Point of Grace Online Worship 5.17.20 Sermon Notes Resurrection Matters – “Saving My Thinking?”
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.
Armoring Up with the Armor
“receive the helmet of salvation”
Why “receive”?
Why “salvation”, “deliverance” for my head ….my mind … my thinking?
Romans 12 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 8 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Our “flesh” for Paul is our “sinful nature” and at its core is “The Self”, “Exalted Self”, “Self Life” which is Self-centered, Self-ruled, self-ish etc.
Romans 8 5 Those who live according to the Self have their minds set on what the Self desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the Self is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the Self is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the Self cannot please God
No wonder Paul says our “mind” needs “saving”, “delivering”, “healing” from being ruled by the Self.
When the Self is ruling or leading our thinking we are so very vulnerable to the evil one!
How do I know when the “Self Life” is running the show in my mind and thinking?
(delton quotes here from “Get Your Life Back” Chapter 9 by John Eldredge)
What’s the fear? We fear that If we surrender “self-rule” (die to self as Jesus would say) we won’t have a life.
Mark 8 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[b] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
John 10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
With Jesus we get “Life to the full!”
How do I “receive” the helmet of salvation? Only one helmet can be on my head.
Taking Off and Receiving
“Jesus, I surrender the Self Life to You. I deny it a place of authority in my life and thinking. Come Holy Spirit, fill me afresh, reign over my life and thinking.”
“Jesus, I invite you into my (our) thinking on ……….. and yield to Your leading!”
Over the top Worship, Praise and Giving Thanks
Make no room for offense.
Cultivate admiration
How do I “receive the helmet of salvation”?
How can I intentionally pray, contemplate and rehearse the armor on to me every day?
Resources which will help you “receive the helmet of salvation” everyday!
The book delton read from in the sermon today is “Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge Check it out!
Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – Romans 12:1-8 Tues – Romans 8:1-8 Wed – Romans 8:9-17 Thu – Colossians 3:1-11 Fri – Isaiah 26:1-4 Sat - Psalm 62
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.
The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)
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, podcast etc
Moving Mountains by John Eldredge (excellent teaching on spiritual warfare and prayer)