DCLM Higher Everyday 5 November 2023 — Kitted Out For Warfare
Topic: Kitted Out For Warfare
Text: Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Key Verse: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
Message
“In the early days ,” wrote A. W. Tozer, “when Christianity exercised a dominant influence over American thinking, men conceived the world to be a battleground…How different today. The fact remains the same, but the interpretation has changed completely. Men think of the world not as a battleground, but a playground. We are not here to fight; we are here to frolic. We are not in a foreign land; we are at home…” What an apt description of the state of affairs among many Christians today!
The Christian life is warfare from beginning to the end. A Christian is called to arms from the world go. Day by day, hour by hour, he is in a spiritual warfare with an enemy that is real. The warfare is spiritual and the weapons are spiritual too. Our text gives a full description of the pieces of the armour. These weapons must be worn constantly, consistently, and courageously. The believer is to persevere in his Christian course to the end of his life; his work and his life must go off the stage together.
Quote: A Christian is called to arms.
Challenge: The enemies will fight to finish
Prayer for today: Lord, empower me to fight the good fight of faith.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
