This Sunday service begins at 8.30am.
I'm going to preaching on that well known text from Ephesians 6 which speaks about the important topic of spiritual warfare. Contrary to popular thoughts on this topic, spiritual warfare is not about chasing down demons or demonstrating our abilities in overcoming Satan. The fact is Satan has been defeated by our Lord Jesus and we are now involved in a 'mop up excercise'. But far from going looking for the battle, St Paul encourages us to simply stand guard, clothed in the gifts of our baptism, engaging in spiritual battle through our prayers for those we are called to love and serve.
Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And this weapon is wielded most powerfully when it guides our praying and strengthens our confidences in Jesus' vicotry over sin and death and even the Devil himself.
If you would like to hear some excellent comments on spiritual warfare, I can recommend nothing more highly than the lectures of Dr John Kleinig which are available at JWK spiritual warfare 1 and JWK spiritual warfare 2
The readings for your preparation are:
I'm going to preaching on that well known text from Ephesians 6 which speaks about the important topic of spiritual warfare. Contrary to popular thoughts on this topic, spiritual warfare is not about chasing down demons or demonstrating our abilities in overcoming Satan. The fact is Satan has been defeated by our Lord Jesus and we are now involved in a 'mop up excercise'. But far from going looking for the battle, St Paul encourages us to simply stand guard, clothed in the gifts of our baptism, engaging in spiritual battle through our prayers for those we are called to love and serve.
Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And this weapon is wielded most powerfully when it guides our praying and strengthens our confidences in Jesus' vicotry over sin and death and even the Devil himself.
If you would like to hear some excellent comments on spiritual warfare, I can recommend nothing more highly than the lectures of Dr John Kleinig which are available at JWK spiritual warfare 1 and JWK spiritual warfare 2
The readings for your preparation are:
Joshua 24:1,2a,14-18 Joshua affirms: We will serve the Lord
Ephesians 6:10-20 Put on God's armour
John 6:56-69 Jesus has the words of eternal life
God's peace,
Pastor Matt
