Standing Firm in Spiritual Battle: Fighting From Victory in Christ
Scripture References
- Ephesians 6:11-12
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
- Colossians 1:13-14
- 2 Corinthians 2:11
- John 8:44
- John 8:32
- Matthew 4:3
- 1 John 2:16
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Matthew 13:19
- John 10:10
- James 4:7
- 1 John 4:4
- Joshua 1:9
- Philippians 4:13
Introduction
Using the true-life film “Captain Phillips,” this week’s message likened Somali pirates boarding a cargo ship to Satan’s attempts to commandeer our lives. Scripture teaches that two realms exist–physical and spiritual–and the battles that matter most are fought in the unseen realm. When a person trusts Christ, God transfers them from darkness to light, but the devil then declares war on them. The message exposed the enemy’s primary strategies, showed how believers can resist, and reminded hearers that Christ has already secured the decisive victory: every follower of Jesus lives in an unseen spiritual war, but because Christ has already won, we fight from victory–so we must stay alert, stand firm, and be strong. The message also set up the upcoming series “Fight the Good Fight,” a verse-by-verse study of 2 Timothy on fighting the battles that matter most as disciples of Jesus.
Continue readingKing on a Donkey, Face Set Like Flint
Scripture References
- Luke 9:51
- Isaiah 50:6-7
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Mark 11:1-11
- Luke 19:28-44
- John 12:12-19, 16
- Zechariah 9:9
- Psalm 118:25-26
- Deuteronomy 8:3
- Deuteronomy 6:13
- Psalm 91
- Proverbs 29:25
- John 12:42-43
Introduction
- The preacher invites the church to journey with Jesus along His final, “dark and scary road” toward Easter.
- Luke 9:51 marks the hinge of the gospel narrative: Jesus “set His face” toward Jerusalem–language of iron-willed resolve and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
- Historical backdrop: Passover week swells Jerusalem to ~2 million pilgrims; Rome dispatches extra troops; political tension is electric.
- Two contrasting parades will converge: Pilate from the west with war-horses; Jesus from the east on a donkey portraying humility and true power.