Introduction: Satan is alive & active. His downfall is assured & his doom is certain, his freedom is limited by God. He can only act as God allows him.
1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear but will provide a way of escape so that you can up under it.
Satan will overreach himself. He will unwittingly advance the very purpose which he hoped to hinder. We will grow spiritually.
Spiritual warfare is our reaction to the devil not our initiating our attacking him. We must never pick a fight with the devil. We overcome him only by the blood of the Lamb & the word of our testimony.
Our warfare is defensive: Ephesians 6:13 Put on the full armour of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.
Armour is defensive to protect an attack. We cannot match the devil on our own, only in Christ & relying on Him will we gain the victory. Stay close to Jesus daily to be ready when the evil one makes his move.
Rules for Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:10 Be strong in the Lord & in His mighty power. Know God well & you will be aware of the enemy. Know the Scriptures, rely on the Holy Spirit for insight.
We stand, we do not attack. Ephesians 6:11. We resist the devil. James 4:7 1 Peter 5:8-9.
You resist when you are attacked.
Satan attacks us when we are weak. What causes weakness?
An unforgiving spirit, fear & a negative spirit, uncontrolled sexual mindset, pride, hurt feelings, frustrated ambition, unbelief of God & His word.
Satan will use those near you who have these areas of weakness. Your spouse, friend, pastor, fellow believers. Getting at us through them through our own weakness.
Recognise that the devil uses people. Ephesians 6:12 we fight not against flesh & blood, but against the powers of this dark world & the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. It gives the devil pleasure when we retaliate by attacking a person who he is using. He hides himself. We fail to recognise his activity. He tries to break up a marriage, a church, The real enemy is the devil not who he uses.
When & how long does the enemy of souls attack? Unknown.
Plays into your weakness. Might use a person or situation. Come as an angel of light
2 Corinthians 11:14. Voice of God? Come as a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8 Victory not possible!
Our strategy: Full armour of God covered by the blood of Jesus.
Stand. Stand & wait. Right theology Ephesians 6:14 belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness
Waist: area of feelings : emotional weakness. Heart: area of faith: In Christ’s blood & Righteousness.
Right conduct: Ephesians 6:15 Feet fitted with the readiness from the gospel of peace.
Walking in the light. Ready, faithful. Shield of faith: Defensive action. Ephesians 6:6 Resist
Mind protected by the helmet of salvation. Most nb doctrine: salvation. Sword of the Spirit – relevant Word of God to specific attack. Matthew 4:7
Pray in the Spirit Ephesians 6:18 Be alert & pray at any time and ways. Pray in the will of God
1 John 5:14-15, pray not knowing the will of God Romans 8:26-7. Pray for all the saints.
FIVE Rs of Spiritual Warfare :
- Remember Be alert 1 Peter 5:8
- Be ready. Be awake! Not surprised by testing time
3. Recognise the origin of attack. Comes in disguise. Not people but evil one
4 Refuse to be dominated by one working contrary to Scripture.
Accept criticism. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath. Admit fault. Yield to the
Lord Submit yourself to the Lord, Resist the devil & he will flee from you James 4:7
Resist 1 Peter 5:8-9 Keep resisting. Grow stronger
There is overwhelming victory through Him who loved us Romans 8:37
