Wrestling with Spirits
Ephesians 6:10-17
In the mist of conflicts we struggle oftentimes as the world does and often the results are the same. God tells that though we view these struggles as being physical there are spiritual influences behind them all.
Vs.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…
Mention: Vs.11 The wiles of the devil
Spiritual warfare is that conflict being waged in the invisible, spiritual realm that is being manifest in the visible, physical realm.
1. Look Beyond the Physical Struggle
I think of Job and all that he went through and he somehow endured. He did not have the Word of God as we do today that clearly shows us the spiritual side these conflicts.
1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan stood up against Israel.
If that is not mentioned in that first verse would not have known that Satan was the instigator.
Mention: Isaiah 14 Satan influences the king of Tyre
Luke 22:3 Satan entered into Judas
Jesus told Peter get behind Me Satan! Matt. 16:23
These verses and many others show that beyond the physical Satan and his demons are a spiritual influence of wickedness.
Mention: Eph. 6:16 The fiery darts of the devil is aimed at our minds that it might affect our hearts.
2. Choose the Right Weapons
See: 2 Cor. 10:4-5
• Make decisions base upon God’s Word (Vs.17 Sword of the Spirit)
Too many times we are guilty of making the decisions of a natural man without given God’s Word consideration.
• Act in faith and not in feelings (Vs.16 Shield of faith)
2 Cor. 5:7 we are to walk (live) by faith and not by sight.
Living by sight will cause you to trust your feelings which oftentimes is misleading.
• Consider the righteousness of Christ (Vs.14 The breastplate of righteousness)
3. Study Your Enemy
Mention: Vs.11 The wiles of the devil
Mention: 2 Cor. 2:11 We are not ignorant of his devices
Mention: Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil
Point: Of all the things the Bible says about him adds up to this. He is a formidable enemy and can only be defeated one way. In Christ!
Vs.12 For we wrestle not against…
In a wrestling match whether on the defense or offense you are asserting yourself against the opposition.
Point: If you are not fighting then you are falling
See: Vs.13 having done all, to stand
How is he to be fought?
a. Be Alert
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant
Satan is someone you do not have to pick a fight with because seeking you!
b. Be Resistant
1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith…
See: James 4:7-8 This resisting begins with obedience to and fellowship with God
James said…Submit yourselves therefore to God…Draw nigh unto God
A sheep out of the fold is a very vulnerable one and easy prey for a lion.
c. Be United
1 Peter 5:9 Tells us that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world.
Point: We are not alone in this spiritual wrestling. Satan and his demons are also attacking the brethren.
Mention: Luke 22:31-32 Jesus warned Peter about Satan then said to him later strengthen the brethren. We are to encourage each other alone the way in this conflict.
