LGC - Rooted & Fruitful Part 25

Rooted & Fruitful (Part 25)

Speaker: Woon Hin Swee

INTRODUCTION

This week’s sermon focuses on Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV):

“[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [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.”

Bible scholars have marked out these verses as the beginning of a section described as “the whole armour of God”. The armour itself is set out in verses 14 to 17 and Paul ends the section with a reminder to pray (verses 18-20). This is a summary of what we gain by putting on the armour of God and what life may be like without it:

The preacher gives us 3 takeaways:

We are in a fight, against spiritual hosts of wickedness.
We are to put on the armour of God.
We have to be strong in the power of his might.

DISCUSSION

Do you believe in evil spirits?

a. Read Ephesians 6:12: Matthew 8:28-32; Genesis 3:1-7. What are some of the spiritual forces of evil that are against us?

b. Read John 10:10; Luke 11:14 (among others). What kind of trouble can the devil cause?

c. Evil spirits may not always manifest in supernatural ways. Because of the original sin, we have all inherited a sinful nature. Read Matthew 16:21-23. Discuss why God rebuked Peter by addressing Satan.

d. Have you had any encounters with evil spirits? What did you do about it?
Are you wearing the armour of God?

a. One way to identify if there is a chink in your armour is if you identify with one of the traits in the ‘if we do not put on the armour” column above. Discuss.

b. How well do you know God’s Word? Read the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew 4:1-11. There is no solution other than to read your bible.

c. Perhaps the biggest lie that the devil can tell us is that we are unworthy of the grace of God. Have you ever experienced this? Especially after you have faltered in your battle? But were we ever worthy to begin with? (Romans 5:6-8)
Satan aims to cut off our prayer life, understanding that without it, we become disconnected from our Heavenly Father and less prepared to face spiritual battles. Yet, when we dedicate time to commune with God, He equips us with everything necessary to make a lasting impact for His kingdom. Are you unleashing the strength of God’s might?

a. Read John 14:12-14. What did Jesus say about the power that we will be able to wield with the Holy Spirit?

b. Often people misunderstand this phrase in John 14:14,, “you can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Does Jesus mean you can ask for anything you want? (hint: Read verse 12)

c. Read Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 59:2. Do you believe sin can be a hindrance to God answering our prayers?

d. What does praying in the strength of God’s might look like? Or praying “in Jesus’ name”? Read Matthew 6:10. What does praying according to the will of God mean to you?

e. Is there something that is outside your present circle of concern but within God’s circle of concern that you feel led to pray for? This could be a conviction to pray at all, or as simple as changing how we are praying.

WHAT WILL YOU DO

In the footsteps of George Müller and Watchman Nee, start a prayer book listing down the things/persons you have prayed for.

If your prayer is answered, consider if God has already been at work even before you approached Him in prayer.

If your prayer is not answered, consider if there is anything hindering your prayers? Or consider asking God if what you are praying for is within his Will at this time?

MEMORY VERSE

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your

prayers for all believers everywhere. – Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

An Each 1 Reach 1 Reflection

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

Knowing that God’s ways are higher than ours should bring a sense of humility in our approach to evangelism. It is not about our ability to persuade or plan, but about submitting to His will and trusting that He is at work in ways we may not see. Our role is to be faithful in sharing the gospel, but ultimately, it’s God who brings the increase.