WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us.

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 We're going to be in Ephesians chapter 6 this morning.

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 As I mentioned earlier with the kids, we're to the armor of God passage in Ephesians.

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 It's right at the end of this section of the book where Paul's been doing applied theology,

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 talking practically, giving instructions to the church.

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 He's talked about marriage, family relationships, how to engage in the workplace.

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 And in the midst of all of that, right in the midst of the mundane of life, Paul says there's war.

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 It's been weighty for me this week, partially because of the subject matter when you talk about spiritual warfare.

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 Partially because God has been doing a lot of work in me, showing me my sin in new and deep ways as I've wrestled with this.

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 But I want to tell you how excited I am about this passage this morning.

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 It is one of the more convicting, at least for me and I think for many of us,

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 and challenging passages in this letter.

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 It's also one of the most encouraging and hopeful.

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 So we need to hear it this morning.

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 Ephesians 6, beginning at verse 10.

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 Let's give our attention to God's holy word.

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 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

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 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

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 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,

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 against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

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 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in that evil day,

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 and having done all, to stand firm.

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 Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,

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 and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

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 and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

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 In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith,

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 with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

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 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

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 praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication.

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 To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

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 And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth,

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 boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains,

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 that I may declare it boldly as I ought to speak.

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 Pray with me.

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 Holy Spirit, I'm well aware this morning that Satan does not like the truth about himself,

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 or the truth about Jesus,

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 to hit home in our hearts.

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 To be something that is more than just something we hear,

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 but is something we embrace,

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 and something that changes our lives.

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 Holy Spirit, fight for us this morning.

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 As we open your word,

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 would you use it in powerful ways in our hearts and in our lives.

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 We humbly ask it in the strong name of Jesus.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 The Queen Mary is a massive ship over three football fields long

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 that has now been turned into a museum in Long Beach, California.

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 It was a luxury liner that was built in the early 1930s

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 to be the absolute best way to get across the Atlantic.

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 It was traveling in style.

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 People like Winston Churchill and Bob Hope,

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 and lots of celebrities.

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 Clark Gable all traveled on this

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 because they wanted to be traveling in style

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 as they crossed the Atlantic.

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 When World War II began, though, everything changed.

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 This ship that had been the standard in travel

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 with extravagant amenities that it was known for

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 was turned into a troop transport ship.

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 It used to be you could only put up to 2,000 people on it

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 because they wanted the space.

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 They wanted to be able to travel in luxury.

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 They turned it into a troop transport ship

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 where up to 16,000 troops were packed in at one time.

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 Look at some of these pictures.

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 There's a picture of the ship, beautiful.

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 Look at how they packed troops onto it.

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 Packed them in because there was a war going on

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 and they needed to get across.

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 There were things that needed to be done.

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 If you go to the museum that the ship is now,

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 you can actually go and see the contrast

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 between the two arrows that the ship served.

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 You can see right up against each other,

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 part of it's set up for peacetime

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 with this beautiful china and more forks around it

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 than I know what to do with when I sit down at dinner.

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 Set up for dinner right next to, on the other side,

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 the mess hall where with your one metal tray,

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 you're packed in there next to each other.

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 I love the contrast of this next picture.

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 Over here, your perfect hotel-like accommodations

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 with ruffled bed skirts.

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 That's my favorite part of the picture.

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 And then all of a sudden the war hits

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 and bunks packed in up to eight high.

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 So men just slamming in there up against each other.

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 The contrast of what it looks like when the war hits.

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 That's the difference in how you live

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 during wartime and peacetime, isn't it?

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 It's not just about soldiers on ships.

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 Priorities change.

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 Sacrifices are made.

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 The realities of war impact everyone, right?

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 War changes life for all involved.

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 Talk to someone who lived through World War II

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 if you didn't.

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 On the home front, kids who used to be in class

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 were planting victory gardens

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 and gathering trash from trash heaps

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 in order to salvage it for munitions.

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 Food was rationed to make sure soldiers had enough to eat.

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 And so when you're in the midst of war,

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 peacetime lifestyles seem completely inappropriate,

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 don't they?

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 You would never ask one of these guys

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 to put a ruffled bed skirt on his bunk, would you?

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 It wouldn't make sense for 15,000 plus soldiers

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 to sit down to every meal with three forks.

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 It doesn't make sense, does it?

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 You don't sit around twiddling your thumbs

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 when lives are at stake.

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 It wouldn't make sense.

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 So you read a passage like this one this morning

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 that asserts quite clearly

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 that we live in spiritual warfare,

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 that we are at war.

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 And I look at my own life

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 and I wonder if it makes sense.

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 Am I even consciously aware

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 of being engaged in war at all?

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 If so, does the way I'm living

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 make sense with that?

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 I've asked myself that a lot this week.

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 Does the way I live make sense

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 with the truth I'm told

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 that I'm constantly engaged

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 in spiritual warfare?

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 Does the way I approach

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 spiritual matters in my life

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 look like I'm living in wartime

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 or peacetime?

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 I pray.

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 Mostly when I get needy enough

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 or tired enough.

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 I see myself excusing sin

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 in my own heart

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 and in the way I treat my wife

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 and my girls

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 because it's not as bad,

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 it doesn't look as bad

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 as somebody else's.

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 So I mean,

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 it's just a little sin, right?

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 It's really no big deal,

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 just a little sin.

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 You know, nobody noticed.

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 I love being comfortable.

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 Not having cable during football season

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 feels like a sacrifice to me.

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 I love being comfortable.

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 More than that,

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 I love things being peaceful.

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 I like for everybody to be happy.

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 Anybody else like this?

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 If everybody would just be happy

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 and not complain,

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 nobody be upset,

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 everybody be happy around me,

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 I'm going to be thrilled.

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 Even if that means

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 not addressing things

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 that need to be addressed.

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 Even if there's conflict,

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 maybe,

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 that shouldn't be ignored.

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 Just be happy.

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 Ignore pain

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 and heartache

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 and conflict

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 as long as I can.

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 Ask yourself that

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 about your own life

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 and the life of the church.

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 Does the way we approach

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 spiritual matters

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 look like we're living

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 in wartime

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 or peacetime?

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 We gather for worship

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 when it's convenient.

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 You know,

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 it's just a little

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 refueling anyway, right?

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 I mean,

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 I'm going to be fine.

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 Take it or leave it.

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 I'm good either way.

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 We come to God's Word

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 when it fits our schedules

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 or when something

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 really upsetting happens

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 and we need it.

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 We pray,

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 but we don't plead

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 very often.

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 We give generously,

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 but not sacrificially.

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 I mean,

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 we wouldn't want to do

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 anything unwise

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 or unreasonable.

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 We encourage people.

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 We say nice things

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 to them about themselves

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 in order to build them up.

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 Their self-esteem,

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 we want them to feel good

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 and we think they'll like us

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 if we say nice things,

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 but we rarely encourage them

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 about their faith in Christ

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 and their hope in Him.

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 We all too easily

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 cut each other down

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 as though we're not

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 dependent upon each other

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 for protection.

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 We share the good news

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 of the Gospel,

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 don't we?

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 At least we talk about it.

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 We'll share the good news

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 when it's really

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 a perfect opportunity.

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 When there's not any risk

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 of embarrassment

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 or failure involved.

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 I mean,

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 it's not like,

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 after all,

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 this is a matter of life

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 or death or eternity

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 or anything like that,

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 right?

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 Wartime or peacetime?

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 What do you think?

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 Take a step back.

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 Be honest.

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 Size us up.

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 How do we approach

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 our spiritual lives?

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 What do you see

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 in our urgency?

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 In our sacrifice?

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 In our commitment?

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 Haven't we become

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 very comfortable

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 with the idea

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 that there might be

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 an occasional skirmish

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 here or there

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 and we'll jump in

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 when needed?

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 Something might come up.

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 Life's not perfect

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 but pretty much

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 things are just fine

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 as they are.

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 We're pretty comfortable

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 with that.

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 And Paul says

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 it's a dangerous place

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 to be,

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 to be living like peacetime

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 in the midst of warfare

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 all around you.

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 He says,

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 beware.

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 And this passage says

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 that's exactly

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 what we face

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 every day.

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 Spiritual warfare.

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 The kind most Presbyterians

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 in Huntsville, Alabama

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 would like to deny

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 is actually going on.

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 And God says

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 don't deny that.

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 Don't ignore

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 these words of warning

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 this morning.

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 Because we live

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 in spiritual warfare

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 we must stand firm

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 in Christ.

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 It's absolutely vital

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 to our spiritual survival

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 Paul says.

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 It's absolutely vital

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 to the eternal survival

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 of others.

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 We must awaken church.

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 Listen,

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 we've got to wake up

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 to the reality

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 of what we face

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 every moment

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 of every day.

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 It's clear

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 what this passage

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 tells us to do.

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 We're told to stand,

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 aren't we?

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 Four times

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 it's in here.

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 Stand,

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 stand,

00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:04.080
 stand.

00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.259
 That's what we're

00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:05.920
 supposed to do.

00:12:06.140 --> 00:12:06.160
 Well,

00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:07.640
 how?

00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:10.140
 In order to stand

00:12:10.140 --> 00:12:11.220
 in this battle

00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:11.720
 first,

00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.220
 we must acknowledge

00:12:14.220 --> 00:12:15.440
 our real enemy.

00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:17.460
 look at verse 11.

00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:20.800
 It says we're

00:12:20.800 --> 00:12:21.940
 standing there

00:12:21.940 --> 00:12:23.000
 at the end of verse 11

00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:24.480
 against the schemes

00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.260
 of the devil.

00:12:25.920 --> 00:12:26.680
 That's what we're

00:12:26.680 --> 00:12:27.700
 standing against.

00:12:28.300 --> 00:12:29.200
 For we do not

00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:30.160
 wrestle against

00:12:30.160 --> 00:12:31.480
 flesh and blood,

00:12:32.280 --> 00:12:33.380
 but against whom?

00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:34.360
 Who is it that we're

00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:35.200
 standing against?

00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:36.240
 Who's the real enemy?

00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:37.960
 The rulers,

00:12:38.280 --> 00:12:38.920
 the authorities,

00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:40.580
 the cosmic powers

00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:41.900
 over this present darkness,

00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:43.360
 the spiritual forces

00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:43.920
 of evil

00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:45.180
 in the heavenly places.

00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:46.820
 It's not pretend.

00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:48.360
 The struggle is

00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:49.600
 a constant one

00:12:49.600 --> 00:12:50.640
 because our enemy

00:12:50.640 --> 00:12:51.400
 is real.

00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:53.420
 And it's not a circumstance

00:12:53.420 --> 00:12:54.320
 or a person

00:12:54.320 --> 00:12:55.240
 in your life

00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:56.860
 who's the enemy.

00:12:57.180 --> 00:12:58.860
 The enemy is Satan himself

00:12:58.860 --> 00:13:00.140
 and the spiritual forces

00:13:00.140 --> 00:13:00.680
 of evil

00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:01.940
 that he leads.

00:13:03.300 --> 00:13:04.480
 He's not just a cartoon

00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.280
 in red pajamas

00:13:05.280 --> 00:13:06.180
 with a pitchfork.

00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:07.940
 Satan is fighting

00:13:07.940 --> 00:13:08.560
 against you

00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:09.260
 even where

00:13:09.260 --> 00:13:10.920
 in the heavenly places

00:13:10.920 --> 00:13:12.160
 where you're seated

00:13:12.160 --> 00:13:12.700
 with Christ.

00:13:12.780 --> 00:13:13.500
 He's fighting

00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.659
 against you there,

00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:16.740
 shooting flaming darts

00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.299
 at you,

00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:18.399
 verse 16,

00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:19.620
 prowling around

00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:20.820
 like a roaring lion

00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:22.100
 looking for someone

00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:22.879
 to devour.

00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.399
 Satan and his demons

00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:26.279
 are not to be

00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:27.159
 taken lightly.

00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:29.240
 They're not all powerful,

00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:31.299
 but they are powerful,

00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:32.299
 especially in this

00:13:32.299 --> 00:13:33.080
 present darkness,

00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.639
 this world of sin

00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:35.379
 and brokenness

00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:36.100
 where we live

00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.419
 and where they're at work.

00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:40.579
 The Bible tells us

00:13:40.579 --> 00:13:41.620
 Satan is a tempter,

00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:42.959
 that he loves

00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:44.479
 to lead us into sin.

00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:47.159
 It says he's the accuser

00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:47.899
 of the brethren,

00:13:48.199 --> 00:13:48.799
 that he loves

00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.759
 to create doubt in us

00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:51.659
 about God

00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:53.399
 and His love for us.

00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:56.079
 And the Bible also says

00:13:56.079 --> 00:13:57.339
 he's the father of lies,

00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:57.620
 right?

00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:58.899
 That he loves

00:13:58.899 --> 00:14:00.439
 to distort God's truth

00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:02.079
 for his own ends.

00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:04.579
 One of the great cons

00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.460
 and lies

00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.580
 that Satan

00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.639
 and his cohorts

00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:08.580
 have perpetrated

00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.420
 on, at the very least,

00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.860
 the church in our day

00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:12.879
 and in this country,

00:14:13.420 --> 00:14:15.300
 is that we're at peace.

00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:18.400
 That there's no battle

00:14:18.400 --> 00:14:19.120
 going on.

00:14:19.180 --> 00:14:20.580
 We can just enjoy ourselves,

00:14:21.400 --> 00:14:22.639
 kick back and relax,

00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:25.020
 consume some church,

00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:27.500
 do what we feel like,

00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.580
 live independently

00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.840
 and autonomously,

00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.420
 be okay on our own,

00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:33.640
 as though we're at peace.

00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:35.800
 Instead of at war.

00:14:36.280 --> 00:14:37.060
 And most of us

00:14:37.060 --> 00:14:37.620
 have bought it,

00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.180
 haven't we?

00:14:38.660 --> 00:14:40.460
 Most of us in our culture,

00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:42.220
 and think about your own life,

00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:43.440
 we've bought that.

00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:45.560
 We're very comfortable

00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:47.480
 just living on our own.

00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.240
 And most of us

00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:50.200
 who do feel like

00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:50.780
 we're at war

00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:51.879
 think the enemy

00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.680
 is Republicans

00:14:52.680 --> 00:14:53.620
 or Democrats.

00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:55.620
 Think the enemy

00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:56.520
 is Baptists

00:14:56.520 --> 00:14:57.740
 or Methodists.

00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:58.800
 Can you imagine that?

00:14:59.800 --> 00:15:01.300
 On the same team.

00:15:02.200 --> 00:15:03.259
 And we've made them

00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:03.780
 the enemy.

00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:05.960
 Even sometimes

00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:06.860
 football games

00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:07.940
 elicit from us

00:15:07.940 --> 00:15:09.100
 more urgency

00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.400
 and passion

00:15:10.400 --> 00:15:12.860
 similar to a war.

00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:15.240
 We talk of culture wars,

00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:17.020
 we talk of worship wars,

00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:18.480
 but very little mention

00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:20.180
 of spiritual wars,

00:15:21.060 --> 00:15:22.320
 of all-nighters

00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.940
 battling in prayer

00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:25.200
 for a brother or sister.

00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:28.440
 Listen,

00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:29.460
 our enemy is not

00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:31.180
 flesh and blood.

00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:32.359
 your husband,

00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:33.579
 your boss,

00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:35.500
 your former best friend,

00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:37.539
 the person sitting next to you

00:15:37.539 --> 00:15:38.099
 this morning

00:15:38.099 --> 00:15:39.559
 with whom you disagree

00:15:39.559 --> 00:15:40.699
 about something

00:15:40.699 --> 00:15:42.500
 is not the enemy.

00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:43.959
 And when we begin

00:15:43.959 --> 00:15:45.079
 to think that way,

00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:46.639
 that that's the greatest enemy

00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:47.279
 we have,

00:15:47.339 --> 00:15:48.919
 is that flesh and blood,

00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.159
 something or someone

00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:51.019
 in our lives,

00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:52.179
 we lose sight

00:15:52.179 --> 00:15:53.120
 of the real war

00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.419
 we're called to engage in

00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.199
 against Satan

00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:56.419
 and his cohorts.

00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:57.959
 And this plays

00:15:57.959 --> 00:15:58.939
 right into their hands.

00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.759
 Because what's their goal?

00:16:01.479 --> 00:16:02.959
 What's Satan trying to do?

00:16:03.099 --> 00:16:04.519
 He wants to disconnect us

00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.079
 from Jesus,

00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:05.639
 doesn't he?

00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.860
 That's the entire goal.

00:16:08.079 --> 00:16:08.779
 That's the idea.

00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.939
 That's what he's shooting for.

00:16:10.679 --> 00:16:12.240
 He's scheming towards that,

00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:12.620
 in fact.

00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:13.639
 He's thinking of all

00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:14.500
 the different ways

00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.199
 he might be able

00:16:15.199 --> 00:16:16.240
 to disconnect us

00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.179
 from Jesus,

00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:19.599
 to prevent our active trust

00:16:19.599 --> 00:16:20.559
 in God,

00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:22.099
 to offer us fulfillment

00:16:22.099 --> 00:16:22.679
 elsewhere.

00:16:23.179 --> 00:16:24.299
 There's life over here

00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:27.579
 to downplay our need

00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:29.039
 so that we trust ourselves

00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:31.059
 instead of God.

00:16:31.459 --> 00:16:32.299
 And when the enemy

00:16:32.299 --> 00:16:33.500
 is flesh and blood,

00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.299
 that's exactly what happens.

00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.379
 Because when the enemy

00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:37.279
 is flesh and blood,

00:16:37.599 --> 00:16:38.879
 I can pretty much

00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.179
 handle it on my own, right?

00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:42.019
 We'll just outwork them

00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:43.439
 or outsmart them

00:16:43.439 --> 00:16:44.439
 or if it comes to it,

00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.159
 outvote them.

00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:47.120
 And that's how we'll do it.

00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.759
 We can handle this.

00:16:48.839 --> 00:16:49.659
 We can do it.

00:16:51.319 --> 00:16:52.719
 And so we've disconnected.

00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:53.959
 Practically speaking,

00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.059
 in those moments,

00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.219
 we're disconnecting

00:16:56.219 --> 00:16:57.379
 from Jesus

00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:59.079
 because we can handle it.

00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:00.439
 We're just fine.

00:17:01.239 --> 00:17:02.559
 And so our enemy has us

00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:03.620
 right where he wants us,

00:17:03.699 --> 00:17:04.759
 drifting through life

00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.819
 on our own,

00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.039
 failing to see

00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:08.379
 the reality of our enemy

00:17:08.379 --> 00:17:10.359
 and thus failing to prepare

00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:12.379
 to withstand his assaults.

00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:15.700
 This sets us up perfectly

00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.720
 because he knows

00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.660
 on our own.

00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:19.000
 When we get there

00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.160
 and we're relying on ourselves,

00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:21.620
 he knows our natural weakness.

00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:23.220
 He does.

00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.380
 If we're going to be able

00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:26.279
 to stand firm,

00:17:26.380 --> 00:17:27.640
 we must admit

00:17:27.640 --> 00:17:28.779
 our own need.

00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.640
 We must know it

00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:31.980
 even better than Satan does.

00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.000
 We must remember

00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:33.680
 that on our own,

00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.920
 we're easily deceived,

00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:36.700
 that our flesh is weak,

00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.180
 right?

00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:39.600
 This is the repeated

00:17:39.600 --> 00:17:41.500
 implication of this passage

00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:42.519
 in several places.

00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:43.519
 Look at verse 10.

00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:45.440
 Finally,

00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:46.299
 be strong

00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.619
 in the Lord

00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.680
 and in the strength

00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:49.359
 of his might.

00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.200
 It actually means

00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.139
 to be strengthened.

00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:52.259
 The implication is

00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.099
 you're weak

00:17:53.099 --> 00:17:55.200
 and you need to receive strength.

00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.440
 Verse 11,

00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.099
 what's the armor of God

00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:00.279
 for that we may be

00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.460
 able to stand

00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:03.139
 against the devil

00:18:03.139 --> 00:18:04.319
 and what he's doing?

00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:06.019
 Implication on your own

00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:07.180
 without the armor,

00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:07.940
 you cannot,

00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.259
 you are not able.

00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:10.559
 Verse 13,

00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:11.359
 we're told again,

00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:12.759
 take up the whole armor

00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.319
 of God

00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.559
 that you may be able

00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.299
 to withstand

00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:16.680
 in the evil day.

00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:17.400
 Again,

00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:19.359
 implication on your own,

00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:20.579
 you will fall

00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:23.400
 over and over again

00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.640
 just like we confessed

00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:25.460
 earlier.

00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:27.359
 Think of Eve.

00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:30.019
 Eve walked with God,

00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:30.279
 right?

00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:33.019
 She spent time with Him.

00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.099
 She wasn't born

00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:35.379
 with a sinful nature.

00:18:36.660 --> 00:18:37.440
 And what happened

00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.279
 when Satan

00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.160
 zeroes in

00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.299
 to tempt her?

00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:42.480
 She ate.

00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:43.839
 She fell.

00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.420
 Peter was in

00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:47.960
 Jesus' small group

00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:49.160
 for three years,

00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:49.460
 right?

00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:51.619
 Jesus was Peter's

00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.500
 small group leader

00:18:52.500 --> 00:18:53.960
 and Satan says,

00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.680
 you who've been trained

00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:56.240
 by Jesus,

00:18:56.359 --> 00:18:57.579
 who've sat at His feet,

00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:59.160
 I want to sift you

00:18:59.160 --> 00:18:59.779
 like wheat.

00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:01.180
 And when He's allowed,

00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:03.139
 Peter denies three times

00:19:03.139 --> 00:19:04.680
 even knowing Jesus.

00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:06.180
 If we're going to stand

00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:07.059
 firm in Christ,

00:19:07.059 --> 00:19:08.579
 we have to admit

00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.500
 our own weakness.

00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:11.399
 That we're not just okay.

00:19:12.279 --> 00:19:13.119
 And it's vital

00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:13.919
 because one of the

00:19:13.919 --> 00:19:14.779
 great promises

00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:16.740
 of our peacetime lifestyle

00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.440
 is our own self-sufficiency,

00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:18.980
 isn't it?

00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:20.599
 That we've pretty much

00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.099
 got it.

00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.200
 Or at least me

00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:23.079
 and a couple of guys

00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:23.700
 around me,

00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:25.779
 we're fine on our own.

00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:27.480
 We can do this together.

00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.480
 No big deal.

00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:32.099
 If I'm not actively

00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:33.279
 at war with someone

00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.480
 who's crafty

00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.299
 and powerful,

00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.599
 I'm not too worried

00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:37.339
 about handling

00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:38.519
 whatever life might

00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.680
 throw at me.

00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:42.279
 And admitting our need

00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:43.579
 is going to push us

00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.579
 to Jesus

00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:46.039
 for strength

00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.640
 and help.

00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.519
 And that's really

00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.319
 the point of this

00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:49.279
 entire passage.

00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.640
 That in order to stand

00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.180
 firm

00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:52.980
 in Christ

00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.960
 against the devil

00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.019
 and his cohorts,

00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:56.480
 we must actively

00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:58.480
 abide in Christ.

00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.079
 Christ.

00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.500
 We won't stand

00:20:01.500 --> 00:20:02.920
 unless we stand

00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:04.319
 in Christ.

00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.559
 It's not just knowing

00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:07.160
 the power of the enemy

00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.200
 and the weakness

00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:09.360
 we have on our own,

00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.519
 but it's the power

00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.740
 to defeat the enemy

00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.920
 that's essential, right?

00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.799
 Just having some knowledge

00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.640
 about the reality

00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:17.360
 is not going to be enough.

00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:18.420
 This passage

00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.640
 is abundantly clear

00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:20.539
 on one thing.

00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:21.940
 That power

00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.200
 to defeat the enemy

00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:24.759
 belongs to God.

00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:27.200
 To Christ himself.

00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.200
 We see this

00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:29.380
 through the whole passage

00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:30.500
 starting in verse 10

00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.420
 where we're told

00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.340
 the strength we need

00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:33.360
 is in the Lord

00:20:33.360 --> 00:20:34.480
 and the strength

00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.740
 of his might.

00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.160
 Paul does again

00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:37.559
 what he did

00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.340
 in chapter 1

00:20:38.340 --> 00:20:38.900
 if you remember

00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:39.900
 where he piles up

00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.860
 power words

00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:42.120
 one after the other.

00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.720
 The strength

00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:43.319
 and the power

00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:44.259
 of God's might.

00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.240
 He's saying

00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.740
 that's where the power is.

00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:50.240
 Jesus is indeed

00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.299
 the one throughout

00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.080
 the New Testament

00:20:52.080 --> 00:20:53.319
 with the power

00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:54.400
 to defeat Satan.

00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:55.480
 We see it

00:20:55.480 --> 00:20:56.120
 several times,

00:20:56.180 --> 00:20:56.519
 don't we?

00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.559
 He does it

00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:58.299
 in his temptation.

00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.180
 He does it

00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:01.000
 throughout the Gospels

00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:02.240
 when he casts out demons

00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.779
 and he does it

00:21:03.779 --> 00:21:05.799
 foremost on the cross

00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:08.180
 where Colossians 2

00:21:08.180 --> 00:21:09.000
 tells us what?

00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:10.420
 He triumphs

00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.619
 over the same

00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:13.000
 powers and authorities

00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:14.099
 mentioned in Ephesians.

00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.599
 Jesus triumphs

00:21:15.599 --> 00:21:15.980
 over them

00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:16.579
 at the cross.

00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.700
 He publicly

00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.759
 shames them.

00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:20.599
 Triumphs over them.

00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:22.740
 Over the same ones

00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:24.200
 against whom we battle.

00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:26.079
 Jesus has conquered them.

00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:27.419
 He has the power

00:21:27.419 --> 00:21:28.259
 and resources

00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.879
 to defeat the enemy.

00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:32.000
 Christ is the victor

00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:33.179
 on the cross

00:21:33.179 --> 00:21:34.319
 and in the empty tomb

00:21:34.319 --> 00:21:35.559
 where he defeats

00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.259
 sin and death

00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.539
 where he's exalted.

00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:39.460
 Ephesians 1.21 says

00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:41.099
 far above all

00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:42.679
 rule and authority

00:21:42.679 --> 00:21:43.539
 and power

00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.659
 and dominion.

00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:45.980
 He's powerful

00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:47.000
 above them.

00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.419
 I love the way

00:21:49.419 --> 00:21:51.019
 the old Puritan prayer

00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.559
 describes Jesus

00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:53.599
 and his victory.

00:21:54.119 --> 00:21:54.839
 It's in the valley

00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:55.359
 of vision.

00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.819
 Read this with me.

00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:58.259
 Great was the joy

00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:59.439
 of Israel's sons

00:21:59.439 --> 00:22:00.839
 when Egypt died

00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:01.599
 upon the shore.

00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:03.539
 Far greater joy

00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:05.419
 when the Redeemer's foe

00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:06.299
 lay crushed

00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:07.119
 in the dust.

00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:09.319
 Jesus strides forth

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.139
 as the victor,

00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.559
 conqueror of death,

00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.099
 hell,

00:22:12.179 --> 00:22:13.619
 and all opposing might.

00:22:14.179 --> 00:22:15.359
 He bursts the bands

00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:15.839
 of death,

00:22:16.139 --> 00:22:17.099
 tramples the powers

00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.019
 of darkness down,

00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:19.199
 and lives forever.

00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:21.360
 He,

00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:23.080
 my gracious surety,

00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.819
 apprehended for payment

00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:25.920
 of my debt,

00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:27.519
 comes forth from

00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:28.319
 the prison house

00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.059
 of the grave

00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:31.200
 free and triumphant

00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.160
 over sin,

00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:32.940
 Satan,

00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.940
 and death.

00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.840
 Show me herein

00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:36.360
 the proof

00:22:36.360 --> 00:22:37.740
 that his vicarious

00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.900
 offering is accepted,

00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:40.620
 that the claims

00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:41.319
 of justice

00:22:41.319 --> 00:22:42.220
 are satisfied,

00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.940
 that the devil's

00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:45.279
 scepter is shivered,

00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:47.460
 that his wrongful throne

00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.579
 is leveled.

00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:49.380
 Amen.

00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:51.180
 That's good stuff.

00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.120
 I wish I'd written that.

00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.539
 Jesus wins.

00:22:55.360 --> 00:22:56.079
 The victor

00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:57.400
 has been crowned.

00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.799
 His triumph is sure.

00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.840
 He reigns in power.

00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.420
 But where does that

00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:04.940
 leave us?

00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.539
 Here's the point

00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.420
 of what Paul is saying

00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.019
 in our passage

00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:10.600
 this morning.

00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.620
 He's saying

00:23:11.620 --> 00:23:13.039
 that the same power

00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:14.299
 over our enemy

00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:17.059
 is ours in Christ.

00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.759
 We take up

00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:19.779
 the armor of God

00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:21.120
 by being actively

00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:22.380
 connected to Jesus,

00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:24.180
 by drawing strength

00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.720
 from him.

00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:25.819
 It's been a constant

00:23:25.819 --> 00:23:26.880
 refrain of Ephesians,

00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.180
 right?

00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.420
 Over and over,

00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.240
 in Christ,

00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.360
 in the Lord,

00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:32.279
 connected to Christ.

00:23:32.380 --> 00:23:33.420
 It's why we've called

00:23:33.420 --> 00:23:34.299
 the whole series

00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:36.279
 Connected in Christ.

00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.640
 There's something

00:23:37.640 --> 00:23:38.340
 about that

00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.079
 that changes

00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:39.920
 our identity

00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.819
 and changes

00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:42.440
 all of our reality.

00:23:42.819 --> 00:23:43.880
 We have the power

00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:44.960
 to defeat the enemy

00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:46.180
 not because we're

00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:46.960
 so strong,

00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:48.080
 but because we're

00:23:48.080 --> 00:23:49.140
 connected to him,

00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.420
 to the one who has

00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:50.960
 all the power

00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.420
 we just talked about.

00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.420
 That power

00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.600
 from chapter one,

00:23:55.900 --> 00:23:56.279
 remember that?

00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:57.799
 The resurrection power

00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.860
 that raised Jesus

00:23:58.860 --> 00:23:59.560
 from the dead

00:23:59.560 --> 00:24:01.620
 is not only for Jesus

00:24:01.620 --> 00:24:02.640
 but toward whom?

00:24:03.320 --> 00:24:04.420
 Toward all those

00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:05.380
 who believe.

00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:07.019
 That power

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:08.480
 is for you.

00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:11.039
 You don't grovel

00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:13.200
 before your powerful enemy.

00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.640
 You can stand

00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.340
 against him

00:24:15.340 --> 00:24:16.340
 because greater

00:24:16.340 --> 00:24:17.960
 is he who is in you

00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:19.180
 than he that is

00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:19.779
 in the world.

00:24:19.860 --> 00:24:20.059
 Amen?

00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.920
 You know Jesus

00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:24.240
 is stronger than Satan.

00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.600
 You've learned that

00:24:25.600 --> 00:24:26.720
 since you were a kid.

00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:29.200
 But did you forget,

00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:29.700
 Christian,

00:24:30.080 --> 00:24:31.460
 that you are connected

00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.980
 to him?

00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:33.240
 That the resurrection

00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:34.600
 power of Jesus

00:24:34.600 --> 00:24:37.019
 prevails for you?

00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:39.319
 Have you forgotten that?

00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:41.360
 The armor of God,

00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:42.679
 contrary to much

00:24:42.679 --> 00:24:43.899
 popular opinion,

00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:45.059
 is not primarily

00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:47.279
 about our being strong

00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.799
 and fighting well enough

00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:49.799
 with our own weapons.

00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.819
 It is rather about

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:53.459
 the incredible resources

00:24:53.459 --> 00:24:54.319
 and weapons

00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.479
 at our disposal

00:24:55.479 --> 00:24:56.899
 because we're connected

00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:58.099
 to Christ.

00:24:58.979 --> 00:24:59.579
 That's why,

00:24:59.679 --> 00:25:00.019
 by the way,

00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:00.719
 at the end of it

00:25:00.719 --> 00:25:01.799
 we're told to be praying

00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.479
 all the time

00:25:02.479 --> 00:25:03.299
 for all the saints,

00:25:03.399 --> 00:25:03.939
 even the ones

00:25:03.939 --> 00:25:04.719
 wearing the armor

00:25:04.719 --> 00:25:05.779
 because it's about

00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:07.119
 our dependence on God,

00:25:07.199 --> 00:25:07.439
 right?

00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:09.960
 It's His armor,

00:25:10.840 --> 00:25:11.500
 after all.

00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:13.320
 The armor of God

00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:15.340
 we're told to put on

00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:16.720
 day by day,

00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:18.039
 to take it up,

00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:20.420
 to stand firm in it.

00:25:22.100 --> 00:25:24.640
 The focus of this passage

00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.700
 on the armor of God

00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:27.320
 is not about the particulars.

00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.759
 It's more telling us

00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:31.140
 to put on the whole armor of God.

00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:31.820
 But I'll mention

00:25:31.820 --> 00:25:33.460
 the particulars briefly

00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.660
 starting at verse 14.

00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:37.800
 The belt of truth.

00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:39.880
 Got a beautiful visual

00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:40.380
 for these.

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.300
 He was right over here

00:25:41.300 --> 00:25:42.100
 earlier, okay?

00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:43.680
 The belt of truth.

00:25:43.840 --> 00:25:44.820
 God's truth

00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:45.779
 that directs us

00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.800
 against the lies

00:25:46.800 --> 00:25:47.440
 of Satan.

00:25:48.040 --> 00:25:49.060
 The breastplate

00:25:49.060 --> 00:25:49.820
 of righteousness.

00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:52.080
 God's holy character

00:25:52.080 --> 00:25:53.080
 that we've received

00:25:53.080 --> 00:25:53.740
 from Him

00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.720
 and then been called

00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.620
 in this very letter

00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:56.240
 to emulate.

00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.160
 The readiness

00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.720
 given by the gospel

00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:01.480
 of peace.

00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.380
 Having been made

00:26:02.380 --> 00:26:03.519
 right with God,

00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:04.140
 we're prepared

00:26:04.140 --> 00:26:05.440
 to share that good news

00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:06.279
 with others.

00:26:07.880 --> 00:26:09.400
 The shield of faith

00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:10.620
 where we trust

00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.559
 God's promises

00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.220
 in the midst

00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:14.039
 of the devil's accusations.

00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.700
 The helmet of salvation.

00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.720
 God's amazing power

00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.400
 to rescue

00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.660
 and protect us.

00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:21.740
 And the sword

00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.460
 of the Spirit,

00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.480
 the passage says,

00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.680
 is God's word

00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:25.940
 to guide

00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.940
 and direct us.

00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:28.039
 To fend off

00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:28.700
 the attacks

00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.779
 of the evil one

00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.600
 as of course

00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.400
 Jesus did

00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:32.360
 when He was tempted,

00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:32.720
 right?

00:26:33.120 --> 00:26:34.220
 When He responds

00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:34.839
 to Satan,

00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:35.900
 it is written,

00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.880
 it is written,

00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:39.839
 it is written

00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:42.259
 over and over again

00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:43.480
 with the word of God.

00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.579
 Do you see how

00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:46.240
 the armor we have

00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:48.000
 is indeed God's armor?

00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:49.380
 That all of it

00:26:49.380 --> 00:26:50.480
 is His?

00:26:51.600 --> 00:26:53.220
 And He tells us

00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:54.480
 to take it up.

00:26:55.079 --> 00:26:56.140
 To put it on

00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:58.000
 in order to stand firm.

00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:58.500
 Now,

00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.880
 what does that look like?

00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:00.640
 I'll be honest,

00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.360
 to this point,

00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:02.839
 that sounds pretty hokey.

00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.439
 Like none of us

00:27:04.439 --> 00:27:05.839
 actually carries around

00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:07.099
 a foam sword

00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:07.619
 that says

00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.459
 Sword of the Spirit

00:27:08.459 --> 00:27:08.879
 on it

00:27:08.879 --> 00:27:09.799
 and thinks it does

00:27:09.799 --> 00:27:10.839
 something for us.

00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.479
 What does it mean

00:27:12.479 --> 00:27:13.179
 for us

00:27:13.179 --> 00:27:14.399
 to put it on

00:27:14.399 --> 00:27:15.639
 or take it up?

00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.599
 This is what I mean

00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:18.139
 by saying

00:27:18.139 --> 00:27:18.699
 we must

00:27:18.699 --> 00:27:20.519
 abide actively

00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:22.259
 in Christ.

00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:23.399
 Day by day,

00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:25.119
 in all circumstances,

00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:25.879
 it says,

00:27:26.339 --> 00:27:27.259
 we must draw

00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:27.939
 on the strength

00:27:27.939 --> 00:27:28.419
 of Christ.

00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.720
 It's not a question

00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.580
 of did we

00:27:30.580 --> 00:27:31.960
 once upon a time

00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:33.320
 trust Jesus

00:27:33.320 --> 00:27:34.180
 so our eternity

00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:34.900
 is secure,

00:27:35.120 --> 00:27:36.279
 although that's important.

00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:38.140
 But do we trust

00:27:38.140 --> 00:27:39.500
 Jesus right now?

00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:41.720
 When we take

00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.660
 our Christian life

00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.440
 casually,

00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:45.100
 when we assume

00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.740
 there's peace

00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.680
 instead of an

00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.980
 ongoing war,

00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.740
 we fail to avail

00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.759
 ourselves of that

00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.860
 connection to Christ

00:27:51.860 --> 00:27:52.759
 practically

00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:54.200
 in a particular

00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:54.960
 situation.

00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:57.180
 Let me tell you

00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:57.539
 what I mean.

00:27:57.580 --> 00:27:58.560
 A couple of examples

00:27:58.560 --> 00:28:00.320
 of what this warfare

00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:00.920
 looks like

00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:01.660
 to help us see

00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:02.700
 what Paul is calling

00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:04.019
 us to in abiding

00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:06.320
 actively in Christ.

00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:08.560
 Often Satan works

00:28:08.560 --> 00:28:09.340
 through temptation,

00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:09.860
 right?

00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:12.019
 He begins to

00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.820
 tempt us

00:28:12.820 --> 00:28:13.720
 with questions

00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.740
 about sin.

00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:15.799
 Is that sin

00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.720
 really dangerous?

00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:18.660
 Won't it feel

00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.220
 so good?

00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:20.920
 Is it really

00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.580
 a big deal?

00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:21.900
 I mean,

00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:22.759
 isn't it only

00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:23.160
 a big deal

00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:23.779
 if you get caught?

00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:26.119
 Or only if you

00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:26.660
 don't stop

00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.359
 after a while?

00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:27.519
 I mean,

00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:27.920
 you can just

00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.639
 do a little bit

00:28:28.639 --> 00:28:28.960
 of it.

00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.200
 And we're told

00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.879
 the resources

00:28:31.879 --> 00:28:32.599
 to resist

00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.319
 the tempter

00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:34.180
 are in

00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:35.399
 God's truth.

00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:36.619
 The belt

00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.279
 of truth

00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:37.980
 that sin

00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.299
 is really

00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:39.740
 deadly

00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.420
 to me

00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:41.599
 and to others.

00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:43.019
 That my heart

00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.740
 longing after

00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.660
 sinful desires

00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.440
 really is

00:28:45.440 --> 00:28:46.359
 destructive to me

00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:47.139
 even if no one

00:28:47.139 --> 00:28:47.500
 notices.

00:28:48.819 --> 00:28:49.700
 That Christ

00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.559
 really is more

00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:51.059
 valuable

00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:52.000
 than what

00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:53.079
 sin offers.

00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:55.399
 Those truths

00:28:55.399 --> 00:28:55.839
 are there

00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.480
 and it's not

00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.160
 enough just

00:28:57.160 --> 00:28:58.000
 for the theology

00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:59.259
 to be true.

00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.839
 We have to

00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.599
 put it on

00:29:01.599 --> 00:29:02.759
 in this

00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.639
 situation.

00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:05.279
 Abide

00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.339
 actively

00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:07.460
 then the

00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.139
 truth has to

00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.180
 matter about

00:29:09.180 --> 00:29:10.279
 that sin.

00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.180
 But often

00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.839
 we give in.

00:29:15.339 --> 00:29:16.119
 And when we

00:29:16.119 --> 00:29:16.500
 give in,

00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:17.000
 he's there

00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.119
 as the accuser,

00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.519
 isn't he?

00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.480
 He wants to

00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.079
 question us

00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:21.500
 again.

00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.660
 Satan says,

00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.139
 did God

00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:23.900
 really say

00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:24.680
 he loved you

00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.080
 no matter

00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:25.440
 what?

00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.780
 Could someone

00:29:27.780 --> 00:29:28.560
 like you

00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:29.460
 really be

00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.340
 in his family?

00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:31.560
 Could he

00:29:31.560 --> 00:29:32.620
 possibly be

00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:33.500
 okay with that

00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:34.100
 after what

00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:34.700
 you've done?

00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.120
 What a failure

00:29:36.120 --> 00:29:36.920
 of a husband

00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:37.540
 you are,

00:29:37.820 --> 00:29:38.320
 hurting the

00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:39.020
 one person

00:29:39.020 --> 00:29:39.820
 you promised

00:29:39.820 --> 00:29:40.920
 to love.

00:29:42.980 --> 00:29:43.700
 We've all

00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:44.100
 felt it,

00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.320
 right?

00:29:46.520 --> 00:29:47.080
 Satan

00:29:47.080 --> 00:29:47.720
 subtly

00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.480
 trying to

00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.280
 disconnect you

00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:50.039
 from Jesus

00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:52.039
 through sin

00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.440
 and now

00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.379
 through accusation.

00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.339
 And this

00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:57.000
 passage says,

00:29:57.099 --> 00:29:57.500
 what do we

00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:57.720
 do?

00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:58.779
 We respond

00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.940
 by actively

00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:00.740
 abiding

00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:01.960
 in Christ,

00:30:02.099 --> 00:30:02.859
 by taking

00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:03.299
 up the

00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.799
 promises

00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:04.639
 of God's

00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:04.879
 word.

00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:05.559
 Again,

00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:06.579
 not merely

00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.539
 theoretically

00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.460
 that God

00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:09.099
 loves sinners.

00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:09.839
 I believe

00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.279
 that God

00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:10.859
 loves sinners.

00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:12.019
 That's great.

00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:13.059
 In that

00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:13.480
 moment,

00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:14.220
 it's not just

00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.799
 theoretically

00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:15.720
 do I believe

00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:16.460
 that and that

00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:16.980
 nothing can

00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.599
 separate us

00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:17.959
 from the

00:30:17.959 --> 00:30:18.519
 love of God

00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:18.899
 in Christ

00:30:18.899 --> 00:30:19.480
 Jesus our

00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:19.740
 Lord.

00:30:20.219 --> 00:30:21.799
 But this

00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:23.399
 sinner in

00:30:23.399 --> 00:30:24.839
 this situation

00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:25.939
 needs to

00:30:25.939 --> 00:30:27.159
 believe there

00:30:27.159 --> 00:30:27.799
 that God

00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:28.480
 still loves

00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:28.699
 me,

00:30:28.919 --> 00:30:29.299
 that he's

00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:29.859
 not kicking

00:30:29.859 --> 00:30:30.319
 me out of

00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.779
 his family

00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.839
 for this

00:30:31.839 --> 00:30:32.559
 sin,

00:30:33.159 --> 00:30:33.759
 actively,

00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:34.740
 actually

00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:36.459
 abiding in

00:30:36.459 --> 00:30:36.759
 the midst

00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.859
 of those

00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.480
 evil

00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:39.439
 accusations.

00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.759
 Listen,

00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:42.139
 when you've

00:30:42.139 --> 00:30:42.679
 blown it,

00:30:43.459 --> 00:30:44.199
 and we all

00:30:44.199 --> 00:30:44.619
 have,

00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.519
 it's hard to

00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.059
 believe that,

00:30:46.119 --> 00:30:46.459
 isn't it?

00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:47.920
 Your theology

00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.559
 may not have

00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.259
 changed on the

00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:49.519
 books.

00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:49.980
 You didn't

00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.740
 go and decide

00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:51.180
 to believe

00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:51.920
 something different,

00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:52.920
 but sometimes

00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.539
 your theology

00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:54.079
 doesn't seem

00:30:54.079 --> 00:30:54.539
 to matter

00:30:54.539 --> 00:30:55.620
 when you feel

00:30:55.620 --> 00:30:55.980
 like you've

00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:56.400
 blown it.

00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:58.200
 So we have

00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:58.980
 to recognize

00:30:58.980 --> 00:30:59.860
 the seriousness

00:30:59.860 --> 00:31:00.740
 of this battle,

00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:01.880
 the urgency

00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:02.700
 of abiding

00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:04.140
 actively in

00:31:04.140 --> 00:31:04.500
 Christ,

00:31:04.640 --> 00:31:05.400
 of drawing

00:31:05.400 --> 00:31:06.019
 on his

00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.980
 power to

00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.559
 combat the

00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:07.860
 enemy.

00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.940
 When Satan

00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.660
 tempts me

00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.460
 to despair

00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:12.660
 and tells me

00:31:12.660 --> 00:31:13.299
 of the guilt

00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.799
 within,

00:31:14.819 --> 00:31:16.100
 upward I look

00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:16.919
 and see

00:31:16.919 --> 00:31:17.719
 him there

00:31:17.719 --> 00:31:18.959
 who made

00:31:18.959 --> 00:31:19.559
 an end

00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:19.939
 of all

00:31:19.939 --> 00:31:20.579
 my sin.

00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.039
 I see

00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:22.459
 him,

00:31:22.819 --> 00:31:23.539
 the victor,

00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.159
 the one

00:31:24.159 --> 00:31:24.759
 who has

00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.240
 conquered

00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:25.859
 sin,

00:31:25.939 --> 00:31:26.240
 the one

00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:26.659
 in whom

00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:27.319
 I'm

00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:27.759
 righteous,

00:31:28.159 --> 00:31:28.519
 and I

00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.279
 can stand

00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:29.639
 against

00:31:29.639 --> 00:31:30.559
 Satan's

00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:31.259
 accusations.

00:31:32.639 --> 00:31:33.459
 One more

00:31:33.459 --> 00:31:33.839
 example.

00:31:35.219 --> 00:31:36.059
 We said

00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:36.639
 Satan's not

00:31:36.639 --> 00:31:37.000
 only the

00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:37.459
 tempter

00:31:37.459 --> 00:31:37.980
 and the

00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:38.539
 accuser,

00:31:38.619 --> 00:31:38.859
 but he's

00:31:38.859 --> 00:31:39.399
 also the

00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:39.939
 father of

00:31:39.939 --> 00:31:40.459
 lies,

00:31:40.699 --> 00:31:40.980
 right?

00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:43.419
 And so

00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.379
 tragedy hits

00:31:44.380 --> 00:31:45.260
 in your

00:31:45.260 --> 00:31:45.660
 life,

00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.740
 and pain

00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.880
 and heartache

00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:49.760
 and real

00:31:49.760 --> 00:31:50.840
 hardship and

00:31:50.840 --> 00:31:52.560
 difficulty that

00:31:52.560 --> 00:31:53.060
 you didn't see

00:31:53.060 --> 00:31:53.440
 coming.

00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:54.340
 And what does

00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:54.780
 he whisper?

00:31:55.820 --> 00:31:56.300
 What does

00:31:56.300 --> 00:31:56.920
 Satan whisper

00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.300
 to you?

00:31:57.380 --> 00:31:57.920
 Many of you

00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:58.540
 have heard him

00:31:58.540 --> 00:31:59.080
 say this to

00:31:59.080 --> 00:31:59.660
 you recently.

00:32:01.540 --> 00:32:02.240
 God's not

00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.800
 really good.

00:32:04.760 --> 00:32:05.720
 He doesn't

00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.520
 really care

00:32:06.520 --> 00:32:07.020
 for you.

00:32:07.860 --> 00:32:08.460
 He doesn't

00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:08.960
 have your

00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:09.860
 best interest

00:32:09.860 --> 00:32:11.060
 at heart.

00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:12.200
 If he was

00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:12.600
 good, he

00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:13.120
 could never

00:32:13.120 --> 00:32:13.580
 have let

00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.199
 this happen

00:32:14.199 --> 00:32:14.879
 to you

00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:16.240
 or to

00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:16.619
 them.

00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:18.879
 Little

00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.319
 darts,

00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.699
 right?

00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.599
 That slip

00:32:21.599 --> 00:32:22.839
 in to our

00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:23.859
 hearts because

00:32:23.859 --> 00:32:25.000
 our guard

00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.460
 is down.

00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:26.639
 It's peaceful.

00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.240
 There's nothing

00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:28.359
 really dangerous

00:32:28.359 --> 00:32:29.279
 in my life.

00:32:29.359 --> 00:32:30.079
 I'm coasting

00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.639
 along and

00:32:30.639 --> 00:32:31.619
 those little

00:32:31.619 --> 00:32:32.679
 fiery darts

00:32:32.679 --> 00:32:33.639
 slip in

00:32:33.639 --> 00:32:35.199
 and in no

00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:35.679
 time at all

00:32:35.679 --> 00:32:36.240
 they start a

00:32:36.240 --> 00:32:37.119
 raging fire

00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:37.779
 in our hearts.

00:32:37.879 --> 00:32:38.299
 You've felt

00:32:38.299 --> 00:32:38.740
 it, haven't

00:32:38.740 --> 00:32:38.939
 you?

00:32:41.399 --> 00:32:42.039
 So we're

00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.599
 to do what?

00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:43.359
 To take

00:32:43.359 --> 00:32:43.759
 up the

00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.259
 shield of

00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:44.639
 faith.

00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.619
 Trusting God

00:32:46.619 --> 00:32:47.279
 and His

00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:48.379
 promises and

00:32:48.379 --> 00:32:49.279
 sometimes, let's

00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:49.959
 be honest, we're

00:32:49.959 --> 00:32:50.959
 so discouraged

00:32:50.959 --> 00:32:51.779
 or depressed

00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.719
 that the shield

00:32:52.719 --> 00:32:53.299
 of faith we're

00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:53.939
 to take up

00:32:53.939 --> 00:32:54.980
 to stop

00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:55.939
 and extinguish

00:32:55.939 --> 00:32:56.500
 those darts

00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.419
 seems hard to

00:32:57.419 --> 00:32:58.119
 find, doesn't

00:32:58.119 --> 00:32:58.279
 it?

00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.579
 I want to show

00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.039
 you a picture

00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.579
 of the kind

00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:02.059
 of shield

00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:02.799
 Paul mentions

00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.500
 here, the

00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:04.199
 word he uses

00:33:04.199 --> 00:33:05.699
 because Paul's

00:33:05.699 --> 00:33:06.240
 been talking a

00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:06.980
 lot about unity

00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:08.079
 in Ephesians.

00:33:08.159 --> 00:33:08.480
 It's very

00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:09.259
 important to him

00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:09.939
 for the church.

00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:11.119
 Look at the

00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:11.899
 shield that he's

00:33:11.900 --> 00:33:12.420
 talking about.

00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:13.060
 It's a door

00:33:13.060 --> 00:33:14.180
 shaped shield,

00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:17.140
 very large, and

00:33:17.140 --> 00:33:17.880
 the Roman soldiers

00:33:17.880 --> 00:33:18.600
 would take them

00:33:18.600 --> 00:33:19.120
 up and they'd

00:33:19.120 --> 00:33:19.980
 come together

00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:20.880
 with their

00:33:20.880 --> 00:33:21.980
 shields overlapping

00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:23.180
 or interlocking.

00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:24.320
 They'd form a

00:33:24.320 --> 00:33:25.040
 group together,

00:33:25.880 --> 00:33:26.340
 they call it a

00:33:26.340 --> 00:33:26.800
 small group,

00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.420
 they called it a

00:33:27.420 --> 00:33:28.240
 small group or

00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.320
 something like

00:33:29.320 --> 00:33:29.540
 that.

00:33:29.900 --> 00:33:30.540
 I can't remember

00:33:30.540 --> 00:33:31.160
 exactly, I think

00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:31.600
 it was a small

00:33:31.600 --> 00:33:32.600
 group, and they

00:33:32.600 --> 00:33:34.120
 do that to protect

00:33:34.120 --> 00:33:35.519
 each other, right?

00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:37.500
 And I love that

00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:38.320
 beautiful picture

00:33:38.320 --> 00:33:39.400
 because sometimes a

00:33:39.400 --> 00:33:40.140
 brother or sister

00:33:40.140 --> 00:33:41.160
 has to pick up

00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:41.759
 the shield of

00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.800
 faith for you.

00:33:43.540 --> 00:33:44.220
 They have to

00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:45.020
 take God's

00:33:45.020 --> 00:33:46.180
 word, the sword

00:33:46.180 --> 00:33:47.000
 of the Spirit, and

00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:48.240
 speak truth and

00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:49.340
 encouragement into

00:33:49.340 --> 00:33:50.380
 your life because

00:33:50.380 --> 00:33:52.000
 you're too weak to

00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:52.500
 see it.

00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:55.000
 We need each other

00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.160
 in the battle.

00:33:56.920 --> 00:33:57.960
 But remember,

00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:59.560
 again, it's active

00:33:59.560 --> 00:34:00.020
 abiding.

00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:01.340
 Y'all know a lot

00:34:01.340 --> 00:34:01.940
 of truth.

00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.900
 You're not changing

00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:05.300
 your theology most

00:34:05.300 --> 00:34:06.000
 of the time.

00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:07.460
 What's happening is

00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:08.900
 we're not bringing

00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:10.280
 it to bear in our

00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:10.880
 lives.

00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:12.019
 We're not abiding

00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:14.099
 actively in the

00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:14.579
 battle.

00:34:14.940 --> 00:34:16.360
 We're not taking it

00:34:16.360 --> 00:34:16.639
 up.

00:34:17.179 --> 00:34:18.400
 It means not do I

00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.599
 theoretically believe

00:34:19.599 --> 00:34:20.480
 God's good and there

00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:21.240
 are lots of wonderful

00:34:21.240 --> 00:34:22.119
 promises and I've

00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:23.260
 never doubted any of

00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:23.480
 them.

00:34:23.800 --> 00:34:24.960
 What it means is

00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:27.179
 actually here in

00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:28.199
 this situation,

00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:30.000
 will I choose to

00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.940
 believe that God

00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:33.480
 is good, that He

00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:34.960
 has been and is

00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:36.420
 for me, that He

00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:37.599
 showed it to me by

00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:39.200
 sending His Son to

00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:40.460
 endure my greatest

00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:41.980
 pain in my place,

00:34:42.780 --> 00:34:44.260
 that I can trust His

00:34:44.260 --> 00:34:46.059
 promises again now,

00:34:46.740 --> 00:34:47.800
 taking up the shield

00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:49.039
 of faith, abiding

00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:51.099
 actively, not in my

00:34:51.099 --> 00:34:53.240
 own strength, but in

00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.099
 His, right?

00:34:54.280 --> 00:34:55.300
 In the strength of the

00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:56.340
 one who's conquered.

00:34:58.440 --> 00:34:59.320
 I hope you're

00:34:59.320 --> 00:35:00.220
 convinced as we've

00:35:00.220 --> 00:35:01.059
 talked this morning

00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:02.480
 that our peacetime

00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:04.139
 lifestyles won't work,

00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:06.819
 that will continue to

00:35:06.819 --> 00:35:07.980
 get picked off by

00:35:07.980 --> 00:35:09.400
 Satan if we function

00:35:09.400 --> 00:35:09.960
 that way.

00:35:10.839 --> 00:35:11.559
 Something's got to

00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.000
 change.

00:35:12.279 --> 00:35:13.000
 We've got to remember

00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:14.839
 the power that our

00:35:14.839 --> 00:35:15.619
 enemy has.

00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.859
 We've got to remember

00:35:16.859 --> 00:35:17.859
 our own weakness.

00:35:18.859 --> 00:35:19.940
 And I hope you've seen

00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:21.420
 anew as I have this

00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:23.059
 week, the absolute

00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:25.319
 necessity of accessing

00:35:25.319 --> 00:35:26.879
 the moment by moment

00:35:26.879 --> 00:35:29.019
 strength of Christ for

00:35:29.019 --> 00:35:29.539
 this battle.

00:35:29.819 --> 00:35:30.879
 I hope we can encourage

00:35:30.879 --> 00:35:32.420
 each other to reject

00:35:32.420 --> 00:35:34.000
 the peacetime temptation

00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:35.400
 of self-sufficiency

00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:36.280
 and that everything's

00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:37.480
 okay and we've got

00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:37.880
 this.

00:35:38.159 --> 00:35:39.260
 And be mindful of the

00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:40.800
 urgency of depending

00:35:40.800 --> 00:35:42.840
 in every situation on

00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:44.579
 Christ whose power is

00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.840
 great and whose victory

00:35:45.840 --> 00:35:46.880
 is sure.

00:35:49.539 --> 00:35:50.579
 I know it's late.

00:35:50.659 --> 00:35:51.280
 I figured it was going

00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:51.500
 to be.

00:35:51.720 --> 00:35:52.740
 But one last question

00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.159
 for you.

00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:57.240
 What are you fighting

00:35:57.240 --> 00:35:57.599
 for?

00:35:57.599 --> 00:35:58.240
 What are you fighting

00:35:58.240 --> 00:35:58.599
 for?

00:35:58.599 --> 00:36:01.659
 Are you fighting

00:36:01.659 --> 00:36:02.460
 hard like me?

00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:03.199
 Do you see it in your

00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:03.679
 own heart?

00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.319
 Are you fighting hard

00:36:05.319 --> 00:36:06.460
 for a peaceful life?

00:36:07.779 --> 00:36:09.199
 To be successful

00:36:09.199 --> 00:36:10.279
 enough that you get

00:36:10.279 --> 00:36:11.719
 comfortable enough and

00:36:11.719 --> 00:36:13.839
 you can just enjoy some

00:36:13.839 --> 00:36:14.259
 peace?

00:36:15.579 --> 00:36:16.860
 Look at this vision in

00:36:16.860 --> 00:36:18.319
 Revelation chapter 12

00:36:18.319 --> 00:36:19.719
 where Satan gets

00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.420
 defeated.

00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:21.900
 The voice says,

00:36:22.339 --> 00:36:23.299
 Now the salvation and

00:36:23.299 --> 00:36:24.219
 the power and the

00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:25.719
 kingdom of our God and

00:36:25.719 --> 00:36:26.679
 the authority of his

00:36:26.679 --> 00:36:28.440
 Christ have come for the

00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:29.860
 accuser of our brothers

00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:30.840
 Satan here in

00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:32.179
 Revelation has been

00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:33.659
 thrown down who

00:36:33.659 --> 00:36:34.780
 accuses them day and

00:36:34.780 --> 00:36:35.900
 night before our God

00:36:35.900 --> 00:36:37.519
 and they have conquered

00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:38.159
 him how?

00:36:38.820 --> 00:36:39.880
 By the blood of the

00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:42.000
 lamb and by the word

00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:43.460
 of their testimony for

00:36:43.460 --> 00:36:44.440
 they loved not their

00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:47.440
 lives even unto death.

00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:48.840
 Satan's conquered by

00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:49.820
 the blood of the lamb

00:36:49.820 --> 00:36:52.039
 and by those actively

00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:54.480
 trusting in him and it

00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.579
 says what about them?

00:36:55.659 --> 00:36:56.539
 What did it look like

00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.400
 for them to actively

00:36:57.400 --> 00:36:58.000
 trust him?

00:36:58.000 --> 00:36:59.280
 That they loved not

00:36:59.280 --> 00:37:01.019
 their own lives even

00:37:01.019 --> 00:37:02.059
 unto death.

00:37:03.240 --> 00:37:04.639
 I recognize that

00:37:04.639 --> 00:37:06.740
 mindset not in myself

00:37:06.740 --> 00:37:08.980
 but in Paul in this

00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:10.780
 passage where Paul asks

00:37:10.780 --> 00:37:11.860
 for people at the end of

00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:13.139
 our passage to pray for

00:37:13.139 --> 00:37:14.019
 him too, right?

00:37:14.599 --> 00:37:15.740
 Because he's in prison

00:37:15.740 --> 00:37:16.980
 so pray for Paul for

00:37:16.980 --> 00:37:17.320
 what?

00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:19.160
 That he gets out of

00:37:19.160 --> 00:37:19.760
 jail, right?

00:37:20.039 --> 00:37:21.099
 He's stuck in prison,

00:37:21.300 --> 00:37:22.480
 he's in chains.

00:37:23.019 --> 00:37:23.900
 Now what does Paul pray

00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:24.180
 for?

00:37:24.179 --> 00:37:26.460
 Pray for me in prison

00:37:26.460 --> 00:37:28.199
 that I might speak the

00:37:28.199 --> 00:37:29.500
 mystery of the gospel

00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:30.440
 boldly.

00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:34.779
 He is just like those

00:37:34.779 --> 00:37:35.619
 who've conquered in

00:37:35.619 --> 00:37:36.219
 Revelation.

00:37:36.460 --> 00:37:37.679
 Not fighting for their

00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:39.239
 own lives, fighting for

00:37:39.239 --> 00:37:41.179
 God and for his kingdom.

00:37:43.719 --> 00:37:45.119
 What's our priority?

00:37:47.000 --> 00:37:49.359
 How much do we love our

00:37:49.359 --> 00:37:50.179
 peacetime lifestyles?

00:37:50.179 --> 00:37:50.739
 Lifestyles?

00:37:51.379 --> 00:37:53.579
 How hard do we fight for

00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:53.960
 them?

00:37:56.219 --> 00:37:58.519
 Does it make sense when

00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.079
 we're in a war?

00:37:59.980 --> 00:38:02.599
 Does it fit with what

00:38:02.599 --> 00:38:03.879
 God's word tells us?

00:38:04.279 --> 00:38:06.039
 That we have a war against

00:38:06.039 --> 00:38:08.859
 Satan and sin and evil in

00:38:08.859 --> 00:38:09.859
 which we have not yet

00:38:09.859 --> 00:38:11.419
 resisted to the point of

00:38:11.419 --> 00:38:12.399
 shedding our blood.

00:38:12.779 --> 00:38:14.500
 But if it be that it comes

00:38:14.500 --> 00:38:16.359
 to that, would it be that we

00:38:16.360 --> 00:38:18.320
 would be those who love our

00:38:18.320 --> 00:38:19.980
 king and the gospel of his

00:38:19.980 --> 00:38:21.620
 kingdom rather than loving

00:38:21.620 --> 00:38:23.340
 our own lives even unto

00:38:23.340 --> 00:38:23.700
 death?

00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:26.640
 What are you fighting for?

00:38:27.340 --> 00:38:28.000
 Let's pray.

00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:39.120
 Father, your word is indeed

00:38:39.120 --> 00:38:41.099
 a sword and we're told it's

00:38:41.099 --> 00:38:42.500
 a double-edged sword and we

00:38:42.500 --> 00:38:44.320
 feel that it cuts to our

00:38:44.320 --> 00:38:48.220
 hearts because none of us

00:38:48.220 --> 00:38:50.320
 here has adequately

00:38:50.860 --> 00:38:53.340
 appreciated the war that

00:38:53.340 --> 00:38:54.440
 we're engaged in.

00:38:55.500 --> 00:38:58.059
 And so we've failed to take

00:38:58.059 --> 00:39:00.559
 up the strength that you've

00:39:00.559 --> 00:39:01.180
 given us.

00:39:01.960 --> 00:39:03.460
 Father, I thank you this

00:39:03.460 --> 00:39:04.760
 morning that in the midst of

00:39:04.760 --> 00:39:06.500
 our weakness, the strength

00:39:06.500 --> 00:39:08.340
 and the victory of Jesus is

00:39:08.340 --> 00:39:09.059
 secure.

00:39:09.519 --> 00:39:11.039
 That it hasn't changed and

00:39:11.039 --> 00:39:12.320
 that those resources are

00:39:12.320 --> 00:39:14.519
 available to us in him again

00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:16.480
 no matter how many times

00:39:16.480 --> 00:39:18.680
 we've neglected them.

00:39:19.760 --> 00:39:21.019
 Oh, Father, make us people

00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:22.260
 who don't fight in our own

00:39:22.260 --> 00:39:24.140
 strength, but make us also

00:39:24.140 --> 00:39:26.019
 not those who would cease to

00:39:26.019 --> 00:39:26.380
 fight.

00:39:28.080 --> 00:39:30.400
 Make us those who would care

00:39:30.400 --> 00:39:32.320
 more about your kingdom than

00:39:32.320 --> 00:39:34.960
 our own, who would value your

00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:36.860
 gospel going forward more than

00:39:36.860 --> 00:39:38.140
 our own lives.

00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:40.600
 Christians are everywhere and in

00:39:40.599 --> 00:39:42.759
 this country being asked

00:39:42.759 --> 00:39:46.460
 whether they will stand or

00:39:46.460 --> 00:39:48.179
 whether they will save their

00:39:48.179 --> 00:39:48.860
 own lives.

00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:50.579
 Father, make us those who

00:39:50.579 --> 00:39:53.699
 value your kingdom over our

00:39:53.699 --> 00:39:56.179
 own, even our own lives.

00:39:57.559 --> 00:39:59.259
 Thank you for Jesus.

00:40:00.619 --> 00:40:02.759
 Would you strengthen us in his

00:40:02.759 --> 00:40:04.319
 victory and we ask it in his

00:40:04.319 --> 00:40:04.619
 name.

00:40:05.259 --> 00:40:05.579
 Amen.

00:40:05.579 --> 00:40:05.719
 Amen.

00:40:05.719 --> 00:40:11.980
 For more information, visit us

00:40:11.980 --> 00:40:13.759
 online at southwood.org.

00:40:13.760 --> 00:40:43.740
 Thank you.