Strength in God's Power: The Armor of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Hallelujah, Amen. This morning, we delved into the profound message of Ephesians 6:10-11, 16, focusing on the armor of God. We are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not relying on our own strength but on God's. The Greek words "dunamu" and "kratos" were explored to understand the innate power within us and the mighty force of God working behind the scenes. Dunamu refers to the innate abilities and strengths God has placed within us, while kratos signifies God's dominion and strength, working in the background to manifest His will in our lives.
We often try to solve our problems using our own abilities, but we need to rely on God's power. Personal anecdotes illustrated how relying on our own strength can lead to failure, while trusting in God's kratos power brings about divine intervention and success. The shield of faith is crucial in our spiritual battles, not just to protect us from the enemy's attacks but to prevent distractions that can lead us away from our purpose.
The enemy uses fiery darts to distract us, causing us to focus on putting out fires rather than standing firm in faith. We must lift up the shield of faith and trust in God's power to extinguish these distractions. A powerful declaration was made: to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, to trust in God's plan, and to lay down every burden at His feet. A teenager's profound email was shared, emphasizing the importance of lifting our sins to God, trusting in His power, and standing firm in our faith.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to make a declaration of faith, to trust in God's power, and to stand firm in the face of life's battles. We must rely on God's kratos power working behind the scenes and lift up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. Let us lay down every burden at God's feet and trust in His divine plan for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Be Strong in the Lord: The call to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might is a reminder that our strength comes from God, not from ourselves. The Greek word "dunamu" signifies the innate power within us, but we must rely on God's strength to truly overcome life's challenges. Trusting in God's power allows us to face battles with confidence and assurance. [04:34]
2. God's Kratos Power: God's kratos power is His dominion and strength working behind the scenes in our lives. This power is always active, preparing solutions and manifesting His will in ways we may not immediately see. Trusting in this power means believing that God is working for our benefit, even when we don't understand the circumstances. [11:49]
3. The Shield of Faith: The shield of faith is essential in our spiritual battles. It not only protects us from the enemy's attacks but also prevents distractions that can lead us away from our purpose. The enemy's fiery darts are meant to distract us, but by lifting the shield of faith, we can stay focused on God's plan and stand firm in our faith. [28:08]
4. Divine Intervention: Personal stories illustrate how relying on our own strength can lead to failure, while trusting in God's power brings about divine intervention and success. When we wait on God and trust in His kratos power, we allow Him to work in the background and manifest His will in our lives. [19:44]
5. Declaration of Faith: Making a declaration of faith is crucial. We must declare that we will be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, trust in God's plan, and lay down every burden at His feet. This declaration aligns our hearts with God's will and empowers us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the circumstances. [33:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Be Strong in the Lord
[01:32] - The Armor of God
[02:19] - The Shield of Faith
[03:04] - Power of His Might
[04:34] - Dunamu: Innate Power
[05:22] - Personal Abilities
[07:02] - Personal Anecdote: Electrical Work
[10:16] - Relying on God's Power
[11:49] - Kratos: God's Strength
[13:01] - God's Background Work
[17:15] - Personal Anecdote: Buying a Van
[19:44] - Divine Intervention
[21:00] - Kratos Power Manifestation
[28:08] - The Shield of Faith
[33:05] - Declaration of Faith
[35:02] - Teenager's Email
[39:45] - Finding Peace in God
[43:29] - Call to Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:10-11, 16 (NIV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes... In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:10-11 instruct believers to do in order to stand against the devil’s schemes?
2. According to the sermon, what are the meanings of the Greek words "dunamu" and "kratos"? [04:34] [11:15]
3. How does the shield of faith function in our spiritual battles, as explained in Ephesians 6:16 and the sermon? [28:08]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" as described in Ephesians 6:10? How does this differ from relying on our own strength? [01:32]
2. How can understanding God's "kratos" power change the way we view our current struggles and challenges? [11:49]
3. Why is the shield of faith essential in preventing distractions and standing firm in our faith, according to the sermon? [29:58]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you relied on your own strength instead of God's power. How could you have approached it differently by trusting in God's "kratos" power? [19:44]
2. The sermon mentioned that the enemy uses fiery darts to distract us. Identify a current distraction in your life. How can you lift up the shield of faith to stay focused on God's plan? [30:28]
3. The pastor shared a personal story about making a hasty decision without waiting on God's timing. Have you ever made a similar decision? What steps can you take to ensure you wait on God's timing in the future? [19:44]
4. The sermon emphasized making a declaration of faith. What specific declaration can you make today to align your heart with God's will and stand firm in your faith? [33:05]
5. Consider the teenager's email shared in the sermon. How can you practically lift your sins to God and trust in His power to bring you into a new way of life? [35:02]
6. The pastor mentioned that we often become overwhelmed because we lay down our shield of faith. What practical steps can you take to ensure you keep your shield of faith raised during difficult times? [28:40]
7. How can you support someone in your small group or community who is struggling to rely on God's power instead of their own abilities? What specific actions can you take to encourage them? [24:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength in the Lord's Might
Description: The call to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might is a profound reminder that our true strength comes from God, not from ourselves. The Greek word "dunamu" signifies the innate power within us, but it is only through relying on God's strength that we can truly overcome life's challenges. Trusting in God's power allows us to face battles with confidence and assurance, knowing that He is our ultimate source of strength. This means surrendering our own efforts and fully depending on His might to guide us through every situation. [04:34]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are relying on your own strength? How can you begin to trust in God's power instead?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Kratos Power
Description: God's kratos power is His dominion and strength working behind the scenes in our lives. This power is always active, preparing solutions and manifesting His will in ways we may not immediately see. Trusting in this power means believing that God is working for our benefit, even when we don't understand the circumstances. It requires faith to acknowledge that God's strength is at work, orchestrating events and outcomes that align with His divine plan for us. By trusting in His kratos power, we can find peace and assurance in the midst of uncertainty. [11:49]
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt powerless. How can you trust that God's kratos power is working behind the scenes for your good?
Day 3: The Shield of Faith
Description: The shield of faith is essential in our spiritual battles. It not only protects us from the enemy's attacks but also prevents distractions that can lead us away from our purpose. The enemy's fiery darts are meant to distract us, but by lifting the shield of faith, we can stay focused on God's plan and stand firm in our faith. This shield allows us to deflect the lies and temptations that come our way, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and His promises. By actively using the shield of faith, we can maintain our spiritual focus and integrity. [28:08]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What are some distractions or "fiery darts" in your life right now? How can you use the shield of faith to stay focused on God's purpose for you?
Day 4: Divine Intervention
Description: Personal stories illustrate how relying on our own strength can lead to failure, while trusting in God's power brings about divine intervention and success. When we wait on God and trust in His kratos power, we allow Him to work in the background and manifest His will in our lives. This divine intervention often comes in unexpected ways, revealing God's sovereignty and care for us. By surrendering our plans and trusting in His timing, we open ourselves to experiencing His miraculous work in our lives. [19:44]
Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced divine intervention. How did trusting in God's power change the outcome of that situation?
Day 5: Declaration of Faith
Description: Making a declaration of faith is crucial. We must declare that we will be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, trust in God's plan, and lay down every burden at His feet. This declaration aligns our hearts with God's will and empowers us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the circumstances. By vocalizing our trust in God, we reinforce our commitment to rely on His strength and guidance. This act of faith not only strengthens our resolve but also serves as a testimony to others of God's faithfulness. [33:05]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: What specific declaration of faith can you make today to align your heart with God's will? How will this declaration impact your daily life and spiritual journey?
Quotes
1. "Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. His might. How many are tired of losing battles? How many are tired of watching people around you that you love fall and fail? We need to become strong in our Heavenly Father, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." [03:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is working in the background, and sometimes we operate in our own power to try to make God's promise work when God is all using his Kratos power in the background, and if we had just waited on God. If I would have waited one day, I would have had five years of no payments, 124 daggum hours." [19:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God has this amazing ability and God has this power and it's at our disposal let me ask you a question this morning. Why is it that we become so overwhelmed in life? How is it that we lose hope? How is it that we are so easily defeated?" [26:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So many times as children of God we take on the whole armor of God. We put on the helmet of salvation. We put on the breastplate. We put on the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace. We put on the, we gird our loins about with truth. We do all the things that we need to do but in the time of battle and when the war begins and things get thick and things get hard and the circumstances get rough and the society around us gets crazy all around us and we don't know what tomorrow is going to hold we lay down our shield of faith." [28:08] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The fiery darts aren't about how the devil's going to kill you. It's about how the devil is trying to distract you to get you distracted so you spend more time trying to put out all the fires that are around you and you lose sight of the battle. You lose sight of why you're actually there and you lay your shield down and you lay everything down to put out the fires and you start going all around and you stop being a warrior for Christ and you stop being a soldier on the battlefield and you become something else." [30:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You need to make a declaration. You need to make a declaration. You remember when I told you I made a declaration to my wife when I got that van? My declaration was, Hey, baby, here's your van. And guess what that van became? It became her van. My name was on the title, but it was her. I was paying the bill, but it was... Because when I brought it to her, I made a declaration. And I had to live by my declaration." [32:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I am going to be strong in the power of His might. I am going to be strong. I'm not going to lean upon my own understanding. I'm not going to lean upon my circumstance that's around me. Pastor Allie, you don't understand. I'm three months behind in my house. I'm not talking about your circumstance. I'm talking about what God's preparing in the background. Come on, somebody say amen." [33:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Lift up your hands to our amazing God, the One with all power, grace, and might. Lay your sins at His feet and let Him bring you into a new way of life. God is the holder of our hope, of our peace, He is the holder of our grace, and He is all-powerful, and He alone is holy. Hallelujah. He is gracious. He is the one and the only King of all kings. He has His hands upon you and He does have your back." [35:02] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "He is with you when you smile or you frown. He is with you when you laugh or you cry. He is with you when you rejoice or when you are broken. But He is always there and He is always with you. He is your rock and your stronghold. He will be your last fighting breath if you allow. He is our warrior. He is our Father. He is our King." [36:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Imagine would happen in your life when you began to speak that way. I am convinced that many of us look for reasons to quit and we're looking for reasons to give up. We're looking for the opportunity and we do not lay it down before God. And we do lay our sword down in the field and lay our shield down in the time of battle because we're just waiting for the opportunity to give up." [39:45] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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