“Stand Firm against the schemes of the Devil”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers some key elements to “Maintaining the Joy of the Lord No Matter What”.
1. ADOPT THE RIGHT AXIS – Passion to praise exalt Christ
2. MAINTAIN THE RIGHT ATTITUDE – Passion to please Christ
3. PURSUE THE RIGHT AIM – Passion to pursue Christ
4. PRACTICE THE RIGHT ACTIONS – Passion to live well
Passion to live well
A. Stand firm in the Lord 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, dearly loved.
APPLICATION OF STAND FIRM IN THE LORD
Stand firm against persecution and false teaching
Stand firm in the storms of life.
Stand firm against the schemes of the Devil
There are four key passages that specifically address the mandate to stand firm against Satan’s schemes. I want to read them first and then take some time to draw out some specific observations.
Ephesians 6:10-20 James 4:4-10 1 Pet 5:6-11 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
I will organize my observations under four standard observational questions.
What, Who, Why and How?
What?
What are we called to do? God clearly calls to a specific action or responsibility. “Let go and let God!” does not apply here. Several terms come into play that unmistakably call for active involvement. Like in any war, we cannot adopt a passive stance in the war against Satan.
Most of the terms indicate a continuous action.
STAND / RESIST
The Greek term “to stand” appears 158 times in the New Testament and another 14 times appearing with the preposition “against”. It means pretty much what we think it means; to hold your ground, continue, abide, stand stationary, resist, stand against, oppose.
“stand against the schemes of the devil” Eph 6
“stand resist in the evil day” Eph 6
“stand having taken up the armor” Eph 6
“resist the Devil and he will flee from you” James 4
“Resist him (the Devil) firm in your faith” 1Pet 5
It is the same root verb found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians where he commands them to “stand firm in the Lord”. We are called to take and active stand when it comes to spiritual warfare. Beyond standing firm, other terms appear in these passages indicating intentional action. If we were only told to stand one could conclude that our responsibility was only defensive. Logically, no one wins with a purely defensive strategy. Other terms indicate there is an offensive element to our warfare. God even provides and offense weapon in the “sword of the Spirit.” Jesus declared that the gates of hell would not prevent the building of His church.
Gates are intended to prevent encroachment. He intends His church to invade the enemy’s territory to rescue souls.
WRESTLE
“the wrestling is not against flesh and blood.” Eph 6
This term is only found here. It indicates a up close and personal conflict.
QUENCH / EXTINGUISH
“extinguish the firey darts of the Devil” Eph 6
Again, it means what you think it means. It literal means to put out a fire.
WAR
“we do not war according to the flesh” 2 Cor 10
“weapons of our warfare are not fleshly” 2 Cor 10
The verb form relates to fighting in a military conflict.
DESTROY
“for the destruction of fortresses destroying speculations.” 2 Cor 10
This action refers to demolition, extinction, annihilation, pulling down
TAKE CAPTIVE
“we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” 2 Cor 10
These actions refer to something WE do. Most would like to ignore any kind of spiritual warfare hoping it will go away. Don’t give the Devil any attention. D. Martin Lloyd-Jones wrote in his commentary on Ephesians 6…
"Anyone who is not aware of a fight and a conflict in a spiritual sense is in a drugged and hazardous condition."
I find this passage not what I would normally think.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20
Jesus delegated authority over Satan and his demons to His followers.
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
Who?
These passages identify the enemy. Any war strategy must clearly identify the enemy. You’ve got to know who you are fighting. We must focus on fighting the right enemy. The Scriptures identify the enemy by several names. Serpent, prince of the Power of the air, devil, Satan, Lucifer, demons, evil spirits, fallen angels. The name Satan appears 60 times in the Bible.
The name devil appears exclusively in the New Testament 38 times. The Bible identifies Satan as a powerful angel who rebelled against God and somehow convinced other angels (now called demons, evil spirits fallen angels) to follow. Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit revealed some insight into the organization of the enemy not otherwise known.
For our wrestling is NOT against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies. Ephesians 6:12
It is imperative to understand that even though we think people are our enemy, the REAL enemy is the unseen influence of Satan and his sorry soldiers who operate unseen behind the scenes through people and circumstances.
Why?
Why do we need to engage in spiritual warfare? The short answer is he is out to get you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Pet 5
Promotes "the lie" we can find fulfilment in life apart from dependence on God.
Plants lies in our mind (thus the need to take every thought captive)
Prevents the truth
Perverts the truth (false teaching)
Promotes false lifestyles and fleshly living
Perpetuates human misery
Persecutes the church
Plucks truth from the heart
Blinds the mind
Binds the life
How?
Of course, the important question is how do I stand firm against the devil?
Be alert
Numerous passages call for us to be alert.
Be empowered with God’s power.
The need for God’s strength to stand firm in this hostile world goes without saying. This need is most needed regarding spiritual warfare.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Eph 6
Without HIS strengthening, putting on armor is futile. Putting on armor is futile if you have no strength to stand firm and fight? God is both our source of courage and strength in battle.
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
Paul consistently prayed for strengthening both for himself and others. He realized God’s strength in the weakness caused by demonic assault. Peter indicates that God will strengthen us in the fray.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace (empowering), who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Be armored and armed with God’s provisions.
Paul instructed the Ephesians not only to be empowered but to be armored and armed.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation…
The armor of God enables us to stand firm. Having been empower with His might and having donned the Divine armor we are to stand firm in the battle. First, notice this is God’s armor not ours. Many view the various pieces of armor mentioned here having to do with something we do. i.e. truth=truthfulness or personal integrity, righteousness=personal righteousness, peace=being at peace, faith-faithfulness etc. If that were the case it would be our armor not His. Now these things are important and worthy aspirations but if my victory over Satan had to do with the consistent practice of these things I am in big trouble. I believe the things associated with various pieces of armor refers to things provided by God through the work of Jesus. These pieces all relate to a specific truth or reality that guards us from the deceitful attacks of the enemy.
The belt of truth represents the truth that God now enables us to discern. We are no longer ignorant and futile in our speculations blinded by Satan but have been enlightened to the truth.
It is that ability to discern truth that protects us from the deception and lies of the father of lies.
It enables to know the truth that brings true freedom. Satan’s first line of attack is our mind; our thoughts and convictions. It is not enough just to declare you are putting on the belt of truth as some think. We must become students of the truth as revealed in the Word of God. This belt readies us for any speculation raised up against the knowledge of Christ.
The breastplate of righteousness represents the righteousness provided through faith in Christ that protects us from the condemnation of the devil. This truth guards our vital organs of the inner soul. He is known as the accuser of the brethren and slanderer of God’s kids. The truth is, there is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 5:1)
The shoes of the gospel of peace represents the peace preached and provided by our connection to Jesus. This truth guards us against the confusion and chaos perpetuated by Satan.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… Romans 5:1
We embrace a Gospel that promises and promotes peace; peace with God, peace with others and peace amid chaos.
The shield of faith represents the inner persuasion that God stirs in our heart to entrust our souls to Him in the face of Satan’s fiery darts of doubt and deception.
The helmet of Salvation protects our mind from Satan’s attempts to rob us of our confidence in Christ’s work on our behalf. The more we understand the full aspects of our great salvation, the more we can stand against the fears and doubts he tries to perpetuate.
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication being on the alert for all the saints.
The sword of the Spirit represents the Word of God. This is an offensive weapon used to combat Satan’s deceptive temptations. Jesus applied the truth of God’s Word to every temptation Satan threw at Him. This is the spoken word of God. It is the application of the written word of God to a life situation.
Praying always
The Sword of the Spirit is wielded in persistent prayer for one another.
Adopt the proper perception regarding spiritual warfare.
Everyone battles the devil.
Resisting the devil involves suffering.
Be clear. God does not exempt us from the struggle but equips us for battle. The implication is that spiritual warfare involves suffering. Peter’s “sifting” was excruciating. War is difficult. Fighting is hard. Peter pointedly indicates the suffering involved in dealing with the devil.
the same kinds of suffering (resisting the devil who is seeking to devour you) are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
You are not alone.
Just as Jesus battled Satan’s persistent temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we too have the same resources. In addition to that, God tells us to help each other in this fight. Israel conquered the enemies entrenched in the Promised Land by fighting for each other rather than with each other. It was a joint effort. Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem in an amazingly short period by encouraging the people to work together in the face of severe opposition. Next week I want to share some of the principles of dealing with opposition from Nehemiah’s notebook.
Don’t give the devil any place through unresolved anger. Eph 4
Don’t give the devil any advantage through unforgiveness.
But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Once we become sufficiently empowered and well-armored and armed…
Stand, resist, war, quench, crush, destroy, take captive, PRAY
Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father, we bow in worship and praise before You. We come to you covered by the protection that comes because of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We unreservedly surrender every area of our life to You. We resist all the workings and purposes of Satan that would hinder us and I submit ourselves to the true and living God.
We actively resist Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ along his evil cohorts, and stand firm in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, we worship You, and give You praise. We recognize that You are worthy to receive all glory and honor and praise. Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we might see how great You are and the fullness of Your provision. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we acknowledge our place with Christ in the heavenlies with all principalities and powers (powers of darkness and wicked spirits) under our feet. We are thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for us on the cross and all the power demonstrated at His resurrection has been given to us and that we are presently seated with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies; therefore, we declare that all the principalities and powers and all wicked spirits are subject to us in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are thankful for the armor You have provided.
Jesus, we embrace your truth and refuse Satan’s lies. We stand in Your righteousness and deny Satan’s condemnation. We rest in Your peace and refuse Satan’s chaos, worry and relational strife. We rest in Your salvation and reject Satan’s attempt to derail my assurance. We lift the shield of faith against all the fiery darts of doubt hurled by the enemy. We embrace You as the only sure protection against Satan and speak His Word which demolishes the enemy’s fortresses and every lofty idea raised up against the knowledge of Christ. We long to continually live by the truth represented by this armor.
We are grateful, heavenly Father that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled the principalities and powers and humiliated them openly and triumphed over them at the cross. We claim that victory for ourselves today. We resist any and all insinuations, accusations, and temptations of Satan intended to destroy our walk. We affirm that the word of God is true, and choose to live today in the light of God's Word. We choose to live in obedience to You and in fellowship with You. Open our eyes and show us the areas of our life that may not please You.
Help us to cooperate with your work in our life that there be NO conscious surrender of our members to Satan to use as a foothold against others or us. Point out any areas not fully surrendered to you. We acknowledge our longing for You and the daily ministry of Your Holy Spirit in our life.
By faith, and in complete dependence upon You, we resist the screams of the flesh for fulfillment and declare those drives to be dead through the victory of our co-crucifixion with the Lord Jesus Christ which provides cleansing and freedom from all the consuming passions of the flesh. We acknowledge we are new creatures created in Christ Jesus and stand in all the victory of our co-resurrection with Christ and the provision He made for us to live above sin. Therefore, we resist the flesh with its selfishness, and identify with the new inner core, born of the Spirit and with His love.
In every way, we stand in the victory of the ascension and the glorification of the Son of God where all principalities and powers were made subject to Him, and we claim our place in Christ victorious with Him over all the enemies of our soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, we pray that You will direct and empower us. Come into our life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.
We reject and resist all the endeavors of Satan and of his demons to hinder us from walking in Your will today. We refuse to trust all our feelings that may contradict the truth that is in Christ Jesus. We hold up the shield of faith against all the accusations and all the insinuations that Satan might try to put in our mind. We surrender to the mind of Christ and acknowledge our desire to walk in You today.
We are thankful, Heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through You so that we may pull down strongholds, cast down imaginations and every high thing that contradicts what is true about You and what You have declared as true. Through Your weapons we can bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ and resist every lie. Through Your strength, we tear down the strongholds of Satan, and smash the plans of Satan that have been formed against us. We tear down the strongholds of Satan against our thoughts, and surrender our thinking to You, blessed Holy Spirit. We affirm, that You have not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. We break and smash the strongholds of Satan formed against our emotions today, and I give our emotions to You. We smash the strongholds of Satan formed against our wills today, and I give our wills to You, and choose to make the right decisions based on faith in You. We smash the strongholds of Satan against our physical body today, and give them to You, recognizing that we are Your temple; and rejoice in Your mercy and Your goodness.
Heavenly Father, we pray that now through this day You would quicken us; show us the ways that Satan is hindering and tempting and lying and counterfeiting and distorting the truth in our life. Enable us to be the kind of person that pleases You. Enable us to be aggressive in prayer. Enable us to be aggressive mentally and to think Your thoughts after You, and give You Your rightful place in our life.
We stand in the protection of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification, and all the work of Pentecost into our life today. We surrender to You. We refuse to be discouraged by the lies of the enemy. You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead, and we claim in every way Your victory over all satanic forces active in our life and those we love. We reject those forces; and pray all of these things in the victorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving. Amen.
