Standing Firm in God's Unchanging Love and Power

Devotional

Sermon Summary

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

We have been made new creations in Jesus Christ. And one of the devil's primary schemes to attack us and to bring us down is to try to get us to live our old lives, rather than the new life that God has given to us in Jesus Christ. [00:48:22] (20 seconds)  #NewLifeInChrist

The devil is constantly saying, this new life isn't as good as your old life. This new life isn't as enjoyable. You don't have as much freedom. You don't have as much fun. Forget about it. Go back to how life used to be. And so Paul is telling all of us, no, stand against that. Not in your own power, but in God's power. Put on the armor of God, that you might be defended against these attacks and the devil's schemes. [00:49:15] (39 seconds)  #StandInGodsPower

``Because the good news is that God has won the victory already. Jesus has conquered sin and death. Jesus defeated Satan. But he is still at work. But all we need to do to win the victory is to stand against him and say, no. I am the Lord's. These hands belong to him. This mouth belongs to him. This heart, this mind, this body are his. And my old life was not nearly as wonderful, as joyous, as free as this new life in Christ. [00:49:54] (40 seconds)  #VictoryInChrist

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. It's almost shocking for Paul to say that. Because he has not experienced anything but struggles at the hands of other people. Human beings, men predominantly, maybe a few women, who persecuted him because he was proclaiming good news. Because he was preaching a crucified Messiah. He was imprisoned. He's writing this letter during his imprisonment. He had been whipped. He had been beaten with rods. He had been chased out of cities and towns. He had experienced nothing but struggles at the hands of flesh and blood men and women. And yet Paul sees that his struggle is not with these people. But with the rulers and authorities and the powers that work in this dark world. The spiritual forces. [00:56:58] (71 seconds)  #ClotheInGodsArmor

We should not be hating anyone, but be praying for them, to bless them, to desire their best, to desire that they know him and his love as we do. [00:59:23] (18 seconds)  #FaithInTrials

Therefore, he says again, 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, to remain standing, put on the full armor of God. Put on the full armor of God. Clothe yourself with him. Don't try to do it in your own strength, in your own power, in your own wisdom. Clothe yourself with him. [00:59:45] (39 seconds)  #ThankfulForProtection

We will be able to stand firm and say, God, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I praise you, I glorify you, for I know that you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they protect me. [01:03:10] (20 seconds)

I hope that all of us could think of at least one time when we have overcome those kinds of temptations. And in addition to thinking about those times, I would encourage you to share that with your spouse, with a family member, with a friend, with members of your small group. Share about those victories that you have experienced. Not to brag, not to say, look how good I am. Look how good God is. God has been faithful to me. The Holy Spirit of the living God dwells within me. And he has given me victory. [01:04:47] (49 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon