All scripture references are NLT unless otherwise noted.
The Struggle is Real
Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 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. (NIV)
The battle being fought is for the
Romans 5:12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
Romans 8:20 *Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope… *
1 . You were
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Be careful not to overemphasize or underemphasize Spiritual
2 . You have a real
things to know about the Devil:
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1) He was a powerful angel named Lucifer until he rebelled against God. (Ezekiel 28:12-17, Isaiah 14:12-14, Luke 10:18)
2) He is now in control of a powerful force for evil. (Ephesians 6:12, Revelation 12:4, 2 Peter 2:4)
3) He is strong but he isn’t God strong. (1 John 5:19, John 14:30).
4) Because of Jesus, we are greater than the Devil.
1 John 4:4 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. (NIV)
3 . You have
2 Kings 6:15b-17 “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
When we look at the physical,
we haven’t got a chance.
When we look at the spiritual,
they haven’t got a chance.
4. Your
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
Isaiah 40:28-31 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.