Robert Jeffress - Survival Tip #3: Take Inventory (Part 2)

May 15, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Survival Tip #3: Take Inventory (Part 2) | May 15, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:00.824 --> 00:00:02.525
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
  • 00:00:06.729 --> 00:00:09.065
  • Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with dr.
  • 00:00:09.065 --> 00:00:12.235
  • Robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:12.235 --> 00:00:14.838
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, and welcome
  • 00:00:14.838 --> 00:00:16.840
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.840 --> 00:00:18.608
  • There's a big difference between having the right tools and
  • 00:00:18.608 --> 00:00:22.112
  • Knowing how to use them.
  • 00:00:22.112 --> 00:00:23.813
  • A carpenter with the finest equipment in the world can't
  • 00:00:23.813 --> 00:00:26.783
  • Build anything if he doesn't know how to pick up a hammer,
  • 00:00:26.783 --> 00:00:30.753
  • And as christians, god has provided us with everything we
  • 00:00:30.753 --> 00:00:34.324
  • Need to face our enemy's attacks.
  • 00:00:34.324 --> 00:00:37.293
  • So do you know how to use the spiritual armor god
  • 00:00:37.293 --> 00:00:40.296
  • Has given to you?
  • 00:00:40.296 --> 00:00:41.631
  • My message is titled "survival tip #3: take inventory" on
  • 00:00:41.631 --> 00:00:46.836
  • Today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:46.836 --> 00:00:51.241
  • ♪ there is a blood that sights the blind ♪
  • 00:00:51.241 --> 00:00:58.982
  • ♪ and heals the sick and lonely find. ♪
  • 00:00:58.982 --> 00:01:06.456
  • ♪ it has the power to free the bound, oh, ♪
  • 00:01:06.456 --> 00:01:14.164
  • ♪ as chains they fall upon the ground. ♪
  • 00:01:14.164 --> 00:01:21.938
  • ♪ so pour it out to cleanse my soul. ♪
  • 00:01:21.938 --> 00:01:29.612
  • ♪ let his liquid glory flow ♪
  • 00:01:29.612 --> 00:01:36.920
  • ♪ because it lives to make me whole. ♪
  • 00:01:36.920 --> 00:01:44.360
  • ♪ i owe my life. ♪
  • 00:01:44.360 --> 00:01:48.298
  • ♪ i owe my all. ♪
  • 00:01:48.298 --> 00:01:52.468
  • ♪ so i come to tell you he saves, ♪
  • 00:01:52.468 --> 00:01:59.142
  • ♪ to shout and to proclaim ♪
  • 00:01:59.142 --> 00:02:02.712
  • ♪ that he's coming back for you, oh. ♪
  • 00:02:02.712 --> 00:02:09.018
  • ♪ nothing can wash away my sins. ♪
  • 00:02:09.018 --> 00:02:16.125
  • ♪ nothing but his blood ♪
  • 00:02:16.125 --> 00:02:18.661
  • ♪ his cleansing blood. ♪
  • 00:02:18.661 --> 00:02:20.263
  • ♪ nothing but the blood. ♪
  • 00:02:20.263 --> 00:02:25.668
  • ♪ there is a grave that tried to hide ♪
  • 00:02:28.004 --> 00:02:35.878
  • ♪ this precious blood that gave me life. ♪
  • 00:02:35.878 --> 00:02:43.453
  • ♪ but in three days, he breathed again ♪
  • 00:02:43.453 --> 00:02:51.494
  • ♪ and rose to stand ♪
  • 00:02:51.494 --> 00:02:55.198
  • ♪ in my defense. ♪
  • 00:02:55.198 --> 00:03:03.106
  • ♪ so i come to tell you he's alive. ♪
  • 00:03:03.106 --> 00:03:08.044
  • ♪ jesus is alive. ♪
  • 00:03:08.044 --> 00:03:09.812
  • ♪ to shout and to proclaim ♪
  • 00:03:09.812 --> 00:03:12.749
  • ♪ he's coming back for you. ♪
  • 00:03:12.749 --> 00:03:15.852
  • ♪ he's coming back. ♪
  • 00:03:15.852 --> 00:03:17.320
  • ♪ he's coming back in twinkle of an eye. ♪
  • 00:03:17.320 --> 00:03:21.357
  • ♪ he's coming back for you. ♪
  • 00:03:21.357 --> 00:03:23.726
  • ♪ when the trumpet sounds, ♪
  • 00:03:23.726 --> 00:03:25.828
  • ♪ he's coming back for you. ♪♪
  • 00:03:25.828 --> 00:03:39.075
  • Announcer: each day, millions of lost people are searching for
  • 00:03:43.279 --> 00:03:46.182
  • Hope and truth.
  • 00:03:46.182 --> 00:03:47.517
  • Through "pathway to victory," god's word is reaching into
  • 00:03:47.517 --> 00:03:50.520
  • Homes across america and around the world, but there are still
  • 00:03:50.520 --> 00:03:54.090
  • So many who haven't heard the saving message of jesus christ.
  • 00:03:54.090 --> 00:03:57.694
  • You can help change that by becoming a pathway partner.
  • 00:03:57.694 --> 00:04:00.997
  • You'll join a dedicated team of broadcast missionaries who are
  • 00:04:00.997 --> 00:04:04.167
  • Sharing the gospel through television and radio.
  • 00:04:04.167 --> 00:04:06.869
  • Your monthly support will help reach people worldwide with the
  • 00:04:06.869 --> 00:04:10.473
  • Life-changing power of the cross.
  • 00:04:10.473 --> 00:04:13.609
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:04:13.609 --> 00:04:20.383
  • Jeffress: paul is saying as christians, if we wanna
  • 00:04:20.383 --> 00:04:22.018
  • Withstand satan's attack in our life, we've gotta have the right
  • 00:04:22.018 --> 00:04:25.955
  • Foundation in our life, the right shoes,
  • 00:04:25.955 --> 00:04:28.558
  • And what is that foundation?
  • 00:04:28.558 --> 00:04:30.226
  • He says, "having shod your feet with the preparation of the
  • 00:04:30.226 --> 00:04:34.063
  • Gospel of peace."
  • 00:04:34.063 --> 00:04:35.398
  • What is he talking about there?
  • 00:04:35.398 --> 00:04:37.266
  • Well, if your bible is like mine, do you notice those words
  • 00:04:37.266 --> 00:04:39.936
  • Are in all capital letters?
  • 00:04:39.936 --> 00:04:42.372
  • Look at it. are your words in capital?
  • 00:04:42.372 --> 00:04:45.575
  • The reason that is--that denotes paul is quoting from the old
  • 00:04:45.575 --> 00:04:49.412
  • Testament there, specifically isaiah 52, verse 7.
  • 00:04:49.412 --> 00:04:54.317
  • Remember how that verse goes?
  • 00:04:54.317 --> 00:04:55.918
  • "oh, how beautiful are the feet of those that have been prepared
  • 00:04:55.918 --> 00:04:58.588
  • For the gospel of peace, who bring the good news
  • 00:04:58.588 --> 00:05:01.591
  • Of salvation?"
  • 00:05:01.591 --> 00:05:03.860
  • When paul says the foundation of our life ought to be our
  • 00:05:03.860 --> 00:05:09.098
  • Readiness and our ability to share the good news of salvation
  • 00:05:09.098 --> 00:05:13.703
  • With others, he's talking about our ability and our willingness
  • 00:05:13.703 --> 00:05:19.442
  • To make that the sole, if you will, purpose of our life.
  • 00:05:19.442 --> 00:05:24.280
  • You see, that's why god has left us here.
  • 00:05:24.280 --> 00:05:26.249
  • We get all these different reasons.
  • 00:05:26.249 --> 00:05:27.850
  • Why did god create us and leave us here?
  • 00:05:27.850 --> 00:05:30.753
  • If it was just to have fellowship with us, he could
  • 00:05:30.753 --> 00:05:32.522
  • Take us to heaven the moment he saved us.
  • 00:05:32.522 --> 00:05:34.290
  • He has left us here for a reason, and that is to share the
  • 00:05:34.290 --> 00:05:37.927
  • Good news of jesus christ with as many people as possible.
  • 00:05:37.927 --> 00:05:41.697
  • That's what he's talking about.
  • 00:05:41.697 --> 00:05:43.499
  • But the question that arises is, "well, that's nice, but what
  • 00:05:43.499 --> 00:05:47.570
  • Does that have to do with spiritual warfare?
  • 00:05:47.570 --> 00:05:49.872
  • How does that help me stand firm against satan's attack?"
  • 00:05:49.872 --> 00:05:55.211
  • Here's how.
  • 00:05:55.211 --> 00:05:57.313
  • If you have as your foundational reason for your life to share
  • 00:05:57.313 --> 00:06:01.818
  • The gospel with other people, that gives you a reason for not
  • 00:06:01.818 --> 00:06:07.290
  • Giving in to satan.
  • 00:06:07.290 --> 00:06:10.660
  • Having sharing the gospel your sole foundation, reason for life
  • 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:16.632
  • Gives you the reason for not giving in to satan's attacks.
  • 00:06:16.632 --> 00:06:22.772
  • Let me just be real personal with you about that.
  • 00:06:22.772 --> 00:06:26.609
  • Whenever i am tempted--and yes, pastors get tempted--
  • 00:06:26.609 --> 00:06:32.782
  • Whenever i get tempted maybe by dishonesty or ethical issues or
  • 00:06:32.782 --> 00:06:41.691
  • Immorality, whenever i am tempted that way, there are
  • 00:06:41.691 --> 00:06:47.463
  • Several things i think about.
  • 00:06:47.463 --> 00:06:49.899
  • The first thing i think about is, "if i give into this, how
  • 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:53.736
  • Will it affect my family?
  • 00:06:53.736 --> 00:06:57.273
  • How would my fall affect my wife, amy, who's been my best
  • 00:06:57.273 --> 00:07:01.978
  • Friend for 50 years?"
  • 00:07:01.978 --> 00:07:04.413
  • And then i think, "how would it affect the people through the
  • 00:07:04.413 --> 00:07:08.150
  • Decades that i've had the privilege of leading to faith
  • 00:07:08.150 --> 00:07:11.621
  • In christ?
  • 00:07:11.621 --> 00:07:13.689
  • What would my fall do to people who know that i'm a christian?
  • 00:07:13.689 --> 00:07:20.429
  • How would it give the enemies of god a reason to blaspheme god's
  • 00:07:20.429 --> 00:07:24.367
  • Name any more?
  • 00:07:24.367 --> 00:07:25.701
  • I've dedicated my life to sharing the gospel with people.
  • 00:07:25.701 --> 00:07:28.671
  • How would my fall impact others coming to know christ
  • 00:07:28.671 --> 00:07:32.808
  • As savior?"
  • 00:07:32.808 --> 00:07:34.610
  • And that is a strong motivation for me to say no, but that's not
  • 00:07:34.610 --> 00:07:40.116
  • Just for preachers.
  • 00:07:40.116 --> 00:07:41.450
  • That's for all of us.
  • 00:07:41.450 --> 00:07:43.119
  • God says when we understand that is our foundational reason
  • 00:07:43.119 --> 00:07:47.056
  • For living, it gives us a reason for not giving in to satan.
  • 00:07:47.056 --> 00:07:50.893
  • That's what paul is talking about, having the boots of the
  • 00:07:50.893 --> 00:07:53.829
  • Gospel, making the sharing of the gospel foundational in
  • 00:07:53.829 --> 00:07:57.400
  • Your life.
  • 00:07:57.400 --> 00:07:58.768
  • Fourth, he talks about taking up the shield of faith.
  • 00:07:58.768 --> 00:08:02.438
  • Look at verse 16.
  • 00:08:02.438 --> 00:08:03.806
  • "take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to
  • 00:08:03.806 --> 00:08:06.776
  • Extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.
  • 00:08:06.776 --> 00:08:10.813
  • Now, the roman shield was a piece of wood that was 2 1/2
  • 00:08:10.813 --> 00:08:13.683
  • Feet wide, 4 ft in length.
  • 00:08:13.683 --> 00:08:16.285
  • It was covered in leather that had been soaked in water, and
  • 00:08:16.285 --> 00:08:20.456
  • The reason was the enemy many times would take an arrow and
  • 00:08:20.456 --> 00:08:23.960
  • Take the tip of that arrow, dip it in pitch, and set it on fire.
  • 00:08:23.960 --> 00:08:27.697
  • And so when the firing arrow would come at the roman soldier,
  • 00:08:27.697 --> 00:08:31.968
  • All he had to do was lift up that shield, and when it
  • 00:08:31.968 --> 00:08:35.705
  • Impacted that leather soaked in water, it was
  • 00:08:35.705 --> 00:08:38.574
  • Immediately extinguished.
  • 00:08:38.574 --> 00:08:41.377
  • Now, paul says, "when you're under the fiery attacks of
  • 00:08:41.377 --> 00:08:44.880
  • Satan, you need to hold up the shield of faith."
  • 00:08:44.880 --> 00:08:49.986
  • What is faith?
  • 00:08:49.986 --> 00:08:51.354
  • Faith's not a hope, a wish, a positive thought.
  • 00:08:51.354 --> 00:08:53.589
  • Hebrews 11:1 says, "now faith is the assurance of things hoped
  • 00:08:53.589 --> 00:08:57.827
  • For, it is the conviction of things not seen."
  • 00:08:57.827 --> 00:09:01.964
  • It's not some hope.
  • 00:09:01.964 --> 00:09:03.299
  • It's assurance.
  • 00:09:03.299 --> 00:09:04.667
  • Faith is the assurance that god will do what he has promised
  • 00:09:04.667 --> 00:09:09.405
  • To do.
  • 00:09:09.405 --> 00:09:10.873
  • The shield of faith means holding up the promises of god
  • 00:09:10.873 --> 00:09:15.578
  • And trusting in them when those attacks come.
  • 00:09:15.578 --> 00:09:19.482
  • You know, i think in satan's arsenal there are a number of
  • 00:09:19.482 --> 00:09:22.051
  • Favorite arrows he loves to send into our life because he knows
  • 00:09:22.051 --> 00:09:26.355
  • They're particularly effective.
  • 00:09:26.355 --> 00:09:28.924
  • Sometimes he fires that flaming arrow of greed.
  • 00:09:28.924 --> 00:09:33.562
  • Sometimes he uses the flaming arrow of lust.
  • 00:09:33.562 --> 00:09:37.633
  • I personally think one of his favorites to use is that flaming
  • 00:09:37.633 --> 00:09:41.237
  • Arrow of worry because of its devastating effects on us.
  • 00:09:41.237 --> 00:09:48.110
  • Have you ever been sitting at work or maybe even sitting in
  • 00:09:48.110 --> 00:09:52.314
  • Church and all of a sudden this alien thought comes into your
  • 00:09:52.314 --> 00:09:55.551
  • Mind, "what if this should happen?"
  • 00:09:55.551 --> 00:10:00.623
  • And you try to dismiss it, but you can't, and you begin to
  • 00:10:00.623 --> 00:10:03.959
  • Think and obsess.
  • 00:10:03.959 --> 00:10:05.294
  • "well, what if this happens? what if this happens?
  • 00:10:05.294 --> 00:10:07.063
  • What if this happens?"
  • 00:10:07.063 --> 00:10:09.165
  • Pretty soon you're paralyzed with fear.
  • 00:10:09.165 --> 00:10:11.767
  • You can't do anything.
  • 00:10:11.767 --> 00:10:13.469
  • You are in satan's grip.
  • 00:10:13.469 --> 00:10:16.038
  • I remember years and years ago i was pastoring my first church,
  • 00:10:16.038 --> 00:10:19.742
  • And it was a saturday afternoon, and i was over in my study at
  • 00:10:19.742 --> 00:10:23.312
  • The church, and i was putting the final touches on
  • 00:10:23.312 --> 00:10:25.848
  • My sermon for sunday.
  • 00:10:25.848 --> 00:10:27.183
  • I was calling prospects, inviting them to come to church,
  • 00:10:27.183 --> 00:10:30.586
  • And all of a sudden, i just had this thought.
  • 00:10:30.586 --> 00:10:33.222
  • I thought, "what if i die early?
  • 00:10:33.222 --> 00:10:37.293
  • What if i die soon?"
  • 00:10:37.293 --> 00:10:39.328
  • And there was a reason i was thinking that way.
  • 00:10:39.328 --> 00:10:41.297
  • Both my parents had just died at relatively young ages, and i
  • 00:10:41.297 --> 00:10:46.469
  • Thought i might suffer that fate, so i started thinking
  • 00:10:46.469 --> 00:10:49.638
  • About that, and suddenly i started feeling all of these
  • 00:10:49.638 --> 00:10:52.541
  • Aches and pains that i hadn't felt before.
  • 00:10:52.541 --> 00:10:56.512
  • And so i was in a panic, so i got on the phone and i called
  • 00:10:56.512 --> 00:10:59.815
  • Some friends, and they assured me that what i was feeling was
  • 00:10:59.815 --> 00:11:02.618
  • Normal and because of history and so forth and so forth.
  • 00:11:02.618 --> 00:11:05.121
  • I called some doctors that i knew, and they asked me what
  • 00:11:05.121 --> 00:11:08.424
  • Symptoms, and i told them, and they said, "well, that's
  • 00:11:08.424 --> 00:11:10.559
  • Probably nothing at all."
  • 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:12.528
  • Then i called a friend. this is honestly the truth.
  • 00:11:12.528 --> 00:11:14.463
  • I called a friend of mine in town who happened to be an
  • 00:11:14.463 --> 00:11:16.999
  • Insurance agent.
  • 00:11:16.999 --> 00:11:19.902
  • He was the only one who didn't offer any assurance.
  • 00:11:19.902 --> 00:11:22.271
  • He said, "well, you know, robert, there are
  • 00:11:22.271 --> 00:11:23.606
  • People who die at your age.
  • 00:11:23.606 --> 00:11:24.940
  • You might wanna up your insurance coverage," and i did.
  • 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:31.814
  • I wasted a couple of hours there obsessing over that till god got
  • 00:11:31.814 --> 00:11:36.152
  • A hold of my thoughts and reminded me of the truth of
  • 00:11:36.152 --> 00:11:39.388
  • Psalm 139.
  • 00:11:39.388 --> 00:11:40.756
  • "all of your days were written in my book before you lived one
  • 00:11:40.756 --> 00:11:43.959
  • Of them."
  • 00:11:43.959 --> 00:11:45.294
  • God has the date of your birth, he has the date of your death in
  • 00:11:45.294 --> 00:11:48.931
  • His book, and there's not one thing you're gonna do to
  • 00:11:48.931 --> 00:11:51.600
  • Change that.
  • 00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:53.102
  • Let me tell you, if you ever get overcome with anxiety about your
  • 00:11:53.102 --> 00:11:56.071
  • Departure from this life, remember this.
  • 00:11:56.071 --> 00:11:59.475
  • Every christian is immortal until his work on earth is done.
  • 00:11:59.475 --> 00:12:05.481
  • God's not gonna take you out one second before your time here.
  • 00:12:05.481 --> 00:12:10.653
  • That's what it means to erect the shield of faith.
  • 00:12:10.653 --> 00:12:13.455
  • It means to trust that god is going to do what he has promised
  • 00:12:13.455 --> 00:12:18.394
  • To do.
  • 00:12:18.394 --> 00:12:19.762
  • The fifth piece of armor here, the helmet of salvation.
  • 00:12:19.762 --> 00:12:24.934
  • Verse 17, "and take the helmet of salvation."
  • 00:12:24.934 --> 00:12:28.671
  • This piece of bronze that was placed over the soldier's head
  • 00:12:28.671 --> 00:12:32.441
  • Was used, of course, to protect him.
  • 00:12:32.441 --> 00:12:34.310
  • There was a flare at the back that was used to protect the
  • 00:12:34.310 --> 00:12:37.746
  • Neck, at the front that was used to protect the eyes.
  • 00:12:37.746 --> 00:12:41.350
  • The helmet was absolutely essential for a roman
  • 00:12:41.350 --> 00:12:44.720
  • Soldier's protection.
  • 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:46.589
  • What is the helmet that we christians put on?
  • 00:12:46.589 --> 00:12:48.891
  • Well, he says it's the helmet of salvation.
  • 00:12:48.891 --> 00:12:52.795
  • Now, many commentators say, "well, that's talking about the
  • 00:12:52.795 --> 00:12:55.965
  • Assurance of your salvation.
  • 00:12:55.965 --> 00:12:57.800
  • That's why it's associated with the head.
  • 00:12:57.800 --> 00:12:59.435
  • Make sure that you are saved."
  • 00:12:59.435 --> 00:13:01.637
  • And i think there's an element of truth to that.
  • 00:13:01.637 --> 00:13:04.540
  • If you're always wondering whether or not you're in or out
  • 00:13:04.540 --> 00:13:06.976
  • Of god's family or you're saved today and lost tomorrow, you'll
  • 00:13:06.976 --> 00:13:10.279
  • Never be strong in your christian faith.
  • 00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:12.848
  • God wants you to know for sure.
  • 00:13:12.848 --> 00:13:15.050
  • Romans 11:29 says, "for the gifts and the calling of god
  • 00:13:15.050 --> 00:13:18.220
  • Are irrevocable."
  • 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:19.755
  • It's important to be assured of your salvation.
  • 00:13:19.755 --> 00:13:22.892
  • It was god's responsibility to save you, and it's god's
  • 00:13:22.892 --> 00:13:26.161
  • Responsibility to keep you saved.
  • 00:13:26.161 --> 00:13:28.597
  • You don't have to worry about that, but i don't think that's
  • 00:13:28.597 --> 00:13:31.734
  • The kind of salvation he's talking about.
  • 00:13:31.734 --> 00:13:34.270
  • In the bible, salvation sometimes refers to being saved
  • 00:13:34.270 --> 00:13:38.874
  • From the penalty of sin, but it also sometimes refers to being
  • 00:13:38.874 --> 00:13:43.512
  • Saved from the power of sin.
  • 00:13:43.512 --> 00:13:46.949
  • And i frankly think that's what he's talking about here, the
  • 00:13:46.949 --> 00:13:49.852
  • Salvation from the power of sin.
  • 00:13:49.852 --> 00:13:53.122
  • A lot of christians have foggy thinking about this.
  • 00:13:53.122 --> 00:13:56.358
  • They carry around this idea that, "well, yeah, i'm going to
  • 00:13:56.358 --> 00:13:59.528
  • Heaven one day, but until they--i get there, i can never
  • 00:13:59.528 --> 00:14:02.932
  • Be free from sin.
  • 00:14:02.932 --> 00:14:04.566
  • I've got this old sin nature in me, and it always wants to do
  • 00:14:04.566 --> 00:14:07.836
  • The wrong thing, and i can never have victory over it until i get
  • 00:14:07.836 --> 00:14:11.040
  • To heaven one day."
  • 00:14:11.040 --> 00:14:13.575
  • That is a lie from the pit of hell.
  • 00:14:13.575 --> 00:14:16.278
  • When you became a christian and trusted in christ as your
  • 00:14:16.278 --> 00:14:18.881
  • Savior, he not only saved you from the penalty of sin, a
  • 00:14:18.881 --> 00:14:22.318
  • Future in hell, he saved you from the power of sin.
  • 00:14:22.318 --> 00:14:25.921
  • With the power of the holy spirit that now resides in you,
  • 00:14:25.921 --> 00:14:28.991
  • Sin has no more power over your life than you choose to allow it
  • 00:14:28.991 --> 00:14:33.062
  • To have every day.
  • 00:14:33.062 --> 00:14:34.530
  • And paul is saying, "walk in that knowledge.
  • 00:14:34.530 --> 00:14:37.099
  • Have that assurance.
  • 00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:38.434
  • You don't have to give in to satan's temptation."
  • 00:14:38.434 --> 00:14:42.071
  • That's why he says in romans 6:6 to 7, "knowing this, that our
  • 00:14:42.071 --> 00:14:46.208
  • Old self was crucified with him, that our body of sin might be
  • 00:14:46.208 --> 00:14:50.746
  • Done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."
  • 00:14:50.746 --> 00:14:56.085
  • You don't have to be a slave to satan any longer.
  • 00:14:56.085 --> 00:14:58.988
  • You serve a new master.
  • 00:14:58.988 --> 00:15:01.824
  • Now, there's one more piece of armor paul mentions.
  • 00:15:01.824 --> 00:15:05.227
  • It's the offensive piece of armor in the soldier's armor.
  • 00:15:05.227 --> 00:15:10.933
  • Look at it in verse 17.
  • 00:15:10.933 --> 00:15:12.468
  • "and take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word
  • 00:15:12.468 --> 00:15:17.673
  • Of god."
  • 00:15:17.673 --> 00:15:19.808
  • This word "sword" here is the word "machaira."
  • 00:15:19.808 --> 00:15:23.746
  • It doesn't refer to the long broad sword the roman soldier
  • 00:15:23.746 --> 00:15:27.716
  • Would flail around and maybe hit something with.
  • 00:15:27.716 --> 00:15:31.120
  • It was a dagger about 18 inches long.
  • 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:35.457
  • It was used for close-up hand-to-hand combat, and the
  • 00:15:35.457 --> 00:15:40.562
  • Soldier had to know precisely how to use it, where to strike
  • 00:15:40.562 --> 00:15:44.133
  • If it were to be effective.
  • 00:15:44.133 --> 00:15:46.535
  • That's the same way with us.
  • 00:15:46.535 --> 00:15:48.270
  • We need to know scripture well enough, not just to recite any
  • 00:15:48.270 --> 00:15:51.673
  • Verse but a verse that would give us the strength at the
  • 00:15:51.673 --> 00:15:55.377
  • Precise moment to say no to the attacks of the evil one.
  • 00:15:55.377 --> 00:15:59.681
  • We're gonna talk about that more in a couple of weeks.
  • 00:15:59.681 --> 00:16:02.818
  • Now, that is the armor of god, and certainly paul demonstrated
  • 00:16:02.818 --> 00:16:07.356
  • Throughout his ministry how to utilize that armor.
  • 00:16:07.356 --> 00:16:10.726
  • You know, paul--if you ever--if you are ever tempted to have a
  • 00:16:10.726 --> 00:16:13.962
  • Pity party for yourself, there's a passage of scripture i suggest
  • 00:16:13.962 --> 00:16:17.800
  • That you read, 2 corinthians 11, 24 to 28, where paul describes
  • 00:16:17.800 --> 00:16:23.072
  • The incoming he had from all directions.
  • 00:16:23.072 --> 00:16:26.341
  • He says, "five times i received from the jews 39 lashes."
  • 00:16:26.341 --> 00:16:30.879
  • Forty lashes would kill a person.
  • 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:32.614
  • Five different times, he came this close to death.
  • 00:16:32.614 --> 00:16:35.517
  • "three times i was beaten with rods.
  • 00:16:35.517 --> 00:16:37.486
  • Once i was stoned.
  • 00:16:37.486 --> 00:16:38.821
  • Three times i was shipwrecked.
  • 00:16:38.821 --> 00:16:40.189
  • A night and a day i've spent in the deep.
  • 00:16:40.189 --> 00:16:41.957
  • I've been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, robbers,
  • 00:16:41.957 --> 00:16:45.794
  • Countrymen, gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the
  • 00:16:45.794 --> 00:16:48.997
  • Wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren.
  • 00:16:48.997 --> 00:16:52.668
  • I've been in labor and hardship through many sleepless nights
  • 00:16:52.668 --> 00:16:55.771
  • And hunger and thirst, often without food and in cold
  • 00:16:55.771 --> 00:16:59.141
  • And exposure.
  • 00:16:59.141 --> 00:17:00.476
  • And if that were not enough," paul says, "there's the daily
  • 00:17:00.476 --> 00:17:04.079
  • Pressure upon me of concern for all of the churches."
  • 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:08.517
  • How could paul meet those kind of challenges?
  • 00:17:08.517 --> 00:17:11.019
  • Well, he told us about the armor of god, but paul didn't just
  • 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:15.357
  • Rely on the armor of god.
  • 00:17:15.357 --> 00:17:17.292
  • There was another resource to take inventory of, and that is
  • 00:17:17.292 --> 00:17:21.430
  • The people of god, not just the armor of god, what paul could do
  • 00:17:21.430 --> 00:17:26.135
  • For himself, but for the people of god.
  • 00:17:26.135 --> 00:17:29.571
  • Have you ever noticed in how many of paul's letters he
  • 00:17:29.571 --> 00:17:31.773
  • Mentions other people who encouraged him?
  • 00:17:31.773 --> 00:17:34.576
  • Philemon, barnabas, timothy, and so many others who ministered
  • 00:17:34.576 --> 00:17:39.648
  • To him.
  • 00:17:39.648 --> 00:17:41.016
  • That's why in ephesians 6:18 and 19 he says, "with all prayer
  • 00:17:41.016 --> 00:17:44.353
  • And petition pray at all times in the spirit," and verse 19,
  • 00:17:44.353 --> 00:17:48.557
  • "and pray on my behalf as well."
  • 00:17:48.557 --> 00:17:52.594
  • Paul coveted the prayers of other christians for him.
  • 00:17:52.594 --> 00:17:56.598
  • You see, paul understood the truth that solomon wrote in
  • 00:17:56.598 --> 00:17:59.434
  • Ephesians 4:9: "two are better than one because they have a
  • 00:17:59.434 --> 00:18:04.273
  • Good return for their labor.
  • 00:18:04.273 --> 00:18:06.408
  • And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him,
  • 00:18:06.408 --> 00:18:11.113
  • And a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."
  • 00:18:11.113 --> 00:18:15.617
  • The armor of god is important, but the people of god are
  • 00:18:15.617 --> 00:18:20.355
  • Equally important to help us in times when we're under attack.
  • 00:18:20.355 --> 00:18:26.228
  • I read the story about a father who gave his young son a bundle
  • 00:18:26.228 --> 00:18:30.032
  • Of sticks to break, and so the boy took that bundle of sticks
  • 00:18:30.032 --> 00:18:35.103
  • And he slammed it against his knee.
  • 00:18:35.103 --> 00:18:37.206
  • He only ended up with a bruised knee.
  • 00:18:37.206 --> 00:18:39.708
  • It didn't break the sticks.
  • 00:18:39.708 --> 00:18:41.076
  • He put it up against the wall and tried to kick them.
  • 00:18:41.076 --> 00:18:43.545
  • That didn't break them. he tried several other things.
  • 00:18:43.545 --> 00:18:45.714
  • He said, "dad, i can't do it."
  • 00:18:45.714 --> 00:18:47.749
  • The father came over.
  • 00:18:47.749 --> 00:18:49.218
  • He untied the bundle of sticks and took them one by one, and
  • 00:18:49.218 --> 00:18:54.456
  • They were easily broken.
  • 00:18:54.456 --> 00:18:57.092
  • Together, when we're together as christians, we're not easily
  • 00:18:57.092 --> 00:19:00.162
  • Broken, but we have an enemy who is intent on dividing us,
  • 00:19:00.162 --> 00:19:06.301
  • Isolating us, attacking us, and destroying us, and that's why we
  • 00:19:06.301 --> 00:19:12.541
  • Need other christians.
  • 00:19:12.541 --> 00:19:14.409
  • We need the church if we're going to survive and thrive in
  • 00:19:14.409 --> 00:19:18.880
  • This hostile environment.
  • 00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:21.550
  • You know, i see this game plan all the time of satan dividing,
  • 00:19:21.550 --> 00:19:26.288
  • Isolating, and attacking christians.
  • 00:19:26.288 --> 00:19:29.391
  • Here are two friends who've been friends for years, and they let
  • 00:19:29.391 --> 00:19:33.395
  • A petty disagreement separate them, and each is robbed of the
  • 00:19:33.395 --> 00:19:37.933
  • Encouragement they've received from the other person.
  • 00:19:37.933 --> 00:19:41.970
  • Here are a husband and a wife that have a separation of their
  • 00:19:41.970 --> 00:19:46.408
  • Spirit because of unforgiveness on the part of one or the other
  • 00:19:46.408 --> 00:19:50.879
  • Or both, and that separation of spirit makes them vulnerable to
  • 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:55.984
  • The attacks of satan and the temptation that destroys
  • 00:19:55.984 --> 00:19:59.021
  • Their marriage.
  • 00:19:59.021 --> 00:20:00.956
  • Somebody in the church gets ticked off about something he
  • 00:20:00.956 --> 00:20:03.458
  • Doesn't like in the church, so he takes himself and his family
  • 00:20:03.458 --> 00:20:06.495
  • And they separate from the church, depriving themselves of
  • 00:20:06.495 --> 00:20:09.965
  • The spiritual instruction and fellowship that they need.
  • 00:20:09.965 --> 00:20:13.802
  • That is the enemy's plan to destroy every one of us, and
  • 00:20:13.802 --> 00:20:19.041
  • That's why the bible says we need one another.
  • 00:20:19.041 --> 00:20:22.511
  • Hebrews 10:24 and 25, "consider how to stimulate one another to
  • 00:20:22.511 --> 00:20:28.350
  • Love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling
  • 00:20:28.350 --> 00:20:31.920
  • Together, but encouraging one another."
  • 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:36.658
  • Whether you like it or not, the moment you trusted christ as
  • 00:20:36.658 --> 00:20:41.229
  • Your savior, satan put you on his hit list.
  • 00:20:41.229 --> 00:20:46.601
  • He's determined to take you out.
  • 00:20:46.601 --> 00:20:49.705
  • He's poisoning the culture around you.
  • 00:20:49.705 --> 00:20:54.009
  • He's trying to incite your children to rebel against god,
  • 00:20:54.009 --> 00:20:57.279
  • Convincing them that life apart from god is the only way
  • 00:20:57.279 --> 00:21:00.115
  • To freedom.
  • 00:21:00.115 --> 00:21:01.450
  • He's custom making temptations that are suited just to appeal
  • 00:21:01.450 --> 00:21:05.921
  • To you.
  • 00:21:05.921 --> 00:21:07.723
  • He will not rest until he has destroyed everything important
  • 00:21:07.723 --> 00:21:12.427
  • To you, and that's why we need to take inventory.
  • 00:21:12.427 --> 00:21:16.798
  • Are we utilizing the resources that god has provided us?
  • 00:21:16.798 --> 00:21:21.203
  • I could close this message with a poem or some heartrending
  • 00:21:21.203 --> 00:21:25.707
  • Story, perhaps a song, but i wanna do it in a very
  • 00:21:25.707 --> 00:21:29.144
  • Practical way.
  • 00:21:29.144 --> 00:21:30.512
  • I want you to look at the back page of your outline, and let's,
  • 00:21:30.512 --> 00:21:34.483
  • In these closing moments, take an inventory of whether or not
  • 00:21:34.483 --> 00:21:38.887
  • We're utilizing the spiritual resources that are essential to
  • 00:21:38.887 --> 00:21:42.157
  • Our survival.
  • 00:21:42.157 --> 00:21:43.625
  • Just ask yourself, as we read through each of these questions,
  • 00:21:43.625 --> 00:21:46.728
  • "can you check this off?
  • 00:21:46.728 --> 00:21:48.063
  • Yes, i'm doing this."
  • 00:21:48.063 --> 00:21:49.898
  • Are you regularly reading, memorizing, and meditating on
  • 00:21:49.898 --> 00:21:54.002
  • God's word, the belt of truth, so that you can confront
  • 00:21:54.002 --> 00:21:57.572
  • Destructive thoughts with god's truth?
  • 00:21:57.572 --> 00:22:02.177
  • How obedient are you to god's commands?
  • 00:22:02.177 --> 00:22:04.679
  • Are there any chinks in your life, areas of disobedience that
  • 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:09.484
  • Satan could use to destroy your faith, your family, and
  • 00:22:09.484 --> 00:22:12.888
  • Your future?
  • 00:22:12.888 --> 00:22:15.157
  • How committed are you to god's mission to reach people with
  • 00:22:15.157 --> 00:22:18.093
  • The gospel?
  • 00:22:18.093 --> 00:22:19.694
  • What specific plan do you have to share your faith with those
  • 00:22:19.694 --> 00:22:23.732
  • In your circle of influence?
  • 00:22:23.732 --> 00:22:26.701
  • Do you possess a strong faith, the kind that can deflect
  • 00:22:26.701 --> 00:22:30.372
  • Satanic attacks?
  • 00:22:30.372 --> 00:22:32.340
  • What specific promises of god are you relying on right now, in
  • 00:22:32.340 --> 00:22:37.045
  • Spite of the attacks satan has launched against you?
  • 00:22:37.045 --> 00:22:41.149
  • Are you acting consistently with the truth that you've been
  • 00:22:41.149 --> 00:22:44.319
  • Saved, not only from the penalty of sin but from the power
  • 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:48.423
  • Of sin?
  • 00:22:48.423 --> 00:22:49.891
  • Is there any habit or addiction in your life that you've
  • 00:22:49.891 --> 00:22:54.262
  • Surrendered to?
  • 00:22:54.262 --> 00:22:56.965
  • Can you immediately recall specific passages of scripture
  • 00:22:56.965 --> 00:23:00.502
  • To use when you're tempted with lust, greed, anger, doubt,
  • 00:23:00.502 --> 00:23:05.874
  • Or fear?
  • 00:23:05.874 --> 00:23:08.176
  • Are you actively involved in a local church in which you can
  • 00:23:08.176 --> 00:23:12.647
  • Experience the spiritual strength, accountability, and
  • 00:23:12.647 --> 00:23:16.351
  • Prayers of other members of the body of christ?
  • 00:23:16.351 --> 00:23:22.791
  • The spiritual battle you're in is real.
  • 00:23:22.791 --> 00:23:25.894
  • The enemy you face is formidable, but the resources
  • 00:23:25.894 --> 00:23:30.465
  • God has provided are more than enough to give you victory.
  • 00:23:30.465 --> 00:23:34.903
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:23:34.903 --> 00:23:40.408
  • Jeffress: what battle are you facing today?
  • 00:23:40.408 --> 00:23:43.011
  • Whatever it is, god has already given you everything you need to
  • 00:23:43.011 --> 00:23:46.815
  • Emerge victorious.
  • 00:23:46.815 --> 00:23:49.351
  • Now, before our time is up today, i want to say a sincere
  • 00:23:49.351 --> 00:23:52.053
  • Word of thanks to those of you who give faithfully to support
  • 00:23:52.053 --> 00:23:55.857
  • "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:55.857 --> 00:23:57.425
  • God has called us to share the gospel with as many people as
  • 00:23:57.425 --> 00:24:00.595
  • Possible, and thanks to friends like you, and especially our
  • 00:24:00.595 --> 00:24:04.199
  • Pathway partners, the teaching of god's word goes out every day
  • 00:24:04.199 --> 00:24:08.336
  • On television, radio, and digital streaming, reaching
  • 00:24:08.336 --> 00:24:12.440
  • People across america and around the world.
  • 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:15.577
  • Your generosity is truly making an eternal difference.
  • 00:24:15.577 --> 00:24:20.048
  • Now, please stay right there.
  • 00:24:20.048 --> 00:24:21.416
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:21.416 --> 00:24:25.820
  • Jeffress: christians today are living in hostile territory.
  • 00:24:25.820 --> 00:24:29.357
  • The attacks are real,
  • 00:24:29.357 --> 00:24:30.759
  • The opposition is fierce, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
  • 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:34.963
  • That's why i wrote "courageous," to give you the biblical tools
  • 00:24:34.963 --> 00:24:38.667
  • You need not just to survive but to stand strong and thrive.
  • 00:24:38.667 --> 00:24:43.371
  • Announcer: in "courageous," you'll find ten biblical
  • 00:24:43.371 --> 00:24:45.840
  • Survival strategies drawn straight from scripture that
  • 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:48.877
  • Will give you fresh fire and real hope, no matter what
  • 00:24:48.877 --> 00:24:52.013
  • You're facing.
  • 00:24:52.013 --> 00:24:53.381
  • Jeffress: survivors have two things in common, a different
  • 00:24:53.381 --> 00:24:56.251
  • Response to trouble and a different perspective on life.
  • 00:24:56.251 --> 00:25:00.255
  • In "courageous," i'll give you ten biblical strategies to
  • 00:25:00.255 --> 00:25:03.858
  • Develop both and come out stronger on the other side.
  • 00:25:03.858 --> 00:25:07.762
  • Announcer: request your copy of "courageous" when you give a
  • 00:25:07.762 --> 00:25:10.131
  • Generous ministry gift to "pathway to victory" or when you
  • 00:25:10.131 --> 00:25:13.568
  • Become a pathway partner.
  • 00:25:13.568 --> 00:25:15.236
  • And when your ministry gift is $75 or more, we'll send you the
  • 00:25:15.236 --> 00:25:19.574
  • "courageous" leadership kit, containing the "courageous"
  • 00:25:19.574 --> 00:25:22.444
  • Book, the personal and group study guide book, ten
  • 00:25:22.444 --> 00:25:25.647
  • "courageous" encouragement cards, plus the complete
  • 00:25:25.647 --> 00:25:28.550
  • Teaching series on cd and dvd.
  • 00:25:28.550 --> 00:25:31.152
  • Jeffress: as christians, we're living in a
  • 00:25:31.152 --> 00:25:33.388
  • Threatening environment.
  • 00:25:33.388 --> 00:25:35.323
  • We have an adversary, the devil, who is intent on destroying
  • 00:25:35.323 --> 00:25:39.361
  • Everything important to us.
  • 00:25:39.361 --> 00:25:41.129
  • Announcer: thank you for partnering with "pathway
  • 00:25:41.129 --> 00:25:42.964
  • To victory."
  • 00:25:42.964 --> 00:25:44.299
  • Your generosity funds the proclamation of god's word
  • 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:47.068
  • Across television, radio, and online, bringing bold biblical
  • 00:25:47.068 --> 00:25:51.039
  • Hope right here at home and around the world.
  • 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:54.542
  • Jeffress: god has already given you everything you need to
  • 00:25:58.113 --> 00:26:00.415
  • Defeat the enemy, but there's something else i want you
  • 00:26:00.415 --> 00:26:03.485
  • To consider.
  • 00:26:03.485 --> 00:26:04.819
  • When faced with the same overwhelming circumstances, two
  • 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:08.523
  • People can respond in completely different ways.
  • 00:26:08.523 --> 00:26:11.893
  • One becomes a victim.
  • 00:26:11.893 --> 00:26:13.728
  • The other becomes a victor.
  • 00:26:13.728 --> 00:26:16.297
  • And next time i'm going to share how you can develop the mindset
  • 00:26:16.297 --> 00:26:20.502
  • Of an overcomer no matter what you're facing.
  • 00:26:20.502 --> 00:26:24.239
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:26:24.239 --> 00:26:26.775
  • Series "courageous."
  • 00:26:26.775 --> 00:26:29.544
  • Jeffress: attitude is key, and god's word says that we need to
  • 00:26:29.544 --> 00:26:34.449
  • Have the attitude of a victor, not a victim.
  • 00:26:34.449 --> 00:26:39.320
  • The bible has a word for a victor mindset.
  • 00:26:39.320 --> 00:26:43.625
  • The bible calls it an overcomer.
  • 00:26:43.625 --> 00:26:47.195
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for "survival tip
  • 00:26:47.195 --> 00:26:50.532
  • #4: develop a victor, not a victim, mindset" here on
  • 00:26:50.532 --> 00:26:54.969
  • "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:54.969 --> 00:26:56.538
  • Announcer: the apostle paul sailed these waters, walked
  • 00:26:59.007 --> 00:27:01.810
  • These streets, and the church was never the same.
  • 00:27:01.810 --> 00:27:04.879
  • Jeffress: i'm inviting you to follow in paul's footsteps on
  • 00:27:04.879 --> 00:27:07.916
  • The pathway to victory journeys of paul cruise through the
  • 00:27:07.916 --> 00:27:11.019
  • Stunning greek islands into ancient ephesus and many other
  • 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:14.923
  • Destinations as well.
  • 00:27:14.923 --> 00:27:16.591
  • This is purposeful travel at its finest.
  • 00:27:16.591 --> 00:27:19.861
  • Announcer: set sail may 14, 2027.
  • 00:27:19.861 --> 00:27:22.464
  • Call ... or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:22.464 --> 00:27:28.203