Spiritual Warfare

“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, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight.” – C.S. Lewis

We have an enemy

(Ephesians 6:10-11) 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.

(Ezekiel 28:14-16) I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. 15 “You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16 Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire.

(Isaiah 14:12-15) “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13 For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.

The devil is…
Liar
Accuser
Adversary
Tempter
Destroyer
Deceiver

Satan exists to destroy God’s children and defame God’s glory.

(Jeremiah 10:6) Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.

We are in a battle

Ephesians 6:12(NIV) 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.

“Spiritual warfare is not an option; it’s a necessity. If you’re a child of God, you’re in a battle for your faith.” - Billy Graham

We fight from victory

(Colossians 2:13-15) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

(Ephesians 6:13) 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.

Spiritual Warfare is standing firm in the victory of Christ.

Build up our spiritual strength

(Ephesians 6:10) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

(1 Timothy 4:7) Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

Try – to make an attempt.

Train – to engage in a process of growth.

Be covered in the full armor

(Ephesians 6:14-17) 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.

Belt of truth vs Liar - Philippians 4:8 “whatever is true”
Breastplate of Righteousness vs. Accuser - 2 Corinthians 5:21 “I am righteousness of God in Christ”
Shoes of Peace vs. Temptation - 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken me”
Shield of Faith vs. Adversary - Isaiah 54:17 “no weapon formed against me will prosper”
Helmet of Salvation vs. Destroyer - Isaiah 26:3 “my mind is in perfect peace”
Sword of the Spirit vs. Deceiver - John 17:17 “sanctify them by truth. Your Word is truth.”

God makes the armor available , but we must choose to suit up.

Boldly advance the Gospel

(Ephesians 6:18-20) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

The armor defends us, but the gospel takes ground.

(James 4:7) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.