I’m to Focused to Fail
PART II: YOUR ADVERSARY AND YOUR ARMOUR
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
I. INTRODUCTION
II. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE? Thoughts, sickness, offenses, anything that keeps you from accomplishing your calling. The battleground is your mind. He is the father of lies. The enemy wants to Convince us to believe him over God, and accept his lies. His strategy is to arouse fear to make you worry. In the Garden, He says God didn’t mean that
III. SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS A PART OF REALITY
Demonic activity is real. See the aim of Warfare in two ways: Hurt people or hurt themself
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Don’t Believe the Bluff
The Enemy Tactic
Paints a picture=creates anxiety (rooted in fear) = causes worry= causes stress= whereby you self-destruct from the inside out. We fight from a place of weakness instead of fighting in Christ
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for offend- skandalon: Stumbling block in someone’, in the Bible, behavior or attitude that leads another to sin.
Satan’s greatest bait is the offense. The offense is not deadly if it stays in the trap, but if we pick it up and consume it and feed on it in our hearts then we have become offended.
Many people are unable to function appropriately in God’s purpose and calling for their lives because of the wounds, hurts, and offenses in their lives. They are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their potential.
One way the enemy keeps a person in an offended state is to keep the offense hidden and cloaked with pride.
V. THE ADVERSARY IS REAL
John 10:10 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Job 1:6-12 6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and [a]Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to [b]Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you [c]considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and [d]shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not [e]made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse[f] You to Your face!” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your [g]power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
VI. WHAT IS THE ARMOR OF GOD?
The Power in me is greater than anything that comes against me
Greater is He that is in me
Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
VII. HOW DO YOU APPLY THE ARMOR OF GOD?
A. Belt Of Truth
Ephesians 6:14 NKJV 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness
John 8:31-32 NKJV 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
B. Breast Plate of Righteousness
C. The Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 NKJV 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
D. Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16 NKJV 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
E. Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17 NKJV 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
F. Sword of the Spirit
How to Create Havoc on Hell
Destroy the Lie
2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Jesus Has Already defeated the Battle
Romans 6:10 NKJV 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Remember Your Free in Christ
Romans 8:2 NKJV 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Stick to the Message
1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.