Introduction – WHAT’S NEXT AFTER CHRISTMAS?

· Christmas = more of Christ
· Here are four things we typically see More of after Christmas
o Shopping
o Traveling
o Overstock
o Pleasures
· STOP…
o Think back as to what truly happened after the first Christmas:
§ Jesus was born = Christmas
§ Jesus was crucified = Christmas
§ Jesus was raised from the grave = Christmas
§ Holy Spirit Came = Christmas
§ The Church was born = Christmas
§ Mountaintop Church is Birthed = Christmas 2004
§ 8 Churches Planted = Christmas
· WAIT there is still MORE of CHRIST!
o Listen Can you hear him knocking at the door of your heart? - “Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.” - Revelation3:20AMP
o He has more He wants to give you, so you can be a blessing throughout 2022!
o Let Him COME In!

Into The Text – Ephesians 6:10-18

· Amour Defined: Greek word Panoplia = (full armor) - compliment of the Greek word hoplon = (tool for offensive weapons of war)

· Paul Sets the stage for us as he did for the church at Ephesus with some battle instructions
1. Be Strong in the Lord and the power of His might! v.10
§ Holy Spirit Power - “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” - Zechariah4:6NKJV
2. Put on the whole Armor of God to Stand against Satan v.11
§ Stand in Faith - “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” - I Corinthians16:13NKJV

· Next Paul Let’s us know why we need the Whole Armor!
1. We are Wrestling against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places! v.12
§ We have a familiar foe who knows are weakness - “in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,” - Ephesians2:2NKJV

2. So we can Stand Firm in the evil days! v.13
§ Resist the devil and he will flee – “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” - James4:7NKJV

· Next Paul describes your Full GEAR
1. Belt of Truth and Breast Plate of Righteousness– v.14
§ Protecting the loins with a girdle of truth - “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - John14:6NKJV
§ Protecting the heart with Righteousness - “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians4:7NKJV

2. Preparation of the Gospel of Peace Boots – v.15
§ Be peaceable in your walk – ““If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans12:18NKJV

3. Shield of Faith - v.16
§ Total Faith Walk Protection - “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” - II Corinthians5:7NKJV

4. Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit– v.17
§ Protect the Mind – “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians4:7NKJV
§ Your ultimate weapon - “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews4:12NKJV

5. Praying in the Spirit All the Time and Watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints – v.18
§ “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” - Mark13:33NKJV
§ “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,” - Luke18:1NKJV
§ “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” - Romans8:26, 28NKJV

Conclusion
· What Comes After Christmas? More of Christ in You! GEAR up we need to STAND together!

1. GIVE – more of Him in 2022
2. ENGAGE – more in corporate prayer in 2022
3. ATTEND – more to the needs of others in 2022
4. RESIST – Satan more in 2022
5. UNIFIED PERSEVERANCE – more togetherness in 2022