I’m a child of the 80’s. So, of course, the greatest movie ever made was the Karate Kid. All it took was one viewing of this cinematic gem for me to think, “Wax on, wax off! Got it! I can do that! Karate is easy!” So off I went to try it on the kid down the street. And you can imagine how that encounter with the bully down the street ended. Not how the Karate Kid ended. The main reason things didn’t go well is because the bully had the tendency of introducing a weapon to the mix. He was resourceful, using whatever was handy: a toy or a stick. Nothing ends a battle like the right weapon. No amount of “wax on, wax off” can block a rock.
The Bible tells us we’re in a battle with a spiritual enemy that’s: come to stealand killand destroy…John 10:10a (NIV) Peter tells us: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Don’t confuse this life with a playground; it’s a battleground. And the enemy’s after your marriage, your children, your life, and your testimony. He doesn’t take time off, no vacations, no sick days, no siestas. He spends all of his time studying you, searching for influence, control, disruption, and destruction.
So, what if we had a secret weapon? A battle ending weapon, a game changer? Wouldn’t it be awesome if there were a weapon so affective that when brought out the enemy walks away?
If I’m in a battle, what am I supposed to do? Paul tells us: 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your standagainst the devil's schemes… 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firmthen, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… Ephesians 6:10-11, 13-14a (NIV)
OUR MISSION DIRECTIVE: STAND YOUR GROUND
Paul is saying: Hold on to what you have…stand your ground…put your foot down…
· Stand your life ground, “Not around here.”
· Stand your marriage ground, “Stay out.”
· Stand your home ground, “Get back.”
· Stand your church ground, “You’re not going to get in.”
So, what’s this game changing secret weapon? Verse 17 tells us: 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
OUR BATTLE ENDING WEAPON: THE WORD OF GOD
I’m not taking about the dusty Bible on your shelf. An unused Bible doesn’t do anything. The Bible under your arm isn’t as effective as the Bible hidden in your heart.
Check out this great verse: 3 God blesses the one who readsthe words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listento its message and obeywhat it says, for the time is near.Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
· READ-Sounds simple enough. Yet it’s often the simplest of things that doesn’t get done. Read the Bible.
· LISTEN-This goes beyond allowing the Word to pass your “ear-gate.” Truly listening to God’s Word means to allowing it to be planted, like a seed, in your heart.
· OBEY-James teaches us that just hearing the Word isn’t enough. We got to do what we hear.
Jesus is the perfect example of this. While in the wilderness the enemy came and tempted him. His weapon? One simple phrase: “It is written…”
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