3 Responses To Spiritual Warfare:
- approach
- approach
- approach
The Christian life is not lived on a , but on a . Chip Ingram
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:13-15)
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:16-18).
4 Basic Truths About Spiritual Warfare:
- There is an that is just as real as the visible world (Ephesians 6:12)
- There is an that has eternal implications (I Corinthians 10:3-5)
- There is an warfront: The
- We are to use weapons:
- (Luke 4:3-12)
- (Luke 22:31-32)
- (Eph. 6:11)
- (James 4:7)
3. There is an who wants to destroy the testimonies of believers and discredit the cause of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-11; I Peter 5:8)
- Satan is a being.
- Satan is a being.
- Satan is a clever .
- Satan is a foe.
4. God has provided for engaging the enemy.
- I must put on the belt of truth, which refers to a life of .
The Devil hates truth and counteracts with deception, denial, and defensiveness.
2. I must put on the breastplate of righteousness, which refers to a life of .
The Devil hates purity and counteracts with impure thoughts, words, and actions.
3. I must put on the boots of the gospel of peace, which refers to a life of .
The Devil hates grace and counteracts with works and condemnation.
4. I must take up the shield of faith, which refers to the believer’s .
The Devil hates faith and counteracts with doubt.
5. I must put on the helmet of salvation, which refers to the believer’s .
The Devil hates a sound mind and counteracts with fear and discouragement.
6. I must take up the sword of the Spirit, which refers to the believer’s .
The Devil hates the Word of God and counteracts by getting us to neglect it.
7. I must saturate spiritual warfare in .
Why Is Prayer So Important In Our Battle?
- Prayer impales forces. “And He said to them, ‘This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.’” Mark 9:29
- Prayer secures for saints. “’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.’” (Luke 22:31-32)
- Prayer God’s power. (Acts 1:14; 2:1,42; 3:1; 4:24; 6:4; 7:60; 8:24, 10; 12:5)
We do not fight victory; we fight victory.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:57)