The Way of War: Spiritual Warfare – Remedies, part 3
October 3, 2010
Ephesians 6: The WAYS of WAR: Remedies, part 3
Rodney Hobbs
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle 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 heavenly places. 13 Therefore 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Resisting requires the strength of God.
Resisting requires the resources of God.
Remedy 3: The Gospel of Peace.
Gives us sure footing.
Produces “readiness” – spiritual athleticism
God as enemy.
Our sinful nature aligns us against God.
God is our enemy.
We are God’s enemy.
Romans 8:7
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Ephesians 2:2-3
in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience- 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
The Gospel of Peace.
Peace with God.
Gives us a great future hope, despite your current conditions.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Remedy 4: The Shield of Faith.
The enemy’s arrows are assumed.
These arrows are going to happen – it’s a matter of time.
Faith quenches the enemy’s arrows.
All of our actions / behaviors are based on our beliefs.
Take up the shield.
Defined: We consistently apply what the Bible teaches about God and the gospel to the issues of life.
Applications / implications: Live under the shield of faith.
(All scripture from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)