Sermon Tone Analysis

Craig Brian Larson once said that “National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose.

The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide.

Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken.

That ensures defeat.

The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs.

Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually.

The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight.

Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.

There is a lesson here for us.

Spiritual battles await.

Satan will choose a season to attack.

Will we be victorious, or will we fall?

Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin.

The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed.”

Historical/Cultural Context -

This book was written in the late 50s AD or early 60s AD.

It was a letter that was to be shared amongst churches in the area.

It was written by Paul the Apostle who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament.

Biblical Text -

-[Prayer]-

Life Principle - The Devil Hates You, But God Gave You The Way To Withstand Him.

Life Point- Satan & Demons Are Real & Really Hate The Gospel

Exegetical -

Homiletical -

The reality of true spiritual warfare has been lost on most people in Christendom.

Some take it to the extreme with a demon behind every rock.

However, the reality is that much of what we experience is influenced on a daily basis by things that are in the Spiritual World.

This messenger of God was held up by a servant of Satan that was in charge of the kingdom of Persia for 21 days.

He was not permitted to pass until Michael the Archangel showed up to help him.

Satan and his army have been around a long time.

A lot longer than you and I. Have you noticed over the time I have been here that when this church starts to make inroads and starts to grow, God’s people are attacked.

How are we attacked?

Our enemy can make things happen.

He can make people who were solid and strong and through the manipulation of people and the causing of events he can cause us to have significant spiritual, emotional, and physical troubles.

He can put people in our paths that mix correct doctrine with error.

There are a lot of so-called psychics, spiritists, witches and the like that can do rituals that summon demonic forces against us.

I heard of one church where a couple of Wicans came in the back and was sitting there cursing the church under their breathes.

This went on for a few weeks and during that time it was as though all hell broke loose on the people in the church.

They started praying against them.

They didn’t ask them to stop coming, but they stopped coming and things quieted down.

I know it sounds ridiculous to our modern minds, but it is real and it really does happen.

The armor of God is not:

• Some mystical solution to our fight in the heavenlies

• Something intangible that we pray on everyday

The armor is:

• A way of life in Christ

• Paul does not simply talk about relationships in chapter 5 and then suddenly change speed and go to some mystical battle armor.

• He admits there is a spiritual battle going on and if we want to win this battle, then we need to live in a certain way.

• He uses the armor as an illustration of how our lives and relationships should look.

• Twice Paul says to stand

• He is showing emphasis

• You can stand against our enemy

• This is a promise, You can do it

• You cannot live the armored life without the power of God.

• Without the grace, mercy, and submission to God

• Without the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit is the paraclete, the one who stands besides.

He has dynamite power.

• The Greek word is dynamos where we get the term dynamite.

Life Point - Walk in God’s Armor

Exegetical -

Homiletical -

These characteristics of our lives and the power of the Word of God and the Christian life will be attacked.

The enemy will attack us about the Truth of God’s Word, just like in the garden of Eden and serpent.

“Did God really say?”

The enemy will tell you the Bible isn’t inerrant it isn’t God Word it just contains God’s Word.

Not everything in it is for today.

Let me tell you, the Devil is a liar and the father of all lies.

The devil will attack you in standing up for righteousness in your life.

He will say things like, “One sip won’t hurt you.

One snort.

One look at that woman or man won’t hurt.

Let me tell you again, the Devil is a liar!

Don’t do it, run!

The Devil will attack your mind on the Gospel.

He has several heresies going right now in churches in America.

He will say things like, “God wants you to be healthy and wealthy, living the good life.”

and “Homosexuality isn’t a sin.

That was during the Biblical times, it’s ok now.”

How about, “It’s OK to cohabitate and not be married and have sex with whomever you like, whenever you like when the fancy overtakes you.

God wants you to enjoy life and be merry and happy.”

He has so watered down pastors and their presentation of the Gospel, people don’t know what it is anymore!

Don’t fall for it.

The changed individual will want to do the will of God, not just say some mystical prayer and go on sinning like they always have.

The Devil will attack you on your readiness to share the Gospel.

He will tell you, “You better not share Jesus with that person.

They might yell at you.”

You don’t have time to talk to others about Jesus, you’re too busy and you don’t want to get into a long drawn out conversation.”

Or how about “You don’t want to conflict with what others believe it will cause a fight and they can believe whatever they want.”

Here is the sad truth, if you aren’t ready then that person in from of you may just die and go to Hell because you didn’t share Jesus with them!

The Devil will attack your faith.

He will shoot those flaming arrows and if you haven’t been in prayer and the Word of God as much as possible, then they will make it through and will hit you somewhere in your life where you will fall to his temptations and commit sin.

If that dart makes it through, for example, he will hit you in your helmet of salvation, the assurance of your salvation in Christ.

He will attack your mind and mess it up.

He will cause confusion in your life and you will find yourself in a place you never thought you would be.

I have seen many a christian never believe that they would be in a place of unrepentant sin.

In a place where their marriages are torn apart and their kids hate them.

But that fiery dart came through and messed up their mind because they weren’t in God’s word and prayer.

The Devil will try to keep you from walking in faith by separating you from your sword which is the Word of God.

Don’t let him do it.