Welcome to week eight of "Real Man Monday." Last week, we discussed talking to our general every day. This week, we are going even deeper into the soul of a man of God.
Caution
Weeds grow quickly, but oak trees take years. If you want a quick fix to becoming a man of God, these videos are not for you. However, if you realize that becoming a man of God takes a lifetime, let's get started together.
Goal
To slowly grow into a man of God, one week at a time. Each week, we will look at a different aspect of being a man of God.
Let's Review
What is a man? Chuck Norris. What is a man of God? God's Word says in Micah 6:8,
"Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."
According to God, a man of God acts justly, loves faithfulness, and walks humbly with God.
- Acts Justly- A protector of what is right and good. A defender.
- Loves Faithfulness- Someone who is consistent. Dependable. Someone you can count on.
- Walk Humbly Before the Lord- Someone who follows the Lord in submits to His leadership.
Today's topic: Spiritual Authority- The Breastplate of Righteousness
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Jesus has won the war and has given us the ability to walk in spiritual authority.
We don't fight FOR victory.
We fight FROM a position of victory.
In the video, we talk about knowing what Jesus says about us gives us confidence and guards our hearts against the lies of the enemy. There are constant attacks on the spiritual confidence of a man. Everyone wants to tell you who you are. The result can be massive confusion and living out of the wrong motivations in life.
This week's challenge: Think about who you are in Christ and what impact that has on your spiritual confidence.
We talked about this a few weeks ago, but it is worth talking about again. Why do you do the things you do? Is it out of joy for the gifts the Lord has given you? Is it out of desperation to prove your critics wrong? Only one way leads to life. Don't let the enemy control your heart. Only be controlled by the true King of all, Jesus.
Stand in the spiritual authority you have been given with righteous confidence. The King calls you His. We wear His armor with holy pride.
Don't give up, men.
You're probably doing better than you realize.
We need you.
Your family needs you.
Your church needs you.
Your community needs you.
