Battle Engagement

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. 1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Prayer

Opening Hymn

Joshua 5:1–15 NRSV

1 When all the kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted, and there was no longer any spirit in them, because of the Israelites. 2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites a second time.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives, and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath-haaraloth. 4 This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the males of the people who came out of Egypt, all the warriors, had died during the journey through the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt. 5 Although all the people who came out had been circumcised, yet all the people born on the journey through the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 6 For the Israelites traveled forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the warriors who came out of Egypt, perished, not having listened to the voice of the Lord. To them the Lord swore that he would not let them see the land that he had sworn to their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place, that Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 When the circumcising of all the nation was done, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. 13 Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you one of us, or one of our adversaries?” 14 He replied, “Neither; but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and he said to him, “What do you command your servant, my lord?” 15 The commander of the army of the Lord said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Worship Set

Matthew 4:1–11 NIV

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Prayer Chorus & Prayer

Battle Engagement Ephesians 6:10-18

When was the last time you saw a soldier go into battle without his weapons? I doubt there has ever been such a time. More than likely, if they come across a battle and they have no weapons on them or near them, they will run from the battle because they believe they have no chance.

Yet I suspect, there are hundreds of people professing to be Christian that do not take up their weapons as they head out the door each day. When we do so, it is like heading into a battle zone without our weapon. Every day we are on the battle field and we need to be equipped.

We have spoken of the armor we wear for defensive purposes to protect us from the attacks of the enemy, but today we will complete this series as we look at the weapons we need for offense to engage the enemy.

Look with me one more time at Ephesians 6:10-18.

Ephesians 6:10–18 NIV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13Therefore 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

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

Prayer

I. Battle Engagement

Defense is the part we will play the most. However, there are times when we need to engage in offensively. The purpose of offense is to take ground that the enemy possesses. It is needed to win the battle. In our case, the battle is already won. It was won the moment Jesus was resurrected and we secured it for ourselves when we put our faith in Jesus. But there are still battles being fought. The enemy has lost, but he is determined to take as many to hell with him as he can. God is allowing this because there are still people being saved from the enemy. Once God ends the war, no one will have another opportunity to be freed from the enemy ever again.

So, when do we go on the offensive?

• When our sons and daughters are still in the camp of the enemy.

• When the enemy is persecuting us.

• When we find someone fighting a battle to be freed from demon possession.

• When someone we know asks us questions about what we believe and why.

In such times, we need to go on the offensive and the offensive weapons also help us in our own personal defense.

So, today we conclude this series with the

A. Spiritual Weapons for a Spiritual Battle Ephesians 6:10-18

Paul did not identify the defensive armor because the whole letter of Ephesians had already done so. It was written to equip the Ephesians for defense against the attacks of the enemy. However, now as Paul moves to the offensive weapons, he is more specific as this is the first he is addressing these.

Ephesians 6:17–18 NIV

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The helmet is the last piece of armor a soldier puts on. He does so as he is ready to go out for engagement with the enemy. He is now ready for his offense equipment and he picks up his sword. However, the sword is not the only important need in battle engagement. So, look with me at all the important things needed for offense.

The first thing we need is a commander. Any military action carries an authority structure to give battle details and instructions.

1. Our Commander-in-Chief: The Spirit of Christ Josh 5:1-15; Eph 1:19b-23; Rev 19:11-16

Christ is the Commander-in-Chief of God’s army. This is made clear in Joshua 5 (read earlier) when the pre-incarnate Christ stood before Joshua declaring His position as such. You may think that God is the Commander-in-Chief, and you are correct, but we know that all authority was given to Christ by God the Father and they are one. Christ is in charge over the army of God.

Ephesians 1:19–23 (NIV) 19...That power is the same as the mighty strength 20he [God] exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

It will be Christ that leads God’s armies in the final confrontation.

Revelation 19:11–16 NIV

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.

The Holy Spirit is literally the Spirit of Christ. He lives and rules within us and He gives us our orders. If we are good soldiers, we need to take time to connect with Him for our daily assignments every day. He understands the latest intel on the enemy. He knows what the enemy has planned, and He is our only hope of overcoming the enemy’s attacks.

Jesus has sent His Spirit to live in us to guide us through this battle.

John 14:15–17NIV

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Once we have our daily orders in hand, we take up our weapon. Paul identifies our sword as...

2. Our Sword: The Word of God Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; Rev 19:15

Ephesians 6:17NIV

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Roman’s sword, or gladius as it was called, was only 10” long. It was designed for close combat. It was strong and sharp on both edges allowing it to cut both coming and going. Scripture often equates God’s Word, both spoken and written with that of a sword.

Hebrews 4:12NIV

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Revelation 19:15 NIV

15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.

Unlike our words, which when spoken may promote people to act in a powerful way, God’s spoken word is power itself. It was God’s spoken word that brought all creation into being. God’s Words carry both authority and power. Satan cannot stand against the Word of God. He will try to twist it or undermine it, but he has no power against it. We see this in the accounts of Jesus casting out demons.

However, the power is not the Word, but God’s authority behind the words. The term used by Paul here is not about written word, but it is “rhema” which means, “the utterance of God, the Word as it is spoken.”

In other words, not just any one can use it to their advantage. It only holds its power if God has provided the authority and He does so for those who follow Him.

Luke 10:19NIV (Jesus to His Disciples)

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

John 1:12NIV

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Ephesians 1:18–23 NIV

18 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, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

As God’s adopted children, we have that authority. We exercise that authority through Christ’s name and God’s spoken word, just as Jesus spoke it to Satan while he was in the wilderness.

Also, remember what we spoke of last week. Another part of the power of God’s Word is the truth it provides for us. That truth is what gives us the confidence to stand firm and equip each piece of our armor. There is power in truth.

But that isn’t enough. There is something more that is required. You see, we only have this power and authority to do the will of the Father. That means we need to know the will of the Father. There needs to be a continual flow of communication. So, our third need for battle engagement is...

3. Continual Correspondence: Prayer Eph 6:18

Ephesians 6:18NASB95

18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

“With” is a connecting word. This is not a separate idea as some translations make it appear. Paul is connecting this prayer with all that he has just said. Prayer is essential for the battle. It is through both God’s Word and prayer that we have the power. It is what I just said before. We do not have the authority or power to do anything in our own strength or own will, but when we are connected through the Spirit to the will of God, we too, have all authority and power to act on God’s behalf. We become God’s Generals. He has tasks He expects us to accomplish.

Ephesians 2:8–10 NIV

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This requires prayer not only before we leave the house, or right before bedtime, but all through our day.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer keeps us connected with our commander and it helps keep our focus on God and not the many other things going on around us.

Colossians 3:1–2 NIV

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

This may feel like an impossible thing to you, but with practice, we do learn to do so. No one is perfect at it, but it is an area we grow in. And remember, this is not long concentrated prayers, but more breath prayers.

Lord, help me here…

Lord, please give me direction in this moment…

I guarantee you, when you do this, you will begin to see mighty things happen in your life. God’s authority and power begin to become real parts of our everyday life. I truly speak from experience. It was prayers like these that proved God to me as a child and He has continued to do so my entire life.

Conclusion:

Remember, for those of us that have placed our trust in Christ, the victory is won. We need to just hold our ground. As Paul says in 1 Cor 16:13...

1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

However, we do take offensive action to free others from the enemy, and this is always the will of God. We need never question this. Praying for those who have not yet placed their trust in God is always important. And we take offensive action when we are willing to share God with others.

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul says...

Ephesians 6:13NIV

13 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.

I tell you, if we are not living in the day of evil, I do not know of any other time that fits this so well. At least, nothing we have ever experienced. So, we need to pray not only for our own need to stand firm but for our fellow brother and sisters. I covet your prayers just as Paul requested of those, he wrote to in Eph 6:19-20

Ephesians 6:19–20 NIV

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The word is powerful when understood and used appropriately. Pastors are on the front lines since we are publicly proclaiming God’s Word and teaching the Word. When spiritual warfare increases, we often feel it first. Our homes and families can quickly become a battlefield for the enemy. So, all pastors and denominational leaders need your prayers. For this reason, I would encourage you to continue to pray for our denomination even though the prayer campaign has completed.

My encouragement to you is to be aware of the battle. Too often I think we struggle because we are fighting spiritual battles with earthly solutions. Until we recognize that we are in a spiritual battle, we will fail to make progress.

If we are to win this battle, we must first surrender to God. Then we must commit to God. These are two different things. It is easy to declare we surrender, but it is in commitment where the rubber meets the road. Then each day, we meet with our Commander-in-Chief. We receive our orders for the day as well as encouragement and strength through the dispatches of His Word. We put on our armor, and we arm ourselves with God’s Word. I have known many people in my life who literally carried a Bible with them to work each day. God always provides opportunities for its use when we are prepared.

Where are you this morning as you consider this battle? Have you fully surrendered? If you have, good for you, but if you have not, do so now. The days are short. Prophecies are being fulfilled and the remaining ones are very obviously being set up. You do not have much time. And we never know how many days we will have. We see too many stories in the news of young people cut down long before anyone would have expected it.

If you have surrendered, have you taken the next step? It is commitment. It is not the desire to commit in a few areas of your life, but in all areas of your life. Too many are living a partial commitment and they are suffering and struggling because they do not have the full power of God and the blessings of God to give them strength, endurance, and protection. Many declare they struggle under spiritual warfare when in truth they have never fully stepped under the protection of God’s umbrella. They are straddling the fence if you will.

As we close this morning, I want us to do so with communion. We have not done it this past month to allow time for prayer. However, this is a good place to do so. It reminds us of all that Christ suffered, but also how He had the power and authority to overcome, providing us the ability to do the same. Take time to pray this morning and as you are ready, come up and receive communion. You can be dismissed once you have received communion. If you are visiting today and wish to receive communion, you are welcome to do so. If you do not wish to do so, you can be dismissed as you are ready.

The altar is open for prayer and if you wish to talk to someone about this concept of surrendering or committing to God, I have asked Dale and Helen to be ready to answer any questions and pray with you if you need.

Pray & Communion

Communion music

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