Message: “SERVICE – Stand Firm Against the Devil” from Zach Schlegel

January 8, 2023

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Zach Schlegel - January 8, 2023

SERVICE - Stand Firm Against the Devil

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Ephesians 6:10-24

Introduction

Last week, we started a new year. It is a good time to slow down, step back and see how the pieces of life fit together. As you reflect on the last year with all of its joys and sorrows, ups and downs, you may be left scratching your head, wondering what God is doing. What is God’s plan? While we can’t predict what 2023 holds, we can know what God’s plan is and where history is headed.

In Ephesians 1 verse 10, Paul tells us God’s plan - when Jesus returns He will unite all things in Him - things in Heaven and on earth. At the center of God’s plan for His glory is the church. As we learned in chapter 2, not only are we reconciled vertically with God, but we can be reconciled horizontally with one another. In Christ, the church is where God begins to unite all things under the Lordship of Jesus. Though imperfect now, the church is a preview of where history is headed.

When we look at what it could be and what it is supposed to be, we think that is it glorious. But then we wonder why are things done God’s way so hard some times? It’s the devil. Satan hates you. He hates God, His plan and His church. Satan doesn’t want people to become Christians, and when they do, he is doing everything that he can to mess up God’s plan.

We are not on a cruise ship. We are on a battle ship. We are at war. Life and death, heaven and hell and eternity are hanging in the balance, and the devil is not to be trifled with. What hope do we have if the devil has the church in his crosshairs? How can we fight in such a way so that we can know and experience victory? Here in chapter 6, Paul shows us how.

Sermon Outline

1. Be strong in the Lord. Vs. 10-12
2. Stand firm in God’s armor. Vs. 13-24

Scripture References: Ephesians 6:10-24