Tuesday, September 5, 2023

 



The Christian Armor and Spiritual Warfare

Introduction: Preparing for Battle

  • The Christian's Calling: Equipped for Spiritual Warfare

Bible Dictionary Definition: Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare: According to Christian Bible dictionaries, "spiritual warfare" refers to the ongoing struggle and conflict between the forces of good, led by God and His angels, and the forces of evil, led by Satan and his demonic entities, for the souls and spiritual well-being of individuals and the advancement of God's kingdom on Earth. It involves the use of prayer, Scripture, faith, and the armor of God to resist and overcome the spiritual forces of darkness.

Audio Blog @ https://youtu.be/gyFE0jBWVhw

  • The Unseen War: The Battle Begins

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV):

"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."

  1. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
    • Spiritual warfare involves unseen battles.
    • Christians are called to engage in this spiritual battle.

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Identifying the Enemies

  • Recognizing the Foes: James 4:4, Galatians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:8

  • James 4:4 (NIV): "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

    Galatians 5:17 (NIV): "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want."

    1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

  • Christian Response: Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:16, James 4:7

  • Romans 12:2 (NIV)"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

    Galatians 5:16 (NIV)"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

    James 4:7 (NIV)"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Ephesians 6:14-17 (NIV)"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."

  1. The Armor of God: A Cloak of Protection
    • The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation
    • Equipped for Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:11-13 (NIV)"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."

  1. Putting on the Whole Armor of God
    • Protection against the schemes of the enemy.
    • Preparedness for spiritual warfare.

The Offensive Weapon: God's Word

  • Employing the Sword of God's Word: Ephesians 6:17 (NIV):"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

  • Defense Against Temptation: Psalm 119:9 and 11
  • Psalm 119:9 (NIV)"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."
  • Psalm 119:11 (NIV)"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

  1. The Offensive Use of God's Word
    • Using Scripture to actively confront spiritual battles.
    • The power of Scripture in offensive action.

Staying Alert and Prepared

  • Remaining Vigilant: Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2
  • Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)"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 Lord’s people."

  • Spiritual Readiness: Always Prepared for Warfare

  • Colossians 4:2 (NIV)"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

  • Scripture: Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

  1. Who Is Really Fighting the Battle?
    • Recognizing that God is the ultimate source of victory.
    • Acknowledging our dependence on God in the battle.

Conclusion: The Victory is Ours

  • The Uneven War: We Fight with the Upper Hand
  • Our Victor: Jesus Has Already Won

Scripture: 1 John 4:4 (NIV) "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

  1. We Expect to Win: With God, We Will Always Triumph
    • Confidence in the power of Christ within us.
    • Overcoming any spiritual opposition.

Final Thoughts: Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

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