Point of Grace Online Worship 5.10.20 Sermon Notes
Resurrection Matters – “Am I Armored Up and Ready?”
Ephesians 6 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put 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. 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. 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. 16 In 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.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.
How do I go from “that’s nice” to “I am armored up and ready for battle”?
Armoring up is an act of faith which includes
· intentionality, effort and involvement
· especially with regards to prayer, contemplation and rehearsing scriptural truth.
The Armor
“and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.”
The Gospel of Peace gives us a kind of preparation, readiness and equipping so we can stand sure footed (with security, agility and confidence) under the assault and not slip, misstep or lose our footing.
Romans 5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I can be my own worst enemy here.
Choosing relief, retreat and resignation into the well-worn way of anxiety over readiness that comes from the good news of peace.
Philippians 4 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do not underestimate the transformational power of “peace with God” when consistently enjoyed!
“among all these things having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one;”
The enemy’s flaming arrows are incredibly intimidating at a time we need to be confident and courageous.
Faith is the very real yet unseen relational connection with God and all the abundance He has for us!
Ephesians 2 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
My sinful self will cling to my feelings and circumstances as real and true
but my faith will cling a “greater real” and the “greater true” from my Father in Heaven.
How do I “fit my feet with readiness” and “take up the shield of faith”?
How can I intentionally pray, contemplate and rehearse the armor on to me every day?
Resources which will help you “fit your feet with readiness” and the take up the “Shield of Faith” every day!
This is the app shared in the message just go to your app store to download it: The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)
Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – Romans 5:1-5 Tues – Ephesians 2:1-10 Wed – Ephesians 2:14-22 Thu – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 Fri – Romans 8:12-17 Sat - Lamentations 3:18-24
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”
Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.
Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)
Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional
Ransomed Heart website and app - many helpful resources including prayers, readings, podcasts etc
Moving Mountains by John Eldredge (excellent teaching on spiritual warfare and prayer)