Current Series: Call of Duty
Title: “Gear Up”
The Word: Ephesians 6:13-15, 1 Peter 5:8-10.
Main Thought: Stand firm by the truth, righteousness and peace of Jesus.
Message Explanation: As we continue our series, “Call of Duty.” Let’s recap week 1. We found that we are in and invisible war. It is a supernatural war that is going on around us. We found the truth that God is more powerful than the spiritual forces of evil!
But this week, we are talking about how to gear up with the first 3 pieces of the armor of God.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” (v. 13)
Why do we have a call of duty?
1. Jesus’ truth holds everything together (v.13-14a)
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth” (14a)
Belt of Truth: The belt is what fastens everything together. A big step in spiritual growth is speaking the truth according to God’s word. This means knowing the right way to live. The belt holds everything together on the soldier. If we are dishonest it will affect all areas of our life. Because Jesus is TRUTH, we are given HOPE to stand.
John 14:6: “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Why do we need to gear up?
2. Following Jesus’ truth protects our heart.
“and the body armor of God’s righteousness” (14b)
The breastplate is a protective covering in two pieces, covering from the throat to the waist. Living for what is right starts with our heart. Righteousness is not something we receive by trying to BE GOOD, it is being in a right relationship with Jesus. How do I become righteous? Trusting Jesus alone for salvation.
We need to protect our heart with the truth of what God says about us. His righteousness in our life gives us a new identity. We are given the armor of God to be ready…
3. Be ready to share the Gospel of peace (v.15)
“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” (v.15)
Shoes: Roman soldiers wore sandals w/ hobnails in the soles to give better footing. Sharing the story of Jesus with those who need Christ.
Barefoot in Battle: Many people know that Jesus is the truth and they have a right relationship with Jesus but they are not READY to share the good news of Jesus with anyone. They are “shoeless.” They are stationary soldiers. We do not need more stationary people, but ACTION packed students who want to be ready to share the peace of Christ with the people around us. We are his image bearers of peace.
1 Peter 5:8-10:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sistersall over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
When it comes to your life, are you following the TRUTH? Are you guarding your heart? Are you sharing the PEACE of Jesus?
Element of Fun: The middle school students played a game called, "hunger games" where they had to eat as many fire Cheetos as fast as possible.
Music: Sweetness of Freedom, Relentless, Oceans (Where my Feet may Fall)
Favorite Moment: We had a students respond to salvation in middle and high school big group. We are looking forward to baptism in a few weeks!
What’s Next: We continue the series, “Call of Duty” as we talk about “defense” with the armor of God!
To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page
