The Armory
A sermon series in preparation for what I pray will be a powerful new season of ministry at Dulins Grove.
Where to Get It
Put on the full armor of God…
God alone offers the armor we need. We won’t find it in people, plans, and pills.
People
Yourself, your spouse, your kids, your friends, Dr. Phil. None of these people can protect you from our enemy.
Plans
Retirement, relationship, education, family, finance, vacation. None of these plans can protect you from our enemy.
Pills
Psychiatric pills, organic food, margaritas, football games, movies. None of these ‘pills’ can protect you from our enemy.
What to Do With It
Put on the full armor of God…
As a Christian, you have access to all the armor you need to stand against the enemy; but it’s possible to choose not to wear it. It’s also possible to put it on partially, leaving chinks in your armor.
Why You Need It
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Satan exists with an organized army of demonic forces and he schemes against the church. Four of his top schemes:
1. Accusation
2. Deception
3. Murder
4. Temptation
What’s at Stake for Dulins Grove
An educated guess of Satan’s victories in American churches last year:
– 3500-4000 churches closed
– 1/2 of all churches did not add one new member through conversion
– Roughly 2,765,000 church members slipped away into nominalism or secularism
– Roughly 1,500 pastor quit each month
– Only 15% of churches grew at all, only 2.2% of which grew by conversions
Discussion Starters
1. What do you turn to for protection against the dangers in your life?
2. Read Ephesians 6:11. How does it feel to know that, as a Christian, you already have access to all the armor you need? Did you realize this?
3. Take a look at the list of armor in Ephesians 6:14-17. What armor have you not been wearing? Why? How can you tell? What armor is most missing at Dulins Grove as a church?
4. Four of Satan’s primary schemes are accusation, deception, murder, and temptation. Which does he use against you? Are there others? Which do you think he uses against Dulins Grove as a church?
5. Read Ephesians 6:12. What are your beliefs about Satan and his servants? Are they real? Are they tangible or spiritual? How do they work in the world? The church? (See Genesis 3:1-24; Luke 4:1-13; Acts 5:1-11; and 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 for guidance)
6. Read Colossians 1:13-14 and be reminded that God has overcome Satan and his servants through Jesus.
7. How can you serve each other as a group in light of this passage?
8. How can your group pray for you this week? Pray together.
By the way, if you live in the Charlotte area and don’t go to Dulins Grove (or any church for that matter), you are invited to join us for House to House gatherings where we grow together by using the above questions to discuss the scripture preached on Sundays. If you’re interested in attending a gathering, contact me anytime: matthewbroadway@gmail.com.
