Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into the subject of prayer, highlighting its significance and foundational aspects within the Christian life. Focusing on Ephesians 6:18, he argues against the notion of viewing prayer as merely a duty, emphasizing instead the privilege and honor it is to communicate with God. Strelecki stresses the connection between the Word of God and prayer, encouraging believers to adopt a biblical theology of prayer. He shares his personal journey and challenges, particularly how his understanding of prayer shifted when learning about dispensationalism and right division. Despite these challenges, he encourages believers to pray freely and embrace the open line of communication with God, who desires a relationship with His children, just like a loving parent wants to hear from their children.
Strelecki further emphasizes that believers have unprecedented access to God through Jesus Christ, pointing out that prayer is a form of worship and an acknowledgment of both God's all-sufficiency and our dependency on Him. He explores various aspects of prayer, such as the role of words in communication with God and the privilege of access bought by Christ's sacrifice. Addressing prayer's fundamental connection to mankind's creation in God's image, Strelecki underscores the transformative power of prayer, urging the congregation to move beyond mere knowledge of spiritual truths to active engagement, seeing prayer as a mechanism for participating in God's work. He challenges listeners to examine their prayer lives, encouraging them to be both the recipients and agents of answered prayers, embodying the teachings of scripture in every facet of life.
In his sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki expounded on the significance of the "sword of the Spirit," which he identified as the Word of God, emphasizing its crucial role in the spiritual armor provided for believers. He highlighted that while other pieces of armor serve both defensive and offensive purposes, the sword of the Spirit is distinctly offensive, designed to combat spiritual adversaries effectively. Pastor Strelecki elaborated on the nature of spiritual warfare, noting that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness, requiring weapons that are not carnal but divine. He stressed the importance of wielding the Word of God skillfully and with discernment, comparing it to the Roman sword, which required rigorous training and precision. By understanding the Word's power and applying it to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart, believers can stand firm against the devil's wiles.
Pastor Strelecki also encouraged believers to engage deeply with Scripture through reading, studying, meditating, and believing in the Word of God, emphasizing that its strength lies in its ability to transform the inner man. He pointed out that the sword of the Spirit is sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of reaching the soul and spirit and serving as a discerner of the heart's thoughts and intents. He urged the congregation to value this divine weapon, protect it from neglect, and use it to pull down strongholds in their minds. Furthermore, Pastor Strelecki highlighted the importance of wielding this sword in unity with other believers, strengthening the body of Christ to fight the good fight collectively. In conclusion, he prepared to transition into discussing the role of prayer, connected with the Word of God, as part of the believer's spiritual arsenal.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians chapter 6, specifically focusing on the "helmet of salvation" within the context of the whole armor of God. Emphasizing the dual role of each piece of armor as both defensive and offensive, he argues that the helmet represents the hope of future salvation, a critical aspect for protecting and equipping the mind in spiritual battles. Strelecki underscores that this hope transcends present circumstances, offering comfort and strength by anchoring believers in the ultimate purpose and plan of God in Christ. He elaborates on the erroneous interpretations around being "chosen" and "predestinated," clarifying that God’s primary purpose transcends salvation from sin, aiming instead for His creation to be presented holy and blameless before Him.
Drawing from various scriptures, including Ephesians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Romans, Strelecki highlights how the hope of salvation provides enduring joy, peace, and comfort, enabling believers to withstand spiritual attacks and remain steadfast. This hope, deeply rooted in the revelation of God’s eternal purpose through Jesus Christ, serves as a powerful tool for confronting the wickedness of the present world. By focusing on this future assurance, believers are encouraged to remain diligent in their spiritual walk, allowing their understanding of their identity in Christ to transform how they live moment by moment. Ultimately, Strelecki exhorts his audience to let this profound hope shape their inner strength, fostering faith, hope, and charity in their lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki explores the significance of the shield of faith as part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. He emphasizes the importance of faith not as an abstract concept, but as a powerful defense and offense in spiritual battles against evil. Strelecki explains that the shield of faith protects believers from the fiery darts of the wicked, representing the confidence and trust placed in God. Drawing parallels between the Roman shield and the spiritual shield, he illustrates how faith in God acts as a comprehensive protection, guarding not just the believer but also other pieces of spiritual armor like truth, righteousness, and peace.
Pastor Strelecki further expounds on the nature of faith, asserting that it is critical because it appropriates and exacts God's provisions against spiritual attacks. He highlights the dependency of faith's strength on the substance in which it is placed—faith in Jesus Christ empowers believers to overcome challenges. He encourages the congregation to immerse themselves in God's Word, understanding the countless thoughts and promises God has for them, which arms their faith to quench all adversarial fiery darts effectively. Concluding with a call to action, Strelecki urges believers to engage actively in their spiritual battles, using their faith to defend against and subdue any thoughts or challenges that contradict the knowledge of God.
The sermon focuses on Ephesians 6, highlighting the necessity of having one's feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, as part of the whole armor of God. This imagery is likened to the Roman soldier's essential footwear, which provided stability and protection on the battlefield, enabling effective combat through challenging terrains. The gospel of peace serves as more than a defensive measure; it also empowers believers with inner strength, transforming fear into courage and reinforcing confidence. This peace ensures believers are anchored in their faith, understanding their secure relationship with God through justification by faith.
In addition to providing inner tranquility, the gospel of peace equips believers to confront spiritual adversities actively and maintains unity within the body of Christ. By embracing this peace, believers are ready and zealous for good works, similar to David's readiness to face Goliath. The message urges believers to remain steadfast, avoiding entanglement with worldly affairs, and to let the peace of God govern their hearts, enabling them to confront life's trials with courage and reflect Christ's love and unity. This preparation encourages believers to meditate on these truths, allowing them to be the cornerstone of their spiritual resilience in the Lord.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, guides listeners through an exploration of Ephesians chapter 6, focusing on the breastplate of righteousness as part of the whole armor of God. He explains the spiritual battle Christians face, emphasizing the necessity of equipping ourselves with God's armor to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Strelecki underscores that believers are already endowed with the armor upon conversion—the righteousness imputed through faith in Jesus Christ—yet practical application requires consciously putting it on in daily life. This involves seeing righteousness as both a gift and a fruit that should manifest in good works, propelled by the truth and love embodied in Jesus Christ. He challenges believers to align their lives with God's teachings, warning against the dangers of disconnecting intellectual knowledge from heartfelt belief and action.
The sermon further explores the dual purpose of righteousness: securing eternal justification and promoting a righteous walk as a defense against spiritual attacks. Strelecki highlights that protecting the heart is crucial since it is the source of life’s issues. He admonishes believers to delve into God's Word for truth and allow it to penetrate their hearts, producing righteousness that counters sin and guards against fear and guilt. Emphasizing the blessings of living righteously, Strelecki cautions against relying on secular solutions and encourages trust in God's provisions for the soul, fostering a life that is not only shielded by righteousness but is proactive in love and faith towards others.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians chapter 6 to emphasize the importance of having one's loins girt about with truth as part of the whole armor of God. He discusses the spiritual battle believers face, not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Strelecki draws parallels between the discipline and training of Roman soldiers and the commitment and devotion required of Christians in their spiritual walk. He stresses that truth, as defined and communicated by God, is foundational for understanding and combating the false ideologies and philosophies prevalent in the world. By grounding themselves in the truth of God's Word and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, believers can effectively resist the wiles of the devil and stand firm in their faith.
Strelecki also reflects on the eternal purpose and destiny God has set forth for believers, emphasizing the importance of understanding this transcendent truth over the fleeting concerns of the present life. He encourages believers to focus on the spiritual blessings found in Christ and to live by these principles, urging them to prioritize spiritual truths over worldly desires. By understanding and valuing the truth in Jesus, believers can navigate life's challenges with a perspective rooted in God's eternal plan, leading to a life characterized by godly fruit and spiritual victory.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians 6:10-20, focusing particularly on the spiritual armor that believers are called to put on to stand firm against spiritual battles. He emphasizes the importance of being "girt about with truth," asserting that truth is foundational for all other aspects of spiritual armor. Strelecki underscores that the strength believers have is not from themselves but from God, who has equipped them with His whole armor to withstand evil and deception. Using historical biblical accounts of God's victories as examples, he illustrates how God's truth and power have always been pivotal in overcoming adversaries.
Strelecki contrasts the nature of worldly error and deception with the enduring nature of God's truth, which begins with God Himself and is revealed through creation, the Scriptures, and ultimately the person of Jesus Christ. He explains that spiritual warfare involves bringing every thought into captivity to Christ, highlighting that understanding and living in God's truth are essential for overcoming the lies and error propagated by the devil and worldly influences. The sermon calls believers to embrace the truth of the gospel as central to their lives, living out this truth in a world engulfed in spiritual darkness and standing boldly in the victory of Christ.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, addresses the unique nature of spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6, emphasizing the importance of understanding the spiritual armor outlined by Paul. He draws parallels between physical and spiritual battles, noting that while physical armor is familiar, the spiritual armor's significance lies in its doctrinal implications, such as the breastplate of righteousness protecting one's heart. Strelecki underscores that the spiritual battle involves combating not physical adversaries, but the deceptive methods and wiles of the devil. He reflects on Paul's experiences and writings, especially highlighting the ever-present adversaries and the necessity for believers to be strong in the Lord and equipped with the spiritual armor to withstand these challenges.
Strelecki further explains that the confrontation is deeply rooted in spiritual wickedness, aligning with the adversary's strategy to deceive through spiritual darkness rather than physical attack. He delves into the biblical origins of this warfare, tracing it back to Lucifer’s fall and his spreading of iniquity. Strelecki urges believers to discern and combat these spiritual ploys with the truth of the Gospel, embracing a different value system centered on Christ-like behavior of truth, giving, and sacrificial love. As he concludes, Strelecki challenges listeners to stand firm, imbued with the strength and might of God, to fight the good fight against spiritual darkness, preparing for the next discussions on the specific elements of the armor of God.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the themes of spiritual warfare and the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. He emphasizes that believers are engaged in a "good fight" that transcends physical confrontations, as it is fundamentally spiritual, involving a battle for the mind and heart. The sermon contrasts earthly perceptions of war with the divine perspective, where victory is already secured through Jesus Christ. Strelecki highlights apostle Paul's exhortation to put on the "whole armor of God," underscoring the importance of understanding and utilizing spiritual truths and doctrines as weapons and defense against spiritual adversaries.
Strelecki delves into the role of institutions established by God, such as the church, marriage, family, and government, as reflections of eternal realities. He contrasts these with the corrupted powers and principalities described in Ephesians, influenced by spiritual wickedness. Through various scriptural references, including Romans 13 and Colossians 1, the sermon illustrates the nature and purpose of governmental authority and the believer's responsibility to live contrary to the world’s darkness. He calls believers to live by faith, equipped with spiritual armament, to fight against the influence of darkness, emphasizing that true transformation occurs within believers' hearts and minds through God's Word.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians 6:5-9, addressing the complex issue of slavery and its biblical context. He emphasizes that while labor and servitude have been misused and abused throughout history, work itself is a divinely ordained institution, established by God before the fall of man. Strelecki encourages believers to perceive their work as a reflection of their faith, serving their earthly masters "as unto Christ" with singleness of heart, not as mere men-pleasers. By doing so, they exhibit the love and grace of Jesus, reflecting the principles that will continue into eternity.
Strelecki further connects this idea to the broader themes within the Book of Ephesians, highlighting the importance of walking worthy of one's calling in Christ. He explains that this involves not merely going through the motions but understanding and living out one's vocation through the power of the Spirit and the wisdom of God. The pastor underscores the eternal impact of demonstrating Christ-like servitude in earthly relationships, suggesting that such actions serve both as a testament to one's faith and as preparation for the life to come. He invites listeners to see their work as an opportunity to glorify God, promising that the true reward is not earthly recognition but the eternal inheritance received from the Lord.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, leads the congregation through Ephesians chapter 6, specifically focusing on the verses 5 through 9, where the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the dynamics between servants and masters. Strelecki emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled in all aspects of life, including work, encouraging believers to view their jobs as opportunities to serve Christ rather than merely their earthly employers. He draws upon historical contexts, comparing biblical and Roman slavery to contemporary work relationships, highlighting that regardless of circumstances, believers must embody the qualities of Christ in their interactions. Strelecki also outlines how understanding God's will objectively, as revealed through the exaltation of Christ, shapes believers into lights within worldly institutions, urging a Spirit-led approach to daily labor.
Strelecki turns to biblical references to illustrate how the principles of servitude and freedom in Christ transcend earthly bondage. Citing scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, he delves into the historical and scriptural context of slavery, demonstrating God's emphasis on attitude and character over the societal structures of the time. He encourages believers to draw from Christ's example of humility and service, reminding them of the eternal rewards promised to those who labor in faith and obedience. Through this lens, mundane tasks gain spiritual significance, motivating believers to transform their workplace experiences into acts of worship and testimony. Strelecki concludes by urging the congregation to be thankful for opportunities to illuminate Christ's life in all their endeavors, thereby aligning their personal conduct with the heavenly vocation to which they are called.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, discusses Ephesians 6:1-4 to explore the concept of a Spirit-filled family, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of parents and children. He emphasizes the importance of children obeying and honoring their parents as foundational to eventually honoring God, while urging parents, particularly fathers, to balance authority with love and guidance. Strelecki explains the cultural context of Roman law, where fathers had absolute power, contrasting it with the Christian approach where parental correction is founded on love rather than domination. He encourages parents to avoid provoking their children to wrath and instead nurture them with the teachings and discipline of the Lord.
Continuing, Strelecki underscores the necessity of spiritual nourishment through the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," interpreting nurture as corrective instruction with a purposeful aim toward righteousness. He references the broader biblical theme of divine chastening, which serves to instruct and correct believers lovingly, producing the peaceable fruit of righteousness. He challenges parents to instill spiritual teachings and discipline, aiming for heartfelt obedience rather than mere outward conformity. As parents exercise this role, they themselves grow in spiritual maturity. Strelecki concludes by encouraging families to be Spirit-filled, drawing wisdom and guidance from God's Word to build strong, faith-based relationships within the family unit.
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, focuses on the importance of spirit-filled parenting, drawing insights from Ephesians 6:1-4 and other biblical texts. He highlights the necessity for parents to bring up their children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," emphasizing teaching, correcting, and instructing. Strelecki acknowledges the challenges contemporary families face, particularly with the influences of media and the erosion of traditional developmental stages, but insists that scripture provides the necessary wisdom and guidance. He stresses the significance of obedience and honor from children and the pivotal role of parents, especially fathers, in creating a strong family unit that stands in contrast to societal norms.
Strelecki also addresses the distinct roles of mothers and fathers within the family structure. He underscores the nurturing aspect of motherhood and the fathers' responsibility to lead without provoking their children to wrath. Drawing from various passages, he illustrates how the biblical approach to parenting transcends dispensations, providing timeless principles that guide believers today. By investing time, love, and the teachings of Christ into their children, parents not only fulfill their God-given roles but also prepare their children to navigate and withstand the challenges of the world, ultimately living lives that honor God.