The sword is the soldier’s OFFENSIVE weapon.  

Ephesians 6:13-16 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  

The WORD of GOD  

The word of God not only provides the Christian soldier with a solid DEFENSE but also a potent OFFENSE.  

GRAPHE: the book/ the writings 

RHEMA: the spoken word  

It’s not enough to just STUDY the word or KNOW the word, you must SPEAK the word.   

2 Corinthians 10:4-5a The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,

The word is INSPIRED by GOD.  

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  

A COMMAND is only as powerful as the AUTHORITY of who it comes from.  

The word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE.  

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

God’s word brings LIFE to DEAD things.The word of God must be APPLIED.  

Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV) “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”  

SPEAK it

Matthew 15:18 (NLT) “But the words you speak come from the heart.”

DO it

This series, The Fight of Your Life, has been an impactful one: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAYU8tP-3OqgybsWzUnUx_vYyOdRzeFjl 

Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/T1OQoFqw1ZE 

This week we talked about the full salvation story, working out of our salvation. Sanctification is a process that refreshes our entire mind, body, will and emotions. Be aware that God is still at work within you! There is more to come in this walk on a daily basis. Daily dying to ourselves, surrendering our desires. Consistently seeking to become more like Jesus every day. We may want these things right here, right now — but stay disciplined and allow the Lord to renew your mind. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV ‬‬ 

“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.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 

Write scriptures out to conquer the thoughts. We need to walk in FREEDOM!

Ephesians 6:13-16 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  

The helmet provided IDENTITY and SAFETY for the soldier.  SALVATION Salvation is God’s life-changing POWER to TRANSFORM.  

SALVATION provides the Christian soldier with their identity and their safety in CHRIST. Salvation of our SPIRIT is automatic Salvation of our SOUL takes work.  

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work outyour salvation with fear and trembling,Where the MIND goes, the MAN follows.  Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…  

2 Corinthians 10:5 We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  

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.Think different about WHO YOU ARE.  

John 1:42 You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas (which is translated Peter).  

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!  

My ISSUE is not my IDENTITY. Failure is an EVENT, not a PERSON.  Think different about WHAT YOU DO. God is not trying to CONTROL you, He is trying to FREE you.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  

I Corinthians 2:16 For, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.   

MINDSET CHANGES:I am not living for SELF, I am living to SERVE. I am not holding GRUDGES,I forgive QUICKLY.  I am not managing SIN, I am walking in FREEDOM.  I am not ALONE,I am a VITAL PART of the family of God.I am not looking at people as my PROBLEM, I am looking at people as my PURPOSE.I am not GIVING UP, I am just getting STARTED.

We are in a timely series called, “The Fight of Your Life.” This weekend’s message: https://youtu.be/zfkDZVho2VU 

When we deposit faith into our life, it feeds our spirit. It strengthens and sustains you. Keep exercising your faith. Develop your faith muscles. Hear the word, and apply it. 

Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” When have you had to take up your shield of faith? 

Full series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAYU8tP-3OqgybsWzUnUx_vYyOdRzeFjl 

Surround yourself with people of faith to help lift you up, even when you’re getting crushed. Don’t just take what you see, but what GOD SAID! 

2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Our feelings can be fatal. They change. Act on your FAITH! Challenge: Go to God’s Word when you are met with opposition.

Ephesians 6:13-16 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The shield is the FIRST line of PROTECTION against the attacks of the enemy.

FAITH

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Faith “pistis”—(appears 240 times in the New Testament) ACTING on the TRUTH

Faith is not FEELINGS

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight.

“Any faith that must be supported by the evidences of the senses is not REAL faith.”—A.W. Tozer

Feelings are CIRCUMSTANTIAL.

“PUT ON”—ALWAYS needed

Faith is a protective BARRIER between us and the ATTACKS of Satan.

Faith must be RECEIVED.

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

When I listen to TRASH, I deposit DOUBT.

Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Faith must GROW.

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Faith is a MUSCLE that either DECLINES or DEVELOPS.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

When is the last time you EXERCISED your faith?

3.  Faith must be ACTIVATED.

I activate my faith by SPEAKING God’s word.

2 Corinthians 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Matthew 6:26-27 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Isaiah 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,

Shoes: to provide STABILITY and MOBILITY for the soldier. 

The stable soldier can STAND FIRM when the enemy attacks.  

Ephesians 6:13-15 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  

I Corinthians 15:58a Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  

The mobile soldier can QUICKLY MOVE into battle.

Luke 14:23 Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.  

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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  

Ephesians 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  

PEACE Peace: calm and tranquility of SOUL amid DIFFICULT circumstances 

Peace should be the DEFAULT of the believer.  

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace is what I HAVE because Jesus LIVES IN me.  

Ephesians 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  

ABC’s of the Gospel: ADMIT,  BELIEVE, COME  

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  

When my peace is based on my SITUATIONS, I am prone to FALL.  

When my peace is based on my SAVIOR, I can stand FIRM.  

Peace is what I MAKE because Jesus WORKS THROUGH me.   

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  

Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,  

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

You won’t FIND peace until you MAKE peace.  

Shalom: ultimate PEACE, WHOLENESS  Since peace lives WITHIN me, I can ESTABLISH peace around me.  

Where is God sending me to bring His peace?

If you're struggling with mental health challenges, today's special guest is Nicole Aucoin from Healthy Steps Nutrition, CrossFit HSN will discuss this and more! You may remember Nicole and her husband Jason doing pull-ups in one of our recent messages. 

"The Fight of Your Life" Series Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAYU8tP-3OqgybsWzUnUx_vYyOdRzeFjl

It's one thing to attend church, and another thing to connect, get involved and engage in community. 

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist and Brene Brown

You choose how you spend your time. You invest in what you pay attention to. Excuses are easy to find. Make the time for what you value! 

Morning Devotionals set your day off right and we want to make it easy by providing devotional books. 

The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Baterson

What Helped? It's a process

Some of the attacks are more spiritual than you may think they are. It takes consistency, even when it's hard.

Don't do life alone!

What is one step to start moving forward from anxiety and depression?

Look for a Father, Brother and Son

Ephesians 6:13-14 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. Stand firm then,with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,with the breastplate of righteousness in place

Breastplate: PROTECTION for your vital ORGANS.  

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Righteousness: RIGHT LIVING, to meet a STANDARD,to pass INSPECTION 

Righteousness GUARDS the most VITAL parts of your life.   

Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.  

The enemy’s INVASION is always started by an INVITATION. 

Unrighteousness is an INVITATION for the ENEMY to attack your life.  

Righteousness can be FAKED, but God, nor the enemy is FOOLED.  

Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;  

Jesus didn’t come to help you MANAGE SIN.  

Jesus came to help you have VICTORY OVER SIN.  

Righteousness is first EMBRACED, not EARNED.  

Righteousness is both IMPUTED and IMPARTED.  

Imputed: given to us at the MOMENT of our salvation, JUSTIFICATION  

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  

I Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; Have you been born again?  

Imparted: WORKED OUT every day after salvation, 

SANCTIFICATION  

Righteousness TRANSFORMS us from the INSIDE OUT.  

Ephesians 4:20-24 That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Whatever you feed, GROWS.Whatever you starve, DIES.  

Feed your spirit = RIGHTEOUSNESS  

Feed your flesh = ROTTENNESS 

The same Jesus that SAVES us is the same Jesus that SANCTIFIES us.  

Thank you for joining us online this weekend!   

We've been in a series about spiritual warfare and the Armor of God!

How do we practically live out the TRUTH of God's Word?

It starts with discipline. Know God's Word, spend time reading it. Engage actively with Scripture. 

How are you defining your life?

Accomplishments, status, etc. often shapes our core. 

Make time for what's important in life!

Proverbs 3:1-2, "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you."

Matthew 11:28, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Knowing the truth and applying the truth are two totally different things. 

"We know the truth, but it's hanging up in our closet. We're not putting it on." - TJ McCormick

You can know the truth, but it brings freedom to your life with you APPLY it.

Tenacity is attractive, but consistency and conviction has longevity.

"Just because I don't agree with what you're saying doesn't mean I hate you." - Shayla McCormick

Proverbs 3:3-6, "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

"Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” — Charles Spurgeon

Q&A

From Josh Mitchael : "If you could spend 2 hrs with any significant historical figure that’s lived within the last 100 years, who would it be? and why?"

Ephesians 6:13-14 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,    

The belt STABILIZES and STRENGTHENS the core.  

TRUTH  Truth: An OBJECTIVE STANDARD by which reality is measured.   

TRUTH is what stabilizes the believer during BATTLE.   

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.   

The Devil DEALS in DECEPTION.   

1.    Truth is ABSOLUTE For something to be TRUE, something else must be FALSE.  

Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong; it is knowing the difference between right and ALMOST RIGHT.—Charles Spurgeon   

2.    Truth can be KNOWN   

Hebrews 1:1-3 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.    

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   Truth is a PERSON, and his name is JESUS. 

WWJD: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO   

3.    The Truth HURTS  But it always HELPS.   John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   

It’s GOD’S truth, not MAN’S ideas, that set people FREE.