If you’ve ever felt like giving up or wondered why life feels like a battle, check out this message from Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt.
Discover how the story of one of the biggest motion pictures of our time mirrors the spiritual battles we all face! We each have struggles, temptations, and trials—but God equips us with spiritual armor and the power of community to stand strong.
Notes 📓✏️:
At The Movies – Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring : Pastor Jeremy DeWeeerdt
Good and Evil.
J.R.R. Tolkien
“If I may say so, with humility, the Christian religion (which I profess) is far the most powerful ultimate source.”
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT); “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
83% of all U.S. adults believe people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.
81% say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if we cannot see it.
We are spiritual beings having a physical experience in this world.
John 10:10 (ESV); “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 16:33 (NLT); “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
God has given us what we need for the battles we face.
1. Everything is spiritual.
2. In this life, you will need your own fellowship of the ring.
You were not meant to walk your spiritual journey alone.
Who you do life with matters!
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT); “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
3. God equips us with weapons for the battle.
Ephesians 6:10-11,13-18 (NIV); “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness means “right standing with God.”
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
Speak the Word over your circumstances.
Paul says to Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Prayer works every time in me.
4. Don’t retreat! Keep moving forward!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- In the sermon, Ephesians 6:12 was cited, discussing the spiritual battles we face. Why do you think it’s important to acknowledge that our struggles may not just be physical or emotional, but can also be more spiritual in nature?
- Pastor Jeremy spoke about the importance of having a ‘fellowship of the ring’ or support system in life. What qualities do you think are essential in the friends and community we choose to surround ourselves with?
- The sermon pointed out that every believer has spiritual weapons for the battels they face. What spiritual weapons do you think are most important for you to rely on in your own life?
- Pastor Jeremy encourages us to keep standing and moving forward in our battles, rather than retreating. Why do you think perseverance is crucial in our spiritual journeys?