The Shield of Faith: Trust Under Fire (part 2)

 Expanding on The Shield of Faith: Trust Under Fire

I. The Military Reality Behind the Metaphor

Gotquestions teaches the Roman shield (thureos) Paul references wasn't a small buckler. It was a full-body shield, approximately 4 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, capable of protecting the entire body. Roman soldiers would link shields in formation, creating an impenetrable wall.

Spiritual Application:

• Faith doesn't just protect one area of life; it covers our entire being: mind, emotions, will, relationships, and purpose. Romans 12:1-4
• Faith is both individual and communal; we stand stronger when our shields overlap with other believers. Faith overcomes the world. “Everyone born of God overcomes the world” because Jesus is the victory that secures our endurance (1 John 5:4–5; John 16:33).
• The shield was held, not strapped. Faith requires active engagement, not passive possession. “...Take up the shield of faith” because it extinguishes every flaming arrow aimed at you (Ephesians 6:16).

Reference: "Above all, taking the shield of faith" (Ephesians 6:16a, emphasis added). The phrase "above all" can mean "in addition to" or "most importantly." Faith either integrates all other armor pieces or ranks as the most critical defense.

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II. The Anatomy of Flaming Arrows: Understanding the Attack

The Delivery System

Ancient flaming arrows were designed for maximum psychological and physical impact:

• Wrapped in oil-soaked cloth
• Designed to ignite panic as much as to injure
• Effective at long range, giving no time to trace the source
• Multiple arrows could be launched simultaneously

Modern Spiritual Equivalents

Accusatory Arrows:

• "You're not good enough for God to use"
• "You've sinned too much to be forgiven"
• "Your prayers don't matter"

Reference: Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Faith quenches accusation with truth about our position in Christ.

Comparative Arrows:

• "Your ministry is smaller than theirs"
• "Everyone else has it together"
• "You're falling behind"

Reference: Galatians 6:4, "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else."

Circumstantial Arrows:

• Financial pressure timed with ministry opportunity
• Health crisis coinciding with major decisions
• Relational conflict during spiritual breakthrough

Reference: Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Doctrinal Arrows:

• Subtle theological distortions: "if you are the son of God..." (Matthew 4:3, 3:17)
• Half-truths mixed with lies ("ism's" instead of following Jesus Christ)
• Questions designed to create doubt: "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1)

Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

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III. How Faith Specifically Extinguishes Each Type of Arrow

Faith Counters Accusation with Identity

When the accuser whispers "You are your sin," faith declares:

• "I am crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)
• "I am a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• "I am being transformed" (Romans 12:2)

Faith Counters Fear with Sovereignty

When panic rises, faith remembers:

• "God has not given us a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7)
• "Perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4:18)
• "He who began a good work will carry it to completion" (Philippians 1:6)

Faith Counters Doubt with Evidence

When questions flood, faith reviews:

• Past deliverances: "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12)
• Present promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
• Future certainty: "He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23)

Faith Counters Temptation with Alternative Satisfaction

When desire whispers, faith responds:

• "I have learned the secret of being content" (Philippians 4:12)
• "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11)
• "What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?" (Mark 8:36)

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IV. Faith Formation: How the Shield is Forged

Through the Word (Romans 10:17)

Faith doesn't grow through experience alone. It grows through exposure to God's promises:

• Reading: Taking in Scripture systematically
• Hearing: Sitting under sound teaching
• Memorizing: Storing truth for instant access
• Meditating: Letting truth reshape thinking patterns

Practical Application: When a flaming arrow hits, the shield's effectiveness depends on how much Scripture has been absorbed. A shield without substance cannot protect.

Through Testing (James 1:2-4)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Each attack we survive strengthens the shield:

• Previous victories build confidence for current battles
• Tested faith becomes proven faith
• Perseverance develops maturity

Reference: 1 Peter 1:6-7, "These [trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith (of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire) may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Through Community (Hebrews 10:24-25)

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Isolated faith is vulnerable faith:

• We need others to hold up our shield when we're wounded (Exodus 17:12, Aaron and Hur holding Moses' arms)
• We strengthen others' faith through testimony
• Corporate worship reminds us of God's worthiness

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V. Faith Integration: How the Shield Works With Other Armor

The shield of faith doesn't stand alone. It protects and enhances every other piece:

With the Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a):

• Faith believes truth even when feelings contradict it
• Truth gives faith its content and direction
• Without truth, faith becomes wishful thinking

With the Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b):

• Faith receives Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:22)
• Righteousness gives us confidence to approach God (Hebrews 10:19-22)
• The shield protects the heart that righteousness guards

With the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15):

• Faith stands on reconciliation with God
• Peace gives stability under pressure
• We can advance (feet ready) because faith secures our position

With the Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a):

• Faith protects our assurance of salvation
• Doubt about salvation is a primary target of flaming arrows
• Settled confidence in our eternal security frees us to fight effectively

With the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b):

• Faith wields the Word offensively
• Jesus modeled this: "It is written..." (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)
• The shield protects while the sword strikes

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VI. The Faith Crisis: When the Shield Feels Heavy

Honest Biblical Examples of Faith Under Strain

Job's Lament:

• "Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?" (Job 3:23)
• Yet: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15)

David's Desperation:

• "How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1)
• Yet: "But I trust in your unfailing love" (Psalm 13:5)

Habakkuk's Confusion:

• "How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?" (Habakkuk 1:2)
• Yet: "Though the fig tree does not bud... yet I will rejoice in the LORD" (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Key Insight: Faith doesn't mean absence of questions or emotions. It means bringing those questions and emotions to God rather than letting them drive us from Him.

Reference: Mark 9:24, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" This paradoxical prayer is perfectly valid.

When Faith Feels Inadequate

The Mustard Seed Principle:

• "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move." (Matthew 17:20)

The issue isn't the amount of faith. It's the object of faith:

• Small faith in a great God moves mountains
• Great faith in a small god accomplishes nothing
• The shield's power comes from God, not from our grip strength

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VII. Faith in the Dark: When God Seems Silent

The Valley Experience

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4)

Notice:

• Through not "stuck in." Valleys are passages, not destinations
• Walk. Keep moving even when you can't see the path
• For you are with me. God's presence, not His explanation, sustains us

The Silence of God

Sometimes the greatest test of faith is God's apparent silence:

• No answered prayers
• No clear direction
• No emotional confirmation

Reference: Psalm 22:1-2, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest."

Yet David continues praying. Faith persists in prayer even when answers don't come.

Historical Example: Horatio Spafford wrote "It Is Well With My Soul" after losing his four daughters in a shipwreck. Faith doesn't deny the pain. It anchors through the pain.

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VIII. Corporate Faith: The Shield Wall Formation

The Power of Collective Faith

When Roman soldiers locked shields, the formation became nearly impenetrable. Similarly:

Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Practical Applications:

• Prayer partnerships for specific battles
• Accountability relationships for recurring temptations
• Small groups for mutual encouragement during trial
• Church family for sustained support through prolonged difficulty

Reference: Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Faith Declarations in Community

• Corporate worship declares God's character when individual faith wavers
• Others' testimonies strengthen our confidence
• Shared Scripture memory becomes collective ammunition

Reference: Hebrews 3:13, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

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IX. Faith and Prayer: The Shield in Motion

Mark 11 Expanded: The Prayer of Faith

Context: Jesus curses the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25)

• Disciples are amazed it withered
• Jesus responds: "Have faith in God"

The Connection: Faith and prayer are inseparable:

• Prayer without faith is mere words
• Faith without prayer is passive belief
• Faith-filled prayer moves mountains

Critical Verse Unpacked: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)

This is not blank-check theology. It's relational theology:

• "Whatever you ask" is filtered through relationship with God
• "Believe that you have received it" means trusting God's wisdom and timing
• "It will be yours" acknowledges God's sovereign choice in how/when to answer

Qualifying Verses:

• "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14)
• "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." (James 4:2-3)

The Forgiveness Component (Mark 11:25)

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Unforgiveness creates a breach in the shield:

• Bitterness is a slow-burning arrow we shoot at ourselves
• Holding grudges gives the enemy a foothold
• Forgiveness isn't excusing. It's releasing the debt to God

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X. Offensive Faith: Beyond Defense

While the shield is primarily defensive, faith also enables offensive action:

Faith Advances

Reference: Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Faith doesn't just block attacks. It moves forward into enemy territory:

• Evangelism requires faith that God will work
• Obedience to difficult calls requires faith in God's provision
• Risk-taking for the Kingdom requires faith in God's plan

Faith Claims Promises

Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God."

Faith doesn't passively wait. It actively claims what God has promised:

• Healing (James 5:15)
• Provision (Philippians 4:19)
• Wisdom (James 1:5-6)
• Peace (John 14:27)
• Strength (Isaiah 40:31)

Faith Confronts

Hebrews 11 Examples:

• Moses confronted Pharaoh (11:27)
• David confronted Goliath (implied in 11:32-34)
• Prophets confronted kingdoms (11:32-33)

Faith gives courage to speak truth to power, challenge injustice, and stand against cultural compromise.

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XI. The Ultimate Example: Jesus and Faith

Jesus as the Author and Perfecter of Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jesus modeled perfect faith:

• In the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11): wielded Scripture against temptation
• In Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39): submitted will to Father even in agony
• On the cross (Luke 23:46): trusted Father even in abandonment

Jesus' Trust in the Father's Plan

Every flaming arrow Satan could design hit Jesus:

• Physical suffering
• Emotional isolation
• Spiritual darkness ("My God, why have you forsaken me?")
• Temptation to escape ("Come down from the cross")
• Mockery and accusation

Yet Jesus' faith never wavered. He is both our example and our empowerment.

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XII. Practical Faith Exercises: Strengthening Your Shield

Daily Disciplines

1. Morning Declaration: Speak truth before lies arrive
   • "This is the day the LORD has made" (Psalm 118:24)
   • Personalize promises: "God works ALL things for my good" (Romans 8:28)
2. Scripture Saturation: Memorize verses for specific vulnerabilities
   • Anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7
   • Inadequacy: 2 Corinthians 12:9
   • Temptation: 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. Testimony Review: Keep a record of God's faithfulness
   • Journal answered prayers
   • Note coincidences that reveal God's hand
   • Remember deliverances
4. Gratitude Practice: Thanksgiving neutralizes arrows
   • "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
   • Gratitude shifts focus from problem to Provider

In-Battle Responses

When a flaming arrow hits:

1. Identify the lie: Name the specific accusation/fear/temptation
2. Counter with truth: Speak Scripture that directly addresses it
3. Pray immediately: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief"
4. Reach out: Contact someone who can pray with/for you
5. Worship: Declare God's character regardless of feelings

Example:

• Arrow: "You're a failure as a parent"
• Truth: "God's grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• Prayer: "Father, I feel inadequate, but I trust You're working in my children's lives"
• Action: Text a trusted friend for prayer support
• Worship: "You are faithful even when I am faithless" (2 Timothy 2:13)

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XIII. Faith's Ultimate Victory

The Guarantee

"Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5)

Faith wins. Not because we're strong, but because:

• Christ already defeated the enemy (Colossians 2:15)
• We're sealed until redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14)
• Nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39)

The Present Reality

We fight from victory, not for victory:

• The war is won (Revelation 12:11)
• Battles remain (1 Peter 5:8)
• The outcome is certain (Revelation 21:4)

Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Closing Application: What This Means Monday Morning

Faith isn't just Sunday theology. It's Monday reality:

• At work: When pressure mounts, remember "God has not given me a spirit of fear"
• In relationships: When conflict erupts, remember "Love keeps no record of wrongs"
• In finances: When lack threatens, remember "My God will meet all your needs"
• In health: When diagnosis comes, remember "By His wounds we are healed"
• In calling: When obstacles appear, remember "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

The shield of faith is raised daily, moment by moment, arrow by arrow.

It is not perfection. It is direction. It is not arrival. It is movement. It is not absence of struggle. It is presence of hope.

Faith trusts that God is working even when we can't see it, that He is good even when circumstances aren't, and that He is faithful even when we are faithless.

The shield stands because the One behind it never falls.

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The Enemy Is Not Who You Think

Ephesians 6:12 rightly interpreted

Paul is explicit. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is not people, personalities, cultures, or institutions. Flesh and blood are never the final cause. When believers treat people as the enemy, they misdiagnose the battle and misapply their weapons.

Jesus modeled this clearly. On the cross He did not curse His persecutors. He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Paul echoes this posture in 2 Timothy 2:24–26, warning that opponents may be “captured by the devil to do his will.” The problem is captivity, not character.

To fight people is to fight the wrong enemy.

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“Do Not Give Place to the Devil”

The battlefield of the renewed mind

Paul warns believers not to “give opportunity” or “place” to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). This implies access, not ownership. The enemy gains influence when space is yielded.

Romans 12:2 defines that space clearly. The mind. “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Unrenewed thinking creates agreement with deception. Renewed thinking shuts doors.

Paul clarifies our responsibility in 2 Corinthians 10:3–6. Though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to it. The war targets arguments, lofty opinions, and thoughts that rise against the knowledge of God. Patterns of thinking become a realm of safety for the enemy to operate from when they go unchallenged.

James reinforces this sequence. Desire gives birth to sin, and sin brings death (James 1:14–15). The battle begins long before behavior. It begins with belief.

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The Reality of Spiritual Rulers, Authorities, and Deception

Scripture does not minimize the reality of spiritual powers. Paul names rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). These forces traffic primarily in deception.

Fear is one of their most common tools. “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not neutral. It is a spiritual influence that weakens clarity, courage, and obedience.

Paul contrasts fear with sound judgment. Deception clouds discernment. Truth restores it (John 8:31–32). Where fear dominates, faith erodes. Where truth is embraced, authority is regained.

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The Danger of Fighting the Wrong Enemy

Wounding the bruised reed

When believers misidentify the enemy, they often harm the very people God intends to heal.

Isaiah prophesies of the Messiah. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). Jesus applies this to His own ministry (Matthew 12:20). He protects the weak. He restores the wounded.

Fighting the wrong enemy leads to spiritual friendly fire. The bruised reed is broken. The smoldering wick is extinguished. Paul warns against this when he calls believers to restore others “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

God’s scepter, His skepal, represents righteous authority exercised with justice and mercy (Hebrews 1:8, 4:12, Psalm 110:2). Kingdom authority is never harsh, reactionary, or fear-driven. It is discerning, redemptive, and truth-centered.

King of Kings, resurrection and the Kingdom of Heaven (part 1)

Revelation of the church, a kingdom of priests (Rev 1:6, 5:10, 22:5-6)

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord (Eph 5:10,Romans 12:1-2)

The Only Kingdom That Prevails The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God

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Closing Emphasis

The enemy thrives in misdirection. When believers attack people instead of lies, symptoms instead of roots, or behavior instead of belief, the real enemy advances quietly.

Scripture calls us to clarity. Renew the mind. Discern the spirits. Refuse fear. Protect the wounded. Pull down strongholds. And stand firm in truth.

Victory begins when the enemy is correctly identified and rightly resisted.

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Spirit of heaviness and other "spiritual ailments"

Listening to How Demons Can Cause Negative Thinking - Derek Prince and looking at, What Does the Bible Say About Spirit Of Heaviness?

I can see how modern preachers recycle the classics and make them their own. Robert Morris (Free Indeed) appears to have been influenced heavily by Derek Prince (Pulling Down Strongholds) and John Bevere (Bate of Satan) by Warren Wiersbe (Strategy of Satan). 

Derek Prince highlights that we can be given over to torment by lack of forgives. Matthew 18:33-35, "…Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Notes from how demons can cause Negative Thinking: 

• Compelling to bite nails. Cutting self, self harm. 
• Enslave.  People can sin and stop sinning. Enslaved can’t stop
• Compel + enslave = addiction
• Addition can be respectable. 90% demons.
• Defile, dirty unclean, evil impure images and thoughts in our minds.
• Anything to keep you from worshiping God is demonic
• Deception: deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
• Week, sick, tired or killed. You spirit of tiredness come out of her… they make us go to sleep, spirit of slumber…

Remedy is found in God's promise delivered in Jesus Christ

Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV 

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Luke 4:14-21 Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power...taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone...he stood up to read...the prophet Isaiah...“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 

Grateful to share these truths with my brother yesterday as we watched Tim Mackie - What Many Christians Misunderstand About The Bible. We talked about what it means to be a child of God who wanders away from God, rejects God. Is it right to kidnap them and force them into heaven or allow a door for them to walk through? I was able to accept Jesus into my life after rejecting him in my foolish youth because I learned the principles of healthy spiritual and mental functioning. From insecurity to peace of mind (Serenity Principle)

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God gives grace to be successful to fulfill the covenant (Deut 8:1-18)

Deut 8:1-18;psalm 49:16-20;1 john 3:15-20;ecc 2:3-11

Be careful to obey all the commands, then live and multiply
 - Lord's promise
 - Lord your God led you (through wilderness 40 years)
     * humbled and tested to prove your character
Am I ready to obey?
 - Lord let me be hungry, then feeds me with manna
Thank you, Lord, for taking care of me (Deut 8:4) because you love us like a father disciplines his child (Deut 8:5, Heb 12)
 - to teach me to live not by bread alone but every word that comes from the Lord (Matt 4:4, Deut 8:3)
As with Jesus, it can be 40 days or with Israel 40 years (Matthew 4:1-2, Deut 8:2)

When Jesus was tempted to take a headline-grabbing leap from the temple, he responded by going back deeper into scripture, You must not test the Lord your God  (Deut 6:16).

What does it mean to obey?
 - by walking in his ways and fearing him
 - Lord your God IS BRINGING YOU into a good land (water, farms, plentiful, rich natural resources to mine)
 - THEN be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land HE HAS GIVEN YOU
 - In riches, remember, be careful, beware not to forget the Lord your God and disobey

How to be careful not to disobey when I'm rich?
 - Do not become proud, it was God who rescued me from slavery
 - He led me through the great and terrifying wilderness, snakes and scorpions
 - I was nearly dead, but he gave water from the rock (John 4), Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles!
 - He humbles me, tests me for my own good
 - Never say I'm rich by my doing, God has given me everything to fulfill his confirmed covenant

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Trample scorpions, don't collect them (Luke 10:19)

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19

• Promise gave by God in Gen 3:15
• Foreshadowed by Joshua 10:24-26
• Fulfilled in Christ Psalm 110:1, Matt 22:44
• Fulfilled in Us Romans 16:20, "By faith We understand (Heb 11:3,1-3 NASB)"

1 Corinthians 15:24-27 - then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.

Jesus was led by the Spirit to defeat Satan with the word of God (Matthew 4). He recognized the devil because he was hungry and the devil said to command the stones to become bread. Yet Jesus said, "Life is not about bread but the word of God"

• He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint. Deuteronomy 8:15

We prove discipline when we renounce the devil and trample his influence under our feet.

• Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:11, 2 Chronicles 10:11

And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 2:6

Prayer: Father today, in the name of Jesus, I renounce the influence of worldly worship music that leads me away from your truth. I turn my ears and eyes away from the temptations that draw me out of your safe presence. I commit myself to you and the work of my hands to you. May the meditation of my soul be fixed on you alone. Thank you Jesus for washing my feet, for the glory of the Father in the abiding power of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.

The big idea, when believers are stuck in sin. We need to hand them over to Satan (wilderness), where the Spirit can work in them to Stand in the full armor of God. 

• 1 Cor 5:5,1-13
  
• Eph 6: “Be strong in the Lord…. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10–11)

The devil wants to destroy our lives. (John 10:10) 

– Doubt (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:3) 

– Temptation (Genesis 2:16–17) 

– Deception (Genesis 3:4) 

– Condemnation creates doubt But, “there is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Colossians 1:13 says we are transferred from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus. 

• We experience God’s love. 

• It’s a process—we won’t be complete until Jesus returns

Steps to being strong in the Lord

1. Focus on Jesus – belt of truth (Eph 6:14)

• “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

• Authenticity, integrity, openness in your life 

2. Keep your relationships right – breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14)

• Keep short accounts with God

• Ask forgiveness from God and others

3. Get involved in service – boots of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15)

• The readiness to speak of Christ (Isaiah 52:7–10)

4. Trust God in difficult times – shield of faith (Eph 6:16)

• The devil will challenge us with doubt, fear, anxiety, lust…

• Keep trusting; don’t give up on your faith

5. Win the battle of the mind – helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17)

• Salvation = freedom

• Protect your mind: temptation starts with a thought, which leads to action

6. Know your Bible – sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17)

• Soak yourself in the Word of God

• The only offensive piece of armor (Hebrews 4:12) 

7. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Eph 6:18)

As Christ intercedes for us, so we should intercede for others.

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Defense against our Enemy, know his tactics

1 Peter 5:8, Eph 6:10-11, 2 Cor 2:11

5 tactics of the devil

1 He fills our minds with lies

John 8:44, when he lies, it's his character 

Acts 5:3, it's your money/life - you can lie to the Holy Spirit 

Matt 16:21-23, get behind me Satan 

 - When we lie we are following the devil

 - Without the tempter, obedience is easier (Heaven without sin).

2 He seduces us with temptation 

1 Thes 3:5,  he's the tempter

James 1:14-15, desire

1 cor 10:12-13, no temptation but what is common to man, God provides a way out 

 - don't defend yourself with the tempter,  "not interested ", just say "no"

3 He incites us toward disunity 

 - Gossip is a verbal grenade thrown into the church (Pope)

 - micro-cheating, dressing for someone.  Accepting hero praise from someone. Commenting, message with someone. 

Gal 5:20, works of flesh: enmity, jealousy..

 James 3:14-15, selfish ambition from demonic world

John 13:2, someone in the inner circle 

4 He sways us with false teachings 

 - But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 NASB

 - No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:14‭-‬15 NASB

5 He hinders the spread of the Gospel 

 - For we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, more than once-and yet Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 NASB

 - Rev 2:9, he has a church 

 - in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4‭-‬6 NASB

APPLICATION

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

James 4:7‭-‬10 NASB

See also

http://benlorence.blogspot.com/2016/03/christian-code-of-conduct-for-church.html

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Satan deceives by questioning God's Word, denying it and substituted his own lie

listening to The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him. He uses Eve as the example of one being deceived. She took away from God's word omitting the word "freely" (Gen 3:2, 2:16 ESV). She added to God's command "or touch it" and she changed God's Word, "lest you die" from "For in the day that you eat from it you will surely die"
 - Once we treat God's word in this fashion, we are wide open to the devil's final trick. He merely permits Eve to consider the tree apart from the God's Word. "Get a good look, see it as it really is" - good for food, a delight to the eyes,desirable to make one wise. Gen 3:6

Satan is the Deceiver, we see this with Eve. His target is your mind, his weapon is lies. His purpose is to make you ignorant of God's will. Our defense is the inspired Word of God.
 - He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44
 - And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world Rev 12:9
 - But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Cor 11:3
 - For many deceivers have gone out into the world 2 John 1:7
 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. Gen 3:1-7

Satan attacks your mind because your mind is the part of the image of God where God communicates with you and reveals his will to you. The Bible emphasizes the minds importance.
 - Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him Col 3:9-10
 - So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Eph 4:17-24
 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
 - Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. John 17:17

Satan attacks your mind because when you believe a lie, he can work in your life to lead you to sin. Don't dwell on lies rather:
 - Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellence, worthy of praise, dwell on these things Phil 4:8
 - As he things within himself, so he is Proverbs 23:7
 - Steadfast mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trust in You Isaiah 26:3
 - The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

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Born again believer in bondage to sin and hypocrisy?

An amazing series by Pastor Robert Morris, about the balance between Deliverance and Discipleship. "You can't deliver a person from the flesh and you can't disciple a demon" as a church we need to be doing both,
1. Deliver the person from the demon - prayer and fasting
2. Desciple the freed person - teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded

 Jesus said:  "If the Son sets you free you are free indeed" - but what if you are in bondage with sin?

I first came across his teaching on the Jezebel spirit and then came to this free indeed series.
How to recognize the Jezebel spirit: Insecurity, rejection, pride, arrogance, manipulation, and control.

Signs of the Jezebel spirit affecting your life:

• Strange and bazaar prolonged sicknesses. (Including prolonged sinus problems.) 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Fear (especially of confronting the Jezebel spirit in yourself or someone else because of the reaction you'll get). 
• Exhaustion
• Sexual immorality or thoughts 

The Jezebel spirit (the controller) cannot operate without an Ahab spirit (the controlled).
The Jezebel spirit is not gender biased. It operates in both men and women.

Revelation 2:19-20

Here's the whole series, below are the sermons that impacted my thoughts
http://gatewaypeople.com/ministries/life/events/free-indeed/

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God crowned humans with glory, Jesus values them (Psalm 8, Matthew 8)

You have set your glory

    in the heavens. (Psalm 8:1)

I love this song by Jared Anderson, "Be Glorified". I'm reminded that it's through the praise of children and infants that God has established a stronghold against your enemies (2). Looking around on any day and considering the work God has done in the creation of heaven and earth is amazing and then to think that he is mindful of us (Psalm 8:3-4) is cause for praise.

God has crowned humans with glory and honor and made us rulers over the works of his hands (Psalm 8:4-8; Genesis 1:1-3:1).

Matthew 8 shows us Jesus will in healing the unclean. I remember teaching this lesson on "show and tell" to kids years ago (1-4). Jesus heals and says, don't tell - but show yourself, offer the gift to the priest as Moses commanded as a testimony to them. Jesus approves of "the enemy's" faith, who takes Jesus at his word and believes. Condemns Israel who see the miracles yet doubt (5-13).

Many followed Jesus and he healed the sick and demon possessed (14-17), he taught about the cost of following him means leave home and family (18-22). He taught that faith in him means not being afraid, but sleeping well in peace (23-27). Jesus showed that a town's fortune in pigs is worth spending to free two human beings from demonic possession (28-34).

Psalm 8; Matthew 8

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Babylon's doom is total, impacting the whole world

Revelation 18
AIM: Where you put your treasure is where your heart is

Rev 18:1-8 A) Angles pronounce verdict, damages sentence of Babylon
(1) John sees another angel from heaven, great authority, earth bright with his splendor

• nuclear 

(2) Shouts "Babylon the great city is fallen, become a home for demons, impure spirits, unclean bird/detestable animals...

• Demons/Impure spirits (Matthew 10:1;12:43; Mark 1:26-27;5:1-20; Luke 4:36; 6:18;Acts 5:16;8:7) (verses)
• Demons submit to the name of Jesus, even from false converts (Matthew 7:21-23)
• Jesus gave special authority to his twelve disciples to drive out impure spirits, healing every disease for the 'lost sheep of Israel - not the gentiles (Matthew 10:1-8), Mark 6:12, they preached that people should repent
• Detestable animals to us; rodents, voles, bats, snakes, vultures, in the Bible Detestable to God often refers to pagan customs and idolatry (verses) Proverbs 6:16-19, person who stirs up conflict in the community

(3) ...All nations drank maddening wine of passionate/immoral/adulteries - world kings committed adultery with her, her desires for extravagant luxury made merchants of world grow rich"

(4) Another voice from heaven, says "come out of her my people" Jer 51:6-10,17-18,45-48

• so you don't take part/share in her sins or you'll be punished with her
• (5) her sins are piled high as heaven, God remembers her crimes
• (6) Give back to her what she's done to others (Golden rule), her cup of terror
• (7) She glorified herself, lived in luxury - match it with torment and sorrow
• Boastful heart (God knows our heart, out of it the mouth speaks)
• (8)Therefore one single day death, mourning, famine, consumed by fire, mighty Lord God who judges her

Application: How am I using my time, talent and treasure? What is God wanting me to change to warn God's people to "come out of her"?

Rev 18:9-20 B) Shareholders, marketers and employees mourn for doom of Babylon on behalf of God's people

(9) Shareholders: Kings who committed adultery/shared in her luxury mourn while seeing smoke rise from charred remains, (10) terrified by her torment stand far off crying "woe! woe! one hour/single moment doom has come!"

(11) Marketers: merchants of earth, no one left to buy good (12) like the Galleria Tiffany's (gold, silver, jewels) Kate Spade, Coach (fine linen, silk) Pottery Barn (expensive wood, bronze, iron, marble) (13) stop at Cosco for some mass quantities of olive oil, then Burnsville car dealerships for "horses and wagons" and servants to do every type of work.

• (14-15) Eulogy: fruit you longed for is gone, luxury, splendor have vanished forever. Funeral guilty gang far off (merchants who sold these things) terrified at her torment, weep and mourn
• (16-17a) Woe, Woe! like the kings (in verse 10) the merchants mourn for the city that's ruined in a moment

(17b) Employees: all the captains of merchant ships, passengers (I've worked with people like these), sailors and crews stand at a distance

• (18) cry out as smoke ascends, where is another city great as this? (19) weep, throw dust on heads (new more important than in 10, 17a) Woe! Woe! all who had ships became rich through her wealth in a moment/hour brought to ruin
• (20) Rejoice people of God, apostles, prophets, God has judged her for your sakes

Application: The world categorizes people as Shareholder, Consumer and employee - God's people are categorized as his children, ambassador, apostle, prophet and evangelist. How does my life-style reflect who I am? What would God ask me to change this week to reflect my identity as his son?

Rev 18:21-24 C) Babylon will never recover from this fast and total destruction

(21) a mighty angel picked up a boulder/huge millstone into ocean shouted, "just like this- Great city will Babylon will be thrown down with violence, never found again

• (22) no more music, no craftsmen/worker/trade/factory sounds (23) no lights, happy couples, great merchants deceived nations (lead astray) with sorceries (24) Streets flowed with blood of the prophets and God's holy people and blood of people slaughtered all over the world"

Application: (2 Peter 3, 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming...

http://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-spirits.html

http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Dust-On-The-Head

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-sorcery.html

http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Sorcery-And-Magic

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