Sunday Service (15th September, 2019

 

TITLE OF SERMON: ARMOURS FOR EXPLOITS                                

TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:10-18 

Delivered by Akinwale Oloyede

Introduction

We live in a dark world where the evil one is striving to enthrone his kingdom in every sphere of life and has actually permeated the systems in many institutions, workplaces, profession, social and mass media. Nevertheless, children of the kingdom of light are saved and created to declare the praise of God and to do good works everywhere they go like their master Jesus. This is what God has prepared in advance for the regenerated believers and the armours to do the exploits (and enthrone God’s kingdom on earth) have also been provided.  Last week, God challenged us and we resolved to stand out like Daniel in Babylon. Today, the Lord is calling us again to action – to put on the whole armour that will enable us stand firm in the truth, stand up in righteousness and stand tall in excellence (with spiritual gifts and godly virtues). It is time to put appropriate spiritual armours on our head, heart and hand as we do exploits in our location and everywhere we go. 

1.       Be strong in the Lord and put on the full armour of God (vs. 10-12).

The first step to doing exploits is to be in the Lord (to be saved) and to be strong in your relationship with Him. Only those that know their God can be strong to do exploits –Abraham, Gideon, Daniel were able to do exploits because they knew God intimately. What do you know in your heart and head about God and his divine provisions for your life? You need to put them to use (in your hands). One approach to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power is to put on the spiritual weapons that will make you fit to stand against the Devil’s schemes.  One of the tactics of the devil is to make you separate your profession or career from your walk with God. We are involved in a spiritual warfare that requires spiritual weapons like helmet of salvation (for the head- vs. 17a), breastplate of righteousness (for the heart- vs. 14b), Word of God and faith (for the hand – vs. 16, 17b). The Holy Spirit is God’s mighty power that gives you assurance of salvation, He will also grant you inspiration, gifts and understanding for exploits in the world of music, fashion, engineering, medicine, administration etc. There are testimonies of scientific/technological invention, architectural landmarks and excellent academic/professional results by people who are strong in the Lord. You too can do great exploits as you pay attention to your walk with God and receive strength from Him (Ps. 84:5-7). The two other steps to exploits is to put on the full armour and put it to use.

2.       Be strong in the Lord and do exploits with the full armour of God (vs. 13-18)

It is one thing to be strong in the Lord, it is another thing to stand your ground (resolution) and to stand firm (steadfastness) or resist in the day of evil. You need to put on the full armour of God to be able to stand in everything not yielding to temptations to sin by self and Satan and the world (I Jn. 2:15-17). All these seven weapons are necessary to take our stand and to stand firm in the Lord.

Ø  First is the Belt of Truth which makes the armour for the head, heart and hand full and fitting as a soldier of Christ. The belt of truth is the experiential knowledge of your identity in Christ and the divine purpose for living/working. The knowledge your spiritual status in Christ and the joy of belonging to God should reflect in the lifestyle of God’s kingdom (Rom. 14:17).

Ø  The breastplate of righteousness is the second weapon that makes you stand out in the wicked world and escape the lions’ den like Daniel. It connotes a relationship with Christ, our righteousness and manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This makes you a specimen of lifestyle evangelism. People should see your good works as light of the world and glorify God.

Ø  Sandal of gospel readiness is another weapon that makes you fully kitted as soldier of/for Christ. You should also be ready (as you go about doing good…) to share the gospel of peace when the opportunity comes. Lifestyle evangelism, reconciliation, peace-making and soul winning are parts of the exploits for which God empowered/equipped you with armours.  Are you ready for these exploits as you go about this week?

Ø  Shield of Faith – like Daniel and other men/women of faith, as God helps us to lift people from dungeon to daylight, from depression to delight, the enemy will shoot flaming arrows. God has provided the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts -vs. 16. There is no mountain you cannot move or feat you cannot attain with faith. Samson was a careless fellow who, in a proverbial sense, put down his shield of faith and helmet of salvation. Beware of your moments of victory

Ø  Helmet of Salvation – keep your head in all situations, guard your salvation testimony jealously regardless of the exploits (salvation, healing, deliverance, elevation) God has done through you in the past. Your heavenly citizenship is much more important than any achievement and miracles on earth. Are you still sure of your salvation or you need to rededicate your life? Vs. 17a

Ø  The Sword of the Spirit – it is one thing to be able to hold the sword (reading, studying, reciting), it is another thing to put it to use (proclaiming and applying it to stem the tides of evil). Vs. 17b. God’s Word gives direction and instruction that results in exploits. Ps. 119:105

Ø  Prayer and Intercession – the seventh weapon affords you the opportunity to activate and reactivate these weapons both for yourself and others. It energizes your spirit man and builds your perseverance. Vs 18. Cf. Elijah in James 5:17-18

Conclusion: Which of the armours have you put off or put down? Are you ready to put them on? Talk to God about it in prayers. Go in this thy might and do great exploits for God!

UPCOMING EVENTS/ INFORMATION

1.      Next week, Engr & Mrs Oyelakun will serve in the Children department

2.      Dns Christiana Oketoobo will lead the Workers’ Prayer next week.

3.      The EC of NBC is appealing to every Baptist Member to donate a minimum of #1,000 in September towards the construction of the BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL CAMP AUDITORIUM costing 2 billion naira. Pay into BOWEN 1100104990 or ZENITH BANK 1012261210 or pay to Mrs Sikemi Blessed-Agboola.

4.      As the Church Pastor embarked on his 2019 Annual leave, pray that it will be a refreshing time for him.

MISSION COMMITMENT

Members are reminded of a monthly contribution of #20/person per month Mission’s contribution under the auspices of Ogbomoso Baptist Conference and #500/person per month CAN Trust Fund. You can make your payment to Mrs. Bose Ayinde.

HEALTH TIPS

Members who have interest in checking their Blood Pressure for free can do so after Wednesday Bible Study

BIRTHDAY/ WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FOR THE MONTH

We should not forget to felicitate with people celebrating their Birthday and Wedding Anniversary in the month of September.

AMOUNT NEEDED FOR THE NEW AUDITORIUM

For the next phase of the work on the building, amount needed is 2.08 million naira

BUILDING PROJECT ACCOUNT                        CHURCH ACCOUNT

Access Bank                                              First Bank

New Spring Baptist Church                      New Spring Baptist Church

0697011767                                               2023699560

BENEVOLENCE

This Church genuinely cares for her members and is committed to seeing to their welfare. So, if any member is in a serious need and requires help, please do not hesitate to meet with the Church Pastor or the Benevolence Chairperson, Dns. Christiana Oketoobo.

PASTOR’S CORNER

It is not enough to resolve in your heart to stand out for God, you must also renew your mind (head) and put your faith to work, (hand). We must therefore stand firm and put on the whole armour which God has provided for our heart, head and hand in order to stand tall and do great exploits (in these evil days). Go in this might!

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Pray for the Church Pastor that he will experience great refreshing, renewal of strength and vision to lead us to

the next level in God’s agenda for His Church. Pray for his family that God will perfect all that concerns them

  Eph. 6:19-20

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

MONDAY:

Intercessors Meeting-5:00pm

TUESDAY:

WMS & Sunbeam-5:00pm

WEDNESDAY:

Bible Study & Prayer Meeting-5:00pm

THURSDAY:

Visitation Committee-5:00pm

Drama Group - 5:00pm

FRIDAY:

Choir Rehearsal-4:00pm

SATURDAY:

Royal Ambassadors, Lydia -3:00pm,

Girls Auxiliary-3:30pm

Choir Rehearsal-4:00pm

Sunday School Preparatory Class-5:00pm