Preparing For The Conflict

PREPARING FOR THE CONFLICT

Ephesians 6:10-17

By Norman Mc Leod

October 11, 2001

OPENNING HYMN:

Onward Christian Soldiers

ILLUSTRATION:

Part of President Bush’s radio address to the Nation

September 15, 2001

THE PRESIDENT: “Good morning. This weekend I am engaged in extensive sessions with members of my National Security Council, as we plan a comprehensive assault on terrorism. This will be a different kind of conflict against a different kind of enemy.

This is a conflict without battlefields or beachheads, a conflict with opponents who believe they are invisible. Yet, they are mistaken. They will be exposed, and they will discover what others in the past have learned: Those who make war against the United States have chosen their own destruction. Victory against terrorism will not take place in a single battle, but in a series of decisive actions against terrorist organizations and those who harbor and support them.

We are planning a broad and sustained campaign to secure our country and eradicate the evil of terrorism. And we are determined to see this conflict through. Americans of every faith and background are committed to this goal.”

INTRODUCTION:

It’s been a month since the tragic events of September 11th took place. We as soldiers of the cross also have to prepare ourselves on a daily basis for the conflict ahead. The conflict is against Satan and his evil forces. His weapons are fear and terror in the form of drugs, broken homes, wars and terrorism. He threatens our peace and our freedom around the world.

The history of Satan is well documented in Ezekiel 28:11-17, Isaiah 14:12-15 and Genesis 3:1-6. I want to make you aware that we are involved in a real war! It’s a spiritual war against the forces of evil. We as soldiers of the cross also have to plan a broad and sustained campaign against evil. Paul in Ephesians 6:10-17 gives us instructions for preparing for this conflict:

The Conflict:

Ephesians 6:11-12

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The instructions:

Ephesians 6:10, 11,13

1. “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” Vs .10

2. “Put on the whole armor of God.” Vss. 11,13

The weapons:

Ephesians 6:14-17

1. The belt of truth Vs. 14.

2. The breastplate of righteousness Vs.14.

3. The helmet of salvation Vs.17.

4. The shield of faith Vs.16.

5. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Vs. 17.

6. The shoes, preparation of the gospel of peace. Vs. 15.

CONCLUSION:

We are to wear these weapons daily for the fight against evil. We as soldiers of the cross must unite in this conflict, “ behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ( Psalm 131:1 ) A prayer for peace, Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Victory in Jesus