STAND FIRM - WEEK 5 - LIFE IN THE HIGHAM HOUSE

STAND FIRM - WEEK 5

8/21/2024

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

Welcome back for week five of our series, STAND FIRM.
This week, Pastor Brit takes us to Ephesians 6:16

16 "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"

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. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Ephesians 6:10-16 ESV

WEEK FIVE BUMPER VIDEO

WEek five message

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

consider these questions

Read Ephesians 6:16 and Hebrews 11.

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?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE:
This sermon series is about spiritual warfare where we are commanded to take up the armor of God. Pastor Britt shared his recent supernatural encounter with God and said, “You won't have an encounter with God unless you put yourself in a position to do so.” What are some practical things you can do to put yourself in that position?

THE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY:
Read Matthew 12:25; James 1:5-8 and Genesis 15:1.
Part of Satan’s attack is to divide us and sow seeds of doubt. What are the doubt-filled questions the enemy is bombarding you with?

The flaming darts of the enemy include - fear, bitterness, rejection and lust. If you were your enemy, how would you take you out?

Take 5 minutes right now to write that down. You aren’t required to share this with the entire group. Consider sharing this with one of your “mat carriers” this week to bring it into the light. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:31-39 for encouragement to turn away from temptation.

THE SHIELD OF FAITH:

Discover: Read Genesis 15:1.

Where in your life are you complacent, apathetic or just going along like everyone else without getting God involved and raising your shield?

The shield of faith is powerful because of WHOM our faith is in. Just like Pastor Britt's example of using his father's badge, when we hold up the shield of faith, we are saying to Satan, "Do you know who my Father is and the power He has?" Read 1 John 4:3-4 and ask God to help you wake up to the battle.

Deepen: Share how you’ve experienced God as your shield and protector (as Pastor Britt shared how his dad’s police badge/shield protected him).

What steps can you take to ensure you're always prepared to use the shield of faith?

We are fighting from victory, but the shield of faith only works if you take it up and go into battle linked with others. Be prepared: Find scriptures in the Bible to help renew your mind and protect your heart when you are feeling exposed to the attack of the enemy. Meditate on the word of God and praise God for who He is and what He’s doing in your life. Establish a brother or sister in Christ you can go to when you’re feeling tempted or attacked.

Action Step

Engage in Shielding Prayer:

Just as the Roman soldiers would soak their shields in water to extinguish fiery arrows, spend time in prayer each day asking God to soak your life in His presence. This prayer time is meant to strengthen your faith, so it can act as a shield against any attacks from the enemy. Use Genesis 15:1 as a reminder that God Himself is your shield and great reward.