Stand Firm - Week 7 - LIFE IN THE HIGHAM HOUSE

Stand Firm - Week 7

9/3/2024

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It's week seven of our series, STAND FIRM.
This week, Pastor Joby returns with an incredible message on the Sword of the Spirit.
Let's jump into Ephesians 6:17

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; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV

week SEVEN bumper

Week Seven message

Sermon Texts: Genesis 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 8:3; 1 Samuel 7:3; Psalm 91; 119; 139:14;
Matthew 4:1-11; 6:24; Luke 4:1-13; John 8:31-32; Romans 8:31-39; 12:1-2;
1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 5:17; Ephesians 6:10-17; Colossians 2:13-15;
1 Timothy 6; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 1 John 2:15-16

consider these questions

Read Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Timothy 3:16 and Luke 4:1-13.

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?

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT:

Read Ephesians 6:17.

How does the Sword of the Spirit differ from the other pieces of spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, and why is it critical in spiritual warfare?

It’s the only offensive weapon we have been given to fight against the enemy (although it can also be a defensive weapon). It’s the word of God. It’s truth - John 17:17; God-breathed - 2 Tim 3:16-17; living, active and sharp - Hebrews 4:12; a light to our path - Psalm 119:105; eternal - Matt 24:35; Isaiah 40:8; a shield of refuge - Proverbs 30:5 and so much more.

Who or what should we use the Sword of the Spirit against and who should we NOT attack with it?

We are called to a spiritual war against Satan, not a war against people. We are NOT to use the bible as a sledgehammer to fight and bludgeon people. We are not to cast judgment or threaten, but to share God’s love, compassion and truth and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and call to repentance when necessary.

TEMPTATION AND IDENTITY:

Discover: Read Matthew 4:1-11.

When the enemy comes at you with mind games, what are some specific strategies you can use to identify and resist the devil's lies?

The enemy wants you to doubt your beliefs and believe your doubts. Know your identity in Christ. Suit up for war. Identify the lies of the enemy. Read Romans 12:1-2. Do not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Have your “it is written”s and remember that “it is finished.” You are called to abide in Jesus. Read John 8:31-32.

Deepen: Share your routine for reading the Bible, praying and abiding in Jesus.

Discover: What can you learn from the fact that Jesus was tempted immediately after his high, holy moment of baptism?

Often the enemy attacks when we feel invulnerable or we’re on a high. It’s not a sin to be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. It only becomes sin when you act on the temptation.

Deepen: Share a time you’ve faced temptation after a high moment in your life.

You will still be tempted even after you’ve been saved. We live in a fallen world. Even though we’ve been given a new heart and a new spirit at salvation—and the Holy Spirit to live in us—you still have the same mind. You are most vulnerable to temptation and sin at your highest and lowest moments - remember HALTS: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Stressed. When you do fall to sin meditate on Romans 8:1, repent and return to the loving arms of the father.

Action Step

Where in your life are you believing the lies from the enemy? Find your, “it is written”s in scripture to counter these lies. For example, if you struggle with feeling unloved, meditate on and memorize Psalm 139:14, which reminds you that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made."