Introduction

Good morning, cherished brothers and sisters in Christ. We gather here today, not by chance, but by divine appointment. We are knit together by the common thread of our faith, and it is a joy to share this sacred space and time with you.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically, Romans 13:11-14. Allow me to read it aloud for us:

"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

In these verses, Paul invites us into a state of spiritual alertness, a call to shake off the slumber and step into the light. He beckons us to cast aside the deeds of darkness and to put on the armor of light.

Blindness to Battle

In the realm of spiritual warfare, one of the most potent weapons the enemy uses against us is our own ignorance. We often walk through life oblivious to the spiritual battles raging around us. This ignorance, this blindness, is not a benign condition. It leaves us vulnerable, unguarded, and susceptible to the enemy's attacks.

A warning: The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, warns us not to be ignorant of the devil's schemes. He urges us to be alert and vigilant, for our adversary prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Yet, how often do we find ourselves caught off guard, blindsided by the enemy's attacks? This is the consequence of our spiritual blindness.

The nature of this blindness: It is not a physical condition, but a spiritual one. It is a state of being unaware, unconscious, or indifferent to the spiritual realities that surround us. This blindness is often self-inflicted, a result of our own complacency, apathy, or preoccupation with worldly concerns. We are like the Laodicean church in Revelation, who thought they were rich and had need of nothing, not realizing they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. They were blind to their own spiritual condition, blind to the spiritual warfare around them, and blind to the Lord's counsel and reproof.

This blindness is a corporate issue as well: As a church, we can also be blind to the spiritual battles around us. We can become so focused on our programs, our activities, our buildings, and our numbers that we lose sight of the spiritual warfare that is taking place. We become like the church in Sardis in Revelation, who had a reputation of being alive, but were dead. They were blind to their own spiritual lethargy and complacency.

This blindness is not a minor issue: It has serious consequences. It leaves us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. It hinders our spiritual growth. It stifles our witness for Christ. It robs us of the joy and peace that comes from walking in the Spirit. It prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's presence and power in our lives.

There is hope: The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. But he also tells us in Ephesians 1:18 that he prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened, so that we may know the hope to which he has called us, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

How do we overcome this spiritual blindness?: How do we open our eyes to the spiritual warfare around us? The answer lies in the Word of God. The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:130, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It illuminates our minds and hearts, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and unbelief.

We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God: We need to meditate on it day and night. We need to let it dwell in us richly. We need to let it guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions. We need to let it shape our values, our priorities, and our decisions. We need to let it transform us from the inside out. As we do this, our spiritual eyes will be opened. We will become aware of the spiritual warfare around us. We will be able to discern the enemy's schemes. We will be able to stand firm against his attacks. We will be able to walk in the Spirit, clothed in the armor of light.

Revelation 3:18: "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." Let us open our eyes to the spiritual warfare around us. Let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk in the Spirit, alert and vigilant, ready to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

Becoming Aware of Attacks

In the midst of our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves in a state of unawareness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO