Who is your biggest opponent? Who gives you the most trouble? From whom do most of your challenges and struggles come? You may already have the culprit identified. Chances are, you may be wrong.
You likely have looked this person in the face today, probably more than once. It was that person looking back at you in the mirror.
The greatest challenge any of us face is self. Really.
Think about Jesus' fundamental instruction about following Him. He said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24).
Most people never get past the very first requirement to follow Jesus: deny self. Our culture is certainly of absolutely no help. All day every day we're told that self is to be indulged and satisfied and served and fulfilled. Self is moved to the front of the line and made the highest priority. Happiness itself, we're told, depends on satisfying self; that is, getting what we want.
And there stands the lonely voice of Jesus with His unwanted message of self-denial.
Think about it, though. Was Jesus successful? Was He happy? Was He contented and fulfilled? We often talk about being like Jesus and walking in His steps. Doing so doesn't mean attempting to do what cannot be done, rather, it is achieving what is within reach of us all.
That doesn't mean it's easy. "Christ did not please himself" and so neither should we (Rom. 15:1,3). The attitude that Christ had, which we are to have is that we “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Php 2:3,5).
The first step to follow Jesus is the biggest; deny self.
“”Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:3-5
Every time one of those lottery jackpots reaches $400 million, I start to play “What if?”
I wonder, “What if I won? How would I spend the money?” The first $40 million is easy. It’s right about then that my wife Trudy pops
my bubble and reminds me, “I think if you’re going to win the lottery, first you have to buy a ticket.” I always forget that part.
Many of us spend considerable time dreaming about "what if?" Many of these "what ifs" have to deal with money and what
we could do if we had it. “What if we had an unknown, but very rich relative die and leave us a fortune?” “What if an unknown stranger came up to us on the street, gave us a paper bag filled with 100-dollar bills and
said, ‘Here this is for you.’”
Most of the time being rich is just wishful thinking. This is why I was shocked to hear about Dr. Manuel Padaroyal. He is the Columbian
scientist who developed the first vaccine against malaria, an illness that strikes 300 million people a year and kills 3 million. Dr. Padaroyal says is he giving the vaccine to the world for free!
There are two ways of evaluating the good doctor. Some think he has lost his marbles, others believe he is an earthly saint. I think it's
the latter. He is an earthly reflection of the Christ who gave Himself so we might be forgiven and eternally rich.
Thought of the Day
As Christians, we have the ability to cook a meal for someone who just got out
of the hospital. We can spend an afternoon babysitting the children of a worn-out mother. There are a million ways we can help others, and you don't have to be a millionaire to do it. All you need to be is a person who cares.
============
I HAVE AN IDEA
Dr. Joe Pettigrew
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
What a rare community Acts 4 describes! No needy people, no beggars, no worried widows. In fact, the Bible says, "There were no needy persons among them.” Wouldn't that be a great way to live today?
This past Sunday most of us gathered together as the community of God to worship Him. Today we must be the community of God as we live for him in the real world. Have you thought about what a privilege that is?
But you may be thinking, "Let's not get carried away." After all, you have to take care of your own business, right?
Let's be frank with each another. Selfishness has a way of infecting us. It accounts for much of what we say and do. But the cure to selfishness is to have the mind of Christ.
A few years ago it was popular to wear bracelets with the initials WWJD-"What Would Jesus Do?" Today, do you really think about that question?
Will you give a few groceries for a canned food drive in your neighborhood? Can you help send a medical team from your area to assist people more needy than you are? Will you watch, without charge, the children of the struggling young couple that really needs a little time away?
What would it be like if our communities began to resemble a little more the one described for us in Acts 4? Let's search hard for answers, and "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
Thought of the Day Ask Jesus today to give you eyes to see, willing hands, and a compassionate heart so that your efforts today may reflect the heart of Christ.
HUMILITY — Here are a couple of examples of "computer illiteracy":
Customer with modem, without a computer:
"OH!! You mean I need a modem AND a computer to get on the Internet?!"
This guy calls in to complain that he gets an "Access Denied" message every time he logs in. It turned out he was typing his user name and password in capital letters.
Tech Support: "OK, let's try once more, but use lower case letters." Customer: "Uh, I only have capital letters on my keyboard."
Have you ever known someone who could only use "capital letters" because there were no "lower case letters" in their heart (I'm speaking spiritually here)? It is significant to me that the one known as LORD GOD and I AM knew how to use the lower case letters, to the point of washing the dirty feet of his followers. No, further than that, Jesus was willing to give up his life to offer each us life. He was the ultimate example of humility and selflessness.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:3-8).
Have a great day (in service to others)!
Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
Submission — how do you feel about it?
Imitating Christ’s Humility — Philippians 2:1-30
1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very naturea,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very natureba servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Do Everything Without Grumbling
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”cyou will shine among them like stars in the sky16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.20I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.21For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.29So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,30because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Reading between the lines, with what challenge did the church in Philippi struggle?
What does it mean to consider someone "better than yourself" (v. 3)? How does humility differ from being a doormat?
What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human? To take on himself all of the sin of mankind?
Who does Paul sound like in this passage: Your dad? Army sergeant? Coach at half-time?
What does it mean to "work out your salvation" (v. 12; see also 2:1-4)?
How do Timothy and Epaphroditus illustrate 2:1-4?
When you were growing up, did your father praise you the way Paul praises Timothy?
Consider verses 20-22 and 30. How true is verse 21 today? How rare are people like these two men?
Reflective Questions — Live it today.
1. How does this passage challenge the Madison-Avenue advertising image of success?
2. Think about someone you admire because they truly put the interests of others ahead of their own interests. What can you do to be such a person yourself?
3. What makes God's people "shine like stars"? How brightly do you "shine" in your universe? Do you give praise easily ... or do you find this hard to do? Where do you need to improve?
4. I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
5. You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?
6. How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?
"When God measures men He puts the tape around the heart -- not the head!"
What is at the very core of your life, giving shape to your values, beliefs, thoughts and actions? Consider what it means to not just have Jesus influence your life but to define it.
You Never Can Tell
What mom hasn’t had to clean Play-Doh® out of clothes, books, carpet, hair, the dog, shoes, and so on? What diabolical mind
conceived the crazy stuff? Not surprisingly, the story is not about a toy. In fact, the Kroger grocery store contacted the Cincinnati-based Kutol Products Company, a soap and cleaning products firm that’s now in its second
century. Kroger wanted a new wallpaper cleaner, and Kutol produced a putty that would efficiently remove coal dust from home and office wallpapers. Yet after World War 2, homeowners replaced dusty coal furnaces with oil and
natural gas heaters. The McVicker family, owners of Kutol, quickly lost business and almost failed.
Then nephew Joe McVicker came into the firm to stave off bankruptcy. His sister-in-law, Kay Zufall, was a nursery school teacher
who had read an article about using wallpaper cleaner for art projects. The company took out the cleanser, added bright colors and fragrance and launched it in 1955, marketing it to schools. By 1958, Kutol was secure, pulling
in $3 million on Play-Doh alone. By 1964, Play-Doh was in Europe. A patent was secured in 1965, just in time to sell the invention for $3 million to General Mills. Minor tweaks to the original recipe have occurred while the
gooey toy has been sold and re-sold, ending up with Hasbro, for now. Wallpaper cleaner putty looked like utter failure—until it became one of the most popular toys in the world.
“Now I want you to know, brother, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become
clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly”
(Philippians 1:12-14 NIV).
After two years languishing in prison in Caesarea, Paul was transported to Rome to stand trial before Nero. It seemed as if being
a Christian would result in a criminal conviction. And yet. Time passed and no charges were brought, no trial ensued and nobody tried to stop Paul from preaching the gospel to the parade of soldiers sent to guard him. And
so more Christians in Rome taught the gospel to more people, who became Christians. And then they taught more people and on and on and on. So, what looked like a disaster for the fledgling church of Christ turned out to be
one of the most successful evangelistic efforts!
God works within our world in the most amazing ways when we put ourselves in His hands. So long as we continue faithful in our service
and obedience, God will extend His will into the world and bring great blessing out of even the most challenging circumstances. In this year of 2020, with incalculable fortunes washed away, thousands dead and millions ruined
by anxious responses to the virus, at first we see no blessing. And yet. Forced to online worship and teaching, more preachers and churches are offering first-rate Bible teaching on the internet than ever before. Souls who
were reluctant ever to enter a church building have, from the privacy of their own homes, been able to hear the good news of Jesus. What seemed like unremitting disaster in our world may turn out to be the single greatest
evangelistic explosion of the age. You can never tell what God will do next!
" I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that
now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20
To the Christian, there is one thing that the Lord cannot condone. It is the one thing that would cause Him to, "spew them out of His mouth!" He said He cannot tolerate lukewarm Christians or a lukewarm church.
Today it seems to be a virtue to be called moderate or tolerant. It is good to be moderate in somethings, but not so when we are called to follow Jesus.
The first and greatest commandment according to Jesus is to, "love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, mind, and soul” and there is nothing moderate about that! Jesus made a statement to would be followers, "Why do you call Me, Lord Lord! And then not do what I tell you?" When He calls us to Himself, there is nothing moderate about that. When the Lord spoke of what it would mean to be His disciple, He said we must, "...deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him"...certainly nothing moderate about that!
There is no halfway with Jesus. He gave His all for us, and He calls us to do the same. When we think of the story of the rich young ruler who came to Christ
and asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus told him to keep the commandments, to which he claimed he had. Then Jesus said, "There is just one thing you lack, go and sell all you have and come follow Me." The young man went away very sad, because he was wealthy, and would not do what Jesus commanded.
We may tend to think that Jesus was being a bit unfair to this young man. The truth is, what Jesus required of him, He expects of us. The Lord knows if
there is anything in our lives that is keeping us from following Him completely. He demands that it be removed so that we might be entirely submitted and surrendered to Him. As follower's of Christ, there is no such thing
as moderation...Jesus calls this being lukewarm...and that is unacceptable to Him.
Some things in moderation are good; like eating, rest, recreation, exercise, and having fun. But when it comes to spiritual warfare, moderation is a sin.
When it comes to believing the Bible, moderation is a sin. When it comes to loving Jesus, moderation is a sin!
Thought of the Day: If the world considers you a "moderate" when it comes to your Christianity, you are riding the fence of lukewarmness. That
is a dangerous place to be.
God specializes in making what seems like a setback into an advancement of His good purpose. As God repairs and redeems our stories, He advances the gospel.
JOY IN SERVICE — The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.
As the man's breath and voice returned he said, "I'm ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?"
The doctor smiled and said, "I'll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking."
It's true, isn't it, that when you're facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!
We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, "Lord, if you'll just see me through this, I'll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!" or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we're willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.
Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
PRAYER: Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, "To me, to live is Christ." In Jesus' name, amen.
Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
Are you the kind of person who sees the glass half-empty or half-full?
Philippians 1:1-30
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deaconsa:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3I thank my God every time I remember you.4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,bwhat has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardcand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.14And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.16The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,19for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.d20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,26so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Life Worthy of the Gospel
27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,etogether as one for the faith of the gospel28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What are Paul's feelings for this church? Why did he thank God for them? What does that show about his leadership style?
What is "the day of Christ Jesus" (vv. 6, 10)?
How is God at work in a believer's life according to versus 6 and 9-11? How does this make you feel about uncertainties in your life when you pray?
What is the difference between knowledge and insight (v. 9)?
How does one "decide what is best" (v. 10)?
What is the difference between Paul's view of life (vv. 12-14) and the view of the Stoics (grin and bear it) and the Epicureans (eat, drink, and be merry)?
How does Paul decide if an event (like his jailing) is good or bad? How would this example encourage others?
What motives for preaching does Paul speak of (vv. 15-17)? How would the preaching of some add affliction to Paul?
In what was Paul's confident hope (v. 20)?
How would you describe Paul's attitude (v. 21)?
Explain the conflicting desires of Paul (v. 23).
How can our conduct "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (v. 27)
What is one sign of our salvation (v. 28)?
Why has Christ allowed us to suffer for Him (vv. 28-29)?
Reflective Questions — Live it today.
Who is your spiritual “cheerleader” now? For whom do you encourage and cheer?
What difference has your personal faith in Jesus Christ made in your attitude toward death and dying? In your attitude toward suffering?
“For me, to live is ____.”
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?
How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?
Paul Harvey has rightly said, "If you don't live it, you don't believe it."
Philippians contains one of the oldest Christian hymns. It speaks of how Jesus, though exalted, was humbled to the cross. But because he was, God exalted him above every name. Philippians, along with its ancient hymn, encourages the church in Philippi to follow Jesus’ example. They must humble themselves toward each other and in the face of persecution because they know they will be exalted with Christ.
NOTE: Paul wrote all four books while in Rome as a prisoner. Philippians was sent to Philippi by Epaphroditus.
#Paul
#Apostle Paul
#Philippi
#Philippians
THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS
A letter from the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi, in Macedonia (northern Greece). Philippians is one of four so-called Prison Letters attributed to Paul, but it does not share many similarities with the other three (Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon).
While still in prison, Paul also reaches out to the Christians in Philippi, with whom he has maintained close ties since his three visits to their city. Paul feels a special relationship with the Philippians, not only because of his close association with them in past years but also because they have often generously contributed to his support. Paul’s immediate purpose for writing a letter to the Philippians was to thank them for a gift they had sent him (Philippians 4:14–18). Their messenger, Epaphroditus, had recovered from a serious illness and could carry this letter as he returned to Philippi (2:25–30). Paul’s authorship of the letter to the Philippians has never been seriously questioned.
Paul wrote Philippians from Rome between A.D. 61 and 63. Paul was in prison (Philippians 1:12–14), and references to the “palace guard” (1:13) and “Caesar’s household” (4:22) might suggest imprisonment in Rome. If so, this letter would have been written sometime after Paul was first placed under Roman guard (Acts 28:16).
Their latest gifts were brought by Epaphroditus, who had become seriously ill after staying to work with Paul. Paul is sending him back now with his letter to his Philippian disciples.
In this letter, Paul is writing to a small-town congregation in which two women, Euodia and Syntyche, have had a falling out. As is so often the case when personality conflicts develop, their animosity is splitting the whole church. Therefore, Paul pleads with these two women--and indeed all Christians--to learn to love each other more.
Paul bases his appeal on the bedrock example of Christ's humility and putting others' interests first, even at great personal cost. The apostle urges them to sacrifice their selfish feelings and commit themselves to working out their problems, particularly because their pagan neighbors are watching their behavior. He points out that his appeal is not based upon any credentials that he might have, but upon the compelling love of Christ which was demonstrated in his life and sacrificial death. This love, says Paul, is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy--and the only basis upon which fractured groups or interpersonal relationships may be healed.
The Prison Letters
The historical record of the Book of Acts comes to an end with Paul's two years in Rome. What is known after this about the work of Paul and other church leaders must be pieced together from other accounts. However, it appears that Paul may have been released from house arrest and permitted to be free for a while, perhaps up to two or three years. During this time. Paul evidently travels to Crete, where he leaves Titus, and also again to Ephesus where he leaves Timothy. Therefore, Paul goes by the way of Miletus and Troas, on to the region of Macedonia, perhaps by A.D. 63-64.
Series: Our Struggle “Engaging in Spiritual
Warfare”
We are in a battle. Not a battle of politics
or militaries or nations. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood; it is
against the powers of darkness that confront us daily. You don’t need to feel
defeated or discouraged. God has made a way to redeem your struggle and give
you victory!
10 Finally, be strong in the
Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put
on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the
devil’s schemes.12 For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil
comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have
done everything, to stand.14 Stand
firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the
shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of
the evil one.17 Take the
helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God.
18 And
pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for
all the Lord’s people.19 Pray also
for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will
fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an ambassador in
chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Summarize
the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
vReview and
retell the story.
Reflections
for applications:
vEphesians
1:18-21 NIV - I pray that the eyes
of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which
he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as
the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated
him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority,
power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age
but also in the one to come.
vColossians
2:13-15 NIV - When you were dead in
your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with
Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal
indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away,
nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he
made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
vProtected by
HIS Power
oEphesians 6:10-12
§James 4:7 NIV - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you.
§Ephesians
2:1-6 NIV - As for you, you
were dead in your transgressions and sins …But because of his great love
for us … made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions ...
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
in Christ Jesus.
vStanding in HIS Protection
oEphesians
6:13-14a
§Romans 13:12 NIV - The night is nearly over; the day is
almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of
light.
oEphesians 6:15-16
oEphesians 6:17
vProtected byPrayer
oEphesians 6:18
§Isaiah 65:24 NIV - Before they call I will
answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
§Philippians 4:7 NIV - And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
vWhile
protected… Proclaim Victory
oEphesians 6:19-20
vThis week’s
challenge: Finish getting ready each
morning with Ephesians 6:14-17
==============================
Digging
Questions:
·How will you
respond to God “In Our Struggle”? What transformative move needs to be made?
·What do
these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·What is
God calling us (me and you individually) to do?
Take
Away Challenges
·What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage?
How will you apply it to your life this week?
·Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·What is
God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions
need to be addressed or changed?
WHO DO I SHOOT? — A new soldier was on sentry duty at the main gate. His orders were clear. No car was to enter unless it had a special sticker on the windshield. A big Army car came up with a general seated in the back. The sentry said, "Halt, who goes there?"
The chauffeur, a corporal, said, "General Wheeler." "I'm sorry, I can't let you through. You've got to have a sticker on the windshield."
The general said, "Drive on!"
The sentry said, "Hold it! You really can't come through. I have orders to shoot if you try driving in without a sticker."
The general repeated, "I'm telling you, son, drive on!"
The sentry walked up to the rear window and said, "General, I'm new at this. Do I shoot you or the driver?"
Sometimes, the trick in times of war is knowing who to shoot. In the heat of battle, armies frequently experience casualties due to "friendly fire", and the church suffers in the same way. In our zeal to shoot someone, we set our crosshairs on one another. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:10-12)
May you be strengthened today in the spiritual warfare that Satan is waging against you.
Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
· What were some of your favorite Halloween costumes you saw?
· Putting on God’s Armor is practical not decoration.
The Armor of God — Ephesians 6:10-24 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Final Greetings 21Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. 23Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
1. God is ... What do we learn about God?
2. We are ... What do we learn about people?
3. From his prison cell awaiting trial, Paul looks up and sees a battle raging (vv. 12-13) What is the battle? What is it over?
4. How are we to understand the word “full” (v. 11) Why would a Christian not want to use the full armor? What keeps them from using all God’s resources and power?
5. What are the 6 armors for the Christian? Which of these are offensive weapons? Defensive weapons?
6. We fight a spiritual battle, but we might well ask, who is the enemy? What attitude should we have as we face these forces?
7. How can one be “at peace” when one is at war? (v. 15) How do we regain the peace that has been lost? How do we pursue peace?
8. How does prayer fit into this spiritual battle? Do you set aside time for spiritual training?
Reflective Questions — Live it today.
1. What can you do for the church to help it be a stronger Christian armory?
2. If you had to compare your spiritual armor to this list, where are you strong? Weak?
3. What do you need to do to prepare for battle? What is at stake if you don’t?
4. What evidence do you see of the battle in your life? Your church? Your community? Your nation? The world?
5. What would it mean for you “to stand” in these particular battlefields?
6. I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
7. You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?
8. How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do." — Dwight Moody
