In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, it’s essential to make sure that we have proper protection in all aspects of our lives. Just as we wouldn’t go out into a storm without an umbrella, we shouldn’t navigate life without protection. In this blog, we’ll discuss two critical areas that can leave us exposed and vulnerable if not addressed properly. We’ll also explore two key principles that can help us remain covered.
Two areas that leave us exposed
Area #1: Isolation – Disconnected from the Body
Isolation can be one of the most harmful states a person can find themselves in.
When we disconnect from the body, the community of believers, we leave ourselves exposed to numerous challenges. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of fellowship:
“And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers]…”.
This passage highlights the significance of corporate gatherings, both on Sundays and in smaller groups like Connects throughout the week.
Area #2: No Armour – Wrong Thinking or Application
The armour of God is a spiritual protective apparatus or garments if you like. It is not a physical war we are in therefore, we require the correct fitment and application of such armour provided by God.
The Armour of God is about a New Testament mindset and how the grace of God is applied to our lives. If we incorrectly think about the finished work of Jesus and how it applies to us, along with the benefits, we are in danger of incorrectly applying the armour of God.
Furthermore, if we are not mindful of the enemy being someone who seeks to devour us and remain ignorant to the spirit realm, we are exposed if we have not armed ourselves with the armour of God.
Two key areas that keep us covered
Key #1: Remain in Fellowship
To stay covered, we must remain in fellowship. Don’t forsake gathering with other believers, for these moments, we care for one another, stir up love, and build a strong community.
Why is Fellowship Important?
1. The Corporate Presence of Jesus: When we gather in His name, He is present among us (Matthew 18:20).
2. United Worship: Our collective praise and worship are powerful when we come together (Hebrews 2:12).
3. United Prayer: Corporate prayer leads to unity and breakthroughs (Acts 4:31).
4. Fellowship: Sharing life with fellow believers brings joy and generosity (Acts 2:42, 44, 46).
Corporate Fellowship and Communities we;
Watch Over: When we gather, we can care for one another, pray for one another, and love one another. It’s in these moments that we watch out for our fellow believers.
Stir Up Love and Good Works: Corporate gatherings are where we can encourage each other to love more deeply and engage in acts of kindness and service to others.
Community Building
The early church in Acts 2 exemplifies the essence of fellowship.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer.
They worshipped together, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared everything they had.
This sense of community is essential to our spiritual well-being.
Fellowship means partnership, participation, social interaction, and communion.
It’s about connecting believers to one another and advancing the gospel within the community.
Key #2: Develop Right Thinking and Application
The second area that can expose us is going into battle without the right armour. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11, we are urged to put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope.
Armour of God
Faith: It’s the shield that protects us. Having faith means expecting a desired outcome.
Hope: The helmet of hope safeguards our minds. This hope extends beyond eternal life and includes healing and deliverance from our enemies in this present life.
Love: Love is both our defence and our offence. It’s the greatest armour we have because God is love.
In verse 11 of 1 Thessalonians, is says comfort and edify;
You can effectively comfort and edify others when you are equipped with faith, hope, and love. As Fergus McIntyre wisely said, “You can only give what you have received.”
Build Yourself Up
Jude 1:20-21 advises us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith and to keep ourselves in the love of God.
Praying in the Spirit can help us do this, especially when dealing with offences, strife, fear, doubt, unbelief, confusion, anger, or bitterness.
When events happen whereby it’s easy to become offended, discouraged, confused or bitter, just begin to pray in the Holy Spirit and ask the Lord for help, strength and His perspective in every situation.
Resist Satan
In 1 Peter 5:9-11, we’re told to resist Satan, and two effective ways to do so are by having the right beliefs about grace and praying in the Spirit. This resistance not only protects us but also allows us to put on the armour of God effectively. However, this is a decision you must make, not a feeling.
In conclusion, staying covered in life’s battles involves remaining in fellowship with other believers and putting on the armour of faith, hope, and love. These two key principles will help us face life’s challenges with confidence and assurance, knowing that we are adequately covered and able to overcome any situation or circumstance, even when others wrong us intentionally or unintentionally.
May you remain covered and strengthened all the days of your life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
In The Name of Jesus I take authority over the Spirit of offence. I bind it, silence it and command it to leave our church and church family. I ask that You give them Your Strength in their emotions to resist the attacks of the enemy. Submit to God, resist the enemy and he must flee In Jesus Name AMEN 🌿🙏🌿🕊️🙏
Thank you Pastor Shaun for your Holy Spirit led Preaching from The Written Word of God 🌿🕊️🌿