Ephesians Part 6: New Enemy

“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

3 Foundational Truths

1. We have an .

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) 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 devil’s schemes.

Ezekiel 28:14-16 (NIV) You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.

Isaiah 14:12-15 (NIV) How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.

Satan exists to destroy God’s children

and defame God’s glory.

Jeremiah 10:6 (NIV) No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

2. We are in a .

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

3. We fight from .

Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV) When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Spiritual Warfare is standing firm in the victory of Christ.

3 Essential Practices

1. Build up your .

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness…

Try: to make an attempt.

Train: to engage in a process of growth.

2. Put on the .

Ephesians 6:14-17 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and 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. Tempter: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken me”

Shield of Faith vs. Adversary: Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against me shall 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 the truth; your word is truth.”

3. Boldly advance the .

Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The armor us, but the gospel .