24-0428a Transcript

Preacher: Tom Freed

(2:30) Thank you, everybody. (2:33) I talked to Scott Friday, and he texted me, and I was struggling with the sermon idea. (2:39) Like he mentioned, it’s tough to come up with ideas all the time.

(2:42) I don’t know, like he said, how these preachers do it every single week, (2:48) sometimes twice a week. (2:50) So it takes a lot of work and creativity. (2:54) And pray for me.

(2:55) I appreciate that because it is hard to get up here. (2:59) It’s hard to write a full sermon. (3:02) I mean, it takes a lot of time and effort.

(3:05) So you’ve got to pray for each other. (3:08) Since we’re all taking turns, none of us are professional preachers, (3:12) so we’re all just doing our best here. (3:15) I think we’re doing a good job.

(3:19) So my sermon is on the full armor of God. (3:22) So whether you like it or not, you know, there’s a spiritual war going on, (3:29) and you have to choose what side you’re going to be on. (3:33) It’s not a physical battle with tanks, jet fighters, and machine guns.

(3:38) You can use the kill, destroy, and take over territory. (3:42) It’s a spiritual battle. (3:45) Ephesians 6, 12.

(3:47) We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, (3:52) against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, (3:57) against spiritual hosts of wickedness and heavenly places. (4:02) It’s a spiritual battle. (4:03) It might be easier if it was a physical battle, (4:07) where you just drop a bomb on your enemy.

(4:11) But we’ve got to work really hard to change people’s views, (4:19) save souls, and kind of change the culture around us. (4:24) It’s a spiritual battle against Satan and his fallen angels. (4:28) It’s a battle we can’t necessarily see with the naked eye.

(4:32) We can see the effect it has, you know, by the people in this world. (4:38) We can see that in this country we’re losing the spiritual battle. (4:43) You know, slowly, and even now, even more quickly, (4:47) people are going away from the Word of God.

(4:49) They’re pushing everything anti-God that you can see. (4:55) It’s only getting worse. (4:57) The devil is powerful and the prince of this world, Ephesians 2.2, (5:03) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, (5:06) according to the prince of the power of the air, (5:09) the spirit who works in the sons of disobedience.

(5:14) So it’s a tough battle because the devil has been given power (5:18) and is prince over this world. (5:21) He doesn’t have ultimate power because Jesus is still in control, (5:24) but he does have a lot of power. (5:29) We can see he had enough power to offer Jesus the whole world.

(5:36) So he does. (5:37) He can give a lot of things. (5:40) He protects his people.

(5:41) He protects his own. (5:43) And he deceives the whole world, Revelation 12.9. (5:48) So the great dragon was cast out, (5:50) that serpent of old called the devil and Satan, (5:54) who deceives the whole world. (5:56) He was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

(6:02) So we can see he deceives the whole world. (6:06) He pretty much deceives almost everybody, (6:07) even people that think they’re Christians. (6:10) A lot of them are deceived.

(6:11) All he needs to do is have them in error in one or two things, (6:15) and they’re in danger of losing their soul. (6:18) Like I said before, how much rat poison does it take to kill a rat? (6:22) It’s like .2% or something. (6:27) So the devil knows if he can get you just in a little bit of error (6:30) that you could possibly go to hell.

(6:34) So he deceived Adam and Eve in the garden (6:36) and continues to deceive almost everyone on earth. (6:41) Every single person has sinned and is separated from God because of it. (6:46) Romans 3.23, (6:48) For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

(6:52) When you first sin, you’re separated from God (6:54) and end up on Satan’s side in the spiritual battle. (6:59) So whether you know it or are aware of it or not, we are aware of it. (7:02) A lot of the world isn’t aware that if they sin, (7:06) they end up separated from God.

(7:10) They end up on the side of evil by default. (7:15) So it’s up to us to decide at this point. (7:18) You can choose to do nothing and stay on the side of evil, (7:22) or you can obey God’s word and join His kingdom and fight for Christ.

(7:29) Some people knowingly hate God (7:31) and want to have nothing to do with Him (7:34) and do everything in their power to advance the devil’s agenda. (7:40) But I think most people are just ignorant. (7:44) They don’t believe God exists (7:45) because maybe they’re just raised that way or brainwashed.

(7:49) But ignorance isn’t an excuse. (7:51) It’s not an excuse God will accept. (7:54) Acts 17.30, (7:56) In the past God overlooked such ignorance, (7:59) but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.

(8:03) At one time in the Old Testament, (8:06) if you’re not one of God’s people who are the Jews, (8:11) God judged you apart from the law (8:12) and how you live according to your conscience. (8:16) That’s not how it is today. (8:17) Everybody needs to repent.

(8:20) Whether you hear God’s word or not, (8:24) it’s our job to spread God’s word. (8:28) So you need to choose what side you want to be on in the spiritual war. (8:33) If you’re on God’s side, you need to quit for battle.

(8:38) So as Christians, we’re at war with evil. (8:40) We face constant attacks from our enemy, the devil. (8:46) He’s constantly attacking us.

(8:49) Every time we turn around, there’s some kind of temptation. (8:54) There’s something headed our way. (8:57) He may come at us differently, (8:59) in many different forms, (9:00) attacking us through our health, relationships, (9:05) finances, family, friends.

(9:07) Attack us through work, (9:09) and any other way that he could, you know, get at us. (9:14) He’s going to use everything in his power (9:16) to get us to sin, (9:21) to get us to be distracted and fall away from God. (9:25) You can see how vicious the devil is when he went after Job (9:28) and wiped out everything he had in one day.

(9:31) And after that, he took his health. (9:33) But when the devil’s given his chance to attack us, (9:38) he’s going to do it to the most extreme he can. (9:44) You know, God’s the only one that stops him (9:48) from how much he can do to us, as we can see with Job.

(9:52) God limited his ability to attack Job. (9:58) You know, he wiped out his whole family, he took his health, (10:00) but God said, spare his life. (10:03) So he wants to totally destroy us, (10:06) and God is the only one standing in his way.

(10:10) You know, he wanted to sift Peter like wheat. (10:12) He would tear us all from limb to limb if he could. (10:17) To take on such a powerful opponent in a spiritual war, (10:20) we need armor and weapons.

(10:22) So we’ll take a closer look at how God equips us for battle (10:25) and what each of these items does for us. (10:29) Roger did a good job of reading. (10:33) And John, of reading these scriptures, I’ll read them over again.

(10:37) Ephesians 6, 13 through 18. (10:40) Therefore, put on the full armor of God, (10:42) so that when the day of evil comes, (10:46) you may be able to stand your ground. (10:48) And after that, you have done everything to stand firm, (10:53) with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, (10:56) with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (11:00) with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

(11:06) In addition to all this, take up your shield of faith, (11:11) with which you can extinguish all the flaming airs of the evil one. (11:16) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, (11:19) which is the word of God, (11:21) and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (11:25) With this in mind, be alert, (11:27) and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(11:31) We can see God doesn’t send us into battle with no tool to defend ourselves. (11:37) He provides us with a complete set of armor, (11:40) so we can stand against the devil and his minions. (11:45) He gives us, you know, all we need to stand up to the devil.

(11:50) He gives us a full armor from head to toe. (11:54) Each piece of armor does a specific job and helps us in our ongoing battle against evil. (12:02) Being a Christian is about being constantly prepared and fully suited up for battle.

(12:08) So when the day of evil comes, we will not be caught off guard. (12:12) 1 Corinthians 16, 13 (12:15) Be on guard, stand firm in the faith. (12:19) Be of courage, be strong.

(12:21) The Christian soldier has to be fully equipped first. (12:27) He has to take up his position second. (12:31) So it does no good to take up your position and not be equipped.

(12:36) You know, you’ll be useless on the battlefield. (12:39) You first must be equipped, then you take your stand. (12:46) We can stand firm and be courageous with the armor God provides us.

(12:49) The first thing we’ll look at is the belt of truth, (12:54) buckle around our waist. (12:59) I use a lot of different commentaries when looking up the different pieces of armor. (13:05) But some of the descriptions might not be in my words.

(13:10) The repetition in Ephesians 6, 11-14 (13:15) shows that standing, that is maintaining our ground, (13:19) not yielding or fleeing, is a grand aim of the Christian soldier. (13:25) In the beginning of Ephesians 6, 11-14, he uses stand three times. (13:35) We’re supposed to stand firm and not back down.

(13:39) Having girt about your loins with truth, (13:43) that is with truthfulness, sincerity and a good conscience. (13:48) Truth is a band that girds us up (13:51) and keeps together the flowing robes (13:53) so that the Christian soldier may be unencumbered for action. (13:59) It keeps everything together.

(14:01) Imagine you’re trying to fight a battle and your robes are flying open, (14:05) your pants are falling down. (14:07) You know, you wouldn’t be able to fight very well, would you? (14:12) The belt of truth holds everything together. (14:18) Just as the Passover was eaten with the belt and shoes on, (14:23) so the people were ready to leave Egypt at any time.

(14:27) Exodus 12, 11 (14:30) And thus you shall eat it, with your belt on your waist, (14:33) your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. (14:37) So you shall eat in haste. (14:39) This is the Lord’s Passover.

(14:42) The Lord wanted them to be prepared, (14:44) be prepared to get up and go at any time. (14:47) That’s why He told the Israelites to wear a belt. (14:52) You can’t run and move quickly with your pants hanging down.

(14:57) So a girdle, therefore, denotes strength and activity, (15:00) and to unloose a girdle is to deprive of strength, (15:05) to render unfit for action. (15:08) Isaiah 5, 27 (15:12) No one will be weary or stumble among them. (15:15) No one will slumber or sleep.

(15:18) Nor will the belt on their loins be loosed, (15:22) nor the strap of their sandal be broken. (15:26) With your loins girded up is to be diligent and ready for battle. (15:29) Luke 12, 35 (15:32) Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.

(15:37) You see that faithfulness is the girdle of the Messiah. (15:40) Isaiah 11, 5 (15:43) Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, (15:46) and faithfulness the belt of His waist. (15:49) One of the substituents, faithfulness, means truth here.

(15:55) So with the belt firmly in place, (15:58) holding the rest of the armor together, (15:59) you’re able to move defensively and offensively in battle. (16:06) Next we’ll look at the breastplate of righteousness. (16:10) This is similar to the breastplate of the Messiah.

(16:13) Isaiah 59, 17 (16:16) For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, (16:20) and a helmet of salvation on His head. (16:24) He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, (16:27) and was clad with zeal as a cloak. (16:31) So the Messiah is represented as a warrior, (16:34) armed at all points, (16:36) going forth to vindicate His people.

(16:41) So owing to the unity of Christ and His people, (16:45) their armor is like His, (16:46) except that they have no garments of vengeance, (16:49) which is God’s prerogative. (16:52) Or cloak of zeal, (16:54) in the sense of judicial fury, (16:56) punishing the wicked. (16:58) This zeal belongs properly to God.

(17:02) We have what the Messiah had in the breastplate of righteousness. (17:08) But vengeance belongs to the Lord. (17:12) I know some of us would like to have, (17:14) you know, garments of vengeance, (17:17) but it’s probably best we don’t.

(17:21) We might be like the sons of thunder, (17:24) and want to, you know, (17:26) rain down fire and brimstone on everybody that disagrees with us. (17:32) But righteousness is here, (17:34) joined with truth. (17:35) Ephesians 5, 9 (17:38) For the fruit of the Spirit is all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

(17:42) So we can see the connection between the belt and the breastplate. (17:47) Righteousness and works, truth and words. (17:52) So Christ’s righteousness is stirred up in us by the Spirit.

(17:57) Also faith and love, (17:59) that is faith working righteousness by love, (18:02) are the breastplate. (18:04) 1 Thessalonians 5, 8 (18:07) But let us who are of the day be sober, (18:11) putting on the breastplate of faith and love. (18:15) Faith is a motive within, (18:19) and love exhibited (18:22) in outward acts constitutes the perfection of righteousness.

(18:28) The breastplate was to protect the breast and chest, (18:32) and the vital organs within. (18:35) So righteousness is a breastplate. (18:37) God has furnished man to protect himself from the darts (18:41) the enemy may hurl at him.

(18:42) So our righteousness protects our heart. (18:46) It protects us from certain attacks from the devil. (18:52) So the next item on the tab is the footwear.

(18:57) Having shot our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (19:01) So since the Christian warrior is a stand, (19:05) he must have no unprotected and uncertain foothold. (19:09) Preparedness is a thought here.

(19:12) And just fighting with so much of a hand-to-hand conflict, (19:15) a firm footing, (19:17) was exceedingly important. (19:19) So imagine having battles, (19:21) you know, especially back then (19:23) where they were fighting hand-to-hand with swords and weapons. (19:25) You need firm footing or you’d be slipping everywhere.

(19:28) You’ll be useless. (19:31) So his sandals were accordingly (19:33) not only bound firmly to his feet and ankles, (19:37) but were thickly stubbed with hobnails (19:40) to give a sure footing to those who would stand firm. (19:45) They even had nails in their sandals to keep them in place.

(19:50) Maybe you could kind of like a football player. (19:53) Imagine a football player with no cleats. (19:57) He would lose, you know, a lot of ability.

(20:02) So the Christian soldier’s preparedness in this regard (20:05) is defining the gospel of peace. (20:09) It is that principle of steadfastness (20:11) which has its origin in the sense of oneness with God (20:16) and so divine aid in an emergency. (20:20) So the paradox here of peace (20:23) as a part of the panoply of the Holy War (20:27) is as significant as it is beautiful.

(20:30) The Christian soldier’s foothold (20:32) needs to be settled, sure, and restful, (20:35) just in proportion to the stress around him. (20:39) So the peace is justification, Romans 5.1, (20:45) and it’s accompaniment. (20:46) The peace of God which passes all understanding, (20:50) guarding the heart and thoughts in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4.7, (20:57) are just then most necessary to the Christian spirit (20:59) and most real to his consciousness (21:02) when put to the test in the day of evil.

(21:07) We can see this in Paul himself. (21:10) When facing death, stood in his strength (21:13) when he wrote the following. (21:15) For which cause I suffer also these things.

(21:20) Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him who I have believed, (21:24) and I am persuaded that he is able (21:26) to guard that which I have committed unto him (21:29) against that day, 2 Timothy 1.12. (21:35) When you are prepared and grounded in the truth of the gospel, (21:37) you’ll be unmovable, just like Paul was, (21:41) even when confronted by certain death. (21:46) So the next thing we’re going to look at (21:47) is the shield of faith, Ephesians 6.16. (21:52) Above all, taking the shield of faith (21:54) with which you are able to quench (21:55) all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (21:59) But not above all in point of importance or value, (22:02) but overall as a soldier holds his shield (22:04) to defend himself.

(22:06) The shield will constitute a protection (22:09) over every part of his body. (22:12) It may turn in every direction. (22:15) You can see it with the shield.

(22:17) You know, that’s your main defense. (22:19) You can move in every way. (22:21) You can defend, you know, (22:25) you can defend by moving yourself, (22:27) turning from the side, (22:29) you know, defending the sword (22:30) and spears and arrows coming at you.

(22:34) The idea is that as the shield covered (22:37) or protected the other parts of the armor, (22:40) so faith had a similar importance (22:42) in the Christian virtues. (22:44) So the shield of faith protects (22:46) all the other virtues. (22:49) The shield was usually made of light wood (22:51) or a rim of brass (22:54) and covered with several folds of thickness (22:57) of stout hide, (22:59) which was preserved by frequent anointing.

(23:03) Prepare the table. (23:05) Set a watchman in the tower. (23:07) Eat and drink.

(23:08) Arise, you princes. (23:10) Anoint the shield. (23:11) Isaiah 21-5.

(23:14) You can see they anointed their shield (23:16) in the old times. (23:18) The outer surface of the shield (23:20) was made more or less (23:21) rounding from the center to the edge (23:23) and was polished smooth (23:25) or anointed with oil (23:27) so that the arrows or darts (23:28) will glance off or rebound. (23:33) We wear the shield of faith (23:34) because we are saved by faith.

(23:36) Mark 16-16. (23:38) He who believes and is baptized (23:39) will be saved, (23:41) but he who does not believe (23:43) will be condemned. (23:45) We can see we’re saved by faith.

(23:48) As long as a soldier had his shield, (23:51) he felt secure, (23:52) and as long as a Christian has faith, (23:55) he is safe. (23:57) It comes to his aid (23:58) in every attack that is made on him, (24:00) no matter from what quarter. (24:05) It comes to his aid (24:06) and it secures the protection (24:07) which a Christian needs (24:09) in the whole of the spiritual war.

(24:13) We can see that’s our best defense (24:14) is our faith. (24:15) Imagine a soldier with no shield. (24:19) There would be a huge gap (24:22) in the defenses.

(24:24) The shield is the most important thing. (24:28) Faith conquers the evil one. (24:30) In the dark of temptation (24:31) to ramp up, (24:32) revenge, despair, (24:34) and whatever else he can throw at you.

(24:37) 1 Peter 5-9. (24:40) Resist him, (24:41) steadfast in faith, (24:43) knowing that the same sufferings (24:45) are experienced by your brotherhood (24:46) in the world. (24:48) Faith overcomes the world.

(24:50) 1 John 5-4. (24:53) Whoever is born of God (24:55) overcomes the world, (24:56) and this is a victory (24:57) that has overcome the world, (24:59) our faith. (25:00) And so the prince of this world, (25:02) 1 John 5-18.

(25:05) We know that whoever is born of God (25:07) does not sin, (25:08) but he who has been born of God (25:10) keeps himself, (25:11) and the wicked one does not touch him. (25:14) We can see how vital faith is, (25:18) that important shield (25:19) that protects us (25:21) from all the attacks of the enemy. (25:26) We also need to put on (25:27) the helmet of salvation.

(25:30) 1 Thessalonians 5-8. (25:33) But let us who are (25:34) of the day be sober, (25:35) putting on the breastplate (25:37) of faith and love. (25:40) And as a helmet, (25:41) the hope of salvation.

(25:43) So you can see (25:44) Paul loves using these armor analogies, (25:46) and he does it several times (25:48) in the Bible. (25:51) Not an uncertain hope, (25:53) but one that brings with it (25:54) no shame of disappointment. (25:58) Hope does not disappoint, (26:00) but the love of God (26:01) has been poured out (26:02) into the heart of the Holy Spirit (26:04) who was given to us.

(26:07) It is subjoined to the shield of faith (26:11) as being its inseparable accompaniment. (26:14) The head of the soldier (26:15) was among the principal parts (26:17) to be defended. (26:19) It is not as the deadliest (26:20) strokes might fall, (26:22) and it is the head (26:23) that commands the whole body.

(26:25) The head is the seat of the mind, (26:30) so the sure gospel of hope (26:32) of eternal life (26:34) will not receive false doctrine (26:36) or give way to Satan’s temptation (26:38) to despair. (26:40) We can see (26:42) that just like the shield, (26:43) the helmet protects us. (26:45) It protects the most important part (26:46) of the body, the head.

(26:48) You get hit in the head, (26:51) it’s pretty much over for you. (26:53) God by this hope (26:55) lifts up the head. (26:57) Psalm 3-3 (27:00) But you, O Lord, are a shield (27:03) about me, (27:04) my glory, (27:06) and a lifter up of my head.

(27:08) Also Luke 21-28 (27:11) Now when these things (27:12) begin to happen, (27:14) look up and lift your heads (27:16) because your redemption (27:17) draws near. (27:19) The helmet of salvation, (27:22) we look for that redemption (27:24) and we should hold our head up high. (27:27) We should be waiting (27:28) for the day that the Lord comes.

(27:35) So lastly, (27:36) we have (27:38) our weapon which is (27:39) the sword of the Spirit. (27:42) That is furnished by the Spirit (27:44) who inspired the writers (27:45) of the word of God. (27:47) 2 Peter 1-21 (27:48) For prophecy never came (27:50) by the will of man, (27:52) but holy men of God spoke (27:54) as they were moved (27:54) by the Holy Spirit.

(27:56) So it’s just not some book (27:58) that these guys wrote (28:00) 2,000 years ago. (28:02) The Bible is inspired (28:04) by God (28:07) or breathed (28:09) by God to these men. (28:12) The sword of the Spirit (28:13) is sharper than any other sword.

(28:15) Hebrews 4-12 (28:17) For the word of God (28:18) is living and powerful (28:19) and sharper than any two-edged sword, (28:23) piercing even to the division (28:25) of soul and spirit (28:26) and of joints and marrow (28:28) and is a discerner (28:30) of the thoughts and intents (28:31) of the heart. (28:33) The Lord has a two-edged sword (28:35) and it comes out of his mouth.

(28:37) Revelation 2-12 (28:39) And to the Angel of the God (28:42) of Bergamo’s right, (28:44) these things says (28:45) he who has a sharp two-edged sword.

(28:48) And also Revelation 1-16 (28:51) He had in his right hand (28:53) seven stars (28:55) out of his mouth (28:57) and a two-edged sword (28:58) and his countenance was like (28:59) the sun shining in his strength. (29:03) The two-edged sword (29:04) cutting both ways (29:06) striking someone with conviction (29:08) and conversion (29:09) and others with condemnation. (29:12) So we can see his slices (29:14) and can either (29:15) convert people or condemn them.

(29:19) Isaiah 11-4 (29:21) But with righteousness (29:22) he shall judge the poor (29:24) and decide with equity (29:29) the right of his mouth. (29:31) And with the break of his lips (29:32) he shall slay the wicked. (29:35) Also Revelation 19-15 (29:39) Now out of his mouth (29:41) goes a sharp sword (29:43) that with it he shall (29:44) strike the nations (29:46) and he himself will (29:48) rule them with a rod of iron.

(29:49) He himself tries the winepress (29:52) of the fierceness and wrath (29:54) of the Almighty God. (29:57) The sword is in the mouth (29:59) of Christ. (30:00) Isaiah 49-2 (30:02) And he has made my mouth (30:04) like a sharp sword (30:05) and the shadow of his hand (30:07) he has hidden me (30:09) and made me a polished shaft (30:11) and his quiver he has hidden me.

(30:14) The same sword is in the (30:16) hands of the saints. (30:19) Psalm 149-6-9 (30:22) Let the high praises of God (30:24) be in their mouth (30:25) and a two-edged sword (30:26) in their hand (30:27) to execute vengeance (30:29) on the nations (30:31) and punishments on the peoples (30:33) to bind their kings with chains (30:35) and the nobles with fetters of iron (30:37) to execute on them (30:39) the written judgment. (30:41) The honor of all his saints.

(30:45) Praise the Lord. (30:47) So we can see that (30:48) we have this weapon (30:49) which is God’s word (30:51) which is the Bible. (30:53) Christ uses his sword (31:00) and the temptation (31:01) is our pattern (31:03) is how we are to wield it (31:05) against Satan.

(31:08) So just like in the desert (31:09) when he was tempted by Satan (31:11) we can see how he used (31:13) the sword of the spirit (31:14) to respond. (31:15) Matthew 4-4 (31:16) But he answered and said (31:19) It is written (31:21) Man shall not live by bread alone (31:23) but by every word (31:25) that proceeds from the mouth of God (31:29) Also Matthew 4-7 (31:32) Jesus said to him (31:33) It is written again (31:34) You shall not tempt the Lord your God (31:39) And finally Matthew 4-10-11 (31:43) Then Jesus said to him (31:45) Away with you Satan (31:47) For it is written (31:48) You shall worship the Lord your God (31:51) and him only shall you serve. (31:54) So we can see that (31:56) how Jesus rebuked the devil.

(31:58) All he did was use (31:59) the word of God. (32:02) His words were simple (32:03) yet powerful (32:05) and he used the sword of the spirit (32:08) even though Jesus is God himself (32:10) he still used the Bible (32:11) to rebuke Satan. (32:15) And we need to do (32:16) the same thing.

(32:19) The word of God is the most powerful (32:21) weapon on earth. (32:23) We should not be afraid (32:24) to use it. (32:27) It is more powerful (32:30) than nuclear bombs (32:31) the jet fighters (32:32) and everything else.

(32:36) With it God created the world. (32:39) He can destroy with it (32:41) or he can save people with it. (32:44) And we have it as our main weapon.

(32:46) So let’s learn (32:47) to use it. (32:49) Let’s read the Bible (32:49) every chance we can get. (32:53) So with this full armor of God (32:54) the Christian can stand his ground (32:56) to defend and attack the devil (32:57) and his minions (33:03) the fully armed and ready (33:05) for battle with God on our side (33:07) we should be as bold as a lion.

(33:09) Proverbs 28.1 (33:12) The wicked flee (33:13) when no one is pursuing (33:14) but the righteous are bold as a lion. (33:17) We shouldn’t be scared (33:19) as Christians. (33:21) We shouldn’t be afraid of others.

(33:22) We shouldn’t be afraid to speak the word of God. (33:25) The wicked flee (33:26) not us. (33:28) We need to be strong and courageous (33:30) because the Lord is with us.

(33:31) Joshua 1.9 (33:33) If I not commanded you (33:35) be strong and courageous. (33:37) Do not be frightened (33:39) and do not be dismayed (33:40) for the Lord your God is with you (33:42) wherever you go. (33:44) We need to keep in mind (33:45) that there is no armor for the back.

(33:49) So we are not suited to retreat (33:51) from battle. (33:53) Luke 9.62 (33:56) But Jesus said to him (33:58) no one having put his hand (33:59) to the plow (34:00) and looking back is fit (34:02) for the kingdom of God. (34:05) So we shouldn’t turn our back (34:07) on the battle.

(34:08) We shouldn’t retreat. (34:10) We are made with his armor (34:12) to stand firm. (34:14) We should never turn our back on God.

(34:16) We really have nowhere else to go. (34:20) John 6.68 (34:21) Simon Peter answered him (34:24) Lord (34:24) to whom shall we go (34:32) we can see that the cowardly (34:33) and faithless will not inherit (34:35) the kingdom of God. (34:37) Revelation 21.8 (34:40) But as for the cowardly (34:41) the faithless (34:42) the detestable (34:44) as for murderers (34:45) the sexually immoral (34:48) sorcerers, adulterers (34:49) and all liars (34:50) their portion will be (34:53) in the lake that burns (34:54) with fire and sulfur (34:55) which is the second death.

(35:01) They will go to hell (35:03) along with everybody else. (35:06) So you shouldn’t be cowardly. (35:08) We are prepared.

(35:09) We have God on our side. (35:12) We need to stand up. (35:13) We need to stand our ground.

(35:15) When you turn away from the Lord (35:17) you lose all defenses (35:18) and the devil will devour you. (35:23) 1 Peter 5.8 (35:25) Be sober, be vigilant (35:27) because the devil your adversary (35:28) walks about like a roaring lion (35:31) seeking whom he may devour. (35:34) Our only safety (35:35) is resisting ceaselessly (35:37) just like Christ did in the desert (35:39) which I just read over (35:42) when he defended (35:43) with the sword of the Spirit.

(35:45) Matthew 4.11 (35:47) Then the devil left him (35:49) and behold angels came (35:51) and ministered to him. (35:53) If you submit to God (35:54) and stand up to the devil (35:57) the devil must flee from you. (35:59) James 4.7 (36:02) Therefore submit to God (36:04) resist the devil (36:05) and he will flee from you.

(36:07) So this was written by God (36:09) that the devil must obey it. (36:12) So if you resist the devil (36:14) he will leave. (36:15) He will have to flee.

(36:17) That doesn’t mean he won’t come back (36:18) at a later time (36:20) but every time you resist him (36:22) he must flee from you. (36:25) So we are fully equipped by God (36:27) for every good work through his word (36:29) 2 Timothy 3.16-17 (36:33) All scripture is given (36:34) by inspiration of God (36:36) and is profitable (36:37) for doctrine, for reproof, (36:39) for correction, for instruction (36:41) in righteousness (36:43) that the man of God may be complete (36:45) thoroughly equipped for every good work. (36:49) So as Christians we are (36:50) thoroughly equipped for battle (36:52) and also equipped for every good work.

(36:57) So we have no excuse (37:00) to do God’s will. (37:01) We have no excuse to be afraid. (37:03) We are thoroughly equipped (37:05) for everything by God.

(37:07) Let’s be like the early apostles (37:09) and preach the word of God (37:11) boldly and without fear. (37:13) Acts 4.31 (37:15) After they prayed (37:16) the place where they were meeting (37:18) was shaken (37:20) and they were all filled (37:21) with the Holy Spirit (37:22) and spoke the word of God boldly. (37:27) We can take the apostles (37:28) as an example (37:31) they weren’t even afraid of death.

(37:34) They spoke (37:35) God’s word and they were (37:37) honest, they were with, (37:39) they were thrown in jail. (37:40) Some of them were stoned to death (37:42) and we’re scared that somebody (37:44) might make fun of us (37:46) or somebody might not like us (37:48) because we speak the word of God. (37:50) We need to be bold.

(37:52) We need to not have the fear (37:54) like they had. (37:55) We have nothing to fear on this earth. (37:57) Psalm 118.6 (38:01) I will not be afraid.

(38:03) What can man do to me? (38:06) We can see we’re fully equipped (38:07) with spiritual armor. (38:08) We have the full revelation of God (38:10) as our weapon. (38:11) We have Christ on our side, (38:13) the Holy Spirit and God the Father (38:16) along with the angels in heaven.

(38:19) We cannot lose (38:19) this battle against evil. (38:23) With God on our side (38:24) who can be against us? (38:26) Romans 8.31 (38:27) What then shall we say (38:31) if God is for us (38:32) who shall be against us? (38:34) I’ve said before (38:35) it’s a saying I like. (38:38) God plus one person (38:39) is a majority.

(38:41) Though it’s just you and God (38:43) you still will win (38:44) against the whole world. (38:49) The gates of Hades (38:49) shall not prevail against us. (38:51) Matthew 16.18 (38:53) And I also say to you (38:55) that you are Peter (38:56) and on this rock (38:57) I will build my church (39:04) so gates are defensive.

(39:06) We’re supposed to be on the offense (39:08) not the defense. (39:11) We have victory in Christ (39:13) and we need to act like that. (39:16) 1 Corinthians 15.57 (39:20) The thanks be to God (39:21) who gives us victory (39:22) through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(39:25) Jesus has overcome the world (39:26) and with his help (39:28) we can also. (39:30) John 16.33 (39:32) These things I have spoken (39:34) to you that in me (39:35) you may have peace (39:37) in the world you have tribulation (39:39) but be of good cheer (39:41) I have overcome the world. (39:44) So we need to put on (39:45) our armor (39:47) gird up our loins (39:48) and go to battle.

(39:50) Jeremiah 1.17 (39:53) You therefore gird up (39:54) thy loins and arise (39:57) and speak unto them (39:58) all that I have commanded you (40:00) be not dismayed at them (40:02) lest I dismay you before them. (40:06) So like the apostles (40:08) we need to go out (40:09) and turn the world upside down. (40:11) Acts 17.6 (40:14) But when they did not find them (40:15) they dragged Jason (40:17) and some of the brethren (40:18) to the rulers of the city (40:21) and crying out (40:23) those who have turned the world upside down (40:25) have come here too.

(40:29) We have everything we need (40:32) just like they did back then. (40:34) We even have more (40:35) than the early apostles did (40:39) and they preached to the whole world (40:41) but we can also. (40:44) Colossians 1.23 (40:46) If indeed you continue (40:47) in the faith (40:49) grow in steadfast (40:51) and are not moved away (40:52) from the hope of the gospel (40:53) which you heard (40:54) which was preached (40:55) to every creature under heaven (40:57) of which I Paul became a minister.

(41:00) So they preached (41:01) to every creature under heaven. (41:03) They didn’t have cars (41:05) and trains and cell phones. (41:08) They didn’t have a Bible (41:10) the full revolution of God (41:11) but they still did it anyway.

(41:14) We have so much more (41:15) but sometimes we’re scared (41:16) to even talk to our neighbor. (41:19) We need to go in the world (41:20) and preach the gospel (41:21) just like they did (41:23) and fight the good fight of faith. (41:25) Mark 16.15 (41:27) And he said to them (41:29) go into all the world (41:30) and preach the gospel (41:31) to every creature.

(41:33) We have our marching (41:35) orders and we know (41:36) what we should do (41:38) by now. (41:41) So we have no excuse. (41:44) We need to go out in the world (41:45) and do our best (41:47) to represent Christ (41:49) to spread the word (41:50) to fight back against (41:52) the evil in this country.

(41:55) So (41:56) if you need any prayers (41:58) if you’re not a Christian (41:59) and want to become a Christian today (42:01) now’s the time to come forward.