The War We Wage
Eph 6:10-17
Introduction:
Our nation has known many wars, but Vietnam was an especially frustrating campaignrn. Think jungle terrain made the enemy hard to find, and guerrilla warfare made him hard to fight. Many Vietnamese who peacefully worked the rice paddles by day put on the black garb of the Viet Cong soldier by night and invaded unsuspecting U.S. Forces camped nearby.
The True Christian described in Ephesians chapter 1 through 3 who lives a faithful life described in chapter 4:1 through 6:9 can be sure that he will be involved in the Spiritual Warfare described in 6:10-20. The War is real and that God has given us all the resources we need not only to defend ourselves, but also to take the initiative and win the victory over the forces of darkness. The Apostle Paul closes this letter with both warning about that war and instruction on how to win it.
1. Our Problem v11b-12
Against the schemes of the devil, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
A. God¡¦s Enemy, Our Enemy
„Ð Scripture is clear about Satan¡¦s very real and personal existence. He was once the Chief Angel, The Annointed cherub, The Star of the Morning, who sparkled with all the jewels of created beauty until he rebelled against his Creator and tried to usurp His power and glory. (Isa 4:12-17 & Ezek 28:1-10)
„Ð 52x He is called Satan, which means Adversary. 35x the Devil, which means Slanderer. Satan is an evil, formidable,cunning, powerful, and invisible enemy against whom no human being in his own power and resources is a match. He first appears in Scripture in the form of a serpent, as he tempted Adam and Eve.
„Ð Jesus not only spoke about Satan but spoke with him. Paul, Peter,John,and the writer of the book of Hebrews all speak of him as a personal being. We see him opposing God¡¦s work, perverting God¡¦s Word, Hindering God¡¦s servant, hindering the Gospel, snaring the wicked, appearing as an angel of light, and fighting with the archangel Michael.
„Ð Furthermore, the apostle here reminds his readers that the Christian struggle is not only against Satan himself but also against a host of his demon subordinates. a widespread array of adversaries who, like the devil, are not flesh and blood. Brother¡¦s and Sister¡¦s in Christ, our greatest enemy is not the world we see, corrupt and wicked as it is, but the world we cannot see.
„Ð Rulers, powers,world forces of this darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness describe the different rankings of those demons. Just to note Satan¡¦s forces of darkness are highly organized and structured for the most destructive warfare possible. Highly experienced supernatural enemy.
„Ã Rulers - no doubt reflects a high order of demons. They would correspond to the rank of Genrals.
„Ã Powers - are Privates who are the demons wanting to possess human beings.
„Ã World forces of this darkness - demons who worked in the worldly business
„Ã Spiritual forces of wickedness - demons who are involved in false religion.
Paul¡¦s purpose, however, is not to explain the details of the demonic hierarchy but to give us some idea of its sophistication and power.
B. Satan¡¦s Schemes
„Ð Jesus Christ - In Luke 4:2 Jesus earthly ministry began in a great battle with Satan in the wilderness that lasted forty days. As Jesus earthly ministry ended, Satan tormented Him again in the Garden of Gethsemane with such force that He sweat great drops of blood. (Lk 22:44) This two accounts teach us that the battle many not become easier as we grow in obedience to God. If anything, Satan will intensify (enhance) his efforts against those who continue to effectively serve the Lord. John MacArthur say¡¦s ¡§As believer¡¦s grow stronger, so will Satan¡¦s attacks.
„Ð The Greek work ¡§methodia¡¨ (schemes) from which comes the English word method, carries the idea of craftiness, cunning, and deception. The term was often used of a wild animal who cunningly stalked and then unexpectedly stalked its prey.
„Ð Satan & Demons - In our own day the world is rushing to accept such demonic deceptions as the; Woman¡¦s liberation movement, which denies God¡¦s order for the family. The New Morality, which is no morality, and homosexuality, which is total perversion of sexuality. All of these things are but manifestations of the schemes of the devil against mankind. Luke 8:12 the devil comes and takes away the word from thier heart, so that they may not believe and be saved. Matt 24:24 false Christ¡¦s and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
II. Our Provision
Finally be strong in the Lord, and the strength of His Might
o We as believers are in war against an incredibly evil and potent enemy. But our need is not to specifically recognize every feature of our adversary but to turn to God, who is powerful and trusworthy source of protection and provision.
o In the book of Ephesians, the fundamental reality presented in the book of Ephesians is that , as believers, we are in Christ and are one with Him. His life is our life, His power our power, is truth our truth, His way our way, and as Paul goes on to say here, His strength is our strength.
o Bretheren, the Bible say¡¦s I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. The Lord¡¦s strength is always more than sufficient for the battle. When Jesus told the church at Philadelphia, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied my name (Rev 3:8). He was affirming that even a little power was enough to preserve them, because it was the Lord¡¦s supernatural power. Our own strength is never strong enough to oppose Satan, but when we are strong in the Lord, even a little of His strength is sufficient to win any battle.
Illustration of Timothy
After several years of ministry, Timothy became fearful and timid. He faced stronger temptations than he had expected and considerably more opposition. Paul wrote to him, I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, you therefore, my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
III. Our Protection
Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm
„Ð In order to take advantage of the Strength of God¡¦s might, a believer must also put on the full spiritual armor taht He supplies. 2 Cor 10:3-5 - For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God. The Full armor of God is not something to be put on and taken off occasionally but is something to be put on permanently. It is not a uniform to wear only while playing. Paul list 6 armor that the believer has (5 for defense) and (1 for offense).
A. Defensive Armor
„Ð Belt of Truth ¡V Satan is a liar, but the Christian who knows the truth will not be deceived. Truthfulness is the best defense against Satan¡¦s lies.
„Ð Breastplate of Righteousness ¡V This means the consistent daily walk of the Christian. Satan is the accuser (Rev 12:10), but the believer who walks in the light will give Satan no opportunity to attack.
„Ð Shoes of Peace ¡V Satan is a divider and a destroyer. When the believer. When the believer walks in the way of peace, the gospel way, then Satan cannot reach him.
„Ð Shield of Faith ¡V Satan is the source of unbelief and doubt. As believer use the shield of faith, the fiery darts of unbelief and doubt are kept away.
„Ð Helmet of Salvation ¡V The believer whose mind is fixed on Christ¡¦s imminent coming will not fall into Satan¡¦s traps.
B. Offensive Armor
„Ð Sword of the Spirit ¡V As the sword was soldier¡¦s only weapon, so God¡¦s Word is the only needed weapon, infinitely more powerful than any of Satan¡¦s fiery darts.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
„Ð The Bible is a powerful and effective weapon. The question is,Do you know how to use it? Do you diligently study it and apply its principles to your life? Do you have a storehouse of Biblical truth to draw from in the heat of battle?
IV. Our Victory
In the ultimate sense, the church¡¦s battles with Satan are already won. In his crucifixion and resurrection Jesus destroyed Satan and his power of sin and death (Rom. 5:18-21; 1 Cor. 15:56-57; Heb. 2:14).
Conclusion:
In concluding our brief study of Eph 6:10-18, here are some key principles I want you to remember,
1)Remember that Satan is a defeated opponent. Jesus came to destroy the devil¡¦s works (1 Jn 3:8) an will someday cast him into eternal Hell (Rev 20:10)
2)Remember the power of Christ in your life. John said 1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
3)Remember to resist Satan. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
4)Remember to Keep your spiritual armor on at all times
5)Remember to let Christ control your attitudes and actions
6)Remember to pray, pray, pray.Jmes 5:16 pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We are in a war¡Xa fierce and terrible war¡Xbut we have no reason to be afraid if we are on the Lord¡¦s side. Therefore let us enjoy sweet victory every day.
