January 14, 2018

The Equipped Christian

Series: The Worthy Walk Topic: Christian Life Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–20

If we took a basic survey among Christians to determine the greatest danger facing the Church in 2018 is, what do you think it would be? Some might point to intolerance of traditional Christian values, others might point out social injustices the Church should be more active in opposing, while still others can highlight the ways hypocrisy among Christian leaders has eroded people’s trust in the Church. Another challenge lies not outside, but inside the church: 75% of Americans consider themselves Christians, and yet the majority of them hold to unbiblical and unChristian beliefs about who God is, what it means to be a Christian, and whether or not faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation.

As great as these challenges are, they are not the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces that seek to destroy faith in God. Many people today will only believe in what they can prove through the scientific method, and others seem to find either the blessing of God or the work of the devil behind every single thing that happens. What does it mean to live as an equipped Christian who lives with eyes open to the spiritual battle raging around us?

Equipped Christians put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-20 ). As you read Paul’s description of that armor, it becomes clear that we have been provided with everything we need. Our faith in God is not some weak, simple wish that gets washed away when the storms of life crash upon us. Instead, when the fiery darts of satan fly at us, the shield of faith extinguishes the flame. The helmet of salvation and chestplate of righteousness give us confidence to move forward, with our feet prepared to carry the gospel to those who need to hear. The sword of the spirit is the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures which guide us in the truth, which holds everything else in place.

And how does the equipped Christian attack? Through prayer! There is no small prayer which is offered to the Holy God who created all things by his Word, and this is the same One whom we call “Abba, Father.” We cling to Scripture as God’s Word and we are victorious through prayer.

Are you overwhelmed by life? Is there so much uncertainty that you cannot see clearly what you should do next? Recognize the spiritual warfare in which you live, and remember that a distracted opponent is a harmless opponent. The devil doesn’t need to make you an atheist if he can simply distract and overwhelm you so you’re focused more on your life and on your problems than on the things of God. Set your mind on the Word of God, put on the full armor of God, and attack your day with the Sword of the Spirit in hand and with a prayerful spirit in all things.

other sermons in this series

Jan 21

2018

Who Am I and Who Are You?

Preacher: Pastor Pete Hoglund Scripture: Ephesians 6:21–24 Series: The Worthy Walk

Jan 7

2018

Embracing Humility

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1–9 Series: The Worthy Walk

Nov 26

2017

The Great Mystery of Marriage

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33 Series: The Worthy Walk