Let The Walls Fall – MEDIA LIBRARY

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Sermon Notes: Let The Walls Fall

Summary

The message centers on the critical importance of unity among believers and the deceptive tactics the enemy employs to create division within the church. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10-18, it emphasizes that our strength comes not from our own power but from the Lord and His mighty power. Believers are instructed to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes, recognizing that our true struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. This understanding shifts the focus from blaming individuals to recognizing the enemy’s influence, fostering compassion and empathy instead of animosity towards fellow believers who may be unknowingly used as instruments of division. The victory over these spiritual forces has already been won by Jesus Christ, providing believers with the assurance and power to stand firm.

The instruction to “put on the full armor of God” is presented not as a suggestion but as a vital command for those who desire to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and be successful in God’s calling. The armor is detailed as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Prayer in the Spirit on all occasions is also highlighted as an essential component of spiritual warfare, edifying one’s spirit and fostering alertness. The passage underscores the need for believers to be constantly praying for one another and for those who preach the gospel, that they may speak fearlessly. The call to read the entirety of Ephesians and other letters to the early church is emphasized for a broader understanding of spiritual battles and maintaining unity.

The core device of the enemy discussed in detail is division, identified as one of the oldest and most effective tricks. Several avenues through which the enemy attempts to sow discord are explored. Distance, or becoming disconnected from the regular gathering of the church, is highlighted as a primary tactic that disrupts spiritual rhythm and weakens communal strength. Assumptions, or misinterpreting the intentions and words of fellow believers, can lead to unnecessary conflict and fractured relationships. Gossip is strongly condemned, with Proverbs cited to illustrate its destructive power in betraying confidence, stirring up conflict, and separating close friends. Complacency, or becoming indifferent to the spiritual nourishment and connection that initially brought one closer to God, is another subtle yet dangerous device. Lastly, unresolved conflicts are identified as breeding grounds for bitterness, eroding unity and hindering the church’s effectiveness.

The power of unity is illustrated through the biblical account of Joshua and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). The unified obedience of the Israelites to God’s instructions resulted in a miraculous victory, demonstrating that when the people of God are unified in purpose and action, they can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This unity is not based on individual strength but on collective surrender to God’s will. The message concludes with a call to actively resist the devices of the enemy that seek to undermine unity, urging believers to stay connected, assume the best of one another, reject gossip, avoid complacency, and resolve conflicts promptly. By doing so, the “walls” of division can fall, allowing the church to advance and take territory in the name of Jesus.

Quote: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 6:10-11: This scripture instructs believers to find strength in the Lord and His power and to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes, highlighting the spiritual nature of our battles. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:12: This verse clarifies that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil, urging believers to recognize the true source of conflict. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:13: This scripture encourages believers to put on the full armor of God so that they can stand their ground when the day of evil comes and after they have done everything, to stand. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:14: This verse details the first pieces of the armor: the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, symbolizing the foundational aspects of a believer’s defense. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:15: This scripture describes the feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to share the message of peace. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:16: This verse highlights the shield of faith, which enables believers to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, underscoring the protective power of faith. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:17: This scripture presents the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, as essential tools for protection and offense in spiritual warfare. View NIV Version
Ephesians 6:18: This verse urges believers to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, emphasizing the vital role of prayer in spiritual strength and unity. View NIV Version
Proverbs 20:19: This proverb warns against gossips, stating that they betray confidence and should be avoided by those who value trust. View NIV Version
Proverbs 16:28: This proverb describes how a perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends, highlighting the divisive nature of gossip. View NIV Version
Proverbs 26:20: This proverb illustrates that without wood, a fire goes out, and without gossip, a quarrel dies down, emphasizing that gossip fuels conflict. View NIV Version
Joshua 6: This chapter recounts the fall of Jericho, demonstrating the power of God working through the unified obedience of His people. View NIV Version

Key Takeaways

Our strength to overcome the enemy’s schemes comes from the Lord and His mighty power, not our own.
The true battle is against spiritual forces of evil, not against flesh and blood.
Putting on the full armor of God is a necessary instruction for spiritual effectiveness.
The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, our primary offensive weapon in spiritual warfare.
Prayer in the Spirit is vital for spiritual edification, alertness, and strength.
Unity among believers is crucial for overcoming the enemy’s devices and seeing God’s power at work.
Distance from the church community can weaken our spiritual resilience and make us vulnerable to division.
Assumptions and misinterpretations can breed unnecessary conflict and harm unity.
Gossip is a destructive tool that betrays trust and separates believers.
Complacency can lead to spiritual stagnation and a diminished awareness of God’s provision.

Questions To Consider

How can I more intentionally rely on God’s strength rather than my own in facing spiritual challenges and conflicts in my relationships?
In what ways might I be misattributing spiritual struggles to individuals instead of recognizing the influence of the enemy, and how can I shift my perspective to one of compassion and prayer?
Which pieces of the armor of God do I need to consciously put on and utilize more effectively in my daily life?
How can I actively contribute to unity within my church community and resist the divisive tactics of distance, assumptions, gossip, and complacency?
Reflecting on the story of Jericho, what “walls” in my personal life or within my community might God be calling us to see fall through unified obedience and faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word that reminds me that my strength lies in You and Your mighty power. Help me to remember that the battles I face are not primarily against people but against spiritual forces of evil, and grant me a heart of compassion and understanding towards others. I ask for the wisdom and discipline to put on the full armor of God daily – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Teach me to wield Your Word effectively and to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. Lord, I desire unity within Your church and in my relationships. Help me to resist the enemy’s devices of distance, assumptions, gossip, and complacency. Give me the grace to assume the best in others, to guard my tongue, and to remain connected to the body of Christ. Just as the walls of Jericho fell through unified obedience, may the walls of division in my life and community crumble as we surrender to Your will together. Strengthen me to not just defend the ground I have, but to move forward and take new ground for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Action Steps

1: Spiritual Armor Application

Task 1: Reflect on Your Reliance on God

Step 1: Find a quiet space where you can reflect without interruption.
Step 2: Consider recent challenges or conflicts you’ve faced.
Step 3: Honestly assess whether you primarily relied on your own strength or sought God’s power in these situations.
Step 4: Identify one area where you need to consciously depend on God more.

Task 2: Equip Yourself with the Word

Step 1: Choose one of the scriptures mentioned (Ephesians 6:10-18) to focus on this week.
Step 2: Read the passage daily and meditate on its meaning.
Step 3: Identify one verse that particularly resonates with you and memorize it.
Step 4: Consider how this scripture can be applied to a current challenge you are facing.

Task 3: Practice Intentional Prayer

Step 1: Set aside a specific time each day for prayer.
Step 2: Include prayers for your own spiritual strength, for unity in your church, and for discernment against the enemy’s schemes.
Step 3: If you feel led, ask God for the gift of a heavenly language (praying in tongues) as mentioned in the transcript.
Step 4: Be mindful of praying in the Spirit throughout your day, even in brief moments.

2: Fostering Unity and Resisting Division

Task 1: Prioritize Church Connection

Step 1: Review your schedule and ensure that attending church gatherings is a priority.
Step 2: If you have been distant, plan to attend the next service or small group meeting.
Step 3: Identify one person at church you can connect with more intentionally this week.

Task 2: Cultivate Positive Communication

Step 1: Make a conscious effort to assume the best in others’ words and actions.
Step 2: Before reacting to a potentially negative communication (text, email, conversation), pause and consider a positive interpretation.
Step 3: If there is a misunderstanding, initiate a direct and open conversation to clarify intentions.

Task 3: Guard Against Gossip

Step 1: Commit to not participating in gossip about others.
Step 2: If a conversation turns to gossip, politely change the subject or excuse yourself.
Step 3: Make a conscious effort to speak positively about others, both in their presence and absence.

Task 4: Combat Complacency

Step 1: Reflect on what spiritual practices or connections used to bring you closer to God.
Step 2: Identify one of these practices that you have become complacent in (e.g., Bible reading, prayer, fellowship).
Step 3: Take one small step this week to re-engage in that practice with renewed intention.

Task 5: Resolve Conflicts Constructively

Step 1: If you are aware of any unresolved conflicts in your relationships, commit to addressing them in a Christ-like manner.
Step 2: Seek to understand the other person’s perspective and communicate your own with grace and truth.
Step 3: If needed, seek guidance from a trusted spiritual leader or counselor to help facilitate resolution.

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Conclusion

This study guide highlights the crucial message of unity among believers and the importance of recognizing and resisting the divisive tactics of the enemy. The video emphasizes that our strength comes from the Lord, and we are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm in spiritual battles. Key insights include understanding that our struggle is against spiritual forces, the power of God’s Word and prayer, and the necessity of actively fighting against distance, assumptions, gossip, and complacency, which erode unity. The example of Jericho illustrates the power of unified obedience in breaking down barriers. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to move beyond a defensive posture and to actively take ground for God’s kingdom, equipped with His strength and united in purpose.

Test Your Understanding

We are instructed to be strong in the _______ and in his mighty power.
Our struggle is not against flesh and _______, but against spiritual forces.
The _______ of the Spirit is the word of God, our offensive weapon.
_______ is a destructive tool that betrays confidence and separates close friends.
The unified obedience of the Israelites led to the collapse of the walls of _______.

Solution to Quiz

Lord
blood
sword
Gossip
Jericho

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