Jerry begins by emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare, referencing scriptures such as 1 Timothy 1.18, 2 Timothy 2.3, Hebrews 4.12, Ephesians 3.16, and 6.17 to highlight the armor and weapons believers have in Christ. He stresses the need for endurance, especially in the context of fighting a lifelong battle, as illustrated in Matthew 24, where enduring till the end is linked to salvation. Jerry explains that salvation encompasses not only being born again but also the ongoing transformation of the soul—mind, will, and emotions—into vessels through which Christ can express His life. He recounts Paul's life, especially his perseverance despite hardships and abandonment, urging believers to stand firm as soldiers of Jesus Christ. The Christian life is a warfare requiring endurance, faith, and reliance on God's strength. Jerry underscores that the armor of God, especially the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is a powerful, godly weapon used for close combat—hand-to-hand spiritual warfare. He highlights the inseparable relationship between the Spirit and the Word, illustrating how Christ and the Holy Spirit operate together through the Word. The sword not only divides between flesh and Spirit but also consumes what is not of God, guarding the way to eternal life. Ultimately, Jerry encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, allowing the Spirit to work deeply within, so they can effectively wield the sword and remain steadfast until Christ's return.
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.