2. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God In this series we shall study – Plans, Prophecies, and Expectations – The Kingdom Is At Hand! – The Kingdom’s Nature – The Kingdom Comes – The Kingdom’s Citizens – The Kingdom’s Laws – The Kingdom’s Rewards – The Kingdom’s Defenders – The Kingdom’s Future – The Kingdom’s Alternative

3. Outline – RED ALERT! – Our spiritual warfare – The Christian’s armor The Gospel of the Kingdom The Kingdom’s Defenders

4. True religion is, and always has been, under attack – By Satan, through false teachers, governments, & unbelievers – Satan attacks the kingdom by attacking individual members 1 Cor 16:13 "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." Eph. 6:18 "be on the alert with all perseverance" 1 Thess 5:6 "let us be alert and sober" 1 Pet. 5:8-9 "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." The Gospel of the Kingdom The Kingdom’s Defenders

5. Our spiritual warfare – Not a physical battle, as some have done (2 Cor. 10:3-6) – Defending the truth Phil. 1:7 “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” Phil. 1:16 “appointed for the defense of the gospel” Jude 1:3 “contend earnestly for the faith” – Defending the local church Acts 20:28-31 “savage wolves…speaking perverse things” 2 Pet. 3:17 “the error of unprincipled men” Eph. 5:27; 1 Cor. 5:11 to keep her holy and blameless – Defending your own hope (1 Pet. 3:15) Satan will try to make you doubt. Are you ready? The Gospel of the Kingdom The Kingdom’s Defenders

6. The Christian’s armor (Eph. 6:10-18) – God equips you to win…you’re going to need it! – God’s Strength: to fight evil; we are weak without it – Belt of Truth: to combat error; truth sets you free from Satan’s traps! – Breastplate of Righteousness: to guard the heart from wickedness – Boots of Gospel of peace: foot protection gives mobility, steadfastness – Shield of Faith: to defeat doubt, cover your weaknesses – Helmet of Salvation: to guard the mind, resist despair (1 Thess. 5:8) – Sword of the Word of God: to fend off Satan’s attacks – Prayer: communication to request support – Rom. 13:12 "put on the armor of light" – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” – With the full armor, we can defend the Gospel, the church, & ourselves The Gospel of the Kingdom The Kingdom’s Defenders

7. Summary – Every moment of every day, we must be on the alert…sin is crouching at the door! – We must always be ready to defend the Gospel against error, the local church from false teachers and corruption, and our own hope when questioned. – God has given us divine armor. If we wear it and use it properly our victory is guaranteed. If we neglect it, the devil will capitalize on our weaknesses. – Saints are soldiers of Christ…the defenders of God’s kingdom (the church) for as long as we abide on earth! The Gospel of the Kingdom The Kingdom’s Defenders

8. The kingdom stands secure today because it is protected by God’s power and defended by its citizens. You can enjoy safety and security in God’s kingdom by obeying the Gospel. Enlist in God’s army today! If you have been struck by Satan’s fiery darts and fallen into his snares, you can be set free from his power and from sin…confess your sin, pray for forgiveness, and God will set you free again! The Gospel of the Kingdom

9. Hear, believe, and obey the Gospel today!