March 16, 2008 Sermon Notes

Pastor Marty Grubbs -- March 16, 2008
“Empowered”
Six Words for a New Life series, part six
Ephesians 6:10-18

“Finally, be strong in the Lord … Put on the full armor of God ... For our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” -Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV

Three keys to spiritual survival:

1.      Be Strong.   

      “Finally, be strong in the Lord.” -Ephesians 6:10

·         Put on the full armor. -Ephesians 6:11,13      

·         Understand the enemy. -Ephesians 6:12 

2.      Stand Firm. 

     “Stand firm then …” -Ephesians 6:14

·         The belt of truth – the truth of God, of character, of integrity
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.’” -John 14:6

·         The breastplate of righteousness – to reflect God’s character in our actions
“… created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” -Ephesians 4:24

·         The shoes of peace – stand firm on a solid footing
“… God’s solid foundation stands firm.” -2 Timothy 2:19

·         The shield of faith – confidence in God’s protection
“He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” -Proverbs 30:5

·         The helmet of salvation – protection for the mind
“… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” -Romans 12:2

·         The sword of the Spirit – God’s Word
“All scripture is God-breathed … that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3.      Pray.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests ... for all the saints.” -Ephesians 6:18

“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” -Ephesians 6:13-18, The Message

 

 

A morning thought...

We are given historical evidence of St. Patrick, a missionary of Christ to Ireland (circa 433-493). His zeal for Christ was evidenced by his travels throughout the countryside, by the legacy left to those who followed him, and by the establishment of the church in Ireland which continues even today. On his breastplate that he wore were inscribed his words: “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger. Christ in heart of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”  Within the forests he traveled were thieves and thugs who took his life. This breastplate with these words went before him daily as a reminder of Christ’s power.

The apostle Paul says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:10). We now have the hope of Christ to daily empower us for life’s journey.

—George R. Skramstad, 2008