Ephesians 6:10-20, Don't Forget the Radio

Introduction

1. Image: The world’s most powerful supercomputer is nothing more than a pile of junk without being plugged into the electrical grid. 2. Need: We need to humbly depend on God for our strength as we proclaim the Gospel. 3. Subject: Standing for Christ in the strength of God 4. Text: In Ephesians 6:19-20 we see that even Paul needed to depend on God for his strength. 5. Preview: Within this passage we will see a problem we all face, a solution we all have access to, and an application we all can take to heart.

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.

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!

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.

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!