To be like Jesus: this is a high calling. Jesus is our Lord and master, but he came as the servant of all. He was willing to deny himself and even suffer the death of the cross for our salvation. We, as followers of Christ, are called to walk in his footsteps.

Jesus knew suffering and death awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he was determined to fulfill his purpose in giving his life. As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, his disciples were amazed!

This sermon concludes the series, Contending with the Enemy. Whether we want it or not, we are fighting against a real enemy. So we must be willing to engage in the fight and contend, in order to overcome and experience spiritual victory. In this sermon, we will explore what it means to fight the good fight of faith.

We are combatting a real enemy. The impact of satan's influences can be seen in not only the rebellion of individuals but also in systemic evil affecting society. Christians must not become passive in our witness, but should understand the need to be proactive in our mission.

We are contending with an enemy we do not physically see, but we see the devastating effects of his deception and wicked works. We must therefore contend with satan and his demonic forces spiritually. We must be armed with the Spirit to be victorious in our fight for truth and righteousness. This fight is greater than ourselves; we are also contending for the souls of those around us, especially our family and friends. Let's explore what it means to be armed with the Spirit.

We are contending with a real spiritual enemy. In order to contend, we must be spiritually prepared to face satan's attack. In this sermon, we will consider our preparation.

We are in a spiritual battle against satanic forces of evil. We need to understand satan's strategy of attack in order to recognize him when he comes at us and to overcome him by faith.

We are fighting an unseen enemy that should not be underestimated. He is the master of temptation and deception. As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be spiritually savvy - knowing his tactics - in order to resist and overcome his schemes.

Christians live in a world that conflicts with principles of righteousness and holiness. Pressures to conform to the world are all around us in literally every system in which we live, work, and play. We must have a made-up mind, going against the flow, and resisting the spirit of compromise.

This message is a continuation of last week's sermon -- Cost of Living in Sodom -- based on the story of Lot. As Christians, we must maintain a clear separation between sin and righteousness. The cost is too great to compromise ourselves.