There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors. (C.S. Lewis)

Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Basics of our Battle

1. Our Struggle in the Battle

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

John 8:44

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

Ephesians 6:12

…against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

2. Our Strength for the Battle

Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 1:19-20

…that you may know…and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead…

Ephesians 1:21

…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 2:5-6

…made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…

3. Our Stability during the Battle

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

For this week’s application guide click this URL:https://storage2.snappages.site/QG8D8X/assets/files/Sermon-Application-Guide-Eph-6_10_12-42.docx

Resources Cited

Books/Commentaries/Blogs

Borgman, Brian and Rob Ventura. Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI. Reformation Heritage, 2014. Pg. 205.

Chapell, Bryan. Ephesians. Edited by Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani. Reformed Expository Commentary. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2009.

Cole, Graham. Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons. Wheaton, IL. Crossway Publishing, 2019,

Lewis, CS. The Screwtape Letters. New York, New York. Harper Publishing, 1942.

O’Brien, Peter Thomas. The Letter to the Ephesians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999.

Pulau, Luis. Men of Integrity (May/June 2002). https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2003/june/14443.html)

Segal, Marshall. Satan Hunts Among the Hurting. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satan-hunts-among-the-hurting

Sottile, Zoe, “A Florida man heard a bump at his door. It was an alligator – and it bit his leg,” CNN (3-18-23).