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SPIRITUAL WARFARE
WAGING WAR!
Ephesians 6 and Psalms 46


Ephesians 6:10-12
1) Beginning with the triumphal entry into the promised land, God’ children were often encouraged with the words, “Be strong and courageous!” In every instance in the Old Testament where these words are used in the same context, they were accompanied by other encouragements such as, “Do not be afraid, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, do not give up, or take heart! In order to understand why God’s children needed these constant reassurances, you have to realize that they were surrounded by very real and present dangers! There were giants in the land! Mighty fortresses surrounded by strong walls! What reasons does Scripture give us for remaining strong and not being afraid?
a) Lord was going before them and it was He who would destroy the nations for them! He would go with them and He never leave them or forsake them! The land was their promised inheritance! Deuteronomy 31:1-7, 23
b) Obeying and meditating on God’s Word would bring success! Lord would go with him! God would destroy his opposition! Joshua 1:1-7, 9, 18
c) God will not fail us or forsake us! 1 Chronicles 28:20
d) God’s army is greater than any we will ever come up against! 2 Chronicles 32:7
e) Our God will come! He will avenge! He will save! Isaiah 35:4
i) Notice that the entire focus is on God! So, what is our part in remaining strong?
(1) Obey and meditate on God’s Word! Joshua 1:7-8
(2) Actually do the work assigned to us! 1 Chronicles 28:20
(3) Await the promise of God’s reward! 2 Chronicles 15:7
(4) Wait and hope in the Lord! Psalms 27:14, 31:24
(5) Be on guard! 1 Corinthians 16:13
(6) Trust in the Lord and His might and power! Ephesians 6:10
(7) Allow room for God’s grace! 2 Timothy 2:1
2) Oh, don’t let any of us think we can get off any easier than the Israelites! God’s children are meant to be mighty warriors! Conquerors! In case there are any of us who think we are not up to the task, just remember those who have gone before us who felt exactly the same way!
a) Moses: Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10:17
b) Gideon: Judges 6:11-15
c) Oh, and you just have to read about Ruth, a Moabitess, a nobody to the Israelites! Our Lord Jesus Christ comes directly from her bloodline!
d) Mighty king David: 1 Samuel 16:1-12; 2 Samuel 7:18
e) Queen Esther: Esther 4
f) The prophet Isaiah: Isaiah 6
g) and probably most of those mentioned in the great Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11
3) These great heroes of the faith did not feel adequate, and the truth is, that in and of themselves they were not even close to being adequate! Yet, each of them accomplished God’s purpose for their lives! Look back over their stories—make a list of exactly what was it that spurred them on to victory?
4) Sisters, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37!) There is much to be conquered on this earth, especially in the areas of our sin life! We are each given our own promise land, but like the Israelites, we have to take possession of it and, yes, most often, it is by sheer force! What is it you feel God has promised you, but you are not yet in possession of?
5) Hey, this is where Romans 6:12 comes in! There are no more Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites (Exodus 3:17) to war against! No, our battle is with rulers, authorities and powers of darkness—much greater threats than mortal man. It would be foolish not be realize this truth! Can you think of any things or areas in your life or in the world today that you would at least consider that a power of darkness might be behind? Read 2 Kings 6:8-18! Yes, there is a battle going on! Thank God that, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Also, see 1 John 4:4!
6) We read in John 16:33 that Jesus has overcome the world! So, why do we constantly have to be on guard and ready for spiritual battle? Why is satan so intent on coming against us, especially since we already belong to Christ? Well, first, let’s look at Genesis 3:1-5 to disdover satan’s purposes in coming against Adam and Eve. He deceived Eve by offering a voice other than God’s! This voice caused Eve to:
a) doubt God’s revealed word!
b) believe that God Himself is a liar!
c) believe that God withholds good gifts from His children—thereby, causing discontent!
d) doubt God’s good purpose for their lives!
e) believe that disobeying God carries no real or lasting consequence!
i) In what areas did he (does he) come against us?
(1) Physical (look, touch, taste—our basic needs!)
(2) Emotional (Are we secure? Will God provide—is He able?)
(3) Psychological (our own need for significance, worth and power!)
(a) Satan’s motives are quite clear—he seeks worship that belongs only to God (Isaiah 14:11-14) and he seeks to lay claim to the authority and dominion on the earth that God gave to man (Genesis 1:26!)
(i) Authority and power! By disobeying God, man’s authority over this earth was legally transferred, yes, you guessed it—to satan (Luke 4:5-8!) Oh, satan offered it back to Jesus in exchange for the Creator worshiping the creation, but, praise God, the eternal God-head had already devised a plan to legally re-claim this lost authority—sending Jesus Christ, the God-Man, who by His death and resurrection, has rightfully been given perpetual claim to all authority (Matthew 28:18 and Colossians 2:9-15!)
1. And, sisters, once we were far away from God, but He has brought us near and made his co-heirs to all that belongs to God and Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 2:13 and Romans 8:16-19!)
7) Satan, can never, no never snatch you away from your security in Christ Jesus (John 10:27-30!) Oh, but be wise to his tactics, they have not changed (2 Corinthians 2:11!) If satan can get you to doubt God and His goodness, lead you into a place of discontent, or convince you that you are already defeated (Numbers 13:27-33), then he thwarts God’s good purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11!) Satan has the world in his pocket (John 12:31) and what he wants is to destroy our testimony before an unbelieving world (1 Corinthians 1:4-6; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:10!)
Ephesians 6:13-17
1) On the day of evil? What’s this all about? Right now we are living in a period of God’s great grace (John 1:17!) Grace is God’s unmerited favor—we can’t earn it—it is a free gift (Romans 6:23!) His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:21-26!) Thank God! However, “the day of the Lord” (it is also called the “day of judgment,” the day of wrath,” “the great and terrible day of the Lord.” We probably most often hear it referred to as “the great tribulation!” This future period in time is spoken of throughout God’s Word (Isaiah 2:12; Isaiah 13:6, 9; Isaiah 34:8; Jeremiah 46:10; Lamentations 2:22; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1-2, 11, 31; Obadiah 1:15-16; Zephaniah 1:14; and Zephaniah 2:3.) Remember, our God is holy and just. He is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24!) Sin must and will be addressed (Romans 6:23!) This period of time will be when God’s righteous anger, judgment and wrath fully come upon the earth and upon all those who have rejected His only plan of salvation—faith in Jesus Christ, His beloved Son (Matthew 24 and John 3:16!) Be of good cheer sisters, these things must be. Yes, I say be of good cheer because our judgment has already fallen on Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:13-15) and God’s word assures us that we are not children of His wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9!)

Unlike the world’s physics, mediums, fortune tellers, palm readers, astrologers, etc., every time God says something is going to happen, you can be 100% sure that it will happen! So, why does God tell us all about this doom and gloom stuff? Well, I believe that in the deepest part of His heart, He is truly looking to us to repent and place our complete and utter trust in Him and His Word! Oh, friends, yes, these things are coming and yes, they are horrifying, but in His Word, God is constantly warning us, pleading with us to turn from this sure destruction to the eternal life He offers through Christ Jesus. God takes no delight in punishing those He created to love and love Him in return! Look at how Jesus lamented the ruin that was coming to Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37!) To quote Tim LaHaye, “God longs to reach down and exchange our hearts of stone for hearts of flesh. He wants to turn us into trophies of His grace, rather than examples of his judgment. A new day is coming for the nation of Israel (most of Biblical prophecy pertains to this nation), and a new day can come for you, too!” Let’s become trophies for our God! He is worthy!

One more thing about God’s judgment—in the midst of all Biblical prophecy are God’s rich and precious promises of restoration! Over and over again, He promises to bring us back, He promises to rebuild and restore, He promises a Savior! Those prophecies were and are 100% sure, too! Stand on those and be safe inside the ark that is Jesus Christ!

2) When you see something confirmed 2 or more times in scripture (Matthew 18:1), then you really need to pay special attention! We are commanded to “stand strong!” What are we standing upon?
a) The Rock of Christ Jesus
i) Psalms 18:31
ii) Psalms 40:2
iii) Psalms 61:2
iv) Psalms 62:2
v) Matthew 16:16-18
vi) Romans 9:30-33
vii) 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
b) The gospel of Christ Jesus
i) 1 Corinthians 15:1
c) Our Faith in Christ Jesus
i) 1 Corinthians 16:13
3) Why is standing on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ our Lord, the gospel, and on our faith so important?
a) The Rock is our only firm foundation
i) Matthew 7:24-27
b) Our faith will not be shaken, we will not be tossed to and fro
i) Ephesians 4:14
c) We gain eternal life
i) Luke 21:19
4) Who or what enables us to stand?
a) Jesus Christ
i) Acts 26:15-16
ii) Romans 14:4
iii) 2 Corinthians 1:21
b) Our Faith
i) Romans 11:20
ii) 2 Corinthians 1:24
c) The Word of God
i) 2 Thessalonians 2:15
ii) 1 Peter 1:25
d) Our Future Hope
i) Philippians 3:20-21
ii) Philippians 4:1
iii) James 5:8
e) Resisting Satan
i) James 4:7
ii) 1 Peter 5:8-9, 12
f) The Armor of God
i) Ephesians 6:13-17
ii) Let’s take a closer look at the armor God has given us:
(1) The belt of truth. Believe it or not, the warrior’s belt was a very strategic piece of armor! It is said to have held several pieces of weaponry securely in place. The warrior’s belt was tightly girded around the warrior and because of how it was wrapped through his legs and girded around his waist, the warrior was kept from the humiliation of losing his pants in the heat of battle! Jesus Christ and His word is our Truth (John 14:6 and John 17:1!)
(2) The breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate was also worn by the high priest as he approached God on behalf of the people of Israel and for himself (Exodus 28:29-30.) Notice how the breastplate is fitted directly over the heart! While we have been declared righteous (Romans 3:22; 12 Corinthians 5:20-21 and Philippians 3:9), we are also admonished to pursue righteousness and holy living (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22!) In placing this very important piece of armor over our hearts, we are reminded that unrighteousness has its beginning in the heart (Matthew 15:18-20!) Putting on the breastplate is like putting on Christ (Galatians 3:1!) He alone is our Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30!) Try standing on your own righteousness and you are sure to fall. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6!) I heard someplace that this can actually mean menstrual clothes—ugh! Take a look at Acts 19:14-17 and see what coming against satan in your own strength or righteousness can lead to—disaster!
(3) What’s this “having your feet fitted with the readiness of the Good News” mean? In battle you cannot afford not to be sure footed! Otherwise, you will be knocked aside, run over, or worse, plunged straight through! Our sure footing is in the truth of the Gospel (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15;1-2 and Galatians 1:8) and the fact that God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18!) We stand on His Word and His promises! Like the song says, “Everything else is sinking sand—try standing in that!”
(4) The shield of faith? A shield is deflective. It wards off accusations, doubts, lies from the world, the flesh or satan. What is your faith anchored on?
(5) The helmet of salvation? Where does satan come against you? In your mind! We need our minds covered with the assurance of our salvation (Philippians 1:6) and we need our worldly minds transformed (Romans 12:2!)
(6) Ah, the sword of the Spirit! The only offensive weapon God has given us! Let’s see how Jesus wielded this weapon (Matthew 4!) Every time satan came against Jesus, Jesus responded with scripture—God’s Word! Speak God’s Word—to satan and in prayer! Oh, one more thing, Christ will wield the mighty Sword of His Word yet again (Revelation 19, especially verses 7-16!) Amen and Amen!
Ephesians 6:18-20
1) I think it is interesting that God’s Word mentions prayer right after telling us about our armor! I recently participated in a Beth Moore Bible study, “Living Free,” I believe. Anyway, she alluded that prayer may actually be our “second” offensive weapon. Something to think about! Prayer definitely changes things in the spiritual realm. The sun has stood still, Daniel interpreted dreams and escaped the lions’ mouth, Peter was set free from prison! Oh, if we only believed in the power of prayer! Over the past three or four months, I personally have witnessed a dear sister restored to health and sound mind, the child of one of our church ministers, risen almost from the dead (she had been quite a while on a respirator and the doctors actually had to learn how to wean her off the machine because they had never done such a thing before—glory! The dear father of this same minister of God recently went home to be with Lord, carried away by ministering angels to his heavenly home! Face to Face with Almighty God! You know he has been restored to health in much better way! I want you to think about this, how did you come to the saving grace of the gospel of Christ? I’ll tell you. Someone “stood in the gap” for you, and for me, too (Ezekiel 22:23-31!) Abraham tried to stand in the gap for Sodom and Gomorrah by bargaining with God (Genesis 18:16:33!) Listens to Jesus’ pleas to God, the Father, in our behalf! He still is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25!) Yes, I believe prayer and intercession for one another is a mighty weapon (Colossians 4:12!) Read Exodus 17:10-16. Oh, girls, lift up holy praying hands unto the Lord! No wonder we are told to prayer unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17!)
Psalm 46:1-11
1) Yes, one day, the earth will be shaken! All people will know there is One God and He alone reigns! Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 14:11!) What are we to do? Verse 10—“Be quiet and know that I am God!” “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (Psalms 91:7) In that grand and glorious day (for us), war will be no more and the lion shall lie down with the lamb (Isaiah 2:1-5!) Redeemed, restored, rebuilt, and renewed (Revelation 21:5!) Hallelujah!