Enemies on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the root causes of discontentment, identifying covetousness and the 'if only' mentality as primary enemies of a contented life. It distinguishes between fleeting happiness, which depends on circumstances, and supernatural joy, which is a fruit of the Spirit grounded in faith. The message encourages believers to examine their hearts for inordinate desires and to shift their focus from what they lack to the imperishable inheritance promised in Christ. By meditating on the character of God and the reality of their true home in heaven, believers are called to cultivate an inward assurance that produces peace and thanksgiving regardless of external trials. The ultimate goal is not happiness but holiness, achieved through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who enables believers to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.

In the previous sermon on Psalm 68, God made a procession out of Egypt, through the Promised land and up to Jerusalem. Now in the psalm God clears out the rebels in order for Israel and all the nations to make a procession into Jerusalem. The desire is for the nations to worship God. This section speaks of a future time to us where Jesus will conquer His enemies and rule on earth from Jerusalem.

"How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" –Psalm 13:1–2 (NKJV)

Loving God and loving the world are incompatible because the world's values and ways are contrary to God. Salvation brings a real change in a person's life, separating them from their former way of living and turning their affections toward God, His Word, and His people. The love of the world can keep people from fully yielding to Christ and can draw professing believers away from God's work and truth. Scripture calls believers to come out from the world, refuse conformity to it, set their affection on things above, and remain faithful to God's people. The real issue is where the heart belongs, because what a person loves, enjoys, and chooses reveals whether their deepest affection is for God or for this present world.

Motivation for Unity v 1 A. Encouragement in Christ B. Comfort from Love C. Together in the Spirit D. Affection and Sympathy 2. Characteristics of Unity v 2 A. Likeminded B. Same Love C. One Accord and Mind 3. The Enemy of Unity v 3 A. Selfish Ambition B. Conceit 4. Road to Unity v 4 A. Humility B. Value Others C. Differ to Others

This sermon explores the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6, emphasizing that believers are engaged in a battle against principalities and powers rather than flesh and blood. The central message is that Christians must rely on God's strength and put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the devil's wiles. The preacher highlights that prayer is not merely a secret weapon but the battlefield itself, urging the congregation to view public prayer meetings as the front line of this conflict. The tone is both convicting and encouraging, calling believers to recognize the severity of the enemy while trusting in the superior protection provided by God's armor. The sermon concludes with a call to persevere in prayer and holiness, ensuring that when the dust settles, the believer remains standing.

The sermon explores the assurance of God's presence and provision for His people, drawing primarily from Psalm 46. It contrasts the turmoil of the world with the peace found in the 'city of God,' identifying believers as citizens of heaven who are sustained by the spiritual streams of God's grace. The message emphasizes that true gladness arises not from circumstances but from a deep reliance on Christ, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believer, and the unshakeable security of the church. In the face of societal opposition and personal trials, the preacher encourages believers to walk in courage and to engage in evangelism, trusting that the Lord of Hosts is with them and will ultimately silence the raging of the wicked.

1. The church grows amid the outworking of God's providence. 2. The church grows through the proclamation of God's Christ. 3. The church grows despite the opposition of God's enemies. 4. The church grows with the assurance of God's word.

A Christian who is engaged in spiritual warfare without God's armour, is a defeated Christian. We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We must put on ALL of the armour of God. If we do so, we can withstand and STAND. May God help us, the army of Christ, to fulfil the mission of our GREAT Commander and Chief. For the sake of those without Christ, may we fight to set them free. For the sake of God's church, may we engage the enemy and see the church victorious once again. By God's might, let us stand and having done all to STAND. (Ephesian 6:10-18)