Spiritual Warfare: Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul calls us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God, emphasizing the spiritual battle that Christians face. As Christians, we are not merely better people; we are new creations, reborn with a divine nature. This transformation gives us a new perspective on life, including how we view significant days like Remembrance Day. While the world may see such days through a nationalistic or political lens, Christians are called to view them through a spiritual lens, understanding the deeper, biblical truths at play.
The world is a battleground for a spiritual conflict between God and the forces of evil. This conflict is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. The root cause of wars and conflicts is not merely human ambition or economic factors but the influence of the devil and his principalities. The devil's aim is to create chaos and disorder, opposing God's order and perfection. This spiritual warfare is evident in the pride, greed, and lawlessness that lead to wars and conflicts.
God, in His wisdom, has instituted governments to restrain these forces of evil temporarily. However, the ultimate solution is the establishment of God's Kingdom, which began with Christ and will culminate in His return. As Christians, our duty is to resist the causes of war, support just governance, and live as citizens of God's Kingdom. We are to expect nothing from human institutions but place our hope in God's ultimate plan, which promises a future where Christ reigns supreme, and peace prevails.
Key Takeaways:
1. New Creation in Christ: As Christians, we are not just improved versions of ourselves but entirely new creations. This transformation affects our perspective on life, including how we view significant events and days. Our new nature calls us to see beyond the surface and understand the spiritual realities at play. [01:09]
2. Spiritual Warfare: The true battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Understanding this helps us see the root causes of conflicts and wars, which are often influenced by the devil's schemes. Recognizing this spiritual dimension is crucial for living out our faith in a world filled with chaos. [07:25]
3. God's Temporary and Ultimate Measures: God has instituted governments to maintain order temporarily, but His ultimate plan is the establishment of His Kingdom. This perspective helps us navigate the complexities of worldly governance while keeping our eyes on the eternal Kingdom of God. [27:20]
4. Christian Duty in a Chaotic World: Christians are called to resist the causes of war, support just governance, and live as citizens of God's Kingdom. This involves a commitment to peace and justice, refusing to participate in aggressive wars, and aiding in the restraint of evil. [36:40]
5. Hope in God's Ultimate Plan: While the world may offer temporary peace, true and lasting peace will only come with the return of Christ. Our hope lies not in human institutions but in God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. [44:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
[01:09] - The New Creation in Christ
[02:23] - A Christian's Unique Perspective
[03:45] - Observing Remembrance Day
[05:16] - The Spiritual Approach
[06:33] - The Spiritual Conflict
[07:56] - The Origin of Evil
[09:35] - The Devil's Worldwide Influence
[11:10] - The Cause of Wars
[13:18] - The Devil's Role in Chaos
[15:13] - Lawlessness and Pride
[18:19] - Biblical Illustrations of Conflict
[21:00] - The Demonic Element
[26:49] - God's Temporary Measures
[35:12] - God's Ultimate Plan
[36:40] - The Christian's Duty
[39:07] - The Future Outlook
[44:09] - Hope in God's Kingdom
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 the spiritual battle Christians face? [00:09]
2. According to the sermon, how does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ change a Christian's perspective on significant events like Remembrance Day? [01:09]
3. What are the "principalities and powers" that Paul refers to, and how do they influence the world according to the sermon? [07:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of governments in God's plan to restrain evil temporarily? [27:20]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding spiritual warfare help Christians navigate conflicts and challenges in their daily lives? [07:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians should view worldly governance differently from non-believers? [27:20]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between human sinfulness and the influence of the devil in causing wars and conflicts? [11:52]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate hope for Christians in a world filled with chaos and conflict? [44:09]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what areas do you feel you need to "put on the whole armor of God" to stand firm against spiritual challenges? [00:09]
2. How can you cultivate a perspective that sees beyond the surface of significant events and understands the spiritual realities at play? [01:09]
3. The sermon emphasizes resisting the causes of war and supporting just governance. How can you actively promote peace and justice in your community? [36:40]
4. In what ways can you place your hope in God's ultimate plan rather than in human institutions or temporary peace? [44:09]
5. Consider a situation where you might be tempted to act out of pride or selfishness. How can you approach it differently, in line with the sermon’s teachings? [16:27]
6. How can you support your local government in its role to restrain evil, while keeping your focus on God's eternal Kingdom? [27:20]
7. Identify one specific way you can live as a citizen of God's Kingdom this week, especially in how you interact with others. [36:40]
Devotional
Day 1: New Creation, New Perspective
As Christians, we are not merely improved versions of our old selves; we are entirely new creations in Christ. This transformation affects every aspect of our lives, including how we perceive significant events and days. Our new nature calls us to see beyond the surface and understand the spiritual realities at play. For instance, while the world may view Remembrance Day through a nationalistic or political lens, Christians are encouraged to see it through a spiritual lens, recognizing the deeper, biblical truths involved. This shift in perspective is a testament to the profound change that occurs when we embrace our identity in Christ. [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 can you apply your new perspective in Christ to a specific event or situation in your life today, seeing it through a spiritual lens rather than a worldly one?
Day 2: Recognizing the True Battle
The true battle Christians face is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This understanding helps us see the root causes of conflicts and wars, which are often influenced by the devil's schemes. Recognizing this spiritual dimension is crucial for living out our faith in a world filled with chaos. By acknowledging the spiritual warfare around us, we can better equip ourselves with the armor of God and stand firm against the devil's tactics. This awareness also encourages us to pray and seek God's guidance in navigating the challenges we face. [07:25]
Ephesians 6:12 (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."
Reflection: Identify a current struggle or conflict in your life. How can recognizing the spiritual battle behind it change your approach to dealing with it?
Day 3: God's Governance and Kingdom
God has instituted governments to maintain order temporarily, but His ultimate plan is the establishment of His Kingdom. This perspective helps us navigate the complexities of worldly governance while keeping our eyes on the eternal Kingdom of God. As Christians, we are called to support just governance and resist the causes of war, understanding that human institutions are not the ultimate solution. Our hope lies in God's promise of a future where Christ reigns supreme, and peace prevails. This understanding encourages us to live as citizens of God's Kingdom, prioritizing His values and purposes. [27:20]
Daniel 2:44 (ESV): "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively support just governance in your community while keeping your focus on God's eternal Kingdom?
Day 4: Christian Duty in a Chaotic World
Christians are called to resist the causes of war, support just governance, and live as citizens of God's Kingdom. This involves a commitment to peace and justice, refusing to participate in aggressive wars, and aiding in the restraint of evil. By living out these principles, we demonstrate our allegiance to God's Kingdom and His values. This duty requires us to be proactive in promoting peace and justice in our communities, standing against injustice, and being peacemakers in a world filled with conflict. Our actions should reflect the love and righteousness of Christ, serving as a testimony to those around us. [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 is one specific action you can take this week to promote peace and justice in your community, reflecting your duty as a citizen of God's Kingdom?
Day 5: Hope in God's Ultimate Plan
While the world may offer temporary peace, true and lasting peace will only come with the return of Christ. Our hope lies not in human institutions but in God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This hope encourages us to persevere through the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that God's ultimate plan will prevail. As we await Christ's return, we are called to live in anticipation of His Kingdom, embodying the values of love, peace, and righteousness. This hope sustains us and motivates us to share the good news of God's Kingdom with others. [44:09]
Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"
Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth influence your daily life and interactions with others? What steps can you take to live in anticipation of God's ultimate plan?
Quotes
"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." [00:01:09]
"Everything is new to him and that is so because he's got a new mind he sees things in an entirely new way and manner he's got a new outlook new orientation his whole standpoint and attitude towards everything is influenced by this profound change that has taken place within him." [00:02:08]
"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." [00:07:07]
"The causes of War are not to be found only in men course so many think they are ah they say if that Kaiser hadn't lost his head there would never have been the first world war then that man Hitler and so on Stalin kof so on they're interested in men that's the mentality of the politicians and many who follow them." [00:11:54]
"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." [00:13:47]
"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 beareth 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." [00:27:44]
"God has permitted certain things to happen from time to time 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." [00:29:38]
"God in his eternal and inscrutable wisdom seems to allow these powers and these persons to do these things they rise up and they spread themselves they as it were try and attempt to stride the world to some sort of a Colossus and indeed nothing seems to be able to stop them and on and on they grow." [00:31:17]
"God suddenly arises against him in judgment and pronounces his judgment upon him and brings him down and destroys him and his power oh that's a great story in Daniel 4 look at this man who stands up as a giant as a god almost and demands the worship of the people yes but look at him in a few months." [00:31:55]
"God's ultimate plan so whatever you and I may have to endure let's be prepared for it we may have to go through another War we may see a world power arising that will persecute us and cast us into prisons we may have to die for the name of Christ like the first Christians did and many another Christian has had to do." [00:44:41]
"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 I'm interested in that as a citizen." [00:45:07]
"Whatever may happen to this country or to any country I am a citizen of Heaven my citizenship is there and I look forward to walking under the new Heavens in the new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness and looking into the face of the Prince of Peace amen." [00:45:36]
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