Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:10-16 (NIV) We Can Stand Firm In Faith By: 1. Trusting In The Character Of God “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.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. 18 I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!” 19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. 20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love [lovingkindness] of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” 25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. 26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:17-26 (NLT2) 2. Persevering In Difficult Circumstances “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.” Hebrews 11:7a (NLT2) It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 (NLT2) "By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Hebrews 11:33-35 (NLT2) 3. Demonstrating God’s Power and Love To Others In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2:17-18 (NIV) “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” Ephesians 4:13-14 (NLT2) Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 (NLT2) Where do I need to take up the shield of faith? My next right step I will: Pray for an open door to share Jesus with someone. Share my story of faith to someone I know Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Icebreaker: Where have you seen God show up in your life? Review Remember Verse: Ephesians 6:10-11 (NLT2) “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.” Read: Ephesians 6:14-18 In what ways does the shield of faith help us stand against the devil? Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible – Commentary: The shield of faith in God. The word “shield” does not mean the small round shield which the soldier held in his hand to fight off the weapons of the enemy. It means the great oblong shield worn by the soldier to protect his body from the fiery darts thrown by the enemy. The darts were dipped in pitch or some other combustible material and set afire. When they struck, they served the purpose of small incendiary bombs. Satan has his fiery darts—those things that cause the believer...to question his salvation, to question his call, to question if he is worthy…Such fiery darts often assault the mind—one doubting and evil thought after the other—fighting against the will—struggling to get hold of the mind and subject it to doubt or evil. However, the sign of the Christian soldier is that of the shield of faith, faith in God—a complete and perfect trust that God will quench the darts of doubt and evil that attack him, that God will help him control his mind and conquer the evil doubts and thoughts. The Christian soldier's consciousness of God's presence is so great that God's presence itself becomes his shield and defender. We Take Up The Shield Of Faith When We: 1. Trust In The Character Of God Read: Hebrews 11:6 What are two requirements of faith? Read: Lamentations 3:17-26 Which character traits does Jeremiah point out? Why was this important for Jeremiah to work through his pain and sorrow? How should we respond to God’s Character? 2. Persevering In Difficult Circumstances Read: Hebrews 11:7a How difficult would it be for you to build a giant boat where there was no large body of water? What did Noah’s faith accomplish? What is your faith accomplishing? Read: Hebrews 11:24-26 How can we relate to Moses’ life choices? Read: Hebrews 11:33-35 List some of the amazing victories of faith. Is it considered a victory for those who died for their faith? If so, why? 3. Demonstrating God’s Power and Love To Others Read: James 2:17-18 Why do you think James approaches faith in this way? Read: Ephesians 4:13-14 How does maturity and unity of faith go together? How does mature faith protect us? Read: Ephesians: 4:15-16 How does everyone working together encourage each other’s faith? What area can you serve to help build the church? Close in Prayer: