Have you ever been injured doing an activity because you didn’t prepare, train, or stretch? There is a spiritual war going on at all times, and if you aren’t ready, you will get hurt. As we continue our series, Unseen Battle, JP teaches us how to prepare for battle by teaching through Ephesians 6.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-You have everything you need in Jesus to be victorious over the enemy.
-You cannot fight a spiritual battle with worldly weapons. You must use spiritual weapons.
-You can’t be strong, you must become strong, and you become strong by preparing.
-In Ephesians chapters 1-3, there are no commands. It’s all about who Christ is and what He has done for you.
-You have one enemy: satan.
-We don’t think about the spiritual battle we are in nearly enough. We are too busy being and seeking to be comfortable.
-Know the truth.
-The spiritual battle that is being fought is over the territory of your mind.
-If you know what’s true the enemy can’t deceive you.
-Satan runs the same game plan today that he has for thousands of years.
-again a heart of righteousness.
-Christ’s righteousness is imputed—transferred—upon us because of what He did on our behalf. In light of this, we walk and live as He would have us walk and live.
-Christians exist to serve and care and show compassion for others. They are the opposite of toxic and a victim.
-Christians are focused on serving their King above all else. They do what is right at every turn.
-Build on the gospel.
-The gospel is your foundation for everything. Absolutely everything.
-As Christians, we are always at war, and yet, we can always have a peace that surpasses understanding.
-When you are questioning what you believe, return to the foundation of the gospel…to Jesus. Then, build around that.
-Hold on to faith.
-Is God real? Is He powerful? Is He good? Is He for you? How you answer these questions greatly matter to your faith.
-Be mindful of salvation.
-The spiritual war is fought over your mind. This cannot be stated strongly enough!
-If you change what someone believes you can change everything about them.
-Whatever the enemy is going to do to you he won’t do it for long.
-People don’t have a worry in the world the week before they go on vacation. The entire Christian life is the week before an eternal vacation.
-Have the Word ready.
-All of these weapons are tied together around what is true and what you believe.
-When Jesus faced direct temptation from Satan in the desert He quoted Deuteronomy 3 separate times. A knowledge and understanding and handle of the Scriptures is of utmost importance for the Christian. Utmost.
-Always pray.
-All of this armor comes from and belongs to God. The only way you can get this armor is talking to God.
-If you are going to fight someone stronger than you you must find someone stronger than them.
-Firefighters compete with one another to see who can get their gear on fastest. They run toward fires time and time again because they have everything they need to put out fires.
-We have an enemy who is bad, but if we follow God and practice these things, we will be victorious.