“Help For Families In Conflict (Part IV)”

Date: 7/13/2011
Speaker: Pastor Johnny Moore

Let’s continue looking at the book of Ephesians. Last week we began talking about the four steps to help families in conflict:

     Step 1: Be Strong In The Lord by knowing Him, growing in Him and obeying Him.

     Step 2: Know Who Your Enemy Is by understanding that it is not your family, but it is Satan and all the powers of hell.

     Step 3: Put On The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17): What does it really mean to “put on the armor of God”? How do I do this? Let’s take a look…

• Loins Girt About With Truth: John 17:17 tells us that “Thy Word is truth.” He is literally telling us that we need to develop a clear understanding of God’s Word (John 15:7).

• Breastplate Of Righteousness: Here He is telling us that having a “rightstanding relationship” with Him is like a breastplate. It will protect our heart (II Corinthians 5:21).

• Feet Shod With Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace: Think about it… What do we do with our feet? We walk and we stand. He is instructing us to “walk or stand” in what we know (Psalm 119:101, 105).

• The Shield Of Faith: We are to use this shield to extinguish or to stop the fiery darts of the wicked (II Corinthians 5:7).

• The Helmet Of Salvation: Where does a helmet go? On your head. This helmet protects your mind and assists us in making godly decisions. It causes us to look at every situation through the eyes of our salvation.

• The Sword Of The Spirit Which Is The Word Of God: This sword refers to the spoken Word of God that comes out of our mouths. Remember how Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations? “It is written…” (Luke 4:4,8,12).

Step 4: Pray Always (Ephesians 6:18): There will never be any substitute for prayer. Luke 18:1 tells us that “men ought to always pray and not faint…” You see, if we will pray, quitting will not be an option. But on the other hand, if you are considering quitting, it is probably because you haven’t prayed.

Yes, God does provide help for families in conflict. If your family is experiencing trouble, don’t condemn yourself or feel that yours is the only one with trouble. Instead, lift up your chin and look to the Lord, for He is ready to help you and your family today!

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