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Standing Against the Enemy Ephesians 6:10-13

Standing Against the Enemy Ephesians 6:10-13. Newsflash: There is evil in the world Is the human condition so corrupt and degenerate or is there something else also at work ? The Bible also tells us there are evil forces at work in the world . Ephesians 6:10–13 (NIV)

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Standing Against the Enemy Ephesians 6:10-13

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  1. Standing Against the EnemyEphesians 6:10-13 Newsflash: There is evil in the world Is the human condition so corrupt and degenerate or is there something else also at work? The Bible also tells us there are evil forces at work in the world.

  2. Ephesians 6:10–13 (NIV) • 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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.

  3. Ephesians 1-3: the blessings of being identified as a follower of Jesus Christ • Ephesians 4-6:9: how a faithful follower of Jesus should live. • “walk worthy” of being a Christian: • be humble – not full of pride • strive for unity – not be divisive • live as new creations - put aside our old selfish way of life • be a source of light in a world filled with darkness • mutually submit to one another

  4. A reality check: • If we live a worthy life for God we can expect to face opposition and conflict because there are forces of evil that have one clear purpose  to destroy the work of God • The Reality of Satan • Our Response to Satan • Be Strong in the Lord • Put On God’s Armour • Stand Firm in Our Faith

  5. 1. The Reality of Satan • A large number of Christians no longer believe in a literal devil. • Is Satan just a biblical symbol of evil? • This is NOT what the Bible teaches. • Satan is just as literal and real as God himself. • Jesus encountered a real Satan who tried to tempt him in the wilderness.

  6. The Bible has many descriptions for Satan: • He is called our Accuser • Satan means “adversary” • He is called the Tempter • A murderer and the “Father of Lies” • He is compared to a lion seeking to devour people • He is called the Prince of this World • Satan is the enemy of God. • The devil is schemer – deceives people

  7. 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. • This struggle we are in is not a human battle  it is supernatural • “struggle” - used to describe hand-to-hand fighting  this is a personal battle we are in • This struggle is something that we cannot fight on our own.

  8. 2. Our Response to Satan • This spiritual battle can sound pretty intimidating • Good news: for followers of Christ, our God is incredibly greater and more powerful than Satan • a. Be Strong in the Lord • Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. • The only effective empowerment against the schemes of the devil is God’s strength and power.

  9. God is more powerful than all of Satan’s forces combined. • 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) - He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. • Ephesians 1:19–20 (NIV) “…[God’s] incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”

  10. Do you want to have victory over Satan and his evil influence in your life? • Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. • Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) - Be strong in the Lord. • Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me • Our strength must come from the Lord Jesus to help us respond against Satan.

  11. b. Put On the Armourof God • Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) - Therefore put on the full armourof God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. • “put on”– an active term • We are called to battle and we need to be equipped  we need to put on God’s armour. • We need to wear God’s armour at all times.

  12. c. Stand Firm in Our Faith • Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore put on the full armourof 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. • To stand your ground communicates strength, stability, and success • The reason we can stand firm is because believers in Christ are on the winning side of the war.

  13. The battle between God and Satan is not a close contest. • 1 John 4:3–4 (NIV) - “every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” • In order to stand firm, we need to be prepared for the battle.

  14. 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” • One of the ways Satan can win small victories is to wear believers down. • Paul: “stand your ground” • Peter: “stand firm in your faith” • We do not fight against evil in order to win the victory. We fight against evil from the victory that has already been won for us. • (Warren Wiersbe)

  15. Evil is a reality in our world • Satan and his demon forces have real power and influence. • The solution to dealing with evil is not to become preoccupied with it but to avoid it. • We need to focus on the work God has called us to do. • God wants us to put on his armourto help us stand firm against evil but then focus our attention on doing his will because the victory has already been won in Jesus.

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