Source SM Recap: Volume #39

Current Series: Call of Duty Title: “The Invisible War” The Word: Ephesians 6:10-12, John 16:33 Main Thought: God is more powerful than the spiritual forces of evil.

Message Explanation: We are in a battle. An invisible war. There is a cosmic war going on for the souls of mankind. The battle around us is not physical. It is a supernatural battle. As Christ-followers, we have a clear enemy.

 Who is our enemy? Satan.

Let’s start it off right today. God and Satan are not in a boxing ring. They are not equal. God has WON the war. At the beginning of time, there was a battle. There was an angel named “Lucifer” who wanted to be like God. He rebelled against God and all of the angels with him became fallen angels (aka “demons”). 1/3 of the fallen angels were cast out of heaven. The story did not end there. Adam and Eve were tempted in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted them in the form of fear, anger, jealousy, pride and selfishness. Satan’s goal was to plant thoughts into them that were not of God, and instead of fighting those evil things with God’s word, they believed the lies.  

This is why…

1.   God has armed us with power. Ephesians 6:10-11: “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.”

“Be Strong” or “stand firm,” means we have strength in God. Strength comes from understanding that we are weak on our own strength.

“Put on ALL of God’s Armor.” We need to GEAR UP with all of who Jesus is daily.

Because the battle is invisible does not mean it isn’t there. We feel the effects everyday of the enemy attacks. In order to defeat the enemy, we need to…

2. Know the enemy (v. 12) ^“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

Fighting – the word refers to a “wrestling” metaphor. Since we are at war, it is important to understand the enemy.

What does he look like? 

 1 Peter 5:8: ^“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

2 Corinthians 11:14: ^“But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Satan is a liar (John 8:44) Satan is an accuser (Revelations 20:10) Satan is a deceiver (Revelation 12:10)

Christ’s power will defeat the enemy for you.

 3. Live from victory in Jesus

John 16:33^{: “}I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

 We need to suit up with the armor of God on a daily basis. God is more powerful than the spiritual forces of evil.

Do you have a relationship with Jesus? That is the starting point to overcoming the enemy. If you know Jesus, are you putting on God’s armor daily? 

Element of Fun: The middle school students played a game as small groups "hula hoop pass" where they had to hold hands and pass it through each other. It helped them learn teamwork as small groups.

Music: You are Good, You Are Good, Break Every Chain, Holy Spirit.

Favorite Moment: We had at least 5-6 students respond to Jesus and many more wanting to follow in baptism this weekend! 

What’s Next: We continue the series, “Call of Duty” as we talk about "gearing up" with the armor of God!

To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page

Reckless Teaching Series - DownloadYM

The years of being a student are reckless. The culture surrounding students tells them to live in a way that is reckless and devoid of wisdom. We have set the bar too low for students today. Students aren’t the future of the church, they ARE the church. This series is unpacking 1 Timothy 4:12 where God has called students to use their time in school as a launching pad to have a reckless faith through Jesus!

Main scripture passage for the series: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” 1 Timothy 4:12.

WEEK 1 – “RECKLESS WORDS”

Main Thought: Our words can hurt or bring life to others Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-31, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 4:24

WEEK 2 – “RECKLESS LIFESTYLE”

Main Thought: How we love other people reveals what type of ministry we are. Scripture: Luke 15

WEEK 3 – “RECKLESS LOVE”

Main Thought: God’s love for the world is to be shown through Me. Now. Scripture: Mark 2:1-12, Colossians 3:23-24

WEEK 4 – “RECKLESS FAITH”

Main Thought: Students can change the world when they believe the truth of what God says about them! Scripture: Daniel 3:8-30, Ephesians 3:20.

Download and make it your own! 

3 Minute Devotional: Psalm 23:4-6

Even when I walkthrough the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. ⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.. Psalm 23:4-6

(23:4) David uses a phrase, “valley of the shadow of death” to describe a time or place of extreme fear. This is a poetic word for darkness. Other meanings include, in the shade of death, shadow of death, deep darkness, terror and calamity. David is not referring directly to death. This verse has been widely misunderstood. David describes himself walking “through” the valley of the shadow of death. David also said that he is in the shadow and not in the substance. However, even in this close proximity to terror, David says that he will fear no evil. Why? Because of God’s presence there with him. The items that give David comfort are the shepherd’s “rod and staff.” These were the common tools of the trade for shepherds. The staff was mostly used for defense, fighting or walking.

(23:5) The shepherd has prepared a meal for David in front of his enemies. This shows that God has and continued to provide for David even in the face of persecution and hostility. David’s head is then anointed with oil. Oil means literally “fatness”. This term was used to describe richness or fullness. David is saying that God will not only provide for his basic needs, the meal, but will bless him above and beyond.

(23:6) In the final verse of the chapter David expresses his confidence in further blessings. The word, “mercy” has been said to be one of the most important words in the Old Testament. It can be described as kindness, good will, favor, grace, unfailing love and beauty. David says not only will goodness and mercy be with him, but also they will “follow him”. The shepherd constantly cares for and looks after his sheep. David even goes further by stating that all these wonderful blessings will follow him “all the days of my life.” There is an interesting pause in this verse. After the phrase, “all the days of my life,” David then says that he will dwell in the house of the Lord. David is focusing upon life after death in heaven. In conclusion, David states that he will have the Shepherd’s blessings throughout eternity through God.

What ways are you trusting God during dark times? How is God our refuge?