INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everyone. Picture this: a fortress under siege, its defenders resolute yet unprepared. The enemy, hidden and crafty, launches a series of attacks, exploiting every weakness and gap. Without the right armor and strategy, the fortress is vulnerable. This is the reality of spiritual warfare. Just as a fortress needs strong defenses, so do we need spiritual armor to stand against the enemy’s attacks. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “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.” Tonight, we will explore how to equip ourselves for this battle, understanding the enemy’s tactics, the armor of God, and the power of prayer to defend against spiritual attacks.
SERMON TEXT
Ephesians 6:10-20
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The Armor of God
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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Spiritual Warfare Points:
I. Understanding Spiritual Warfare:
• Definition and Reality: Spiritual warfare is the battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil. It’s not a mere metaphor but a real and ongoing conflict that we all face.
• Biblical Basis: Numerous scriptures, including Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, highlight the existence and nature of this warfar
II. The Enemy’s Tactics:
Deception: Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), uses deception to lead us away from the truth of God’s Word. As C.S. Lewis writes in “The Screwtape Letters,” “The safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
• Temptation: Just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we too face temptations designed to derail our faith. Screwtape advises Wormwood, “It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality, our best work is done by keeping things out.”
• Accusation: Revelation 12:10 calls Satan the “accuser of our brothers and sisters.” He uses guilt and shame to keep us bound and ineffective.
III. Our Spiritual Armor:
• Belt of Truth: Embrace the truth of God’s Word to stand against the enemy’s lies.
• Breastplate of Righteousness: Live a righteous life through Christ to protect your heart from evil.
• Gospel of Peace: Be ready to spread the gospel, which brings peace and reconciliation with God.
• Shield of Faith: Use your faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
• Helmet of Salvation: Protect your mind with the assurance of salvation.
• Sword of the Spirit: Use the Word of God, the Bible, as your offensive weapon against the enemy.
IV. The Importance of Prayer:
• Constant Communication: Prayer is our direct line to God. It strengthens our spirit and fortifies us for the battle. Screwtape warns, “The best thing, where it is possible, is to keep the patient from the serious intention of praying altogether.”
• Intercession: Pray not only for yourself but also for others. Ephesians 6:18 urges us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
V. Insights from “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis:
• Subtle Temptations: In “The Screwtape Letters,” Lewis portrays the devil’s subtle tactics. The senior demon, Screwtape, advises Wormwood on how to distract and weaken Christians, often using mundane and seemingly harmless temptations.
• Undermining Faith: Screwtape highlights how even small doubts and distractions can grow into significant obstacles to faith. This underscores the need to stay vigilant and grounded in the truth.
• The Power of Small Choices: The letters emphasize that our everyday choices, however small, can either strengthen or weaken our spiritual defenses.
APPLICATION:
1. Daily Armor Check: Each morning, take a moment to pray and put on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:13-17. Ask God to help you stand firm in truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation throughout the day.
2. Identify and Counter Deception: Be aware of how the enemy uses subtle lies and half-truths to mislead you. Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to stay grounded in God’s truth and recognize falsehoods.
3. Commit to Prayer and Intercession: Make prayer a central part of your daily routine. Set aside specific times for personal prayer and intercede for others. This will keep you spiritually alert and strengthen your defenses against spiritual attacks.
CONCLUSION:
As we face spiritual warfare, let us remember that we are not alone. God has equipped us with everything we need to stand firm against the enemy. Let’s put on the full armor of God, stay rooted in prayer, and be ever mindful of the subtle tactics used against us. Through Christ, we are more than conquerors.
Starting Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that guides us and the armor that protects us. Help us to remain vigilant in our spiritual battles, standing firm in your truth and righteousness. Strengthen our faith and keep us grounded in your love and salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.