Pastor Katie Weisbrod – September 22, 2019

Key Idea: God never said: “He won’t give you more than you can handle.” // Key Passage: Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)

SUMMARY: Jesus told us in life there would be trouble (John 16:33). God is graceful and merciful, and He has overcome the world. God never expects us to handle the problems that we encounter alone.

TEACHING:

Having salvation doesn’t make life easy.
What do we do with all the hard things we walk through in life?
1. We declare that God has the victory and that God is in our corner.
- God has given us all the tools we need to learn how to fight the battle well.
2. We put on the armor of God which defends us from the attacks of the enemy.
- Ephesians 6:10-18
  - Belt of Truth – Choose to live with integrity and faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
  - Breastplate of Righteousness – God’s righteousness protects my heart.
  - Feet fitted with the Gospel – Stand your ground.
  - Shield of Faith – Extinguish the flaming darts of the enemy.
  - Helmet of Salvation – Provides security. We have salvation now and for all eternity. No one can take it away from us.
- These are all defensive pieces.
3. We take up the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to fight.
- Battles are won in the offense.
  - The Sword of the Spirit -- The Word of God—it is powerful and it is Truth.
- Jesus said it was better for us for Him to go so that He could send the Helper to us. (John 16:7) We already have the Holy Spirit because of salvation.
- Truth to Declare:
  --Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
  --You formed me in my mother’s womb. I am wonderfully and fearfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14)
  --God has good plans for my future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Conclusion

The armor is God’s armor. Take up the things God has given you and fight. He makes us powerful to overcome the things in this life. You are not alone. God is on your side.

Reflection:

Throughout the week in your own time with the Lord, you can use these reflection questions as a way to deepen your relationship with God. Reflect on these questions in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to shine a light into your heart.

1) Share about a time when you experienced a situation that you felt was more than you could handle, but you know God got you through it.

2) When things we face are particularly difficult, maybe even overwhelming, how easy or difficult is it for you to believe and declare that God is good and God has the victory?

3) Have you ever thought about “putting on the armor of God” when facing difficult situations? What piece of armor do you think you need the most right now? Which piece of armor is the easiest and hardest for you to put on?

4) The only offensive piece of armor is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. What do you think about the idea of using the Word of God—speaking Truth—as a way to attack the challenges and difficulties you face in life?

5) Have you tried declaring God’s Truth over a situation? What was your experience and what was the outcome? If you have never done that, is it something you are willing to try? What Truths (Bible verses) would be important to speak over a situation you are dealing with right now?

FAQs:

I want a relationship with Jesus, but I’m not sure how to do that.

You can pray a simple prayer from your heart, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

The next step is to tell someone. Talk to someone at church who is wearing a “How Can I Help You?” badge on Sunday, or share in your small group, that you prayed that prayer. They can make sure you get a Bible and support you in beginning your new life with Jesus.

I want to read the Bible but I’m not sure where to start. I don’t have a Bible

If you are not familiar with the Bible and you aren’t sure where to start, you can always start reading about the life of Jesus in the book of Matthew in the New Testament. If you don’t have a Bible, let someone who is wearing a “How Can I Help You?” badge on Sunday morning that you don’t have a Bible and would like one.

Full Podcast Episode: http://banner.church/podcast/2019/9/24/god-never-said-that-god-will-never-give-you-more-than-you-can-handle-92219