“The Battle Ahead”
Ephesians 6:10-18
“Our victory in this struggle is certain, if we prepare.”
Sunday Morning Sermon
4.22.07
Intro:
Rocky Story Clip – Youtube.com cut off at 3:53 to avoid credits and blank screen.
(Title and Text)
I love the rocky movies – Who doesn’t love a story about an athlete who wins, but isn’t suppose to? Who doesn’t love a story about a soldier who overcomes great odds to honor their country? Who doesn’t enjoy a story about two people who for whatever reasons – race, or culture who aren’t suppose to get married, but they do, and their love lasts a lifetime? I love stories like that – because I can see myself in them. Church, I was at Bible College 2 weeks before I called my dad and told him where I was. I wasn’t suppose to be there – but then if I wasn’t there – I couldn’t be here – God works those struggles in our lives, those times when we have nothing to do but depend on his grace, his mercy and his wisdom.
Discussion:
If you find yourself in that struggle in life – some of you are there right now – Let me give you something to grab onto this morning -- Our victory in this struggle is certain, if we prepare. We shall overcome! We will, through God’s hand, right the wrong, and heal broken relationships and broken hearts. Our struggle – our battle – might not be easy, but God will be with us every step of the way.
God created you to win. However, losing has become apart of our society – I remember this song from the group BEK – “I’m a loser baby”…the words go on to say – “so why don’t you kill me.” I’m nothing, I came from nothing, I have nothing to live for, nothing to dream about, nothing to achieve, no body cares about me – I’m a loser baby, so why don’t you kill me. So we live our lives, we listen to our music and pick out the books to read based on being losers – based on being something we are not. We come to church, and the preacher (that would be me) tells you that you were created to win, and have victory in your life – then you go back into the world and choose the same books, the same friends, the same movies, filled with the same music – which leaves you the same empty and hopeless feelings..
We don’t live our lives protected from the devil and his schemes – maybe because we don’t believe it’s a threat, maybe we aren’t prepared for the battle, maybe it’s because we don’t recognize the enemy, maybe it’s because we are fighting to win, maybe because we think we are immune, maybe because we don’t understand the battle. There is a battle – church there has always been a battle – Paul tells the church to prepare for this battle. If you have your Bibles with you this morning turn with me to (Advance) Ephesians 6:10-18 (Read)
Some of the scholars on this section of scripture have stated that Paul is doing a church war call – these kind of speeches have been used several times even in our nation’s history. Speeches before war is declared – shortly after 9/11 President Bush grabbed the bull horn and promised that our enemy is clear, our God is with us, and we will have victory. All three of those things are found in our text. Great speeches before wars – are given to encourage and motivate for victory.
I see three things this morning –
(Advance)
I. Prepare for the battle
We must look ahead. Recognize and realize that we are in a spiritual battle.
a. If you don’t know that there is a spiritual battle
i. You can’t prepare for it.
ii. This was nothing new for them
The Christians in the church were aware of the spiritual battle. Those who came from a Jewish background would have seen Paul making reference to (Advance) Isaiah 59:17 -- (The first part of that verse) – 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
b. How do we prepare for this spiritual battle?
The best way to win a battle is power -- (Advance)
Vs. 10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
It is not your strength, your power, your wisdom that will allow you to see victory on the other side of this spiritual battle.
i. Our strength – Comes from God
ii. Our wisdom – comes from God
iii. Our power – comes from God
Here’s an idea:
Why don’t we make this church, our lives, our families, our jobs, our marriages and our money – all about God? He has no problem displaying his power through his people, if we trust and prepare ourselves for the battle.
Read the OT – Israel would be marching along – they would recognize a foreign kingdom and ask permission to pass through. Sometimes they were granted permission and sometimes they weren’t. One story found in the book of Numbers 21:21 Israel was marching along and they asked permission to cross a certain piece of land – the king gathered his whole army and marched to where Israel was – ISRAEL DESTROYED THEM – the Bible says: They left no survivors and took possession of their land.
Church, that’s amazing power – Israel was small, they were nomads – but you didn’t mess with them – not because they were something great, but because their God is going to display his mighty power through them. Even today – remember last year – hostages were taken – what does Israel do – they slammed the enemy with rockets and missiles – the enemy gives in quickly. (Advance) Their country is SMALL. It’s not your SIZE that matters – your will, your strength, your passion, your power – it’s the size of your GOD.
c. You are not alone – I know it sometimes might feel like you are –
God doesn’t lead a person to follow him and then go – “OK, I’m done, that was nice, and you are on your own”.
i. God is with you –
Listen, the Christian is not a gladiator, but a soldier in an army. Kenny Boles, the Greek professor at Ozark says in his commentary: “The Christian is not intended to defeat the enemy single-handedly, but as part of a united, marching army. The army is the church.”
ii. He has given you power
“Be strong in his mighty power” – this word for power also means to be “empowered” or “strengthened”. Paul uses this same word in a very familiar verse – (Advance) Phil. 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
You have all the power you will ever need to defeat the enemy – you have all the resources. Your job, your mission is to prepare.
Listen, church, God does not lose this battle – and he didn’t make a loser when he created you – Peter, calls you, the church, “A royal priest hood, a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…”
Are we in a spiritual battle? YES. Do we need to prepare for the battle? Absolutely. Here’s something else we need to do: (Advance)
d. We have to put on the full armor of God (Advance)
i. The belt of truth buckled around your waist (v.14)
ii. The breastplate of righteousness in place (v. 14)
iii. Shoes that are the gospel of peace (v. 15)
iv. Shield of faith (v. 16)
v. Helmet of salvation (v. 17)
vi. Sword of the spirit (word of God) (v. 17)
One commentary says, “The notion of putting on the armor is the functional equivalent of putting on the new humanity.”
Church we have to prepare ourselves everyday – First thing in the morning, through out the day, and the last thing at night. You are a people belonging to GOD, a chosen people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood – Act like it. God is with you every step of the way.
Here’s the second thing we have to do: (Advance)
II. Recognize the enemy
Not only do we need to look ahead – we need to look around. If the devil came in here with his pointed red tail and pitch fork – we would probably recognize him – right? He’d be the one breathing fire – the roof would fall in as he walked it – wouldn’t be hard to recognize.
Can we please keep this description of the devil – Biblical? If we are in a spiritual battle – we must figure out who we are fighting. (Advance)
a. He’s a schemer (v. 11)
(Advance)
Revelation 12:9 – The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
i. He doesn’t attack through obvious head-on assaults
It goes something like this – The internet is a great tool – I use it everyday – I use it to write sermons, I communicate via email, I study and look up scriptures – it is an excellent tool. Many of you have gainful employment because of the internet – it’s a good thing. Listen, I’m going to get very real – could the internet be dressed in a certain way, that scheming could take place – after all it might only be one picture, one bad website, one download – The devil is not going log onto instant messenger, introduce himself and say – “look at this – isn’t she pretty.” He’s going to catch you alone, frustrated – you’ll justify it, and then he’s got you. Didn’t even see it coming right at you. Protect yourself – specifically on the internet use blocking devices, and keep the computer in a neutral room. Find accountability.
The devil is not going to appear at your office tomorrow and hand you the petty cash money and tell you to run with it, that would be stealing we wouldn’t get caught dead doing that – No, it comes in the form of personal stamps verses company stamps – personal time verses company time – who cares if someone clocks you in before you get there – what does it matter – you’ll probably make it up anyway, right?
The devil walks up to you and tells you to tell a juicy story on a former friend – we’re all to good for that – we would never gossip. It works this way, you are on the phone with a good friend, and both of you just happen to mention a “situation” maybe even at church – pretty soon seeds of bitterness are planted, and they grow like weeds. That former friend steps away from the church – because it’s too much for them to handle. Instead of seeking and saving we’re judging and subtracting.
Church, I’m not meddling – this is very serious – I take a Jay first approach – I’ve already heard this sermon, I fail, I struggle, I know you do too, so let’s just be honest – it’s about purity in our everyday lives. The devil gets you to fail in an area he has schemed you into – it’s your fault, you make the choice to sin – but pretty soon it becomes habit, you try to run away, I know you do, but all he has to do is sing a little song, “I’m a loser baby…” No hope, no love, no peace, and no power – all right there in one nice little package. It’s amazing to me that we don’t recognize it for what it is.
b. If the devil is a schemer – a liar
i. Stand up to him – stand in God’s mighty power – we are told 4 times in three verses to STAND!
ii. Acknowledge the victory that will take place in your life
iii. Bury the word of God deep in your heart – memorize it.
Because God’s word is truth, the word of God will always stand against the devil and his schemes – it makes him powerless in your life. It reveals the schemes for what they are – and the devil for who he is.
Here’s another characteristic
He’s interested in the conclusion of your Christian walk – either physically or spiritual – he doesn’t care. (Advance)
1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Yeah, that seems like a stretch – really Paul is saying that the devil is just this mean animal roaming around – right?
c. If you are being devoured/swallowed – the Greek – Literally means “drink down” – by a lion
i. You are in deep trouble
ii. You’re past the time to call 911
iii. You’re dead.
Peter tells the church to be self-controlled and alert. How does that keep me from being the victim in this great big lion’s den that I live in?
d. It will keep you away from the lions – which seems easy enough
Self-control will keep your mouth shut, when it’s easier to say something that might hurt. It’s hard to stick your foot in your mouth if you keep it closed. It’s better to not say anything and let people think you are a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Self-control will be a witness to those around you – the way you react to situations, hardships, troubles, and even good times. Self-control is a demonstration of power because, you could hurt someone with your words, or physically, but you choose not to. Self-Control is a characteristic of the spirit living inside you – it’s a part of who God is, and should be apart of what will define his people. He didn’t call us to be self-controlled because it was easy or fun – honestly, it’s neither. It’s work.
e. Be alert – be aware
i. Understand that all of us have to defeat this lion
1. We are all on the same team
2. Working toward the same goal
3. Serving the same God.
4. Let’s be alert – and be aware
5. Let’s not beat each other down
The Bible says that if you resist the devil he will flee. You will have victory.
III. Fight to win
Look within.
a. The days are evil
i. Virginia Tech – does that ring a bell
Do you realized that after the video was released and played a thousand times, police all across the country made over 15 arrests of others who desired to do the same thing?
ii. We do things to the unborn in the name of choice – it breaks my heart.
iii. The family structure is fractured at best
iv. Mary Winkler – regardless what you think about her or that situation – wow, actually, she makes me thankful for my wife – because ministry is hard.
I’ve known friends – brothers in Christ – who have been spewed up by the church – in the name of something better. I could think about it all day – and it would make me want to give up – throw my gloves down, and remove myself and my family from the ring. It’s sad! It seems like we are fighting a losing battle –
If you understand what I do about this text – the hopelessness piles up, because not only are we in the days of evil – there is a day coming worse than those before it. Really, this world we live in – can get worse? Where do I sign up for that? How do I raise my children in that? Can you hear that song… “I’m a loser baby….”
If the days are evil and we understand there will be times worse than this to come I think we will either do one of two things:
b. Let it happen – accept it
i. Encourage it – promote it
ii. Embrace it – help it.
If you are going through struggles right now, family problems, money is tight, time is short and – it’s just easier to take the path of least resistance. It’s sometimes easier to just throw your hands up, and embrace this losing status. That’s the wide road – many will choose that road for one reason or another. I hope you don’t. Here’s the other option:
c. Claim the victory in your life.
Listen, if God has already destroyed the devil and his power – If God has already put everything under his feet – If God knows us and loves us – all as the Bible says – We will win this battle.
i. You don’t have to be afraid to fight
ii. You don’t have to tippy toe around the great dragon
He loses! But for some reason we believe we’ve swapped positions. He doesn’t have a choice – we do.
When Jesus conquered the grave – when he was risen from he dead – the Bible says through the “Power of GOD” – we gained that same victory. The grave couldn’t hold him – death is not the end.
Listen – we have to apply that victory to our lives – You STAND UP! Paul tells the church – after you have done everything to stand, STAND FIRM THEN --
d. Ask for God’s wisdom
Then you stand up for what his word says – You stand between your children and potential drug problems. Stand between them and potential sexual problems. Stand between them and protect them – you do that because you are a parent and love your kids. Get involved in their lives. Remember Job, God considered him a righteous man – he offered an extra sacrifice for his kids, just in case they did something wrong – that’s standing up.
You stand up in your marriage, and future marriage relationships (My youth minister prayed for my future wife) – you follow structures of the family taught in the Bible. Husbands, you embrace your wife and love her as the dear gift given by God. Feed her mind with God’s word, appeal to her heart – work out problems. I’m not saying it’s easy, very few things worth fighting for are easy, this is a battle, not Disney world.
Stand up for your faith – I’m not saying you have to hit everyone around you over the head with ACTS 2:38 – that’s foolishness. They would just end up with sore heads and further away from a relationship with God.
I believe we as Christians are scared to stand up for our faith – we don’t want to offend, we don’t want to hurt feelings, we don’t want to step on peoples toes – so all the while people are dying and going to hell with their feelings in tact, and toes that are fine.
If you prayerfully stand up for your faith – God will open doors for you to bring people to an understanding of him, and salvation which is the goal of our faith. This will always be done in love – it will always be done when the seeds are sown and the harvest is ready.
Standing up for all those things – standing between problems and the people you care about requires two things – you have to equip yourself – the full armor of God. Here’s the other thing – prayer. It’s connected to the full armor of God. I can’t stand unless I get down on my knees – I can’t stand for my daughter, my niece and my nephew unless I have first gotten down on my knees. I can stand up for my marriage unless I first get down on my knees and pray. My faith is the same way. Remember – pray continually. You want victory – pray then stand up.
Conclusion:
I met a man this week who wanted victory in his life. When I go to the hospital I dress like a preacher – doctors shouldn’t hide themselves when they are in a hospital and neither should preachers. They weren’t playing horns to announce my presence or anything like that – but you could tell it when you looked at me – PREACHER.
I’m sitting in the waiting room reading and watching cable (we don’t have ours turned on yet). This man approaches me. “Are you a preacher?” His voice was scratchy, his eyes were red, and his shoulders were low. I said, “Yes, I am” knowing that this was going to open up a story. His daughter and his wife were in car accident – his wife’s face was shattered, she wasn’t breathing on her own, broken bones, punctured lungs – His daughter – 160 stitches in her legs. She was not as bad off as her mom, but still in the hospital.
This man was going to battle for his wife and daughter everyday – offering prayer on their behalf, everyday standing up for them – asking God, pleading with God to do something amazing in their lives. We prayed together asking God for the same victory. I met again him a few days later – his wife and daughter are still there, but things are improving – and the battle is being won. He believes that he will have victory in his life – he stands before God, claiming God’s victory, standing, trusting and believing – church, why don’t we do the same?
Let’s pray
Maybe you are here this morning and you need a victory in your life – Don’t we all – God is open to hearing your prayers. We need to pray – we invite you to do that this morning – maybe you are here this morning and you just want to take a stand for your faith, your family, your church, your marriage – maybe dedication and commitment is what you need – we are here for you. Sometimes as we see failures stack up in our lives – we slowly walk away and turn our backs – The bible gives a picture of God waiting and watching for you to come back home – willing to put on you his mark of family again.
If you have a decision to make this morning we invite you to stand and sing.
