Point of Grace Online Worship 5.3.20 Sermon Notes

Resurrection Matters – “Are you dressed? …………… for battle?”

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.

In unpacking the words of the Apostle Paul we will better grasp

·       the profound relevance of this armor,

·       what is at stake in the battle

·       the relatively simple reality of “armoring up” every day and

·       the profound yet mysterious results - winning against evil.

The Armor

“Stand, therefore, having belted your waist with truth,”

Is “truth” a settled issue for you? What is the “truth”? Who is the Truth?

Jesus claimed to be Truth and claimed his teachings were the truth!

Satan is a “liar” so we desperately need to receive Jesus as Truth and His word about

·       God,

·       ourselves,

·       others and

·       how life really works …

…as “truths” for us to live by.

John 14 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

and having clothed yourselves with the breastplate of righteousness,”

The breastplate protects what?

Righteousness - has to do with identity, approval, acceptableness, “being enough”, measuring up, worth, status, value, loveable-ness etc.

I need “righteousness” – where do I go and how do I get it?

Earning, measuring up and proving myself is the vocabulary of “righteousness” in the kingdom of people.

Grace, gift and love are the vocabulary of “righteousness” in the kingdom of God.

Jesus is my “righteousness” as a free gift received by faith I don’t have to look anywhere else or perform for it.

The “accuser” will send me searching, striving, trying harder to measure up.

Romans 1 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last… just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

John 1 12 Yet to all who did receive him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

1 John 3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

How can I intentionally pray, contemplate and rehearse the armor on to me every day?

Resources which will help you put on the “Belt of Truth” and the “Breastplate of Righteousness?” every day!

Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – John 8:31-41 Tues – John 14:1-14 Wed – Ephesians 6:10-18 Thu – Romans 3:21-31 Fri – Romans 8:1-11 Sat - Psalm 108:1-5

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)