2009-09-13
Spiritual Warfare 3
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 6: 10 - 20
A soldier is not putting on his gear primarily for his own cause, but for a greater...
What is it that Satan and his demons are opposing?
The Gospel
To hold on...

Are you a soldier, or still living for yourself?
Aware of your complete weakness -- not some false humility common among religious folks.
There is a connection with humility and great power. (Galatians 2: 20, Psalm 62)
If we are going to take a stand against his schemes, we cannot do it half-heartedly
The enemy has an army, and we are at war. (Ephesians 6: 12)
The enemy will toy with you and easily defeat you without your armor.
Stand your ground. (Ephesians 6: 13)
What are we to do, then? The day of evil will come.
Be alert and watchful -- aware of his schemes. Be a warrior of prayer.

Not seeing something does not take away from its reality.
The armor is our defense as we wage war for the purposes of God.

B. Stand Firm. Make Your Stand! Put on the Full Armor of God.

Ephesians 6: 14 - 17
Belt of Truth
To gird up.
Putting away hindrances to the fight -- everything that impedes
2 Timothy 2: 4
Hebrews 12: 1
1 Peter 1: 13
A baseline attitude of honest assessment of personal commitment to the cause of Christ.
Are you in the battle?

Breastplate of Righteousness
Walking in the righteousness we have.
Revelation 12: 11
2 Corinthians 5: 21
Romans 6
Galatians 2: 20

Are you ready?
Romans 3: 22, Galatians 2: 20 today? Romans 6: 11 today?

Gospel Shoes of Peace
The Gospel is about being at peace with God.
Romans 8:31,37-39
Romans 10: 15

The Shield of Faith
Stay alert. Despair-->THUNK! Gossip -->THUNK!

Helmet of Salvation
If we have our proper armor on, we will not doubt our salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God
The sword subdues and puts to death evil desires and wrong thinking being thrown.
Back down the enemy forces dealing with us or another.