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. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV) ● The Helmet Of Salvation Is My New Identity In Jesus The helmet of salvation is the protective assurance of our salvation, rooted in Christ's finished work, that guards our minds from doubt, fear, and deception. It helps us live confidently in our new identity and purpose, while giving us hope for the future. What Keeps Us From Standing Firm? ● Destructive Thoughts Feelings of being: Unworthy, Unloved, Incapable, Undesirable, Unforgivable, Fear, Bitterness, Anger, Gossip, Pride, other: “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NLT2) “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 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 10:4-5 (NIV) Three Truths To Protect My New Identity In Jesus 1. In Jesus, My Past Is Completely Forgiven “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT2) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 2. In Jesus, My Present Is Protected With Purpose “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT2) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV) 3. In Jesus, My Future Is Secure “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV) “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NLT2) What thoughts do I need to take captive? My next right step I will: Identify destructive thoughts and exchange them for God’s truth Invite someone to Christmas In Poway, Friday, Dec 6th from 5PM to 700PM Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior [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: “Snapshots of Life” Ask group members to think of a photo or memory that represents a time in their past they are grateful to have moved beyond; and current situation where they feel purposeful, or a hope for their future. Share briefly with the group. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 What Keeps Us From Standing Firm? ● Destructive Thoughts Feelings of being: Unworthy, Unloved, Incapable, Undesirable, Unforgivable, Fear, Bitterness, Anger, Gossip, Pride, other: Read: Romans 8:6 How have I allowed a foothold for the devil? Read: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 What thoughts do I need to take captive daily? Three Truths To Protect My New Identity In Jesus 1. In Jesus, My Past Is Completely Forgiven Ephesians 1:4-5 What have I learned about who I am in Jesus? Ephesians 2:8-9 What does it mean to be “saved by grace and not by works”? When did I place my trust in Jesus to save me by His grace? Read: Romans 8:1-2 What have I learned about my identity in Jesus? Action Step: This week, identify one past mistake or guilt you need to release to God. Confess it in prayer and trust in His forgiveness. 2. In Jesus, My Present Is Protected With Purpose Read: Ephesians 2:10 Where do I see God’s workmanship in my life? Read: Romans 5:3-5 What can I learn about the problems and trials I go through in life? Romans 8:28 What is God’s promise to those who love Him? Action Step: Identify one specific way you can serve others or live out your purpose this week. 3. In Jesus, My Future Is Secure Read: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 What can I learn about God’s promises? What is needed for me to “stand firm”? How does God provide a guarantee in my future? Read: Romans 8:38-39 What do I learn about my future? Read: 1 Peter 1:3-5 1 Peter 1:3-5 speaks of an inheritance that will never perish. How does this eternal perspective influence how you handle present challenges? Close in Prayer: Spiritual Warfare Prayer #5: Standing in Jesus’ Victory Heavenly Father, Thank You for the victory we have in Jesus, who has redeemed our past, given purpose to our present, and secured our eternal future. As we come before You in prayer, we stand firm in Your promises and armor, trusting in Your power to overcome every scheme of the enemy. We wear the helmet of salvation, knowing our minds are protected by Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we bind the forces of darkness that seek to hinder us, discourage us, or distract us. We declare that the victory belongs to Jesus, and through Him, we have the power to overcome. Lord, we claim the security of our future in You. Your promises remind us that nothing can separate us from Your love. We pray all of this in the powerful, victorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.