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Welcome to the Church of Christ. The Christian Warfare. EPH 6:10-20 9/4/2011. Introduction. We are in a war today. The war that we are fighting is a spiritual war
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The Christian Warfare EPH 6:10-20 9/4/2011
Introduction • We are in a war today. • The war that we are fighting is a spiritual war • It is a war between good and evil, light and darkness, Heaven and Hell, God and Satan • 1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; • It is a fight, it is not easy, it will be a struggle • 1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. • 2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: • We need to be soldiers----our service to the Lord must be faithful • 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. • Adversary, Amor, Attack, Allies
The Christian and his Adversary v11-12 • We must know who the enemy is to properly prepare • He is described several ways Rev 12:9 • Decided Fact • The Bible does not attempt to prove that Satan exist • Destructive Force John 8:44 • He is strategic---Wiles or trickery-----young prophet • He is spiritual---v12 not flesh and blood-----I John 4:1 • He is strong---v12- principalities and powers • Satan cannot be defeated by man’s power alone • He is sinister---v12 wicked-----John 10:10 • Takes everything and only gives temporary pleasures • Defeated Foe v10 • Jesus’ death on the cross defeated Satan • Matt 16:18
The Christian and his Armor v13-17 • If we are not prepared for battle then we will loose the battle • We must put on the whole armor of God! • The girdle of truth----Integrity v14 • The girdle is the garment that holds us together • We should be constrained by the truth of God’s word John 17:17 • The breastplate of righteousness----Purity v14 • The breastplate protects the vital organs----means to do right Matt 5:6 • The shoes of peace----Tranquility v15 • When we prepare ourselves properly we will have peace • Peace within ourselves, with others, with God Heb 12:14 • The shield of faith----Certainty v16 • Personal faith is able to protect us from doubt----one of Satan’s tools • The helmet of Salvation----Sanity • One of the most important pieces of armor • We must protect our minds against Satan---Matt 15:18-20 • I Pet 2:11
The Christian and his Attack v10-18 • Its not enough to put on the armor, we have to join the fight • Some things that will guarantee our victory: • The Place of our Stand v10---v13 • Standing in the Lord and not ourselves---Ps 18:1-2 • The Power of the Sword v17 • God has given us his word to fight against Satan • Matt 4:1-4 • The word of God is powerful----Heb 4:12 • The Provision of the Spirit • Praying according to God’s will is how God helps us today----I John 5:14 • God supplies every need that we have
The Christian and his Allies v18 • We need to know who we are fighting with • We do not fight alone • Every faithful Christian that has lived on earth is an example to us how we should fight the spiritual war • Heb 11---Through faith many men and women were able to stand against the attacks of Satan • We should encourage one another and pray for one another • Angels are also involved in this spiritual war • Angels help us today through God’s providence • Heb 1:14
Who Is Winning The War In Your Life? • There are only two sides • Good and Evil----God and Satan • We cannot be neutral! • Do not be ignorant of Satan's devices • Doubt, Deceit, Popularity, and Self-fulfillment • Choose your side carefully • Anyone who is not on Jesus’ side is on the loosing side • The choice is yours • Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
The Christian Warfare EPH 6:10-20 9/4/2011