1 / 53

Diane Avenue Church of Christ

Diane Avenue Church of Christ. Psalm 65:5-7 (NIV)

nhi
Download Presentation

Diane Avenue Church of Christ

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Diane Avenue Church of Christ Psalm 65:5-7 (NIV) 5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,    God our Savior,the hope of all the ends of the earth    and of the farthest seas,6 who formed the mountains by your power,    having armed yourself with strength,7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,    the roaring of their waves,    and the turmoil of the nations.

  2. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Good Morning, today we would like to discuss the efforts it takes to live faithfully as a Christian as described in the New Testament.

  3. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • One of the boldest things any human being can do is to stand in front of someone else and say, “This is what I believe.” We listen, whether we are inclined to believe the same thing or not. It is bolder still to act on what we believe. Belief in God and in the truths of God is a distinctive experience. It is to say, “I have come to a certain conviction. I have listened, I have watched, I have thought about it. I now believe I know something I did not before. And it isn’t so much that I have chosen to believe as that belief has been born in me by a reality greater than myself. I have a sense of certitude, and my next steps in life will be different for it. I am carried along by this truth.”

  4. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Belief is not just about knowing; it is about trusting. True faith in God is one of the most intimate personal states a person can find himself or herself in. It is not just about gathering and processing information, otherwise a computer would be a “believer” of sorts. Because there is so much information to process, so many voices to listen to, so many topics that get thrown in our faces everyday, we use up most of our “belief energy” just sorting it all out. In the contemporary world, believing becomes calculating, and drawing a sum. We forget that the most important belief in life is a decision not about what, but about whom. Faith says, this God I can trust.

  5. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • INTRODUCTION: Ephesians 6:10-20 • A. A Christian’s efforts to live faithfully in this life is described in various terms throughout the New Testament: • 1. As a walk and as running a race because at the end we • will receive our much anticipated prize. • 2. But the one use most often is that of “warfare.” Perhaps it is not always visible to us; nevertheless it's war! • B. One of the greatest texts on Christian warfare is found in Ephesians 6:10-20.

  6. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV) • The Armor of God • 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

  7. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 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. 

  8. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. • 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

  9. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Q . As I read these verses did anyone notice anything unusual or something that stood out?

  10. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Overview: • 6:10-17 In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by the devil, who is a vicious fighter, see 1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against the “mighty powers in this dark world,” fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.

  11. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • DISCUSSION: • A. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S CHARGE • 1. Ephesians 10-11 • 2. A Christian soldier is charged to be “strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might” • a. As we war as a soldier of Christ we must possess power, might and strength • b. But note this strength is not fleshly strength — it is strength found in the Lord • c. Philippians 4:13

  12. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Phil.4:13 NIV • Philippians 4:13 • I can do all this through him who gives me strength. • Philippians 4:13 KJV • I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  13. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 3. A Christian soldier is charged to “put on the whole armor of God” • a. We need to realize that no amount of armor is worth the material it is made of unless the soldier has the heart to fight — thus, again, “be strong in the Lord” • b. Once a man is willing to be strong in the Lord — he begins to arm himself — God’s armor — leaving nothing out! (“the whole armor”) • c. If you leave a piece of the armor off — you expose yourself to the enemy!

  14. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • B. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ENEMY • 1. Ephesians 6:11 • 2. The devil is the Christian soldier’s enemy • a. 1 Peter 5:8-9 • b. John 8:44

  15. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 1 Peter 5:8-9 • Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. • Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

  16. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • John 8:44 • You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

  17. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Q. Paul has told the church to put on the whole • Armor of God. He has identified our enemy, prepared us for battle, yet somehow we still continue to loose. Unless Satan in Omnipresent, (which he is not) how is he able to cause so many to turn away from God? Even if it's just for a minute. God has equipped us to withstand the wiles of Satan yet we still fail. Why (and please don't continue to use the excuse " we're human, it's our sinful nature )

  18. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 3. The devil has strategies (“wiles”) to try to defeat us: • a. Satan is a master of deception and evil maneuvers • b. He lies (Jn. 8:44) • c. He ambushes (1 Pt. 5:8) • d. He recruits help — 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 • e. Always trying to gain an advantage over us (2 Cor. 2:11) • f. He constantly seeks to find our weakness. Rev.2:2

  19. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 • For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. • And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. • It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

  20. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2 Corinthians 2:11 • in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. • We must be on the lookout for those who is false. • Revelation 2:2 • I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

  21. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • And if your spiritual house is not in order, is it is empty and unprepared for the wiles of Satan you set yourself up for defeat. Matthew 12:43-45 • 43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

  22. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • C. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S WARFARE • 1. Ephesians 6:12 • 2. Christians are at war: • a. 1 Timothy 6:12 • b. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 • 3. This warfare is not physical — it is spiritual. • a. John 18:36 • b. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

  23. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 6:12 -These who are not “flesh-and-blood enemies” are demons over whom the devil has control. They are not mere fantasies—they are very real. We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ’s church. When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armor surrounding us. If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus’ words to Peter: “Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18).

  24. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 1 Timothy 6:12 • Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. • 2 Timothy 2:3-4 • Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. • No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

  25. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 4. We war against a very powerful foe as suggested by the words “principalities, powers, world-rulers, darkness, and wickedness” • 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 • For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. • The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

  26. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • D. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S DUTY • 1. Ephesians 6:13 • 2. Again, a Christian soldier must “take up the whole armor of God” — mentioned twice to show its importance • 3. A Christian soldier must be “able to withstand in the evil day” • a. We must be able to resist the exploits of the devil • b. This will only occur if … the whole armor of God

  27. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 3. A Christian soldier must be able to make a “stand” • a. We must draw a line of defense and make our stand • b. We must not give ground — 1 Corinthians 15:58 • Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

  28. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Q. Why do suppose we need the " whole armor of God, Why can we just use some of it, perhaps a helmet or a sword.? • Q. And what of the "new babe" are they ready to put on the Armor of God? • Q. As Christians we all have the Holy Spirit isn't that enough to protect us against the "wiles" of Satan?

  29. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • E. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ARMOR • 1. Ephesians 6:14-17 • 2. Girdle of Truth - v14 • a. The girdle was used to hold the soldier’s clothing next to his body so as not to be impeded in movement • b. Truth is to be held close so that we not stumble over the garments of weakness in the flesh • c. We must bind up and bring into control our thoughts and actions

  30. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • E. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ARMOR • Q. What does the " Girdle of truth " enable the Christian • to do in this war we fight?

  31. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Notice what truth is able to do: • 1) Keeps us from flapping from one doctrine to another — Ephesians 4:14 • 2) Keeps us from be being entangled in the affairs of the world — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 • 3) Supports us in battle and trials of life — Hebrews 2:17-18 • .

  32. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Notice what truth is able to do: • 1) Keeps us from flapping from one doctrine to another — Ephesians 4:14 • Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

  33. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Notice what truth is able to do: • 2) Keeps us from be being entangled in the affairs of the world — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 • Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. • No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

  34. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Notice what truth is able to do: • 3) Supports us in battle and trials of life — Hebrews 2:17-18 • For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. • Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

  35. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2. Breastplate of Righteousness - v14 • a. The breastplate covered the body of the soldier from the neck to the thighs — it was used to protect his heart. • b. Righteousness is that which protects the Christian’s heart — it is that which keeps the hearts from being wounded and losing its focus. • c. 1 Corinthians 15:34 … 1 John 3:7

  36. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2. Breastplate of Righteousness • 1 Corinthians 15:34 • Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God —I say this to your shame.

  37. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2. Breastplate of Righteousness • 1 John 3:7-8 • Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. • The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

  38. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 3. Sandals of the Gospel of Peace - v15 • a. The sandals were a sign of readiness — readiness to march and do battle. The Roman sandals were made with nails that gripped the ground firmly even when it was slippery. • b. The sign of the Christian is readiness — readiness to march and fight the good fight of faith. Wherever a Christian’s feet take him — he shares the gospel that can firmly ground the world slipping in the slime of sin

  39. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • c. The Christian soldier’s shoes are not dancing shoes, nor are they the lounging slippers of the slothful, but the shoes of a warrior. • d. Matthew 28:19-20 … Romans 1:16

  40. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Romans 1:16 • For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. • Matthew 28:19-20 • Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

  41. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 4. Shield of Faith - v16 • a. The shield referred to here is large, oblong — shaped like a door. This shield gives protection from the arrows and spears that would have been hurled at them. • b. In like manner we are to use our faith as a shield to protect us from the “fiery darts of the evil one.” • c. Psalm 3:3-4 … Romans 10:17

  42. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 4. Shield of Faith • Psalms 3:3-4 • But you, Lord, are a shield around me, • my glory, the One who lifts my head high. • 4 I call out to the Lord, • and he answers me from his holy mountain. • Romans 10:17 • Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

  43. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 5. Helmet of Salvation -v17 • a. The helmet covered the head and the mind of the soldier. The head, of course, was the core of a soldier’s power to wage war. His thinking ability was the most important factor in determining his victory or defeat. • b. As a Christian soldier must protect our mind and thoughts, focusing them on our Leader. The helmet that protects the mind of the Christian is salvation. The knowledge that we saved helps us and encourages us to keep our minds and thoughts protected.

  44. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Helmet of Salvation • c. Romans 8:6; 12:2 • d. 2 Corinthians 10:5 • e. James 1:21 • Romans 8:6 • The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. • Romans 12:2 • Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

  45. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 2 Corinthians 10:5 • We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. • James 1:21 • Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

  46. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • 6. Sword of the Spirit - v17 • a. The sword was a weapon used for both defense and offense. The sword was used both to protect and to fight off and slay the enemy • b. The sign of a Christian soldier is his use of the Word of God. By his use of the Scriptures, he protects himself from the onslaught of the enemy; and he fights and wins battle after battle, day after day. The word of God is the one weapon that can assure victory. • c. Hebrews 4:12 • 7. Notice that each piece of armor is built around the word of God! • .

  47. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Hebrews 12:4-6 • 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. • And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, • “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, • and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, • 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, • and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

  48. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • F. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S PROVISION • 1. Ephesians 6:18-20 • 2. A Christian soldier must pray • 3. A Christian soldier will pray in the spirit — constant with the word of God — the sword of the Spirit • 4. A Christian soldier will pray at all times • 5. A Christian soldier will watch and pray

  49. BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story • Q. 6:18 How can anyone make prayer your life and life your prayer?

More Related