Stand Firm - Week 4 - LIFE IN THE HIGHAM HOUSE

Stand Firm - Week 4

8/15/2024

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Week four of our series takes us to Ephesians 6:15,
"and, as shoe for your feet, having put in the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

This week, Senior Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas, walks us through the
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. It's a great message that challenges us to seriously consider how we think and act as it comes to evangelism and sharing the gospel. Take a few minutes to watch this week fours message, then consider the discussion questions below.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:10-14 ESV

WEEK Four BUMPER VIDEO

week four message

Sermon Text: Acts 1:8; Romans 10:5-15; Ephesians 6:15

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS

Discussion Questions

Read: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:5-15.

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?

Discover: Read Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission).
Pastor Josh said we can't accomplish the right mission with the wrong shoes. What is our mission? (Also see Romans 10:13-15.)

Deepen: Think about the importance of being fully prepared with the gospel of peace.

Discover: What is the difference between seeing the church you attend as a cruise ship or a battleship?

The cruise ship mentality: The church is here to cater to me and entertain me. I don’t want to hear hard truths, serve or go on mission. I just want good music, a funny sermon with some good tips and a comfortable seat.
The battleship mentality: The church is about Jesus – what He did for us and what He’s calling us to do. He calls us to obey his commands and to join in our spiritual war. We are part of the church to be a part of the mission.

Deepen: How have you experienced church life as a cruise ship and as a battleship?

Please don’t feel condemned for enjoying good worship music and good sermons. There’s nothing wrong with that and we all have our preferences. However, let’s not allow our preferences to get in the way of the mission. We need to be more eager to hear the Gospel, learn about God, obey His commands, be changed from the inside out and join the spiritual battle, than we are to be comfortable in our preferences.

Read: Ephesians 6:15.

Roman soldiers had cleated shoes to dig into the ground for stability when in combat and defending attack. How does the gospel give us stability to do battle?

Read: Romans 10:13.

What makes it difficult for some to believe this Good News?

You may feel condemned by your sin and think you’re beyond saving. But are you so arrogant to believe that you are better at sinning than Jesus is at saving? Jesus Christ came to bear your condemnation so that there is therefore now no condemnation for you if you are in Christ Jesus. There is more grace in Him than sin in you, so everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Discover: How do you feel about telling others about the Gospel (evangelizing)?

Deepen: How can you overcome any fears or obstacles to share your faith?

Know who God is and what His character is. You need to truly believe God loves you and Jesus died for your sins, before you can share that with others. Take the pressure off and remember you share, but Jesus saves. Your job is to be a witness, not a lawyer. A lawyer's job is to make an airtight case, a witness's job is just to share their story. Share your story. You’re not called to do everything, but you are called to do something.

Read: Romans 10:13-15.

How can you practically prepare yourself to share the gospel of peace (evangelize) with others?

Evangelizing comes in many forms. Sharing your story, praying, acts of kindness in Jesus’s name and more. You never know how God will use you to bring someone to Him. Pastor Josh gave the example of being saved instantly, like a light switch, or how most people are saved, over time, like a dimmer switch. We love and disciple people from right where they are to their next step.

Action Step
Begin each day with a prayer for courage to speak boldly, for wisdom to share the message of Jesus and peace in knowing you are a witness for Jesus, not a lawyer. Be prepared to answer -- How has the gospel worked in your life?