Strength in Spiritual Warfare: Embracing God's Purpose
Summary
In a powerful sermon, the speaker delves into the spiritual warfare that believers face, emphasizing that Satan himself is personally involved in trying to sift them. The speaker reassures the congregation that Jesus has prayed for their faith to not fail amidst these trials. They are encouraged to take action against the Devil's schemes and to find solace in the knowledge that Jesus intercedes for them. The speaker shares a personal story of asking Jesus what He was praying for them, leading to a revelation from Luke 22 about Satan's request to sift Simon Peter. This personal encounter underscores the importance of being vigilant against spiritual attacks and remaining steadfast in faith.
The sermon also explores the importance of understanding God's purpose for one's life and the hope of their calling. The speaker urges the congregation to recognize the goodness of God and to be aware of the divine power at work within them, akin to the power that raised Jesus from the dead. They are encouraged to seek a revelation of God's love and to understand the beauty of their calling, as highlighted in Colossians 1:9-11. The speaker points out that life's hardships are often Satan's attempts to sever the connection between individuals and God's love.
Furthermore, the speaker discusses the timeless nature of Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church, suggesting that these prayers are as anointed today as they were two millennia ago. They share their own struggles with prayer, emphasizing the connection between the earthly church and the heavenly one. The speaker also touches on the importance of having a genuine faith that is lived out through actions, and the transformative power of such faith to support and strengthen others.
The sermon continues with the speaker highlighting the need to align one's will with God's will, trusting that the Lord will guide their steps. They stress the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making and caution against living independently of it. The speaker shares a personal example of waiting for God's confirmation when feeling led to marry someone, reinforcing the idea that finding a spouse is a blessing from God.
Lastly, the speaker discusses the cloud of witnesses from Hebrews 12 and the significance of praying for wisdom and revelation to understand God's will. They express gratitude for the faith and love shown by the congregation and encourage them to love the saints.
Key Takeaways:
- The personal nature of spiritual warfare is highlighted by the speaker's revelation that Satan himself seeks to sift believers, just as he did with Simon Peter. This insight calls for a heightened awareness and a proactive stance in spiritual battles, knowing that Jesus' intercession is a powerful defense. The personal story shared by the speaker serves as a poignant reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that Jesus is actively praying for our perseverance and growth. [47:47]
- Understanding one's divine purpose and calling is crucial in the Christian journey. The speaker's emphasis on recognizing God's goodness and the power at work within believers is a call to embrace our identity in Christ. This understanding is transformative, enabling us to withstand Satan's attempts to disconnect us from God's love and to live out the hope of our calling with confidence and strength. [43:34]
- The timeless and anointed nature of Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church serves as a reminder that the prayers of the saints are not bound by time. The speaker's struggle with prayer reflects a common experience, yet it also points to the profound connection between the church on Earth and the church in heaven. This connection is a source of encouragement and unity for believers across generations. [38:54]
- Aligning our will with God's will is a foundational aspect of Christian living. The speaker's personal example of seeking God's guidance in marriage illustrates the importance of not rushing into decisions but waiting for divine confirmation. This principle can be applied to all areas of life, ensuring that our choices are in line with God's perfect will and timing. [33:36]
- The concept of the cloud of witnesses from Hebrews 12 brings a sense of continuity and solidarity to the Christian faith. The speaker's excitement about this concept and the prayer for wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's will. This pursuit not only enriches our own spiritual lives but also strengthens our connection to the broader community of faith, past and present. [41:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 22:31-32 - "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
2. Ephesians 1:16-20 - "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."
3. Colossians 1:9-11 - "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus pray for Simon Peter in Luke 22:31-32, and why was this significant? [47:47]
2. According to Ephesians 1:16-20, what are the specific things Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus to receive?
3. In Colossians 1:9-11, what does Paul ask God to fill the believers with, and what are the intended outcomes of this filling?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is praying for our faith not to fail, especially during spiritual warfare? [47:47]
2. How does recognizing the power that raised Jesus from the dead, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:19-20, impact a believer's daily life and faith?
3. What does it mean to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, as Paul prays in Colossians 1:9-11, and how can this knowledge affect our actions and decisions?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually attacked. How did knowing that Jesus intercedes for you help you during that period? [47:47]
2. How can you actively seek to understand and align with God's will in your daily decisions, similar to the example given by the speaker about marriage? [33:36]
3. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains strong and does not fail during trials, as Jesus prayed for Simon Peter? [47:47]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the power that raised Jesus from the dead and its significance in your life? [43:34]
5. In what ways can you seek a deeper revelation of God's love and the hope of your calling, as Paul prays for in Ephesians 1:16-20? [41:06]
6. How can you support and strengthen others in their faith, especially those who are going through difficult times, as Jesus instructed Peter to do? [51:29]
7. Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you ensure that you are seeking God's will and not acting independently of it? [25:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
Believers are engaged in a personal battle against spiritual forces, with Satan actively seeking to undermine their faith. It is essential to remain vigilant and proactive, drawing strength from the knowledge that Jesus is interceding on their behalf. This awareness is not meant to incite fear but to empower believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing they are supported by Christ's prayers. [47:47]
Ephesians 6:12-13 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore 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."
Reflection: How can you actively guard your faith today against the spiritual attacks that seek to weaken it?
Day 2: Embracing Divine Purpose and Power
Understanding and embracing one's divine purpose is transformative, enabling believers to withstand the enemy's attempts to disconnect them from God's love. Recognizing the power at work within, akin to that which raised Jesus from the dead, believers can live out their calling with confidence and strength. This revelation of God's love and purpose is a source of hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. [43:34]
2 Peter 1:3 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to understand and fulfill the divine purpose God has for your life?
Day 3: Timeless Prayers for Unity and Strength
The prayers of the saints, including those of Paul for the Ephesian church, transcend time and continue to unite and strengthen believers today. These prayers remind us of the profound connection between the earthly and heavenly realms, offering encouragement and a sense of unity across generations. The church is called to be a community of faith, where prayers are shared and burdens are lifted together. [38:54]
Colossians 4:2-3 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and strength of your church community through prayer today?
Day 4: Aligning with God's Will
Aligning one's will with God's is a foundational aspect of Christian living. It involves seeking divine guidance in all decisions and trusting in the Lord's perfect timing. This principle of seeking God's will ensures that believers' choices reflect God's desires for their lives, leading to blessings and fulfillment. Patience and faith are key as one waits for confirmation of God's direction. [33:36]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What decision are you currently facing, and how can you seek God's will in it before moving forward?
Day 5: Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses
The cloud of witnesses from Hebrews 12 inspires believers to seek wisdom and revelation in understanding God's will. This pursuit enriches the spiritual life and strengthens the connection to the faith community, both past and present. Gratitude for the faith and love shown by fellow believers motivates a deeper love for the saints and a desire to learn from their examples. [41:06]
Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Reflection: How can you draw inspiration from the lives of those in the cloud of witnesses to persevere in your own spiritual journey?
Quotes
"Every attack in your life right now is designed by Satan to separate you from God...nothing can separate you from God." [45:40]
"Simon Simon indeed Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat." [48:28]
"that you would know the exceeding greatness of his power toward you that it's the same exact power that he used when he raised Jesus from the dead" [42:51]
"Jesus is making intercession for you. Jesus is praying for you right now." [44:58]
"I mix Faith with the word of God of my steps will be ordered of the Lord and that if this is not your will you'll say no okay praise God" [32:52]
"I don't know your specific will on exactly who I'm to marry but I'm asking you for wisdom if it's Sue and I believe I receive wisdom so I just thinking I'm gonna marry the right woman and if Su is the wrong woman take her [Applause] out" [33:36]
"God showed me something about prayer that the prayers that Paul prayed were anointed listen and Timeless do you understand some prayers have a window of time in being answered and they have a a shelf life" [36:47]
"Paul is praying for the church at Ephesus that is the church that's in heaven and that is still on the Earth today do you understand our church your church your church is connected to the church in heaven they're coming back for us and they won't be complete till we are caught up in the air with them" [38:54]
"We have this cloud of witnesses surrounding us as we run our race." [39:34]
"what did he pray that your faith should not fail and when you've returned to me strengthen your brethren come on Pastor you have no idea what I'm going through Jesus is praying for you" [51:29]
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