Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 10:3‑5.

For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ.

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

A. Commitment to Christ’ cause.

• Leading us to lives of righteousness, purity, holiness, 2Corinthians 6:7 - in truthful speech, in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left.

• We don't need to be saints as yet, but just have a passion for God's righteousness and a hatred of evil.

• Have purity of motives and desires. – Have Humility.

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

A. Commitment to Christ’ cause.

• We will be ineffective if we are not righteous. Matthew 7:3‑5. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

B. Zeal, Singlemindedness of Purpose, Perseverance

1. Live totally for the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:15 - Now the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a first installment.

Philippians 3:7‑8. - But whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

C. The Word of God

Ephesians 6:17b - the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..

Hebrews 4:12. - Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

1 Thessalonians 1:5. - For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the holy Spirit and [with] much conviction. You know what sort of people we were [among] you for your sake.

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

D. Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - There are different kinds of

spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

D. Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - discernment of spirits; to

another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

D. Spiritual Gifts

Applications:

- Wisdom- Discernment.- Tongues and Praise.

OUR PROTECTION

The Armor of God Ephesians 6:13‑18.

Therefore, put on the armour of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones

OUR PROTECTION

The Armor Of God

• Truth. Protection against lies and errors.

• Justice, or righteousness. Protection against evil and sinful desires.

• Gospel of peace. Protection against an easy and lazy life.

• Faith. Protection against unbelief.

• Hebrews 13:5b‑6  for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Thus we may say with confidence: “ The Lord is my Helper and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me.”

• Salvation. Protection against -both physical as well as spiritual well‑being.

OUR PROTECTION

The Armor of God

F. Word of God

- Both a weapon and protection

- For CLP participants, stress daily Scripture readings and recommended books

G. Prayers

- Pray at every opportunity.

- Different kinds

1. Personal Prayer

2. Group prayer (at various times during the CLP

3. Intercessory prayer

4. Fasting

CONCLUSION

A.Guard against two extremes

1. the view that there is no devil

2. the view that all negative things or happenings are attributable to the devil.

B. Remember that Jesus has already won the victory in this fight against Satan .

C. James 4:7. - So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

D. 2 Timothy 2:3- Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus