Revision as of 18:48, 10 October 2020

Objectives

Introduction

The Right Equipment

• What does a pilot need in order to do their job?
  • Radio
  • Charts
  • Aircraft operating handbook
• What does an ear doctor need to do their job?
  • Otoscope
  • Audiometer
• What does a mechanic need to do their job?
  • Wrenches
  • Tools
  • Manuels

If you have ever watched a professional work at their job something may stand out, they are really good at their job. Yes, they have had a lot of training and developed significant skills, but they also have the right tools. Having the right tools is critical for doing a job.

In Ephesians 5 Paul provides a description of the Spirit-filled life, Ephesians 6 begins by describing relationships in the Spirit filled life, children are to obey parents, parents are to raise their children in nurture and admonition of the Lord. Paul describes a life lived in obedience, ultimately, obedience to God. God is working to consummate all thinks in Christ and complete his perfect plan for brining people to himself but in the meantime, the Christian faces supernatural forces that aim to thwart God's purpose. Up to this point Ephesians has been about walking, now Paul moves to the job of standing firm.

Main Body

God’s model of Spirit-filled living involves individual fallen humans boldly standing for Christ empowered by God himself through prayer. Christians need to pray that they, and others, will boldly stand for Christ.

Christians must be Divinely Empowered (v. 10-12)

Christians must Put On the Armor of God (v. 13-17)

Christians must not Forget the Radio (v. 18-20)

The Problem

Even the greatest evangelists lack the ability to preach and stand for Christ on their own.

Illustration: The statistics on pastors and their well-being, we all need God!

Paul's Situation: a prisoner in bonds

Our Situation: in the midst of spiritual battles

The Application: Stand regardless of your circumstances

(Transition: What if I determine to preach the Gospel and fall flat on my face?)

The Solution

God is the one who provides the ability to stand for Christ:

Illustration: Airplane with fuel but no fuel flow.

Our Provider: God

The Application: Turn to God

Turn to God and seek his provision of boldness not your own strength

The Application

We need to pray for God’s provision

Illustration: The Great Reformers and their prayer life (Luther)

Pray for our Pastors

Pray for the leaders that you know to have boldness.

Pray for Boldness

Pray for your own boldness in standing for Christ.

Commit to Prayer

Commit to praying, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, more.

Conclusion

Summary: Christians need to pray!

Pray for the leaders that you know to have boldness. Pray for your own boldness in standing for Christ. Commit to praying, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, more. Image: Story: Computer support, is it plugged in? Stop missing the obvious and get plugged in!