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EPH 6: /4/2011 The Christian Warfare

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.

EPH 6: /4/2011 The Christian Warfare