10 Commandments of Church Effectiveness

Put On The Full Armor of God

Commandments so far…

#1 – Present yourself as one approved#2 – Lift up holy hands in prayer#3 – In doctrine show integrity#4 – Flee evil desires#5 – Set An Example For Believers#6 – Pursue Peace#7 – Set Your Mind On Things Above#8 – Remain Faithful To Death

Preparations for War

•Counting the cost•Preparation and Training•Equipping and Enabling•Evaluating strengths and weakness of the enemy•Instilling confidence in commanders

•The Christian battlefield needs these preparations too.

•Knowing Our Enemy

•1 John 5:19 -- We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Satan is a world leader

Satan Can Mesmerize and Deceive

2 Corinthians 4:4 -- The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan rules in darkness and uses it to take advantage

Colossians 1:13 -- For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

•Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour all

•1 Peter 5:8 -- Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Trusting Our King

Psalm 66:3 -- Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!        So great is your power        that your enemies cringe before you.

Our Strength Depends on God’s Might

Ephesians 6:10 -- Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Neither Satan nor his army can defeat God

Commandment #9 – Put on the full armor of God

Ephesians 6:11 -- Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

We must make the decision to be fully armed

Belt of Truth – vs. 14

Is this “the truth” or truth in general?

Breastplate of Righteousness – vs. 14

Shoes of Gospel Readiness – vs. 15

Shield of Faith – vs. 16

“the faith”Faith in general

Helmet of Salvation – vs. 17

Sword of Spirit – vs. 17

Prayer – vs. 18

Properly equipped we can:

Stand our ground in spiritual battle

Extinguish all of Satan’s fiery darts

Remain alert and ready for any attack