Are You Being Tested?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Central Idea:
This sermon, "Are You Being Tested?" calls Christians to recognize their spiritual battles as tests of faith and encourages vigilance, equipping oneself with the armor of God and enduring commitment to God's commands as strategies to triumph in this ongoing spiritual warfare.
Introduction:
As Christians, we are involved in a constant spiritual war. Just like the Israelites were physically tested and had to fight against their enemies, we, too, are tested daily in our faith. The book of Judges 3:1-2 describes this physical fighting, but today, I want to focus on our spiritual battle as believers. Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). We are called to stand firm in our faith and keep the commands of God. But are we truly prepared for this fight?
1 Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. 2 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
1: Understanding the battle
1: Understanding the battle
We must first understand what we are up against to fight the good fight of faith. The Bible tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He will stop at nothing to tempt and distract us from following God's commandments. We must be vigilant and aware of his tactics to resist him.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, the apostle Paul warns us not to be ignorant of Satan's devices. It is a clear call to understand the strategies and manipulations of the enemy so that we can be proactive in our spiritual warfare. Recognizing the battle is the first step towards victorious living in Christ.
11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
2: Equipping ourselves for battle
2: Equipping ourselves for battle
Just as soldiers would not go into war without proper training and equipment, we must also equip ourselves for the spiritual battle. This means putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18), which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These armor pieces represent different aspects of our faith and are essential for us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The book of Hebrews reinforces this need for spiritual readiness, stating, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). This scripture underscores the power of God's Word, represented by the sword of the Spirit in our spiritual armor. It is a potent tool in our battle against the forces of darkness, capable of discerning and dismantling the enemy's lies and deceptions.
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
3: Enduring till the end
3: Enduring till the end
The fight for faith is not a one-time battle but a continuous struggle. We must have endurance and perseverance to keep fighting until the very end. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run with endurance the race set before us. This means we must stay faithful to God's commands, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. The reward for enduring till the end far outweighs any temporary struggles.
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7 serve as an inspiring testament to this enduring commitment. He states, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This scripture not only illustrates the unyielding perseverance required in our spiritual warfare but also assures us of the crown of righteousness that awaits those who remain steadfast in their faith.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Let us not forget that we are being tested in this spiritual war, just as the Israelites were tested in their physical battles. Will we remain faithful to God and keep His commands? Remember that with God on our side, we can fight the good fight of faith and emerge victorious. So stand firm, equip yourself for battle, and endure till the end. Are you ready to take up your sword and fight? The time is now. Fight the good fight of faith, and may God be with you.
As we go forth from here, let us remember that our faith will be tested and tried,