Introduction

Good morning, family! We’re diving deep today into the heart of Second Kings, chapter seven, verses three through twenty.

But before we do, let’s bring to mind the wise words of Pedro Okoro: "Spiritual warfare is very real. There is a furious, fierce, and ferocious battle raging in the realm of the spirit between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Warfare happens every day, all the time. Whether you believe it or not, you are in a battlefield. You are in warfare" This reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of God's provision in our lives.

Let's read the scripture together:

[Read passage]

Let's bow our heads and open our hearts to the Lord:

Heavenly Father, we ask that you open our eyes to the spiritual battles we face every day. Help us to recognize your provision in our lives, and to trust in your victory. As we delve into your Word today, may we gain new understanding and wisdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

The reality of spiritual warfare is a profound and pervasive truth that permeates every aspect of our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not. It is not a concept confined to the pages of the Bible or the annals of ancient history. It is a present and ongoing struggle, a battle that rages around us and within us, in the seen and unseen realms of our existence.

The lepers: The four lepers in our passage were caught in a physical war, trapped between the enemy Arameans and a city under siege. Their plight, however, is a vivid metaphor for the spiritual warfare we all face. Just as they were confronted with the threat of death on all sides, we too are surrounded by spiritual forces that seek to destroy us. The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that "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."

Not a distant or abstract concept: It is a daily reality that impacts our thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. It is a battle for our hearts and minds, a struggle for truth and righteousness in a world steeped in lies and sin. It is a war that rages within the quiet recesses of our hearts.

Not a human adversary: It is not our neighbor, our coworker, our family member, or our friend. The enemy is the devil, the father of lies, the deceiver, the accuser. He prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, as 1 Peter 5:8 warns us. His weapons are deceit, temptation, accusation, and fear. His goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, to separate us from the love of God and the truth of His Word.

Not left defenseless: God has provided us with spiritual armor and weapons to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. He has given us His Word, which is sharper than any double-edged sword, to discern truth from lies. He has given us His Spirit, who empowers us to resist temptation and live in righteousness. He has given us His love, which casts out fear and covers a multitude of sins.

Active participants: We are called to stand firm, to resist, to fight the good fight of faith. We are called to be vigilant, to be sober-minded, to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. We are called to put on the full armor of God, to take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the belt of truth.

A call to faith: It is not a reason for despair but a reminder of our dependence on God. It is not a threat to our security but a testament to our victory in Christ. For in this spiritual warfare, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about the spiritual warfare in your own life and how it affects your life and your faith.

The Power of God's Provision

The Power of God's Provision is the belief that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, provides for His children in ways that often surpass human understanding ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO