Last Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley preached the sermon: “True Generosity,” from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. We learned that true generosity begins in the heart, acts in faith, and overflows in many blessings.

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:1-11

This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will continue with 2 Corinthians 10:1-11 and will point us to be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might, using the spiritual weapons that He has given to us to fend off every attack from the evil one. As you prepare your heart for our gathering, let this devotional from John MacArthur encourage you in the fight.

Reflect: “Your Resources in Christ”

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:10–11).

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In Christ you have every resource necessary for spiritual victory.

Satan opposes God and wants to prevent believers from glorifying Him. One way he does that is by convincing them that he is either so formidable they could never defeat him, or so weak they can fight him in their own strength.

Second Corinthians 10:4 says, “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” Human resources alone can never defeat a spiritual enemy, but divine resources can. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the resources you have in Christ that ensure spiritual victory.

In Ephesians 1:3 Paul says you have received all the blessings of Heaven through Christ. That includes being forgiven and redeemed (vv. 6–7) and receiving knowledge, understanding, and wisdom (vv. 17–18). Within you resides the Holy Spirit (v. 13), who strengthens you and accomplishes more than you can ask or think (3:16, 20).

Believers represent the awesome power of God in this world—the same power that raised Christ from the dead, seated Him at the right hand of the Father, and subjected all things under His feet (Eph. 1:19–22). He is the Sovereign Lord against whom no one can successfully stand. That’s why Paul exhorted us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10, emphasis added). We find this strength by putting on the armor He has supplied: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word, and using it all with prayer. Then, no matter what direction the enemy approaches from or how subtle his attacks may be, we’ll be able to stand firm.

Satan’s attacks are complex and subtle. His ways of working in this world are cunning and deceitful. Since it’s impossible to analyze and anticipate his every offense, focus on strengthening your defenses by understanding your spiritual resources and using them each day.

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Suggestions for Prayer:  Ask God to increase your understanding of spiritual warfare. ✧ Seek wisdom in applying your resources in the most effective ways. ✧ When you face spiritual battles, confide in a Christian friend who will pray with you and encourage you.

For Further Study: According to Matthew 4:1–11, how did Jesus deal with Satan’s attacks?

September 3^rd Reading: “Your Resources in Christ,” in Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith, by John MacArthur.

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “God Is for Us,” by CityAlight
2. “The Veil Was Torn,” by Crosspoint Music
3. “The Power of the Cross,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty