“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
HOW DO WE WIN THE BATTLE IN A WAR THAT HAS BEEN WON
- Know your enemy
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Vs. 12
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which Christians can have about the devil. One is to disbelieve his existence. The other is to have an unhealthy interest in him. The devil is equally pleased by both errors.” CS Lewis
The devil and the demons are fallen angels (Luke 10:18, Isaiah 14:12)
The devil is a liar and murderer (John 8:44)
The devil is an accuser (Job Revelation 12:10)
The devil masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
The devil is a schemer and the tempter (Genesis 3, 2 Corinthian 2:11, Luke 4:1-13)
The devil leads the world astray (Revelation 12:9)
- Remember Whose you are
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Vs. 10
- Resist the enemy
“…Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…” Vs. 13-14
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:6 NASB
- Get dressed for the battle everyday
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Vs. 13
Put on His truth: “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Vs. 14
“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
Put on His peace: “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Vs. 15
Walk in faith: “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Vs. 16
Change your thinking: “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Vs. 17
Pray: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Vs. 18