11th Sunday after Trinity – Sermon 181

Prayer to start

May the words of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ

AMEN

Introduction 

One of the most successful films of recent years – has been the film ‘Galdiator’ – filmed we found out recently in the capital of Malta – Valleta – which was also the home of the nights of St. John

It depicts the fate of those who had to do battle against fully armed men or wild beasts in the Amphi-theatres of the Roman Empire- with only a trident – and net – as a weapon –

Such individuals usually – had little or no chance of survival –

Imagine then in our Christian lives putting ourselves in a similar situation – not in terms of physical safety – but in terms of our Spiritual battles –

Each day brings a succession of temptations – influences – demands and pressures – that threaten to undermine our faith – So how do we cope? – who or what do we turn to for help? Let’s see if our readings can help us. 

Point 1    Decide whose side you are on

 

Imagine being under the leadership of Joshua –

It was Joshua who stood beside Caleb as the only one’s to bring back a good report after spying out the Land of Canaan – it was Joshua – who was chosen as the successor to Moses to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land – And it was Joshua who was at the helm when the people crossed the Jordon – and when the fortified walls of Jerico fell –

And now that the physical fighting is through – and the people are ready to put down their swords and start a new life in a new country –

Joshua calls them to arms again – but this time for the spiritual battle that will begin as soon as they start to put down roots

They will face conflicts inside and outside – inner battles to stay God’s grace – Paul in his letter to the Romans calls them – our two selves warring against each other –

and outer conflicts – from temptations to revert to the traditions and the gods of the old ways – or to adopt the new influences of the local people they will live and work with –

They must resist – says Joshua- and he challenges the people – to make a decision – one way or the other –

Joshua nails his colours firmly to the mast – ‘I and my family shall serve the Lord’ – he says

And – the people quickly follow suit – realizing that – under God’s guidance – they had met with overwhelming success – and ‘ not a word of the Lord’s promises to the house of Israel went unfulfilled’

Like Joshua and his people – before going into our Spiritual battles – we too need to decide whose side we are on – whether we are for God – or against Him – whether we are prepared to trust in his His promises and all that He provides –

The book of Joshua is a good news book – no talk of rebellion – against God – or their leader – a world of difference to the rumblings recorded in Deuteronomy and Numbers of the earlier generation –

Described as ‘a fresh breeze of hope’ – it also shows us that things will work out if like Joshua – we too – nail our colours firmly to the mast and follow only – God –  

Point 2      Put on the Armour of God

A man was coming out of church – one Sunday morning and the rector was standing near the door as usual ready to shake hands – He took him by the hand and said – ‘You need to join the army of God!” –
the man quickly replied, ‘ But I’m already in God’s army.’ – The rector then questioned him further – ‘How come we don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?’ – the man whispered back – ‘ I’m in the secret service.’

Whatever role we think we play in God’s army – Paul says – we have to be prepared for what lies ahead –

‘Put on the whole Armour of God’ says Paul – so you will be able to stand firm’ –

Paul reminds us – that we face a supernatural battleground – one in which our own abilities are dwarfed – and where hidden forces are at work – constantly trying to undermine and avert the spread of God’s kingdom

It can be a surprise to many – (of course) – that there is a struggle at all – the general public – as C. S. Lewis calls them in his introduction to his famous Screwtape letters – prefer to either ignore the forces of evil altogether – or pretend they don’t exist – (interpreting the devil as a some sort of cartoon image – that they can classify – as stuff and nonsense) –

And worst still some can take an unhealthy interest in everything demonic – which can be just as bad in the long run-

Many Christians too don’t see their individual efforts and struggles as part of a larger campaign – they worship and pray together as a community in church – but outside church feel like soldiers fighting in a fog – never seeing or knowing what others – in the same line of battle – are doing – or having to face –

In most major conflicts soldiers rarely know much about the rest of the war – that’s for the generals – but its important as Christ’s army – that we at least accept that there is a war going on – and maintain our bit of the line – against attack – and Paul gives us plenty of advice on how to do that –

We must hold fast to the – ‘belt of truth’ – says Paul – to enter battle ignorant or doubting – is like entering blind and lame – a firm belief in the truth of the Gospel – can give us strength and confidence for the everyday conflicts ahead –

We need to wear – the ‘Breastplate of righteousness’ – it protects us from frontal attack – its our bullet proof vest – righteousness is given to us through the cross – Jesus’ blood makes us right with God – by accepting God’s righteousness – we accept the need to remain free from sin –

Then there’s the ‘shoes of the Gospel of peace’ – the enemy will do all he can to knock us off our feet – holding fast to the message of peace- will make us sure footed – and ready to stay upright-

The shield of faith – is a shield that completely covers us – repels those fiery arrows of sharp temptation – is essential to safety – faith will quench all – our doubts and fears

The helmet of salvation – protects and enables us to hold up our head with confidence – like others wearing the helmet – we know we are part of the heavenly family – and have been rescued and saved-

But its not enough to defend – we also have to fight back – and we do this with the sword of the spirit – which is the word of God – the word of the Gospel is the way – God accomplishes His powerful cleansing of people’s hearts and lives –

The forces of evil which put Jesus on the Cross have been seriously upset by the victory of the resurrection – they are panick-stricken at the thought that Jesus’ message is challenging their power and authority- everywhere – they are doing their best to oppose and distract – trying to blow us off course – with false teaching and temptations –

Prayer too is one of our most powerful weapons – it accomplishes things we cannot do by our own efforts – we should use it constantly – not for tasks equal to our own strength – but strength equal to the tasks we face –

Putting on the armour of God is about clothing ourselves with the Gospel itself – its about knowing it – and trusting it – and speaking out – wearing it like a suit of armour – and we are to stand together – and pray for one another – and especially for those battling in the front line –

Paul asks the Ephesian church to pray for him – so that even in chains – with clipped wings – he will go on announcing the good news of Jesus – and the word and Christ Himself – will sore above it all

Point 3   Jesus with us

So prepared and fully armed – and ready for battle – we now – need to take with us – our most important ally of all – Jesus Christ Himself – We are fighting Spiritual forces so we need Jesus – there with us –

And as our Gospel reading reminds us – by consuming all of Him – we get all His Spiritual power – and ensure that there is no foothold left for the enemy to take hold –

We need to use all that Jesus’ sacrificial death has achieved – accept Him fully – as God’s Holy One – and give ourselves completely to Him – for the true Christian followers – there is no where else to go –

A Christian separated from Christ is like a branch cut from the vine – or a limb cut from the body – Anyone who rushes into this conflict without putting His trust in Jesus and without looking to Him for strength – will barely make the battlefield

It is the Spirit of Christ – that gives life – the flesh can achieve nothing – and with Jesus – on our side we have nothing to fear – Jesus has already defeated the enemy and will ensure that He is defeated again –  

Conclusion

So have we joined the army of God yet?

Are we members of the secret service – or is our faith visible for all to see ?

Are we clothed with Christ – and fully prepared – for the battle ahead?

Before entering the arena – to fight – the Gladiator – calls out the words – ‘strength and honour’ –

as soldiers of Christ – when we join the Spiritual battlefield – we know on whose strength and honour we depend –

Prayer to finish

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

AMEN