WINNING THE REAL BATTLE

The Lord has empowered his people for War, so let’s use the right weapons.

WE ARE IN A WAR!

2 Corinthians 10:1–3 ESV

1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.

The mission objective is for Jesus to be first and to be followed.

Strongholds: but about destructive patterns of thought that lead people astray and hold them hostage to sinful, harmful and addictive behavior.

These strongholds (health/wealth) (Paul is weak and unimpressive) were holding the people back from embracing and obeying Jesus.

Examples of stronghold:

“I’ve got to have that drink to center me for the week.”

“I’m on my grind”

a belief that nobody will do it for you.

“Im just not where I need to be right now, For God to Use me.”

WE FIGHT WITH WITH FATHER POWER AND NOT FIST POWER.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 ESV

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Ephesians 6:10–16 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

truth/the good news

lifestyle of Christ

Psalm 16:11 ESV

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Matthew 6:30–32 ESV

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG

21 How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

Jesus WILL WIN!

2 Corinthians 10:6 ESV

6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

APPLICATION:

What does it look like in your life to do less media and more Messiah?

15-20 minutes of God’s word a day.

15-20 minutes less of the world a day.

Choose to obey Jesus in the moment.

Choose to not do things like you’ve always done them.