Beyond the Empty Tomb (2)
Beyond the Empty Tomb • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Losing Battles in a Won War
Losing Battles in a Won War
Eph 6:10–20 (NRSV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.
As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Sin drives men mad. Against their reason, against their best interests, they follow after that which they know will destroy them.
Charles Spurgeon
Temptation is not a sin; it is a call to battle.
Erwin W. Lutzer
The Battle Against sin is Bigger than we could EVER imagine.
The Battle Against sin is Bigger than we could EVER imagine.
Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel was also tempted. Tempted to SIN. Work on the definition of SIN, and WHO DEFINES SIN.
Your battle isn’t against sin and doing wrong. YOUR battle is truly against forces that you are NOT strong enough to resist on your own power
Though WE feel as though we are fighting a battle against sin, the war has already been won.
Though WE feel as though we are fighting a battle against sin, the war has already been won.
Resisting sin is impossible bsed upon the internal power of the beliver. The ARMOR of MAN is NOT Sifficient
The WORLD Provides Everything Needed For Failure. God’s Holy Spirit Provides All Things Necessary for Life
The WORLD Provides Everything Needed For Failure. God’s Holy Spirit Provides All Things Necessary for Life
If you recall from last week’s message, Jesus, as he was winding down his earthly ministry told his disciples that they, and all of the others who became his FAITHFUL followers would receive an “advocate” (The Holy Spirit) *** It is worth noting that in a very short discourse Jesus mentions the “Advocate” (Helper) FIVE TIMES…
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
The fun thing about your relationship with Jesus is:
The more unprepared you think you are, the more ready you are.
The more unworthy you feel yourself to be, the more deserving you become.
The more you are just done with fighting and want to surrender the more you will gain.
Point 1: The Source of Our Strength (Ephesians 6:10)
The apostle Paul begins this passage by reminding us that our strength comes from the Lord. As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil, and we cannot fight this battle in our own strength. We must rely on the power of God and put on the armor He has provided for us.
Point 2: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17)
Paul then goes on to describe the different pieces of armor that God has given us to wear. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece of armor serves a specific purpose in protecting us and equipping us for battle.
Point 3: The Importance of Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-20)
In the final verses of this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer in our spiritual battle. Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, and it is through prayer that we can access His strength and guidance.We must be vigilant in prayer, not only for ourselves but also for our fellow believers.
Conclusion:
As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle, and we must be prepared for the attacks of the enemy. Our strength comes from the Lord, and He has given us the armor we need to stand firm. Let us put on the full armor of God and be diligent in prayer, knowing that we are equipped to overcome any spiritual battle that comes our way.