The Battle Belongs to the Lord!
Ephesians 6:14-18
1. Enlist in the Army of the Lord! (Vs. 17a, 2 Tim 2:3-4, Josh 5:13-14)
a. 2 Timothy 2:3-4, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.”
b. Joshua 5:13-14, “When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied. “I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army.”
2. Be on Duty with Jesus! (Vs. 14a, Matt 24:45-46)
a. Matthew 24:45-46, ““Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes.”
3. Walk Your Post with Jesus! (Vs. 14b, Isa 59:17)
a. Isaiah 59:17, “[God] put on righteousness as body armor, and a helmet of salvation on his head;”
4. Keep Your Feet Healthy! (Vs. 15, Isa 52:7, Matt 5:23-24)
a. Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!””
b. Matthew 5:23-24, “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
5. Diminish the Enemy; Contain the Attacks! (Vs. 16, Gal 5:7-9)
a. Galatians 5:7-9, “You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.”
6. Charge! Draw HIS Sword! (Vs. 17b, Matt 4:4)
a. Matthew 4:4, “He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.””
7. Keep Your Radio On! (Vs. 18, 1 Thess 5:16-19)
a. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit.”