Ephesians 6:10-17 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. 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. 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. 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.
Who is the author? PAUL
Who is the audience? CHRISTIANS
What is the context? SPIRITUAL WARFARE
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
1. Spiritual attacks should be EXPECTED.
2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
The level of ATTACK exposes the level of your ABILITY.
The greatest spiritual ATTACKS are right before your greatest spiritual BREAKTHROUGHS.
2. Spiritual attacks must be EXPOSED.
Indicators That You Are Under Spiritual Attack:
Extreme CONFUSION
Lack of PEACE
Desire to QUIT
Intense TEMPTATION
Drawn to OLD LIFESTYLES
3. Spiritual VICTORY can be EXPERIENCED.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
You can’t fight spiritual WARFARE with physical WEAPONS. OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS·
The NAME of JESUS
Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
John 16:23-24 Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. ·
The WORD of GOD
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
God’s word is the only OFFENSIVE weapon against the enemy. Jesus’ response to the attack of the enemy: “IT IS WRITTEN”
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ·
AGREEMENT in PRAYER
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
WE is always better than ME. ·
PRAISE and WORSHIP
James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
When you are under attack you can WHINE or you can WORSHIP.
