Jerry acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare, urging believers to be aware of their adversary, who, despite being defeated at Calvary, remains a threat. Jerry highlights the need for spiritual armor as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, emphasizing the importance of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation in overcoming the enemy's attacks. He introduces the concept of the "wall-eyed pike syndrome," illustrating how the enemy can confuse and disorient believers, leading them to despair and hopelessness. Jerry encourages Christians to recognize their role as warriors in Christ, to resist the enemy, and to seek God's grace to reignite their spiritual fervor. He warns against the dangers of self-life, which can lead to spiritual defeat, and stresses the necessity of denying oneself to follow Christ. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance in thought life, urging believers to bring every thought into captivity to Christ, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith amidst the ongoing battle against the adversary.
Gratitude for Jesus' mercy and love
Reality of spiritual warfare and the adversary
Importance of spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Concept of "wall-eyed pike syndrome" and its implications
Call to be warriors in Christ and resist the enemy
Dangers of self-life and the need to deny oneself
Vigilance in thought life and bringing thoughts into captivity
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.