The Battle
Ephesians 6:10-20, part 1
This passage is the culmination of the entire book. Paul describes how God equips and enables us to live a victorious Christian life.
It builds on Ephesians 1:1-6:9
Here’s what Paul is teaching us in this passage:
Strength and Power (verse. 10)
You have to have right beliefs - Chapters 1-3.
You have to have a right walk - Chapters 4-6:9
It will take more than that….
All of your effort and time is never going to be good enough.
That’s actually fantastic news!
because:
HE IS our strength. (Ephesians 1:19–20)
We can face any battle - any trial - because we stand in HIS strength!
2. The Enemy (verse 11)
Our enemy is very real.
We face a formidable foe
1 Peter 5:8 – Your adversary/enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
The forces of evil are constantly striving to drag the world down deeper and deeper into evil. We must stand firm in every way we can.
Three things tabout the enemy:
1. He is Powerful
But don’t forget that God is more powerful
This is God’s universe - not the devil’s
God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient - Satan is not. You can’t resist the enemy in your own strength.
But GOD’s Strength is MORE than sufficient
2. He is Wicked & Evil
Satan and his minions are always working both behind the scenes, and in the obvious ways to be as destructive as possible in both individual lives and in society in general.
3. He is Crafty
His attacks will be varied, because he doesn’t want them to be obvious.
3. The Realm of Warfare (verse 12)
Where will he attack you?
When will he attack you?
1. Immediately after salvation
Before you begin laying a foundation.
2. In Affliction
He’ll say things like, “Maybe God doesn’t love you… He’s obviously abandoned you…”
3. In Success
Any success - in any area - can immediately lead to pride
4. When you’re Not making every effort (when you’re spiritually idle)
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop….
5. When you’re not Connected to the Body
You need the encouragement, help, and accountability that a church family provides.
Sheep aren’t meant to be wandering out by themselves. Sheep need to be in a flock
They need to be under the care of a shepherd
How does he attack?
As a Lion
As a friend - in the garden, he was giving friendly advice - not a scary attack
An angel of light - the “enlightenment” of our culture today, largely demonic. We see it at every turn right.
4. God’s Provision (verse 13)
When you trust in yourself - you will fail
To be successful in this battle…Put on God’s Armor - what He has given us for this battle.
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 firm.
It is absolutely certain that you will be attacked TODAY!
The first enemy in your life is your own lostness
The first step is to submit to God in salvation
Repent and believe in the Gospel!
The Lord stands ready to provide everything you need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3
None of this is automatic
It’s not just knowing information, it’s surrendering your life to Him - First in salvation.
Then - in humble obedience to His Word
So how do we stand? Tune in next week…
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