“Boldness in Fighting the Enemy”

“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.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV

We are in a Spiritual War Our struggle is not against flesh and blood Our enemies are not ‘people’ – Ephesians 6:12a Our war is with the devil and his angels – Ephesians 6:12b; 1 Peter 5:8-9

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV

We are in a Spiritual War Our weapons are not the weapons of the world We don’t fight the way the world fights – 2 Corinthians 10:4 Our weapons are spiritual and have divine power – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 6:7; 2 Timothy 2:24-26

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

We must be Prepared for Battle Put on the full armor of God so that . . . This armor is crucial to spiritual warfare – Ephesians 6:11, 13 Every piece of this armor is essential! 1. Belt of Truth – John 8:31-32; 14:6 2. Breastplate of righteousness – Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 2:12 3. Feet ready to proclaim the Gospel – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:4 4. Shield of faith – Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:13 5. Helmet of Salvation – 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 11:1 6. Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God – Hebrews 4:12; Matt. 4:1-10 7. Pray, Pray, Pray! – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6-7

“Be self-controlled and alert “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

We must be Prepared for Battle Be self-controlled and alert The devil prowls around like a roaring lion . . . – 1 Peter 5:8-9 We must submit to God and resist the devil – James 4:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 NIV

We will be Victorious! We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb Jesus has already defeated the enemy – Revelation 12:11; 17:14 Satan no longer has power over us – Hebrews 2:14-15 The Lord will deliver us from every evil work – 2 Timothy 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:3

We will be Victorious! But we must be Faithful to the end! – Revelation 2:10 We must fight the good fight of Faith – 1 Timothy 1:18-19 Faith is the victory that overcomes the world – 1 John 5:3-5; Romans 8:31-39