IS IT WARFARE! 10.28.18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Ephesians 6:10-12
THE DEVIL’S PURPOSE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS TO CREATE FEAR AND DOUBT
IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND THE PEOPLE HE HAS PLACED IN MY LIFE!
WHAT DOES THE DEVIL DO?
- HE BLINDS THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers… 2 Corinthians 4:4
- HE STEALS GOD’S WORD FROM YOU. When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. Matthew 13:19
- HE SETS TRAPS TO ENSNARE YOU. …and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
- HE FIGHTS TO STOP YOU. For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan stopped us. 1 Thess. 2:18
- HE PLANS TO DESTROY YOU. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
GOD’S PURPOSE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS TO INCREASE MY FAITH AND DEPENDENCE
ON HIM AND THE PEOPLE HE HAS PLACED IN MY LIFE!
REMEMBER…
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR BATTLES.
17And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 (ESV)
10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 12And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:10, 12
16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
REMEMBER…
- GOD HAS ALREADY DECIDED AND DEFINED YOUR VICTORY.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our faith. [continuing, persistent faith in Jesus the Son of God]. 1 John 5:4 (AMP)
1 Peter 5:7-11 (NASB)
7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith… 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
WHAT CAN I DO?
STAND YOUR GROUND IN WARFARE PRAYER WITH SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND A HUMBLE HEART!
13Therefore 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. 18And 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 saints. Ephesians 6:13, 18 (NIV)
1 Peter 5:1-5 (NASB)
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;
1 Peter 5:5-9 (NASB)
and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
1 Peter 5:10-11 (NASB)
10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
