Spiritual Warfare, Part 1

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV84)  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians so far:

Chapter 1 –

the confusion of the universe is solved in Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2 & 3 –

through the blood of Jesus, God brings power into our lives when we trust in him.

Chapter 4, 5, & 6 –

detailed teaching on what it means to live the Christian life. (i.e. the church, holy living, relationships, forgiveness, drinking, marriage, parenting, etc.)

Introductory principles:

1. Real Christianity is a fight.

Matthew 11:12 (ESV)  From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

2. The fight is real.

Luke 10:18 (ESV)  And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

3. The fight is the Lord’s.

Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Job 13:15 (NASB95)  “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

4. The battling is ours.

Philippians 2:12b-13 (NASB95)  …work out your salvation in fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work within you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.