James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  3  because

you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you

may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their

cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

1. Deny yourself

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up

their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

Luke 9:24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

(NIV)

2. Pick up your cross

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take

up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

Galatians 2:20   I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I

now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus h

ave crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

(NIV)

Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be

done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (NIV)

Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for

you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.

(NIV)

Hebrews 11:25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures

of sin. (NLT)

3. Follow Jesus

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take

up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

1. Follow Jesus, not you

Luke 9:57–62 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58  But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place

even to lay his head.” 59  He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said,

“Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 60  But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury

their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” 61  Another said, “Yes, Lord, I

will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” 62  But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a

hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)

2. Follow Jesus, not excuses

3. Follow Jesus, not people

1. Follow God’s word instead of people’s opinions

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)

2. Follow God’s voice instead of people’s voices

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  3  because

you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you

may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their

cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

1. Deny yourself

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up

their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

Luke 9:24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

(NIV)

2. Pick up your cross

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take

up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

Galatians 2:20   I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I

now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus h

ave crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

(NIV)

Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be

done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (NIV)

Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for

you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.

(NIV)

Hebrews 11:25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures

of sin. (NLT)

3. Follow Jesus

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take

up their cross daily and follow me. (NIV)

1. Follow Jesus, not you

Luke 9:57–62 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58  But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place

even to lay his head.” 59  He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said,

“Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 60  But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury

their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” 61  Another said, “Yes, Lord, I

will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” 62  But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a

hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)

2. Follow Jesus, not excuses

3. Follow Jesus, not people

1. Follow God’s word instead of people’s opinions

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)

2. Follow God’s voice instead of people’s voices

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)

Exodus 34:7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and

sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and

grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.

(NLT)

1. Give Thanks for God’s Patience

“I don’t know who needs to hear this but if the house is 73 and you want it to be

68 turning the thermostat down to 60 doesn’t make it happen any quicker.”

“And by I don’t know who, I mean my wife, but I can’t tell her because she is

pregnant and scares me.”

Jonah 4:1-2 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he

complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this,

LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate

God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying

people. (NLT)

2. Be Patient with Yourself

1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out

his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can

live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already

doing. (NLT)

Exodus 34:7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and

sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and

grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.

(NLT)

1. Give Thanks for God’s Patience

“I don’t know who needs to hear this but if the house is 73 and you want it to be

68 turning the thermostat down to 60 doesn’t make it happen any quicker.”

“And by I don’t know who, I mean my wife, but I can’t tell her because she is

pregnant and scares me.”

Jonah 4:1-2 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he

complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this,

LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate

God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying

people. (NLT)

2. Be Patient with Yourself

1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out

his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can

live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already

doing. (NLT)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  3  because you

know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (NIV)

Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (NKJV)

Genesis 18:14   Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and

Sarah will have a son.” (NIV)

Genesis 16:1-2 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named

Hagar;  2  so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave;

perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. (NIV)

4 Wise Ways To Wait

1. Wait with trust

Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5  Commit everything

you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5–7   Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6  in all

your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  7  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear

the LORD and shun evil. (NIV)

2. Wait with a quiet soul

Psalm 37:7–9 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry

about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8  Stop being angry! Turn from

your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9  For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. (NLT)

1. Be still verses being restless

2. Be still verses worrying about others

Luke 12:25–26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26  Since you cannot

do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (NIV)

3. Be still verses being angry

James 1:20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (NIV)

3. Wait with action

Psalm 37:23–24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

24  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (NLT)

Psalm 37:27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. (NLT)

Psalm 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land;

you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (ESV)

4. Wait with commitment

Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5  Commit

everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry

about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (NLT)

Romans 4:18–21 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many

nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  19  Without weakening in his

faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years

old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20  Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding

the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21  being fully

persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (NIV)

Galatians 6:9   Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if

we do not give up. (NIV)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  3  because you

know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: (NIV)

Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (NKJV)

Genesis 18:14   Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and

Sarah will have a son.” (NIV)

Genesis 16:1-2 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named

Hagar;  2  so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave;

perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. (NIV)

4 Wise Ways To Wait

1. Wait with trust

Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5  Commit everything

you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5–7   Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6  in all

your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  7  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear

the LORD and shun evil. (NIV)

2. Wait with a quiet soul

Psalm 37:7–9 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry

about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8  Stop being angry! Turn from

your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9  For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. (NLT)

1. Be still verses being restless

2. Be still verses worrying about others

Luke 12:25–26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26  Since you cannot

do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (NIV)

3. Be still verses being angry

James 1:20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (NIV)

3. Wait with action

Psalm 37:23–24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

24  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (NLT)

Psalm 37:27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. (NLT)

Psalm 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land;

you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (ESV)

4. Wait with commitment

Psalm 37:4–5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5  Commit

everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (NLT)

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry

about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (NLT)

Romans 4:18–21 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many

nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  19  Without weakening in his

faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years

old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20  Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding

the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21  being fully

persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (NIV)

Galatians 6:9   Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if

we do not give up. (NIV)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many

kinds,  3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance

finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

1. Don’t despise the day of small beginnings

1 Samuel 16:11-12 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the

youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not

sit down until he arrives.” 12  So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with

health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint

him; this is the one.” (NIV)

2. Do small things in a big way

1 Samuel 17:17–18   Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these

ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18  Take along these ten cheeses to

the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from

them. (NIV)

1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up

and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle

positions, shouting the war cry. (NIV)

Colossians 3:23   Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (ESV)

4 Benefits Of Passing The Small Things Test

1. Grows your character 

1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his

own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s

command.” (NIV)

2. Grows your skill

1 Samuel 16:17–18 “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him

here.” 18  One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp

player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a

fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him.” (NLT)

1. David grew his warrior skills before facing a humongous giant

1 Samuel 17:34–35   But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s

sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35  I went after it,

struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its

hair, struck it and killed it. (NIV)

2. David grew his slingshot skills before he fought Goliath

1 Samuel 17:38–40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on

him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39  David fastened on his sword over the tunic and

tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to

Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40  Then he took his staff in

his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his

shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)

3. Grows your confidence

1 Samuel 17:32   David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your

servant will go and fight him.” (NIV)

1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised

Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37  The

LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the

hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” (NIV)

4. Grows your opportunities

1 Samuel 18:5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a

high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well. (NIV)

Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever

is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (NIV)

Your most important step is your next step

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many

kinds,  3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  4  Let perseverance

finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

1. Don’t despise the day of small beginnings

1 Samuel 16:11-12 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the

youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not

sit down until he arrives.” 12  So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with

health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint

him; this is the one.” (NIV)

2. Do small things in a big way

1 Samuel 17:17–18   Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these

ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18  Take along these ten cheeses to

the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from

them. (NIV)

1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up

and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle

positions, shouting the war cry. (NIV)

Colossians 3:23   Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (ESV)

4 Benefits Of Passing The Small Things Test

1. Grows your character 

1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his

own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s

command.” (NIV)

2. Grows your skill

1 Samuel 16:17–18 “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him

here.” 18  One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp

player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a

fine-looking young man, and the LORD is with him.” (NLT)

1. David grew his warrior skills before facing a humongous giant

1 Samuel 17:34–35   But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s

sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35  I went after it,

struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its

hair, struck it and killed it. (NIV)

2. David grew his slingshot skills before he fought Goliath

1 Samuel 17:38–40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on

him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39  David fastened on his sword over the tunic and

tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to

Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40  Then he took his staff in

his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his

shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)

3. Grows your confidence

1 Samuel 17:32   David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your

servant will go and fight him.” (NIV)

1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised

Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37  The

LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the

hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” (NIV)

4. Grows your opportunities

1 Samuel 18:5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a

high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well. (NIV)

Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever

is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (NIV)

Your most important step is your next step

James 1:2-3 (NIV) - 2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of

many kinds,  3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) - 10  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  11  Put on

all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  12  For

we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of

the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the

heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) - 13  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to

resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) -  14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of

God’s righteousness.  15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you

will be fully prepared.  16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery

arrows of the devil.  17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God.

1. Belt of Truth

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT) - Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) - 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of

God’s righteousness.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

Romans 12:9 (NIV) - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Ephesians 6:14-15 (NLT) - 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor

of God’s righteousness.  15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that

you will be fully prepared.

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Romans 5:8 (NIV) - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still

sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) - 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery

arrows of the devil.

4. Shield of Faith

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we

do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who

comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17  Put on salvation as your helmet,

5. Helmet of Salvation

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV) - 31  What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for

us, who can be against us?  32  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how

will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  33  Who will bring any

charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  34  Who then is the one who

condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the

right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  35  Who shall separate us from the love of

Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or

sword?  36  As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  38  For I am

convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the

future, nor any powers,  39  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able

to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God.

6. Sword of the Spirit

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-

edged sword,

James 1:2-3 (NIV) - 2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of

many kinds,  3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) - 10  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  11  Put on

all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  12  For

we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of

the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the

heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) - 13  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to

resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) -  14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of

God’s righteousness.  15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you

will be fully prepared.  16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery

arrows of the devil.  17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God.

1. Belt of Truth

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT) - Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) - 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of

God’s righteousness.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

Romans 12:9 (NIV) - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Ephesians 6:14-15 (NLT) - 14  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor

of God’s righteousness.  15  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that

you will be fully prepared.

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Romans 5:8 (NIV) - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still

sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) - 16  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery

arrows of the devil.

4. Shield of Faith

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we

do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who

comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17  Put on salvation as your helmet,

5. Helmet of Salvation

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV) - 31  What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for

us, who can be against us?  32  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how

will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  33  Who will bring any

charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  34  Who then is the one who

condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the

right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  35  Who shall separate us from the love of

Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or

sword?  36  As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  38  For I am

convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the

future, nor any powers,  39  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able

to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - 17  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God.

6. Sword of the Spirit

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-

edged sword,