http://bible.com/events/48498177
Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1. Who the enemy is not (& why we get it wrong)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood” Ephesians 6:12
-We are living in a world that is more divided than ever, and the temptation is to view each other as the enemy.-Your enemy knows how to divide. These spiritual forces know how to divide by culture, race, skin color. These powers of this dark world know how to divide by political affiliation.-They win if they get us fighting each other. Which is why Paul wants us to declare emphatically who the enemy IS NOT.
2. Who the enemy is (& why he doesn’t want you to know)
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11
-Jesus told us about our enemy, satan (Luke 10:18)-We know that while on this earth, we are living in enemy territory (1 John 5:19)-Our enemy has a plan to destroy us (John 10:10 & 1 Peter 5:8)-The Bible’s names for satan help us understand his purposes: accuser, deceiver, father of lies, tempter, enemy.
3. Who wins the battle (& how)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
-If you are in Christ, then the victory is certain!-Some of us live in fear and we lack courage. Some of us live in foolishness and we lack wisdom.-We win this battle by fighting the right fight, not in our strength, but in the Lord’s strength.