II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) 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. 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.
√ WE FIGHT THE WRONG ENEMY.
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.
John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…
√ WE FIGHT WITH THE WRONG WEAPONS.
I Samuel 17:45 (NIV) You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.
√ WE FIGHT FOR THE WRONG VICTORY.
Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
I. PICK UP OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS.
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.
Truth (Belt) - We hold our life together with the truth of God’s Word.
Righteousness (Breastplate) - Right living guards our heart.
Peace (Shoes) - We walk steady with the peace of Christ.
Faith (Shield) - Combat the enemy’s lies through our trust in God.
Salvation (Helmet) - Protect your mind with your identity in Christ.
Word of God (Sword) - Fight back with Scripture.
Prayer - Stay connected to God’s power in the battle.
II. RENEW OUR MINDS DAILY.
II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) ...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Colossians 3:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
III. RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT’S POWER.
Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Opening Question
Part 1– The Battles We Face
