diane avenue church of christ

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.

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.


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.”


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.


INTRODUCTION: Ephesians 6:10-20A. 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.


Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)The Armor of God10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty

power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your

ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled

around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with

the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which

you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil

one.


17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and

always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be

given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an

ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.


Q . As I read these verses did anyone notice anything unusual or something that stood out?

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.


DISCUSSION:A. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S CHARGE1. Ephesians 10-112. 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 strengthb. But note this strength is not fleshly strength — it is strength

found in the Lordc. Philippians 4:13


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.


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!


B. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ENEMY1. Ephesians 6:112. The devil is the Christian soldier’s enemya. 1 Peter 5:8-9b. John 8:44


1 Peter 5:8-9Be 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.


John 8:44You 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.


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 )


3. The devil has strategies (“wiles”) to try to defeat us:a. Satan is a master of deception and evil maneuversb. He lies (Jn. 8:44)c. He ambushes (1 Pt. 5:8)d. He recruits help — 2 Corinthians 11:13-15e. Always trying to gain an advantage over us (2 Cor.

2:11)f. He constantly seeks to find our weakness. Rev.2:2


2 Corinthians 11:13-15For 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.


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.


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.”


C. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S WARFARE1. Ephesians 6:122. Christians are at war:a. 1 Timothy 6:12b. 2 Timothy 2:3-43. This warfare is not physical — it is spiritual.a. John 18:36b. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's Story6:12 -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).


1 Timothy 6:12Fight 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 2:3-4Join 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.


4. We war against a very powerful foe as suggested by the words “principalities, powers, world-rulers, darkness, and wickedness”

2 Corinthians 10:3-4For 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.


D. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S DUTY1. Ephesians 6:132. Again, a Christian soldier must “take up the whole

armor of God” — mentioned twice to show its importance3. A Christian soldier must be “able to withstand in the

evil day”a. We must be able to resist the exploits of the devilb. This will only occur if … the whole armor of God


3. A Christian soldier must be able to make a “stand”a. We must draw a line of defense and make our standb. We must not give ground — 1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, 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.


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?


E. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ARMOR1. Ephesians 6:14-172. Girdle of Truth - v14a. The girdle was used to hold the soldier’s clothing next

to his body so as not to be impeded in movementb. Truth is to be held close so that we not stumble over

the garments of weakness in the fleshc. We must bind up and bring into control our thoughts

and actions


E. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ARMOR

Q. What does the " Girdle of truth " enable the Christian to do in this war we fight?


Notice what truth is able to do:1) Keeps us from flapping from one doctrine to another —

Ephesians 4:142) Keeps us from be being entangled in the affairs of the

world — 2 Timothy 2:3-43) Supports us in battle and trials of life — Hebrews 2:17-

18.

BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's StoryNotice what truth is able to do:1) Keeps us from flapping from one doctrine to another

— Ephesians 4:14Then 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.


Notice what truth is able to do:2) Keeps us from be being entangled in the affairs of

the world — 2 Timothy 2:3-4Join 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.


Notice what truth is able to do:3) Supports us in battle and trials of life — Hebrews 2:17-18For 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.


2. Breastplate of Righteousness - v14a. 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


2. Breastplate of Righteousness

1 Corinthians 15:34Come 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.


2. Breastplate of Righteousness1 John 3:7-8Dear 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.


3. Sandals of the Gospel of Peace - v15a. 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


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


Romans 1:16For 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 28:19-20Therefore 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.”


4. Shield of Faith - v16a. 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


4. Shield of FaithPsalms 3:3-4But 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 10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word about Christ.


5. Helmet of Salvation -v17a. 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.

BIBLE CLASS – A Soldier's StoryHelmet of Salvation c. Romans 8:6; 12:2d. 2 Corinthians 10:5e. James 1:21 Romans 8:6The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind

governed by the Spirit is life and peace.Romans 12:2Do 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.


2 Corinthians 10:5We 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 1:21Therefore, 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.


6. Sword of the Spirit - v17a. 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 enemyb. 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 4:127. Notice that each piece of armor is built around the word of God!

.


Hebrews 12:4-64 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.”


F. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S PROVISION1. Ephesians 6:18-202. A Christian soldier must pray3. A Christian soldier will pray in the spirit — constant

with the word of God — the sword of the Spirit4. A Christian soldier will pray at all times5. A Christian soldier will watch and pray


Q. 6:18 How can anyone make prayer your life and life your prayer?


6:18 How can anyone pray at all times? One way is to make quick, brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. Another way is to order your life around God’s desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a prayer. You don’t have to isolate yourself from other people and from daily work in order to pray constantly. You can make prayer your life and your life a prayer while living in a world that needs God’s powerful influence. We also should pray for all believers in Christ; so pray for the Christians you know and for the church around the world.


CONCLUSION:A. Are you fighting in the Lord’s army? If not, you are on

the losing side.B. Have you put on the whole armor of God? If not, you

are in danger of being mortally wounded.


End.

diane avenue church of christ

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