Spiritual Warfare

1
Spiritual Warfare

• Theme Christians must be willing to fight the
  spiritual fight! Eph. 611-20

2
Introduction

• Faithful Christians as much as is possible
  are to be at peace with all men. Rom. 1218
• Simultaneously, we are in an ongoing battle with
  the devil.
• He is seeking to destroy us (and the rest of
  mankind).
• His servants are constantly at work for his
  cause the destruction of our souls.

3
Introduction

• If we are to war successfully against the devil
  well need to understand
• What are weapons are to battle effectively
  against him.
• The purpose and use of our weapons.
• The need to prepare AND battle against the devil.

4
Though We Walk in The Flesh

• While we live in the world
• We see how the people of the world fight
• The weapons used are of the flesh.
• Other worldly weapons include the wisdom of
  men lie, cheat, steal, divisive, selfish, etc.
• The bottom line they war according to the flesh.

5
Though We Walk in The Flesh

• But we (Christians) do not war according to the
  flesh.
• Because our weapons are not of the flesh... it is
  spiritual. Cp. Eph. 610-13
• Ours are called the weapons (armor) of
  righteousness. 2 Cor. 67
• Our (spiritual) weapons are mighty in God. 2
  Cor. 104

6
Though We Walk in The Flesh

• The armor of God Eph. 614-17
• Loins of truth.
• Breastplate of righteousness.
• Feet shod with the gospel of peace.
• Shield of faith.
• Helmet of salvation.
• Sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
• Prayer.

7
Purpose of our Spiritual Warfare

• Pulling down strongholds. 2 Cor. 104
• Such includes anything that is opposed to God and
  His ways.
• They include the traditions of men taught as the
  word of God. Mk. 77-9
• Or, the perversion of the gospel itself. Gal. 19
• In our country we see such strongholds
• Invasion of homosexual marriages against Gods
  revelation of marriage. Cp. Matt. 194-6
• The condemnation against Christianity who teach
  against false religions. Cp. Acts 412

8
Purpose of our Spiritual Warfare

• Casting down arguments and every high thing that
  exalts itself against the knowledge of God. 2
  Cor. 105
• Some teach that you must believe in modern day
  miracles if youre a true Christian. cp 2 Pet.
  13-4
• Some teach that the lost alien sinner is not
  accountable to the laws of Christ. cp. Jn. 1248
• Jesus teaching not applicable to Christians
  because what He taught was the Old Law. cp. Matt.
  1815-17

9
Purpose of our Spiritual Warfare

• Bringing every thought into captivity to the
  obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 105
• So that those who oppose God may be persuaded
  through His word to come to Him. Rom. 617
• So that His erring children may return to Him.
  cp. 1 Cor. 54-5

10
The Need to Fight Spiritual Battles

• No Christian wants to war against another.
• We are taught to be kind and love one another.
  Cp. Gal. 610 Lk. 1030ff
• We desire to seek and save the lost, like our
  Lord. Lk. 1910

11
The Need to Fight Spiritual Battles

• Yet, we must contend (fight) for the faith. Jude
  13 Rev. 22-3
• That souls may be saved from his evil
  destruction.
• That Satan and his minions would be destroyed. 2
  Cor. 1114-15

12
The Need to Fight Spiritual Battles

• We must prepare for this spiritual war by
• Giving attention to the word of God. 2 Tim. 316
• Meditating on His word and praying for His
  guidance.
• We must fight the good fight of faith. 1 Tim.
  612
• When were done we can say I have fought the
  good fightI have kept the faith. 2 Tim. 47

13
CONCLUSION

• Our war is not against flesh and blood. Eph. 612
• Therefore, arm yourselves and prepare to battle
  for your eternal life. Eph. 613