You are created in the image of an unconquerable King. His fight exists in your life but you must find it!
Today, and over the next few weeks, I want to issue a challenge to us all to move more effectively into the spiritual battle that is taking place all around us.
You know what’s worse than being in a fight? Being in a fight and not knowing you’re in a fight. Years ago, before we had children, Tracy and I went to ride go-carts. Three younger guys, probably late teens, were on the track with us and they were obviously buddies. Tracy and I were racing each other and these guys were zipping around us very aggressively. Finally with just a few laps to go I decided to jump in to their competition. I edged them out, cut in on the corners and emerged ahead of them for our final lap.
As we all slowed down and turned into the pit area to return our carts I pulled in first, then these three guys and behind them Tracy. Before I knew what happened those three boys jumped out of their carts very unhappy that I showed them up. One of them ran up behind me and punched me in the face from behind as they all took off running. I was stunned and didn’t even know what happened at first. I was in a fight and didn’t even realize it and they all ran away before anything further could transpire.
Christians, we are in a battle! Like it or not God has purposed for us to have a role in an epic battle of eternal proportion. Scripture is clear!
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ESV
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. NIV
Ephesians 6:10-18 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. NIV
Clearly Paul was looking at and referencing the Roman Soldier when communicating these truths. Over these next few weeks we want to evaluate each piece of the armor of God and just how significant it is in the battle God calls us to fight.
Jesus is the Lord of hosts, the captain of armies of angels. When He returns he is on a white horse, w a double-edged sword, his robe dipped in blood – Rev 19. There is something fierce in the heart of God. And this exists in the heart of men showing up at a very young age. Every boy has amazing ability to turn a stick into a sword to conquer a ferocious enemy. You know why? Because embeddedin every man’s heart is a battleto fight, an adventureto live and peopleto rescue.
We must guard against lessening our ambition and losing our fight. Have you ever fallen asleep in a movie because there just wasn't enough going on to keep your attention?
You ever feel like God’s just not that involved in or interested in your life? Is it possible that we can settle for so much less than God ever intended that he grows bored with what is going on in our lives?
It was never God’s plan for any of us to live boring lives. God didn’t allow his son to be brutalized to provide a mediocre existence for you. Jesus didn’t suffer being beaten, having his beard pulled out of his face, his back lacerated, his hands and feet nailed to a cross bleeding every drop of blood out of his body so we could be as comfortable as possible completely neglecting the needs of those around us.
Jesus came to heal the hearts of humanity and awaken a ferocious lovewithin us all that has the power to transform the world.
We are part of a worldwide Jesus movement to redeem and restore all of humanity! When God’s purposes are awakened in our hearts life becomes all Jesus described it to be in John 10:10 “…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” Amplified Bible
This year we are focusing in on how we are created by God to Flourish. Today I want to challenge you to realize you are created by God to create atmospheres that cause others to flourish. The truth is God wants your life to be awesome. The trick is God wants you to provide an awesome life for others instead of pursuing an awesome life for yourself. That’s what will make your life awesome.
On this Father’s Day I want to issue a challenge:
GP2RL Action Point:
Create an atmosphere in your home that will attract the attention of God.
· Worship music
· The Word
· Pray for family members and close friends.
· Purpose meaningful family time together! #DMMLife walk into scavenger hunt ill.
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Share a movie you watched but fell asleep watching.
2. Share a movie you can’t imagine anybody could fall asleep while watching.
It was never God’s plan for any of us to be bored with our lives. God didn’t allow his son to be brutalized to provide a mediocre existence for you. Jesus didn’t suffer being beaten, having his beard pulled out of his face, his back lacerated, his hands and feet nailed to a cross bleeding every drop of blood out of his body so we could be as comfortable as possible completely neglecting the needs of those around us.
Jesus came to heal the hearts of humanity and awaken a ferocious love within us all that has the power to change the world. We are part of a worldwide Jesus movement that has the power to redeem and restore all of humanity! When God’s purposes are awakened in our hearts life becomes all Jesus described it to be in John 10:10 “…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” Amplified Bible
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
3. What stands out to you in the following verses?
Ephesians 6:10-14 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… NIV
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. NIV
We really are part of God’s army commissioned to be victoriously engaged in an epic battle against powers of darkness.
Conclude by taking time to pray and ask God for strength to stand against the enemy as we each take our places as sons and daughters who are called to be warriors in Christ!