[audio http://dpeacock.opendrive.com/files/Nl84MjMzMzIyXzRBd0JLXzA0NmU/Covered%20By%20the%20Blood.mp3]
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Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Covered by the Blood
Hebrews 9:11-14, 22-26; 10:1-4, 12-22
1. Forgiveness of sins is not possible without the shedding of blood.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22
For the wages of sin is death... Romans 6:23
The Old Testament sacrifices were established because without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. These sacrifices showed that God in His mercy and grace would allow a substitute so that the punishment of sin, which is death, could be paid by another. God sacrificed an animal and used its skin to cover the shame of Adam and Eve. God provided a lamb to be sacrificed in place of Abraham's son Isaac. The OT priest would make annual sacrifices on behalf of God's people.
These ongoing sacrifices served to show that we are sinners, that our sin deserves death, and that our only hope is for our sin to be covered by the blood of another.
Still, these were just animals and they really could not pay the price of sin. They were a shadow, a foreshadowing of what we really need, and that is to have our sin paid for by one who is infinitely perfect. The only way that payment could be made is if the eternal Son of God, took on flesh and shed His blood for us.
2. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God whose shed blood cleanses from sin those of every age who trust in Him.
· Animals sacrifices were made in a tent and then a temple made with human hands to symbolize the presence of God. Jesus sacrifices actually was made before the presence of God.
For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24
· Animals had to be continually offered on an ongoing basis. Jesus's death on the cross is a onetime sacrifice sufficient to cover the sins of those of every age.
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, Hebrews 10:11–12
· Priest offered animals in place of their sins and the sins of the people. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:25–26
· The blood of animal could not make us perfectly righteous before God. The blood of the Son of God can!
For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Hebrews 10:1
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14
· Animals sacrifices were made to remind us of our sinfulness. Jesus was sacrificed so God would remember our sins no more.
But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. Hebrews 10:3
then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Hebrews 10:17
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7
…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19
3. By the blood of Jesus, we can come to God with confidence knowing our sins are covered!
Satan says you don't deserve to be forgiven, you don't deserve the right to approach God. The blood of Jesus says, it's not about what you deserve but what Jesus has done. No, we are not worthy but the One who sacrificed on our behalf is. Because of HIs blood, I'm covered, are you?
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27
…the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8
You will forever be known because of your sin or one who is covered by the blood of the Lamb who was slain, are you covered?
Covered Not Concealed
Psalm 32:1-5
Words for sin
· transgression - crime, rebellion (falling away)
· sin - guilty of breaking God's perfect moral standard. We have missed His mark. (failure)
· iniquity - wickedness (perversion)
Words for forgiveness
· forgiven - carry away, take it from us
· covered - Hidden so that God no longer regards the sin
· does not count - does not charge us or impute to us the guilt of our sin
Blessed - how happy!, i.e., a heightened state of happiness and joy
1. When we try to conceal our sins from God, our spirits are crushed.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
2. God will not let His people be comfortable if they continue in sin, but will bring chastisement to our lives and conviction to our hearts.
And when He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:8
3. If we will confess our sins with a contrite heart, God will cleanse us from our sin.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
4. When our sins are covered by God, we are free to celebrate life in God again.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Psalm 51:7–8
Genesis 3:7-8; 3:21
· Adam & Eve tried to conceal their sin.
· God covered their sin.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13
When the Night Seems Long
Micah 7:7-9
I. Even when the night seems long, our eyes stay on Jesus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2
II. Even when the night seems long, the enemy will not prevail.
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. . . And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:45–47
III. Even when the night seems long, keep elevating.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. . .
. . . they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
IV. Even when the night seems long, endure the Lord’s discipline.
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. Hebrews 12:7, 10
V. Even when the night seems long, know it will end and the Light will shine.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
Rejoicing and the Word of God
2 Peter 1:16-19
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 2 Peter 1:19
Peter witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. He saw Him in his humanity & suffering, He also saw Him in HIs divinity and glory. This confirmed everything that God has spoken in HIs word and reminds all that the word of God is trustworthy. It also reminds us that seasons of darkness & suffering can be endured knowing the eternal promise of glory in heaven is secure. During seasons of suffering the word of God sustains us and gives us light to walk by until the morning star Jesus rises in our hearts. A reference to justification when one is saved, sanctification when one endures a difficult season of life and comes through stronger spiritually and Christ shining brighter our hearts heart, and glorification as we are with Christ forever in glory.
The Example of Elijah
1 Kings 19
Through a season of darkness, God sustained Elijah through both Physical and Spiritual Nourishment.
· Physical Nourishment
God provided Elijah with a season of rest and then provided Elijah with the food he needed for his journey. God made us as physical and spiritual beings. He provides for both our physical and spiritual needs. In fact, there is a link between our physical needs. Is patience a fruit of the Spirit? Or is it a fruit of sleep? Go 48 hours without sleep and see how patient you are. Same thing goes for our joy in the Lord. Physical needs will impact us spiritually. Scripture recognizes the benefit of taking care of ourselves physically. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and we should treat them as such.
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7–8
What able when we have physcial conditions and ailments that are beyond our control? Things that are beyond the cure of modern medicine. Does this mean that our joy in the Lord will be lacking. Actually, in this case, God can even through his grace bring greater joy to your life!
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:7–9
· Spiritual Nourishment did not come in the spectacular and dramatic but in the Word of God.
1. The Word of God rebukes our sin and self-pity.
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
Even when God rebukes us, He loves us. He knows our name!
2. The Word of God raises our mindset to have God’s perspective.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
Some things that are true will distract us from the truth. John 14:6; John 8:31-32
True:
· People had forsaken God while Elijah was jealous for God.
· Elijah felt all alone.
· Prophets had been killed.
· Alters for God had been destroyed, and alters for Baal and been built.
· The King and queen did want Elijah dead.
· I no longer have the strength to do what God has called me to do.
Truth:
· Many people turned back to God as they say God work through Elijah.
· Every prophet that had been killed was being eternally rewarded in heaven and God would was preparing others to take the baton from Elijah to proclaim HIs goodness and glory.
· The false Baal could never get the Glory that belonged to God alone. And God will be glorified above all things!
· The King and Queen could not touch Elijah unless God allowed it, in fact, Elijah would never die but be taken to heaven in chariot of fire!
· The Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years, yet God provided for them! While Elijah traveled that same area for 40 days, God would provide for Him.
· There will always be a remnant of God-worshippers!
· God will equip us to do what he has called us to do.
· God is always with us.
What "true" things are keeping your from focusing on the greater truth!
""If we don't 'call to mind' what God has said about himself and us, we languish. . . Don't wallow in the mire of godless messages. I mean the messages in your head. 'I can't'... 'She won't'... 'They never'... 'It has never worked...'
The point is not that these are true or false. Your mind will always find a way to make them true, unless you 'call to mind' something greater. God is the God of the impossible." John Piper's Devotional App - Solid Joys
God is the God of impossible. Don't let things, even true things keep you from this greater truth! Let the Word of God raise your mindset to God's perspective.
3. The Word of God restores our joy in God.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; Psalm 19:8
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 119:24
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
Enjoying God's Gifts
Enjoying God’s Gifts
Matthew 7:9-11 - James 1:17
1. Enjoy the Gift of God’s Creation.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Genesis 1:31
But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. Isaiah 65:18
…rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man. Proverbs 8:31
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Psalm 92:4
Illustration: The joy producing effects of sunrises & sunsets, ocean waves, mountains, trees, dolphins, Labrador retrievers, Kitty Cats (well not cats), meteor showers, falling stars, pink skies.
The cultural advancements of humanity are a product of the creative abilities that God has given us since we are created in HIs image. Therefore, even the joy that arises in our heart through human creativity such as the awe of a skyscraper, or the joy of listening to music or the refreshing that comes from reading a good book or video chatting with a loved one is a gift of God that He has allowed us to have. These things like can be used for good or evil but when they are used in a wholesome manner the joy they produce is a gift from God.
2. Enjoy the Gift of God’s Provision.
For seven days you shall keep the feast to the Lord your God at the place that the Lord will choose, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful. Deuteronomy 16:15
And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. Ezra 6:22
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Provisions: homes, clothing food, phones, modern medicine, health
3. Enjoy the Gift of God’s People.
…rejoice in the wife of your youth, Proverbs 5:18
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice. Proverbs 23:24–25
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. 1 Corinthians 16:17–18
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Philippians 4:1
The enjoyment of gifts must be grounded in the Giver!
Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. . . they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:22-23, 25
I. Ground your joy in God by giving thanks for His gifts.
he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Matthew 15:36
The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God. . . Romans 14:6
Illustration: What a blessing it is when our children give us a big hug and thank you for a gift we give them and they begin to enjoy. Yet if there is no thanks and the gift is set aside and never used we think, "what a waste."
II. Ground your joy in God by being generous with His gifts.
Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:9
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 2 Corinthians 8:1–2
Illustration: What a blessing it is when our children share the gifts we give them with their siblings!
III. Ground your joy in God by fasting from His gifts.
Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Joel 1:14
… while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:6
Illustration: Husbands your wife gets you for your birthday that top notch, big screen 65" 1080P television complete with Dolby surround sound. Action-filled movies - unbelievable. Football games - you feel like you are on the field. You totally enjoy coming home from work and sitting on your lazy boy and taking in it. But, as you begin to pick up that remote, something hits you. You think , I do like this and am thankful for it. But what I love is not the gift but the giver. And so you, turn to your wife and say, tonight I'm not turning on the television. Honey, I thank you for this gift, but I love you. I just want to sit here with you and hear about your day. I want to be with you. You are much more important that this television.
The Joy Exchange: Letting Go of Temporal Joys to Embrace Eternal Joy
I. Matthew 13:44-46 - The Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl
… in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
… who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
II. Philippians 3:4-8 – Paul’s Former Pride vs. The Joy-Producing Worth of Jesus
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8
III. Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus’ Sordid Gain vs. Joyful Generosity
… So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.
… Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.
IV. Luke 18:18-23 – The Rich Young Ruler: clinging to wealth, walked away sorrowful
But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Luke 18:23
Will you exchange those things that promise happiness but leave you empty for that which will bring everlasting joy?
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. Psalm 4:7
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
reRejoice: The Foundation of Joy
1 Peter 1:3-9
I. Rejoice in Your Salvation
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! Psalm 20:5
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. Psalm 13:5
Aspects of Salvation
· His Great Mercy
· New Birth
· Resurrection
· Inheritance
· Assurance
II. Rejoice in Your Sanctification
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:41
III. Rejoice in Your Savior
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17–18
Do you know the joy of having Jesus as your Savior?
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Peace with Others
Christmas means we can have peace with others.
And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. Malachi 4:6
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
Ephesians 2:13-22
Jesus came so the walls can come down!
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31–32
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7
There was an inscription on the wall of the outer courtyard of the Jerusalem temple warning Gentiles that they would only have themselves to blame for their death if they passed beyond it into the inner courts. Paul may or may not be alluding to this wall, but it well illustrates Christ’s reconciliation of all people into a new humanity
Jesus came so we can be made one!
that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:21–23
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14
Jesus came so we can grow together!
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19
Keep striving for peace!
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5
Peace on Earth: Peace in Your Heart
Christmas means you can have God's Peace in Your Heart.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 3
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 3
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 2
Principles for Experiencing God's Peace in Your Heart
Philippians 4:5-9
Promise of Peace
shall keep—rather, “shall guard”; shall keep as a well-garrisoned stronghold (Is 26:1, 3). The same Greek verb is used in 1Pe 1:5. There shall be peace secure within, whatever outward troubles may besiege.[1]
Principle #1: The Presence of God
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
[This nearness of Christ admits of other explanations. It may mean that He is ever near to His people as their efficient supporter and helper, so that with such an arm to defend them they have nothing to fear from the power or malice of their enemies (comp. Matt. 13:11; 1 Pet. 4:7); or, more probably, that He is always near to them in point of time, will soon come to relieve them of their cares and trials, and receive them to their appointed rewards and rest in heaven (John 14:3; Rom. 13:11, sq.) See note on 1:7. There is no necessary, certainly no exclusive, reference here to a definite expectation of the near advent of Christ, and the end of the world.—H.][2]
Principle #2: Prayer
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The Philippian saints were habitually worrying. Paul exhorts them to stop it. [6 highlights] The word “nothing” is literally “not even one thing.”[3]
Principle #3: Praise
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
“Peace” is the companion of “thanksgiving” - Commentary Critical and Explanatory
Principle #4: Purity of Mind
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
In keeping with that thought, Paul suggests to his readers a ‘divine programming’ that will ensure their peace. He calls upon them to think about:
• (True) the true—those things that correspond to the teaching of God’s Word;
• (Honorable, Honest, Noble) the noble—those things that have the dignity of moral excellence;
• (Just, Right) the just—those things that conform to God’s standards;
• (Pure) the pure—those things that are free from the taint of sin;
• (Lovely) the lovely—those virtues that make believers attractive and winsome, such as generosity, kindness, compassion and willingness to forgive;
• (Commendable, Admirable) the things of good report—those things that give Christians a good reputation and a good name. [12 highlights]
(Worthy of Praise) Paul sums it all up by telling his readers to meditate on anything of virtue and anything worthy of praise.[4]
Principle #5: Practice God’s Word
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:19–20
Do You have this Peace in Your Heart?
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
[1] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Php 4:7). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[2] Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Braune, K., & Hackett, H. B. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Philippians (67). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[3] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Php 4:6). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
[4] Ellsworth, R. (2004). Opening up Philippians. Opening Up Commentary (84–85). Leominster: Day One Publications.
Stand Firm with God's Equipment (Part 2): Ephesians 6:10-20
I. The Shield of Faith
· shield—the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1, ESV
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1, NLT
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8–9
for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
II. The Helmet of Salvation
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. Luke 19:9
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12–13
III. The Sword of The Spirit
· The spiritual nature of the church’s resources is nowhere more plain than in its reliance upon God’s Word, which is the only offensive weapon mentioned in this list of spiritual armor. The Word of God is to be wielded like a sharp two-edged sword, in the mighty power of his Holy Spirit
· A material sword pierces the body, but the Word of God pierces the heart. The more you use a physical sword, the duller it becomes; but using God’s Word only makes it sharper in our lives. [19 highlights] A physical sword requires the hand of a soldier, but the sword of the Spirit has its own power, for it is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12). The Spirit wrote the Word, and the Spirit wields the Word as we take it by faith and use it. A physical sword wounds to hurt and kill, while the sword of the Spirit wounds to heal and give life. [23 highlights] But when we use the sword against Satan, we are out to deal him a blow that will cripple him and keep him from hindering God’s work.
· When He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Christ used the sword of the Spirit and defeated the enemy. Three times Jesus said, “It is written” (Luke 4:1–13). Note that Satan can also quote the Word: “For it is written” (Luke 4:10), but he does not quote it completely. Satan tries to use the Word of God to confuse us, so it is important that we know every word that God has given us.
· In one sense, the “whole armor of God” is a picture of Jesus Christ. Christ is the Truth (John 14:6), and He is our righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) and our peace (Eph. 2:14). His faithfulness makes possible our faith (Gal. 2:20); He is our salvation (Luke 2:30); and He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). This means that when we trusted Christ, we received the armor. Paul told the Romans what to do with the armor (Rom. 13:11–14): wake up (Rom. 13:11), cast off sin, and “put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). We do this by putting “on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14). By faith, put on the armor and trust God for the victory. Once and for all, we have put on the armor at the moment of salvation. But there must be a daily appropriation. When King David put off his armor and returned to his palace, he was in greater danger than when he was on the battlefield (2 Sam. 11). We are never out of reach of Satan’s devices, so we must never be without the whole armor of God.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Psalm 119:9
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
IV. Spirit-led Prayer
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
V. Perseverance
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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