Standing Firm: Living for God's Glory in Warfare

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call to "Stand Firm" in our faith, especially in the face of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. We delved into 1 Corinthians 10:31, which reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God. This call to stand firm is not passive; it is an active engagement in the spiritual battles that we face daily. We are in a spiritual war, not a cultural one, and the battlefields include our culture, our church, and our personal lives. The current age is marked by a deconstructionist agenda that seeks to dismantle the influence of Christendom and Western civilization. However, we are reminded that the war has already been won through Christ's victory on the cross.

Our task now is to live out that victory by standing firm, standing up, speaking out, and ultimately standing out as followers of Christ. This involves living a life that glorifies God in every aspect, whether in our work, relationships, or daily decisions. The glory of God should be the fixed point, foundation, and motivation of our lives. It permeates all that we do and is the ultimate purpose for which we were created and saved.

We are called to live a life of worship, both in gathered worship on the Lord's Day and in our daily lifestyle. Our lives should be a profession of our faith, demonstrating the glory of God in all that we do. As we engage in this spiritual warfare, we must remember that we are not alone. We are part of a community of believers who support and love one another, helping each other to stay in the fight for the glory of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Warfare as a Constant Reality: Spiritual warfare is not an occasional event but a constant reality for Christians. It is the essence of the Christian life, where we are continually engaged in battles against spiritual forces. This understanding helps us to remain vigilant and prepared, knowing that Christ has already secured the ultimate victory. [07:39]

- The Glory of God as Our Fixed Point: Living for the glory of God provides a fixed point in our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. Whether in our work, relationships, or daily choices, our primary aim should be to glorify God. This focus helps us navigate life's challenges with purpose and clarity. [18:14]

- The Comprehensive Nature of God's Glory: The glory of God permeates every aspect of our lives. It is not limited to specific areas but encompasses all that we do. This comprehensive understanding of God's glory calls us to live intentionally, ensuring that every action reflects our commitment to Him. [32:03]

- The Interdependence of Glorifying and Enjoying God: Glorifying God and enjoying Him are interdependent and reciprocal. As we glorify God, our joy in Him increases, and as we enjoy Him, our desire to glorify Him grows. This dynamic relationship enriches our spiritual journey and deepens our connection with God. [35:29]

- Community Support in Spiritual Warfare: In the midst of spiritual battles, the support of fellow believers is crucial. We are called to love and support one another, ensuring that we remain in the fight for God's glory. This communal aspect of our faith strengthens us and provides encouragement in challenging times. [42:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Introduction to the Theme
- [01:18] - Invitation to Stand Firm
- [02:33] - The Glory of God and Standing Firm
- [03:55] - Spiritual Warfare vs. Culture War
- [05:26] - The Battlefields of Faith
- [06:51] - Purpose of Standing Firm
- [09:10] - Christ's Victory in Spiritual Warfare
- [12:45] - The Call to Evangelism and Missions
- [15:01] - Context of 1 Corinthians 10:31
- [18:14] - Living for God's Glory
- [21:49] - The Fixed Point of God's Glory
- [24:52] - The Purpose of Creation and Salvation
- [27:40] - Worship as a Mark of Discipleship
- [32:03] - The Comprehensive Nature of God's Glory
- [35:29] - Glorifying and Enjoying God
- [38:11] - The Center and Circumference of Life
- [41:49] - Staying in the Fight
- [44:41] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Stand Firm"

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 10:31

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 1 Corinthians 10:31 instruct us to do in all aspects of our lives? How does this relate to the theme of standing firm in faith? [15:01]

2. According to the sermon, what are the different battlefields where spiritual warfare takes place? [05:26]

3. How does the pastor describe the relationship between standing firm and the actions of standing up, speaking out, and standing out? [06:51]

4. What is the significance of Christ's victory on the cross in the context of spiritual warfare, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of doing everything for the glory of God serve as a "fixed point" in a believer's life, according to the sermon? [18:14]

2. The pastor mentions that spiritual warfare is a constant reality for Christians. How does this understanding impact the way believers should approach their daily lives? [07:39]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that glorifying God and enjoying Him are interdependent? How might this dynamic affect a believer's spiritual journey? [35:29]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of community support in spiritual warfare, and why is it considered crucial? [42:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily activities. How can you ensure that even mundane tasks are done for the glory of God, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 10:31? [15:01]

2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel you are in a spiritual battle. What steps can you take to stand firm in that area this week? [05:26]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community support in spiritual warfare. How can you actively support a fellow believer who might be struggling in their faith? [42:32]

4. Consider a recent decision you made. Was the glory of God a factor in your decision-making process? How might you incorporate this focus more consistently in future decisions? [18:14]

5. The pastor talks about the interdependence of glorifying and enjoying God. Can you recall a moment when glorifying God brought you joy, or when joy in God led you to glorify Him? How can you cultivate this dynamic in your life? [35:29]

6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually attacked. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to stand firm in your faith? [07:39]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of standing out as a follower of Christ. In what ways can you stand out in your workplace or community for the glory of God? [06:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Warfare as a Daily Reality
In the Christian life, spiritual warfare is not an occasional skirmish but a constant reality. Believers are engaged in a continuous battle against spiritual forces that seek to undermine their faith and commitment to God. This understanding calls for vigilance and preparedness, as the enemy is always seeking opportunities to attack. However, Christians can take heart in knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured through Christ's triumph on the cross. This victory empowers believers to stand firm, knowing that they fight from a position of victory, not for it. [07:39]

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 attacked. How can you actively prepare and stand firm in this battle today?


Day 2: The Glory of God as Our Guiding Star
Living for the glory of God provides a fixed point in the lives of believers, guiding their decisions and actions. This focus on God's glory helps Christians navigate life's challenges with purpose and clarity, ensuring that their lives reflect their commitment to Him. Whether in work, relationships, or daily choices, the primary aim should be to glorify God. This intentional living aligns believers with their ultimate purpose and helps them to remain steadfast in their faith. [18:14]

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 will glorify God and align with His purpose for your life?


Day 3: God's Glory in Every Aspect of Life
The glory of God is not confined to specific areas of life but permeates every aspect. This comprehensive understanding calls believers to live intentionally, ensuring that every action reflects their commitment to Him. By recognizing that God's glory encompasses all that they do, Christians are encouraged to live lives that are fully integrated with their faith, allowing God's presence to influence every decision and interaction. [32:03]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Reflection: Reflect on a routine activity in your life. How can you transform this activity into an act of worship that glorifies God?


Day 4: The Joy of Glorifying and Enjoying God
Glorifying God and enjoying Him are interdependent and reciprocal. As believers glorify God, their joy in Him increases, and as they enjoy Him, their desire to glorify Him grows. This dynamic relationship enriches the spiritual journey and deepens the connection with God. By embracing this interdependence, Christians can experience a more profound and fulfilling relationship with their Creator, marked by both joy and purpose. [35:29]

Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Reflection: Think about a way you can intentionally delight in God today. How might this increase your desire to glorify Him in your daily life?


Day 5: Community Support in Spiritual Warfare
In the midst of spiritual battles, the support of fellow believers is crucial. Christians are called to love and support one another, ensuring that they remain in the fight for God's glory. This communal aspect of faith strengthens believers and provides encouragement in challenging times. By fostering a supportive community, Christians can help each other to stand firm and remain faithful in their spiritual journey. [42:32]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Identify a fellow believer who may be struggling in their faith. How can you offer support and encouragement to them today?

Quotes

"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." [00:07:43]

"Now 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. And when He said, tetelestai, 'it's finished,' victory had been accomplished." [00:09:17]

"Christ, victor! Christ was risen. Because Christ is risen, now we have been set free from the guilt, the shame, and the dominion of sin, and that is the gospel message. Christ delivers His people from their sins. He has bound the strong man. He has bound the strong man, and now He has unleashed His church." [00:10:36]

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, here is your fixed point – do all to the glory of God. 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." [00:20:10]

"The glory of God, did you see that text that we just read, is comprehensive. Whatsoever you do, it's comprehensive. It permeates all of life. The glory of God, it permeates it, it penetrates it. And the glory of God is eternal. You know, when you get to heaven there's two things you're not going to do." [00:32:03]

"The more you glorify God, the more you're going to enjoy Him. The more you enjoy Him, the more you're going to glorify. 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. Sometimes, I'm so overjoyed, then I can't wait to glorify God." [00:35:29]

"Your work was a profession of your faith. That's the origin of the word 'professional.' So, I don't care what it is that you're doing. If it's that which is honorable – hands, mind, whatever it is – we do our work to the Lord, and the way we do our work, we work for the glory of God." [00:36:27]

"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 as to how you serve Him and how you follow Him and how you love Him." [00:39:12]

"And the workplace sees people making Christ the profession of faith in the way they do their work to the glory of God, as they enjoy Him forever. I know you're hit. I know God is able. Stay in the fight." [00:44:11]

"Father, thank You for the moments we could be together. Pray that You would bless these my brothers and sisters. And Father, allow us to serve You effectively. Jesus, may You be pre-eminent to the glory of the Father in the power of the Spirit. And may the glory of our triune God be seen in the lives of Your people that the world might know Jesus saves." [00:44:41]

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Transcript
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