Relationship Goals: Devil-Kicking

RELATIONSHIP GOALS – 3

DEVIL KICKING

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”          2 Corinthians 11:13-14 NASB

HOW TO WIN THE SPIRITUAL BATTTLE IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS

I. WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

“Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:11-12 NASB

“Be of sober spirit, be on alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”               1 Peter 5:8 NASB

“So we wanted to come to you – even I, Paul, time and again – but Satan hindered us.”          

1 Thessalonians 2:18 HCSB

II. STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL

1. Pride

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 

1 Corinthians 10:12 NASB

See the Message Paraphrase: “Don’t be so naïve and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.”

2. Distraction

3. Seduction

III. DECISION TO FIGHT

1. STOP LIVING in the MOMENT

2. THINK about the COST of SIN

3. TAKE DRASTIC STEPS if NECESSARY

“And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  30And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.”     Matthew 5:29-30 NASB

4. STAND EQUIPPED with GOD’S DEFENSES

“10Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil… 13Therefore, 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. 14Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace… 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance…” 

Ephesians 6:10-11, 13-15, 17-18 NASB

• Jesus is stronger than the Devil – Ephesians 6:10; 1 John 2:1
• Submit your life and relationships to God – Ephesians 6:11, 13; James 4:7
• Rely on God’s Word – Ephesians 6:14-15, 17; Matthew 4:1-11
• Depend on the Spirit’s power – Ephesians 6:17-18

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.”               1 John 4:4 NASB

• Pray constantly – Ephesians 6:18
• Stay connected with other Christians – Hebrews 10:24-25
• Remain alert – Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”        Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV