Standing Firm: Glorifying God in Spiritual Warfare

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound call for Christians to stand firm in their faith amidst a world increasingly hostile to God's truth. This call is not passive but active, urging us to stand up, speak out, and ultimately stand out for the glory of God. We delved into the spiritual warfare that is an inherent part of the Christian life, emphasizing that it is not a sporadic occurrence but a constant reality. This warfare is not merely cultural but deeply spiritual, with the culture and the church being the battlefields. The current age, marked by secular progressivism and deconstruction, challenges the very foundations of Christendom, yet we are reminded that the war has already been won through Christ's victory on the cross.

Our focus was on 1 Corinthians 10:31, which calls us to do everything for the glory of God. This verse serves as a fixed point, guiding our decisions and actions. Whether in our vocations, marriages, or daily interactions, our ultimate aim is to glorify God. This is not just a duty but a delight, transforming our lives from self-absorption to God-centeredness. The glory of God becomes the foundation, formation, and motivation of our lives, influencing how we handle responsibilities, resources, and relationships.

We also touched on the concept of Christian liberty, which allows us to act freely in Christ while being mindful of others. This liberty is not just about what we can do but also about what we choose not to do for the sake of others and the gospel. The glory of God permeates every aspect of our lives, calling us to live in a way that reflects His majesty and grace.

As we engage in this spiritual battle, we are encouraged to put on the armor of Christ, stand firm, and continue the mission of making disciples. Our lives, both in gathered worship and daily living, should be a testament to the glory of God, drawing others to Him. The ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, a pursuit that is both our highest calling and greatest joy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare: Christians are called to stand firm in a spiritual war, not just a cultural one. This involves actively standing up, speaking out, and standing out for God's truth, knowing that the war has already been won through Christ's victory on the cross. [03:03:46]

2. The Glory of God as a Fixed Point: 1 Corinthians 10:31 serves as a guiding principle for our lives, urging us to do everything for the glory of God. This fixed point helps us navigate decisions and actions, transforming our lives from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. [03:11:22]

3. Christian Liberty and Responsibility: Christian liberty allows us to act freely in Christ while being mindful of others. This liberty is not just about what we can do but also about what we choose not to do for the sake of others and the gospel. [03:16:25]

4. Living a Life of Worship: Our lives should be a testament to the glory of God, both in gathered worship and daily living. This involves living intentionally for God's glory, allowing His majesty and grace to permeate every aspect of our lives. [03:25:13]

5. The Interdependence of Glorifying and Enjoying God: The more we glorify God, the more we enjoy Him, and vice versa. This interdependence is central to our purpose, driving us to live lives that reflect God's glory and draw others to Him. [03:32:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:55:40] - Standing Firm for God's Truth
- [02:56:03] - Working for the Glory of God
- [02:57:41] - Expository Preaching and Assigned Texts
- [02:59:15] - The Theme of Standing Firm
- [03:01:23] - Spiritual Warfare vs. Culture War
- [03:03:09] - The Call to Stand Firm
- [03:05:56] - Christ's Victory in Spiritual Warfare
- [03:08:04] - The Mission of the Church
- [03:10:51] - The Role of Discipleship
- [03:13:04] - Challenges Inside and Outside the Church
- [03:14:21] - Living for the Glory of God
- [03:17:11] - Christian Liberty and Idolatry
- [03:20:23] - The Obsession of Satan
- [03:24:00] - Worship as a Lifestyle
- [03:28:22] - The Glory of God in Daily Life
- [03:34:35] - The Theology of Work
- [03:37:18] - The Battle for Our Lives
- [03:40:53] - Staying in the Fight

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:31

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 1 Corinthians 10:31 instruct Christians to do in all aspects of their lives? How does this verse serve as a guiding principle for decision-making? [03:11:22]

2. According to the sermon, what are the battlefields in the spiritual war Christians face, and how does this differ from a cultural war? [03:02:02]

3. How does the sermon describe the concept of Christian liberty, and what are its two sides as explained by Paul? [03:16:25]

4. What is the relationship between glorifying God and enjoying Him, as discussed in the sermon? [03:32:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of standing firm in spiritual warfare challenge the notion of a passive Christian life? What does it mean to actively stand up, speak out, and stand out for God's truth? [03:03:46]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the glory of God should influence our daily decisions and actions, particularly in our vocations and relationships? [03:11:22]

3. How does the sermon explain the role of Christian liberty in the life of a believer, and how should it be exercised with consideration for others and the gospel? [03:16:25]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the interdependence of glorifying and enjoying God, and how does this impact a believer's purpose and joy? [03:32:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you consider the glory of God in that decision, and how might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [03:11:22]

2. Identify a situation in your life where you feel called to stand firm for God's truth. What practical steps can you take to actively stand up and speak out in that situation? [03:03:46]

3. Consider your current responsibilities and relationships. How can you intentionally allow the glory of God to permeate these areas of your life? [03:25:13]

4. Think about a time when you exercised your Christian liberty. How did you balance your freedom in Christ with being mindful of others and the gospel? [03:16:25]

5. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship that reflects God's majesty and grace in both gathered worship and daily living? [03:25:13]

6. Reflect on the concept of glorifying God and enjoying Him. How can you practically pursue this interdependence in your daily life to enhance your joy and purpose? [03:32:32]

7. Identify one person in your life who might be drawn to God through your testimony. What specific action can you take this week to reflect God's glory to them? [03:25:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare
Christians are called to engage actively in spiritual warfare, recognizing it as a constant reality rather than a sporadic event. This warfare is not just a cultural battle but a deeply spiritual one, with the church and the culture as the primary battlefields. In a world increasingly hostile to God's truth, believers are urged to stand up, speak out, and stand out for the glory of God. The assurance comes from knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured through Christ's triumph on the cross. This victory empowers Christians to face challenges with courage and conviction, knowing that they are part of a larger, victorious narrative. [03:03:46]

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: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually challenged. How can you actively stand firm in this area, relying on Christ's victory and the armor of God?


Day 2: The Glory of God as a Fixed Point
1 Corinthians 10:31 serves as a guiding principle for believers, urging them to do everything for the glory of God. This verse acts as a fixed point, helping Christians navigate their decisions and actions, transforming their lives from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. Whether in vocations, marriages, or daily interactions, the ultimate aim is to glorify God. This transformation is not just a duty but a delight, as it shifts the focus from self-absorption to a life centered on God's majesty and grace. The glory of God becomes the foundation, formation, and motivation of a believer's life, influencing how they handle responsibilities, resources, and relationships. [03:11:22]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you ensure that your choice aligns with the principle of doing everything for the glory of God?


Day 3: Christian Liberty and Responsibility
Christian liberty allows believers to act freely in Christ while being mindful of others. This liberty is not just about what Christians can do but also about what they choose not to do for the sake of others and the gospel. The concept of Christian liberty emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on others and the broader mission of the church. It calls for a balance between personal freedom and communal responsibility, encouraging believers to prioritize the well-being of others and the advancement of the gospel over personal preferences. [03:16:25]

Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Reflection: Reflect on a personal freedom you enjoy. How can you use this freedom to serve others and advance the gospel today?


Day 4: Living a Life of Worship
Believers are called to live lives that are a testament to the glory of God, both in gathered worship and daily living. This involves living intentionally for God's glory, allowing His majesty and grace to permeate every aspect of life. Worship is not confined to a specific time or place but is a lifestyle that reflects God's glory in every action and interaction. By living a life of worship, Christians draw others to God, demonstrating the transformative power of His presence in their lives. This intentional living requires a conscious effort to align one's actions, thoughts, and attitudes with the purpose of glorifying God. [03:25:13]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, ensuring that every aspect of your life reflects God's glory?


Day 5: The Interdependence of Glorifying and Enjoying God
The relationship between glorifying God and enjoying Him is interdependent, with each enhancing the other. The more believers glorify God, the more they enjoy Him, and vice versa. This interdependence is central to the Christian purpose, driving believers to live lives that reflect God's glory and draw others to Him. By pursuing the glory of God, Christians find their greatest joy and fulfillment, as they align their lives with their highest calling. This pursuit is not only a duty but a source of profound joy, as it deepens the believer's relationship with God and enriches their spiritual journey. [03:32:32]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt joy in glorifying God. How can you cultivate more opportunities to experience this joy in your daily life?

Quotes


We stand firm so that we can stand up, and we stand firm to stand up so that we can speak out, and when you speak out and you speak up, and when you stand firm, stand up, speak out, speak up, then you stand out, and that means you will be assaulted by Satan. [03:03:19]

Spiritual warfare is not a subset of Christianity that comes into your life periodically. Spiritual warfare is the Christian Life. We're always engaged in it. We may have seasons of respite, but spiritual warfare is something that Jesus told us is going to be present constantly in front of us, continually before us. [03:04:59]

Make no mistake about this either: we are in a spiritual war, but the war has been won. The war has been won in Christ. When Jesus Christ went to the Cross, he took on his and our enemies, and he defeated sin, Satan, death, hell, and the grave. [03:05:56]

Whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. Now let's put it in context. It's First Corinthians 10:31. It's the letter, one of three letters we know that Paul may have written others, but we know he wrote three; two of them are in the Canon. [03:10:51]

Living your life to the glory of God is the fixed point that you need. It's the fixed Point whenever you're thinking your way through this: what's my next decision? Marriage, school, military service, vocation, my next step in life. Is God allowing me to give glory to you? [03:16:31]

He gives this glorious answer we call the doctrine of Christian Liberty, which talks about our freedom in Christ and that you could freely eat, but Christian Liberty has two sides to it. I'm not only free to do something, and I'm also free to abstain or not to do something. [03:17:46]

You have been saved to give God glory. You have been saved from your sins. What were you doing in sin? You were falling short of the glory of God. Now you're saved by God's grace. God's grace is greater than your sin. That means your life has been transformed. [03:18:28]

The glory of God in life for the believer is not only a fixed point; it is the foundation of our life. It is the formation of our life. It is the motivation of our life. We live on the foundation of God's glory, manifested in his son and poured out by his spirit. [03:25:11]

The more you glorify God, the more you're going to enjoy him. The more you enjoy him, the more you're going to go. They're interdependent, they're interrelated, and they're reciprocal. And so sometimes I'm entering into the glory of God, and my joy multiplies. [03:32:25]

Whatever we do is to be done as a profession of faith, and its purpose is to glorify God as I enjoy him forever. And the more I enjoy him, the more it shows up in whatever I do because I desire for that to be for his glory. [03:34:35]

Stand firm and when you do, you're going to be attacked. You keep standing firm. Your fixed point is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. It's the center, it's the circumference, it's the substance, it's the foundation, it's the formation, it's the motivation. [03:37:06]

Are you still in the fight for the glory of God in your marriage, your family, your children? Know Daddy will be home tonight. Your wife knows when she leaves he's coming home. The husband knows his wife's faithfulness. The church knows. [03:40:14]

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Transcript
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