stand firm - week 1

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

This past weekend, The Church of Eleven22, kicked off their new, 9-week series called, STAND FIRM.
Based out of Ephesians 6, Pastor Joby, introduced the series and called us to war.

Ephesians 6:10-14, reads...
"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."

Over the next 8-weeks, Pastor Joby (and the teaching team from COE22) will unpack what it means for us to daily put on the full armor of God. Each week we will look at another piece of the armor, learning how we can ready ourselves to stand firm against the enemy and his schemes. If there is ever a time to ready ourselves for battle, it is now.

We were incredible moved, challenged, and encouraged by week one message. So, like the BE FREE series, we're going to share the messages and resources with you. Our hope is to encourage you to stand firm on the truth that we know never fails. 

Each Thursday, for the next 8-weeks, we will post the weekly message video, the Deepen podcast episode, the disciple group study questions, testimony videos, and any other resources that are abled to be shared publicly. We want to invite you to joins us each Thursday, as we learn how to STAND FIRM.
(Posts will be live by 12:00 noon EST.)

Sermon Text: Genesis 3:1-7; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Job 38:7; Luke 10:17-20;
​John 10:10-11; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10-13; 1 John 2:15-16; Revelation 12:7-12; 20:7-10; 21:1-7

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Watch the message

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consider these questions

Read Ephesians 6:10-13; 1 John 2:15-16; Genesis 3:1-7.

What stood out to you in the sermon this week and what did God reveal to you in the Scriptures, maybe for the first time?

How does the idea that we are in a spiritual war make you feel?
 - Pause, and pray right now, to understand the spiritual war we are in without falling into either extreme.

Reflect on this quote from Pastor John Piper, “Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief.” How can this perspective transform your prayer life? (See Isaiah 30:21; 2 Kings 6:17; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 3:16; 6:10-18; 1 John 4:4.)

Read Ephesians 6:12.

We wrestle against "the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this present darkness." How do you recognize these forces showing up in your daily life?

Your enemy is not flesh and blood. How does knowing your true enemy change how you interact with people who oppose or hurt you?

1. What are the schemes of the enemy?
2. What does Satan want you to question?

The enemy knows how to attack you and twist God’s word subtly.

1. How do you use scripture to stand against the enemy?
2. What scriptures have helped you do this?

Read 2 Corinthians 10:4.

How are we called to fight this war?

Read Ephesians 6:10 and 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Share a time when you relied on God’s strength rather than your own.

Read Revelation 21:1-7.

How does this promise of future victory give you hope and motivate you to stand firm in your faith today?

try this weeks action steps

A Disciple...Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus (LEADERS: Please copy and paste the action step into your group chat each week.)

1. Throughout the week, identify the lies you hear and the negative thoughts you have that align with the enemy’s schemes (John 10:10). Write down scriptures you can meditate on and use to fight back. Share them with your group next week.

2. Get a partner in your disciple group. Commit to praying for one another daily. Share your struggles and victories in the spiritual battle, supporting each other in prayer and encouragement. ​​

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Additional Resources

This week we were introduced to a new song called, Faithful and True. It was written by Eddie Hoagland and Jon Egan. Here is the video version of the song, led by New Life Worship. Give it a listen, let it encourage you. And check out New Life Worship on YouTube. If you want more worship, visit the worship playlist on COE22's YouTube channel. 

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To learn more about The Church of Eleven22, click here: www.coe22.com. ​

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