Preparing for Battle
Ephesians 6:10-17
Ephesians 6:10 (HCSB)
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.
Getting Stronger
• The strength of the Lord
– His strength compensates for your weakness
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Getting Stronger
• The strength of the Lord
– His strength compensates for your weakness
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
– The Lord is the source of your strength
Ephesians 6:11 (HCSB)
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.
Time to Gear Up
• The full armor of God
– Every piece is necessary
– To ignore a piece exposes vulnerabilities
• Standing firm
– The devil seeks to cripple and destroy
• John 10:10
John 10:10a (HCSB)
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy…
Time to Gear Up
• The full armor of God
– Every piece is necessary
– To ignore a piece exposes vulnerabilities
• Standing firm
– The devil seeks to cripple and destroy
• John 10:10
– The devil will use many means to harm you
Ephesians 6:12 (HCSB)
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
People Are Not Your Problem
• The battle is spiritual in nature
• The issues are deeper than interpersonal
• The opponent is formidable
Ephesians 6:13 (HCSB)
This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Preparing for Battle
• Know your enemy
– 1 Peter 5:8
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.
Preparing for Battle
• Know your enemy
– 1 Peter 5:8
• Gather your equipment
• Developing proficiency
Ephesians 6:14 (HCSB)
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,
The Equipment
• The belt of truth
– Holds everything together
– Provides discernment
• The breastplate of righteousness
– Molded from the righteousness of Christ
– Protecting the heart
Ephesians 6:15 (HCSB)
And your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.
The Equipment
• The footwear of the good news
– Always prepared to go
– Ready to take the message anywhere
– Providing solid footing
Ephesians 6:16 (HCSB)
In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The Equipment
• Shield of Faith
– Assures during times of uncertainty
– Deflects the insults, lies and deceptions of the enemy
– Provides defensive cover against the offensive tactics of the enemy
Ephesians 6:17 (HCSB)
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.
The Equipment
• Helmet of Salvation
– The foundation of our faith
– Gives assurance
• Sword of the Spirit
– The Word of God
• Can be used for both offense and defense
• The example of Jesus
Are You Ready for Battle?
**Powerpoint available on request
