1. “Unmasking the Competition” Ephesians 6:10-13

2. Function of a Mask Verb: to cover (the face) with a mask. Synonyms: hide, conceal, disguise, cover up, obscure, screen, cloak, veil Goal: give one appearance, really someone else! “Unmasking the Competition” = reveal, expose your enemy’s “ways” Today: Satan’s nature, schemes, our response

3. 2 Corinthians 11:14 “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Jesus: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15).

4. Satan’s Nature: “Liar, Murderer” (John 8:44) Satan deceives by lies, untruth, partial truth, leading to sin, leading to (spiritual) murder/death Killer of: * Dreams * Families * Hope * Life itself Direct TV – “Don’t Be Phil Shifley!”

5. Our Spiritual Competitor in Life Competes for the souls of humanity Kingdom-sized battles with “hell to pay” “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10) Goal: blind unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4) “steal, kill, destroy” (John 10:10)

6. Insights from Ephesians 6:10-13 “Schemes” vs. 11 = (root word “journey”) “beginning “end” (ahhh, enticing!) (disaster!) “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” but against “principalities and powers” Add snares – 2 Timothy 2:26 – “a trap fastened by a noose” – a) concealed (can’t see it); b) noose; the power to restrain against the will

7. Response: “Stand Firm in the Lord” Vs. 10 – “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of HIS might” Vs. 11 - “Put on full armor of God, that you may be ABLE to stand firm…” Vs. 13 – “Take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” Note: Not engaging Satan directly, but submitting to the Lord!

8. Arenas of Conflict A) The mind – “bring every thought captive to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) “(Satan) blinds the minds of the unbelieving…” (2 Corinthians 4:4) B) Carnal – appetites of the flesh (Galatians 5:24) “passions and desires” e.g. false gods of “comfort and convenience” C) Spiritual deception – Genesis 4:7 – “sin is crouching right at the door…you must master it” Eve (doctrine error) Safety: in denominational doctrine study

9. Issues Simmering: In “Hibernation” Bitterness vs. forgiveness Rebellion vs. submission Deception vs. truth Solution: cut the roots via confession and repentance

10. How to “Wise Up” to Competition! 1.Know your “issues;” and stand firm! 2.Engage the battle! Endeavor to grow! 3.If Satan cannot steal your salvation, don’t let him neutralize your witness! 4. Pursue Jesus with all your heart!