manner from all who are not Christians. We're in the same world as everybody else, subject to the same events, same accidents. We are citizens of this Earthly Kingdom as everybody else. [00:172:319]

The truly Christian way of approaching it is the way that is indicated in these words that we are looking at together. Here is the spiritual approach, and it's not only the spiritual approach, it is at the same time, of course, the only radical, the only Deep Way of approaching it. [00:318:759]

This world of ours and the whole course of human history is, in the last analysis, nothing but the arena in which a mighty spiritual conflict is taking place. And that is a conflict between God and the forces of Heaven and the devil and the forces of evil and of hell. [00:416:039]

The answer is that it is entirely the result of the operation of the devil and the principalities and Powers, the rulers, the world rulers of this Darkness, this spiritual wickedness in high places or in the heavenlies, if you like. It's all the work of the devil as he operates upon individuals. [00:795:160]

The one supreme object of the devil is to bring in confusion and to bring in chaos. Why? Well, because God's work is always characterized by order, by Perfection. Everything that God does is orderly. It's perfect. It has Symmetry. And the devil, hating God as he does, filled with pride and antagonism against God. [00:826:560]

God introduced the notion of government, Kings and princes and magistrates, and he gave to them certain powers. As Paul puts it there, the magistrate Beth not the sword in vain. Governments not only lay down laws, they enforce them. They have the power to do so. They are able to demand forms of punishment for law breaking. [00:1671:840]

God has allowed certain persons and certain powers to arise and to arrogate unto themselves almost endless Powers. There have been many attempts in the history of the world on the part of individuals and Nations and Empires to dominate the whole world. They have tried to become World conquerors. [00:1785:640]

What is the ultimate measure? Well, it's this. He announced it in the Garden of Eden when men fell. God came and said to the men, there's going to be a Warfare between the seed of that Serpent and your seed. There'll be a terrible fight, he said, a conflict between the seed of The Serpent and the seed of the woman. [00:2087:960]

The day when the Lord Jesus Christ shall come back as the King of Kings and the Lord of lords riding the Clouds Of Heaven surrounded by the Holy Angels, and he will destroy his every enemy, the devil, the principalities and Powers, the world rulers of this Darkness, the spiritual wickedness in the high places. [00:2604:920]

All who belong to Christ shall be with him in that Kingdom of Glory. There shall be a new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, and I shall be walking in it. This is my interest. This is my concern, oh, much greater than my concern about the future of this country. [00:2707:079]

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