Preparing for Warfare 3

Psalm 91:1-8

Psalm 91:1–8 NIV

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Genesis 50:15–21 NIV

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

2 Samuel 22:1–4 NIV

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.

Preparing for Warfare!

Sermon Intro:

As I was preparing this sermon and reading Psalm 91:4 and its imagery of God covering us with feathered wings, it reminded me of a story I have told in years past. It is the story of a firefighter working cleanup after a forest fire.

“The forest fire had been brought under control, and a group of firefighters were working back through the devastation making sure all the hot spots had been extinguished. As they marched across the blackened landscape between the wisps of smoke still rising from the smoldering remains, a large lump on the trail caught a firefighter’s eye.

“As he got closer he noticed it was the charred remains of a large bird, that had burned nearly half way through. Since birds can so easily fly away from the approaching flames, the firefighter wondered what must have been wrong with this bird that it could not escape. Had it been sick or injured?

“Arriving at the carcass, he decided to kick it off the trail with his boot. As soon as he did, however, he was startled half to death by a flurry of activity around his feet. Four little birds flailed in the dust and ash then scurried away down the hillside.

“The bulk of the mother’s body had covered them from the searing flames. Though the heat was enough to consume her, it allowed her babies to find safety underneath. In the face of the rising flames, she had stayed with her young. Her dead carcass and her fleeing chicks told the story well enough–she gave the ultimate sacrifice to save her young.”

This hen’s sacrifice recalls Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, to save us from certain death.

Would God make that sacrifice only to turn His back on us later? That makes no sense at all and that is our subject for today as we look at the next piece in our armory. Please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Ephesians 2:1–10 NIV

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

Pray

II. Spiritual Armor for a Spiritual Battle

This is our continuing subject. Last week we looked at the Helmet of salvation and we found that Paul explained this work of salvation in Ephesians 1describing the contribution of each member of the Trinity on our behalf.

We talked about how Satan’s scheme is to seed lies within us that make it difficult to believe that God could love us. When we equip the helmet of salvation, we look to understand the truth of salvation and we can root out the lies and replace them with God’s truth. God created us, working on us before we were even conceived. He designed us to be special and He loved us enough to suffer greatly to redeem us back from the enemy.

This helmet is defensive and the truth it represents protects our minds from the lies of Satan.

Today we find in Ephesians 2, what Paul would have us to understand next. He is equipping us with an understanding that will become...

B. The Shield of Faith Ephesians 6:16

Ephesians 6:16NIV

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Satan and his demons not only work to plant lies into our psyche, but they also work by manipulating circumstances to create obstacles meant to prevent us from following God’s will. So, let us look at...

1. Satan’s Scheme #2: Flaming Arrows Psalm 91:5

Psalm 91:4–5NIV

He [God] will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the flaming arrows Satan throws to create chaos as we follow God’s lead. In Psalm 91, Moses is probably talking about physical arrows thrown from earthly, physical enemies. However, the shield is all the same. In both instances, God is referred to as our shield.

Satan’s flaming arrows are weapons Satan uses to try to mislead us. When we are following the path God has set before us, Satan knows if he tries a frontal assault, he does not have much chance of winning. So, being the devious soul that he and his followers are, they try to come at us by indirect means to create fear, confusion, doubt and hopefully to lead us to turn away from the path God has set before us.

We see this at work in Abram’s life. God has promised him an inheritance and an heir. God has promised that the heir will be his own son. Yet time goes by, and nothing happens. Abram and Sarai are getting older than what seems possible for them to conceive. Sarai begins to worry that she is the problem. She then talks to Abram and encourages him to take her younger handmaid as a wife to conceive a child. The event is found in Genesis 16 and we find that the handmaid does conceive, but this is not the child God had intended. God still had a work He was going to do. It was going to be something miraculous, but Satan (or one of his minions), was able to plant a seed of doubt in Sarai and use her to plant the same seed of doubt in Abram. What happened did not prevent God from doing what He had planned all along, but it did make for a lot of misery for the family and still is causing issues today. Satan may not win entirely, but he can sure milk these sins of disobedience and disobedience it is, to create chaos. This course of action was not sanctioned by God and came about because Abram and Sarai allowed worry and doubt to enter their thoughts and so they took matters into their own, less capable hands.

Now before we carry on further, there is something we need to understand and that is the difference between spiritual warfare and consequences of sin. Satan can throw us a lot of curve balls (trials) and they are just spiritual warfare, and they will not hinder us if we continue to stay the course. However, many times people want to label consequences of sin as spiritual warfare and that is not the case. Consequences and spiritual warfare are not the same thing.

Allow me to use Abram as an example. The seeds of doubt seeded by Satan were spiritual warfare. If Abram had dismissed Sarai’s concern with a positive acclamation of God’s faithfulness to see it through, it would have passed and there would have been no further issues. However, it went from spiritual warfare to sin when Abram listened, doubted, and followed his wife’s advice instead of asking God. If Abram had taken time to consult God, God would have assured him and put the whole matter to rest, but Abram took matters into his own hands and the rest is history. Of course, I should add that God did the work He always intended, but Abram and Sarai suffered great consequences from the actions they took on their own.

I see both instances in ministry all the time. I see pastors who feel called to go into a certain ministry. Soon, they find they are set upon by a series of circumstances that seed doubt, worry, or fear, but they take it to God in prayer. Almost just as suddenly, all those obstacles fade away like a morning mist burned off by the sun and voila! they find themselves doing what God called them to do.

At other times, I observe people who say they are called to a certain ministry. They face roadblock after roadblock. They fight and push through those roadblocks determined that they are doing what God has called them to do. They may eventually get into the position they fought for, but the battles continue, and things never seem to work out. Eventually, they change gears and say God is calling them to something new. Once again, it is an uphill battle. They struggle the entire time and after a time, they decide they are called elsewhere. It goes on and on. They often declare they are facing warfare when the truth is they are “pushing against the goads” as Jesus said to Paul. In other words, the roadblocks are not spiritual warfare but the Holy Spirit trying to show them that this is not where God is leading.

So, how do you know the difference?

Spiritual warfare often come at us all at once from every side and then just as quickly fade away. It never prevents us from doing what God called us to do. There is a sense of peace and ease as we move forward. Usually, there is a waiting period we experience. We do not push, we wait and when the time is right, things move very swiftly placing us where God has called. Spiritual warfare never stops God from achieving His objective.

When it is our own will power that is powering the decision, there are majorroadblocks that block our path. Instead of inconveniences that looked big but turned out to be nothing, these are something that require a lot of energy on our part to overcome. You should not need to search for an open door. Instead, we wait to watch and see what God opens for us. He does the heavy lifting if you will. However, if you find a second major roadblock, it is time to begin questioning who is behind the drive to move forward. A calling from God or a calling of self will. In such times, it is good to step back, pray, and watch for God’s answer.

A good way to determine if it is God or Satan is to measure emotions. If there is fear, anxiety, confusion, frustration, and pure determination felt on your part, it is most likely self-will. If there is peace, encouragement, excitement, and the roadblocks are moving out of your way without much effort on your part, it is God.

So, now with those preliminaries out of the way. Let us look at...

2. The Armor Required: A Shield

To fully understand how the shield helps, we must look at the kind of shield that Paul was familiar with. It was the Roman scutum. It was 2 1/2’ wide and about 4’ long (nearly my dimensions :-)). Just kidding...

Shield picture slide

It was a series of planks glued together, covered by canvas, and then covered with calfskin. It had metal rims at the top and bottom edges and an iron boss in the center.

It curved in around the soldier and was large enough to lend protection to others standing close. This was a defensive piece of equipment and protected the soldier’s body, especially his heart and vital organs from being punctured.

Before going into battle, they would soak it through with water. The purpose was to extinguish flaming arrows that were sent their way. When a torched arrow hit the wet shield, there was nothing to burn, and the moisture quickly caused the flame to extinguish.

The Roman soldiers would march in close procession making it difficult for anyone to have an easy target. So, they would throw flaming darts and javelins from a distance just hoping it would perhaps land on a soldier causing him to stumble creating confusion among the close ranked soldiers.

Of course, the Romans found a way to even avoid this.

Turtle Formation Picture slide

They would gather in what is called the “Turtle” formation. The soldiers at the front, and sides would hold their shields as a front-line barrier. The inner soldiers would hold their shields up forming a barrier above. Most darts and javelins would just bounce off.

Now that you understand this Roman piece of equipment, we can look at...

3. The Shield’s Equivalent: God’s Faithfulness Genesis 15:1; Psalm 7:10; Matt 17:19-20; 1 Cor 10:13; Eph 2:4-10

With the helmet, we come to understand that we are not victims, but victors. Now in Ephesians 2: 1-3, Paul draws our minds back to how helpless we were without God. You may recall in my earlier sermon on this portion, I equated us to the walking dead. We were without hope and we did not even know it. We were blind to our spiritual need and that without God’s help, we were dead physically and spiritually.

Why does Paul paint this bleak picture of us? To help us see the fullness of what God has done for us.

Ephesians 2:4–10 NIV

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What did we do? We accepted a gift. There was nothing else we could do. God revealed to each of us, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that we are basically dead men and women walking. We live a life and pursue a life that is temporary at best and then we die. Now the Holy Spirit has revealed to us our condition and that there is no way we can save ourselves and then He reveals how out of His love, God has provided the means for our salvation at His expense.

So, what has this to do with our shield of faith? It is basically the same thing. Too many are preaching that the faith is our faith. False teachers tell people if they have enough faith, they can be healed, delivered, etc… But it is not our faith Paul is talking about, it is the faithfulness of God he is talking about. That’s why Jesus says we only need faith the size of a mustard seed.

Matthew 17:19–20 NIV

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

We too often put the emphasis on the amount of faith we have. That is the problem. We should not be focused on us and the amount of faith we have but on God and how faithful He was and is and will forever be!

Look again at verse 8.

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

The Greek word used here means “reliability or trustworthiness.” In other words, it is not how much faith we have, but who our faith is in. Our faith is in God, and He is fully trustworthy. It goes back to what I said in the beginning. Would God go to all that work and effort to save you and then later desert you? No, absolutely not! He is your protector and defender as you walk in the path He leads.

Genesis 15:1NIV

After this, the word of the Lordcame to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Psalm 7:10NIV

My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

Larry Richards wrote in The Full Armor of God , “Salvation is rooted in the very character of God as a faithful, reliable person.” (p 59)

He later wrote, “The shield is and always has been the faithfulness of God as that faithfulness is revealed in a salvation rooted in God’s grace and love.”

We can have confidence that no matter what Satan hurls at us, God will remain faithful. We can respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings assured that every difficulty will be resolved.

When I was preparing to go to the Bible College, things were moving very swiftly and smoothly when suddenly, in one week’s time, several circumstances occurred that threatened to cost me some big bucks. I do not remember them all, but I know two were my car and the refrigerator in my trailer home I was selling. Both came up with problems that I thought could potentially cost hundreds of dollars. I thought, “How can I make this move and cover these recent expenses?” I did the only thing I knew I could do. I prayed. Then I had someone look at the issues and both were resolved with little or no money. What threatened to be major issues turned out to be small and insignificant. It was the same for the other issues as well.

Satan has no hope of stopping God, so he does the only thing he can do. He assaults are sense of wellbeing hoping we will panic and either stop or make some crippling decision. However, if we stand our ground, he can never win as God is the one in control. It is and never was about what we can do, but about what God will do. Remember,

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Satan tempts us by bringing trials into or lives. (The word “temptation” here is also translated “trials”). But notice who does the work in this verse. “God is faithful…He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear...He will provide a way out.” We just need to stay the course and keep our eyes on God.

Before I move on, I wish to add one final note regarding the shield of faith. Remember the Roman formation of the “Turtle?” I want you to think about that as a picture of the church for a moment. The church can also be part of your shield. When we stand with other Christians, we become even stronger and less impenetrable. We are never alone and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ can offer us encouragement when we are under fire. They can also be a great source of confirmation when it comes to determining if something is God’s will or our will. Though their feedback should always be measured with prayer and scripture.

So, how do we go about...

4. Equipping the Shield of Faith Ps 3:3; 18:2; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11-12: 91:4; 115:9-11; Eph 6:10

a. Anticipate problems

It is not a case of “if Satan will strike,” but “when he strikes.” If you anticipate the problems, you are more likely to recognize them for what they are. Especially if several come all at once. That is a good sign it is spiritual warfare! It is a lot easier to deal with it if you recognize it for what it is. Just keep in mind, that sooner or later, one will take you by surprise. In those times, do not falter but stand firm.

b. Remember God’s Faithfulness

When the difficulties come, think back over your past and remember God’s forgiveness and His faithfulness. We see King David doing this in 2 Samuel 15-19 and Psalm 3. His son Absalom has created a revolt against his kingly father. Satan’s fiery dart is to remind David of his sin and to suggest that God is doing this to punish David for that sin. Then David begins to remember God’s forgiveness and His faithfulness, and he finds peace and confidence.

c. Keep a journal

Much on the same note as above. If you keep a journal, when you are feeling down or struggling amid spiritual warfare, read back over what God has done in your past circumstances. In many of David’s Psalms, he went from mourning or feelings of guilt to celebration as he focused on God and God’s faithfulness.

d. Read Events from Scripture

Find stories in the Bible of people with similar struggles and how God provided. People like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Ruth, David, Peter, and Paul. Many have stories we can relate with and we can apply their experience of God’s deliverance to our own situation.

e. Memorize Power Scriptures

In your notes, I listed many verses in Psalms that refer to God as our shield, rampart, strength, etc… Memorize some of these and call upon them when you are feeling overwhelmed. Allow them to remind you that it is not on your actions but God’s actions that will save you. You just need to stand strong. Look at Paul’s final verse from today’s text.

Ephesians 2:10NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When I take on a craft project, I find a pattern. I then go find all the materials and purchase them. Finally, I gather then all together and begin to put them together. God has done all the advance work for you. He has the pattern. He has found and placed all the materials in your path. Now you just follow His instructions to finish the task. He will not allow anything to interfere with you completing it.

Conclusion:

Here is your final take away.

“The Shield of Faith enables us to advance despite adverse circumstances only as we rely on the trustworthiness of the God revealed in Scripture” (Larry Richards).

Are there circumstances in your life that you are battling that as you have listened today you have identified as spiritual warfare?

Or maybe you have been fighting in your own strength a battle that belongs to God? If so, step back, evaluate this current struggle you are in and surrender it to God, who is always faithful to deliver you. Allow Him to fight the battle while you just see to the task, He has currently assigned to you.

I am going to close us with prayer, but if you are able, I would encourage you to stay and spend some time in prayer on today’s subject or for our denominational prayer campaign.

Happy Mother’s Day picture slide

Pray