Point of Grace Online Worship 5.24.20 Sermon Notes
Resurrection Matters – “If We Get a Sword Why Use a Butter Knife?”
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
“and (receive) the short sword of the Spirit which is the word of God”
Closer Look - If we get a “sword” why use a butter knife?
-The word as “rhema” – utterance of God. What God has said, is saying?
Jesus Wields the Sword
Mark 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Deuteronomy 8 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.
Matthew 4 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Deuteronomy 6 16 Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors,
Matthew 4 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
Deuteronomy 6 13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Wielding the sword of the Spirit involves giving the Spirit something to wield in me and for me!
Know the Story – Reading and Study
Own the Words – Meditation and Contemplation
- Holy Spirit, please speak to me through Your Word. (Read and Notice!)
- Holy Spirit why this word this day? What are You saying to me? (Contemplate, meditate, ruminate!)
- Own it! (Document, communicate, remember and give thanks!)
Psalm 119 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
How do I “receive the sword of the Spirit” … so I don’t wind up fighting with a plastic knife?
How can I intentionally pray, contemplate and rehearse the armor on to me every day?
Resources which will help you “Receive the Sword of the Spirit” everyday!
Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – Psalm 119:9-16 Tues – 2 Timothy 3:12-17 Wed – 2 Peter 1:16-21 Thu – Colossians 3: 15-17 Fri – Hebrews 4:12-16 Sat - Psalm 119:41-48
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 the scripture 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. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.
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)
“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge
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)