January 14, 2018

Sunday School
The Whole Armor of God!
References: Bible.org; Matthew Henry; David Guzik - Blue Letter Bible; Bible Hub; Google
Ephesians 6:10-20

• We Christians are in a life's spiritual warfare with Satan. Our battle cannot be fought with metal, bullets, iron, or stones.
• In order to resist temptations and survive the many trials we face, God has provided a proper defense to stand firm in when Satan crosses our paths.
• For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
• The name Satan means adversary. Devil means accuser or slanderer. He is also called Adaddon which means destroyer.
• Satan is a spirit and so are his demons. He delights in bringing chaos into our lives.
• Satan and his demons are very powerful but God limits their power. They are not omnipresent or omniscient.
• We can't see Satan and since we cannot see him, temptations and trials seem to come out of nowhere.
• Satan uses deception to tempts us into sin. He portrays sin as so very attractive.
• But God provided the Whole Armor.
• We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. v10
• The belt is the first piece of equipment. it represents truth or sincerity to fight against lies and decept.
• The breastplate of righteousness. When we've repented and been forgiven of our sins and done right in the eyes of God (obeying God), our breastplate will protect us.
• Shod the feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  We should be ready and eager to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
• The shield of faith, above all, which enables us to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  Faith protects the Christian in many ways just like Daniel in the lion's den; like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
• The helmet of salvation. Salvation is free, provided by the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ. With salvation, we have the hope of eternal life.
• The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  In Hebrews 4:12 it says, "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and shaper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
• Jesus used the Word of God against Satan in the desert. Matthew 4:1-10
• We must remember to sharpen our swords by regularly studying the bible.
• Pray is last. We are to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.....
• Praying reminds us of the battles we face and strengthens our defenses against Satan. Prayer lets God know that we are fully committed to Him, praising Him in good times and bad times.

Sermon
Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Topic:  New Beginnings

• Everything has a beginning.
• In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
• We have a new beginning because of what Christ did on Calvary.
• In life, we need to have a process of the order of things, one step at a times, to appreciate our daily lives.
• To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
• We should forget about the past. But we tend to want to hold onto it because it seems easier.
• Stop being chained to the past. You can't go and fix it.
• Do not be conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:2 
• Jesus died so that we may be forgiven and have a new beginning.
• Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
• Focus on looking within yourself rather than on someone else.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18
• Restore right relationships.
• Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17