Built For Battle
Introduction
You can’t win a spiritual battle with an untrained spirit.
#FitForTheFight #ShareYourStory #SundaysAtTheHarvest
Engaged For Victorious Spiritual Warfare
A.
the Spiritual Battlefield
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. —Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
The Enemy’s Organized Structure Of Demonic Forces:
1.
: Regions/Countries - Daniel 10:13
2.
: Industries/Institutions - Matthew 4:8-9
3.
of This World: Neighborhoods/Communities - Mark 5:1-20
4.
in High Places: Individuals – Mark 9:22-29
Five Biblical Ways To Recognize The Enemy:
1. Inability to
Jesus
3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. —1 Corinthians 12:3 (NLT)
2. Actions Don’t
with The Word
8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. —Galatians 1:8 (NLT)
3. Inability to
Oneself
32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit. —1 Corinthians 14:32 (NLT)
4. Check the
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures….
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! —Galatians 5:19-23 (NLT)
5.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. —Hebrews 5:14 (NLT)
Red Flags That Indicate the Enemy’s Involvement In My Life:
Deception: Twisting God’s truth or planting lies in my mind.
Division: Causing conflict in relationships or church community.
Distraction: Shifting focus away from God’s purpose for my life.
Discouragement: Making me feel hopeless or unworthy.
Domination: Heavy feelings of despair or bondage.
I can’t defeat the enemy I fail to recognize.
#FitForTheFight #ShareYourStory #SundaysAtTheHarvest
B.
The Arsenal
Sharpen Your Tools
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)
24 Spiritual Weapons Of Warfare
The WAR Prayer Model
1. W -
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.”
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. —2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (NKJV)
2. A -
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. —Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
3. R -
&
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. —James 4:7 (NLT)
Resist: Actively standing firm against Satan’s schemes.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. —1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
The Blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11)
The Word of God (Hebrews 4:12)
Faith (1 John 5:4)
Prayer (James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18)
Fasting (Isaiah 58:6)
The Name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11)
The Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6, John 14:26)
Testimony (Revelation 12:11)
Love (1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:21)
Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
Unity Among Believers (Matthew 18:19-20)
Peace (Philippians 4:7)
Obedience (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)
Humility (James 4:6-7)
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 10:27)
The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Different Kinds of Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues
Prophecy
Discerning of Spirits
Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Faith
Gifts of Healing
Working of MiraclesThe Church and Keys of the Kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19)
Decreeing and Declaring (Job 22:28, Proverbs 18:21)
Vision and Revelation (Proverbs 29:18)
Exercising the Authority of the Believer (Luke 10:19)
In the realm of the spirit, weapons of the flesh are in vain, but weapons of the spirit break every chain.
#FitForTheFight #ShareYourStory #SundaysAtTheHarvest
C. Positioned For Victory
Stand Your Ground
1. Exercise
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
2. Casting
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish —Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
3.
God
19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. —Isaiah 1:19-20 (NKJV)
4.
in the Fight
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
Endurance isn’t about how fast you start the fight but how faithfully you finish it.
#FitForTheFight #ShareYourStory #SundaysAtTheHarvest
Conclusion
4 Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. —1 John 4:4 (KJV)
Closing Declaration:
I am built for battle! I have perceived the true enemy, I have prepared the weapons of my warfare, and I am positioned to fight the good fight of faith. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. In Jesus’ name, amen!
My Next Steps:
- Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and intentionally put on the full armor of God.
- Use the WAR Prayer Model and practice fasting (Isaiah 58:6) to break strongholds and draw closer to God.
- Encourage small group members and other Believers to stand firm in faith and obey the Word of God.
My Upcoming Events:
Wednesday Online Prayer Gathering
New Month’s Message Series: All Aboard
Faith, Fellowship, and 4K Fun Invest & Invite February Campaign
Sherwin Gardner “Find Me Here” – February 28