MEMORY VERSE EPHESIANS 6:12 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV) 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:10-12 (AMP) 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.
SERMON POINTS 1. Realize that we have three enemies. 2. Realize that we have two battle fronts. 3. Realize that we have two weapons.
What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual Warfare are the battles we face with the devil, the world and the old sinful nature. Spiritual Warfare is all about you maintaining the victories that Jesus obtained.
THREE ENEMIES Our First Enemy is the Devil (1 Peter 5:8b) The Second Enemy is the World (1 John 2:15-17) The Third Enemy is Our Old Sinful Nature (1 Peter 2:11)
Our First Enemy is the Devil 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The Second Enemy is the World 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
The Third Enemy is our Old Sinful Nature 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV) 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
TWO BATTLE FRONTS Personal Holiness (1 Peter 1:13-16) Personal Witness (Matthew 28:19-20)
Personal Holiness 1 Peter 1:13-16 (MSG) 13-16 So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that s coming when Jesus arrives. Don t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, I am holy; you be holy.
ROMANS 8: 1, 33 Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:33 - Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Personal Witness Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Two Weapons 1. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11, 13) 2. The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)
The Armor of God Ephesians 6:11-13 (NIV) 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.
The Word of God Ephesians 6:17 (NIV) 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
at ALFF!