The Battle for Righteousness Text: Ephesians 6:10-12
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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.
In Paul’s day and time, as the Roman soldiers trained and even fought in battles, they used all modern weaponry. (the best that money could buy) And for Paul to relate to his people, he used the most modern terminology to get his point across. Therefore, he told these believers to stand in the Lord’s mighty power alone. And then he told these believers to put on God’s armor, so they could stand firm against all of satan’s strategies.
It’s wonderful to realize that everything you have Spiritually has been given to you through the work of Christ on the cross. The belt of truth, the body armor of God’s righteousness, Shoes of peace, Shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. (It’s yours.)
What do you think satan’s number one strategy against the believer really is? It is to accuse. To accuse the believers righteousness.
For if he can get the believer to doubt his or her righteousness, he or she will live in a continual state of confusion and doubt about their personal salvation.
Today, I want us to look at I John 4:4. Paul confirmed unto some young believers their righteousness and faith in God alone, by telling them if anyone comes to you telling anything other than how Jesus lived among them, ate real food, how He suffered and died, and then how He rose again, don’t believe their accusation. Gnosticism." Gnosticism comes from the Greek word which means knowledge. The Gnostics were a group of people who believed they possessed superior spiritual knowledge. Therefore, John’s mission was to expose heresy, but uncover the truth and light of Jesus Christ
Therefore John wrote these believers in *I John 4:4NLT But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
The spirit of this age (world) is the spirit of antichrist. Anti means opposed to:against. The word ‘Anti’ places a spin on anything that is legit, authentic or genuine.
Listen to satan’s lifestyle and his wishes for every believer. *Revelation 12:10-11aNLT Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.
What is your testimony? Jesus’ righteousness!
That old song: “Oh the blood of Jesus, Oh the blood of Jesus, Oh the blood of Jesus, it washes white as snow.”
*Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 Jesus said, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
You begin to declare that you are becoming the righteousness of God, and You speak it daily. Every time you confess your righteousness, you magnify the work of Jesus on the cross.
To see how we have everlasting righteousness in Christ, look at the prophecy in the Book of Daniel 9:24 about Jesus’ work at Calvary. This scripture describes His mission in no uncertain terms: “...to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness.
We should rejoice today because Jesus has fulfilled every iota of this prophecy!
*Here’s a powerful verse in the Bible that is commonly quoted: Isaiah 54:17NKJ No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.
When you really understand that your righteousness is from the Lord, then no weapon formed against you will prosper, and every tongue of accusation, judgment and condemnation that rises against you will fail!
*You have the blessings of Abraham. It’s important for you to believe (understand) that you are righteous by faith alone. Listen to Romans 4:2-5NKJ For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
What did Abraham believe? He believed that God justifies the ungodly. (We did nothing right, but He did everything right on our behalf.) That’s grace-- that’s God’s favor, it’s undeserved unearned and unmerited favor!
Being righteous is not based on your perfect performance, it is based on His perfect work! The accuser wants you to focus on your performance.
*Romans 4:14NKJ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,
Remember Paul’s words, “stand strong in Christ alone.” Now, keeping everything in context listen to the rest of Paul’s words to this young church. Ephesians 6:13-17NLT 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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Every bit of this Spiritual body armor comes through you trusting and believing that you are the righteousness of Christ, and what He has accomplished for you!
Today, you have the very presence of Christ living within, if you are a believer- you are His temple, You were bought with a price. The king lives within you, His kingdom is being established through you, all He desires out of you, is to believe.
The battle for righteousness has been settled, will you believe?
If the devil has been telling you that you’re a failure..........
If you need to settle in your heart that you are righteous, favored and successful then get up here and we will agree with you.
