PREPARE FOR BATTLE
(Ephesians 6:10-14a) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore...(KJV)
The soldiers in this area have been preparing for battle. They know what to expect. They are ready to defend our country. Are we ready to face our own spiritual battle?
I. OUR ADVERSARY
A. THE TEXT REVEALS THAT HE IS DETERMINED.
1. He is not going to leave you alone.
2. He is not going to let up.
B. OTHER TEXTS REVEALS THAT HE IS DANGEROUS
1. He seeks to discredit you.
(Revelation 12:10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (KJV)
2. He seeks to deceive you.
(Revelation 12:9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (KJV)
3. He seeks to destroy you.
(1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV)
II. OUR ARMOR
A. OUR ARMOR IS SPIRITUAL IN NATURE.
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (KJV)
B. OUR ARMOR IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE NEED.
1. We are assured of power for the conflict.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
2. We are assured of protection in the conflict.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.
III. OUR ATTITUDE
A. WE MUST KEEP ON PRAYING TO GOD.
(Ephesians 6:18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
1. Praying in the Spirit
2. Praying for all saints
B. WE MUST KEEP ON PUTTING FORTH THE GOSPEL.
(Ephesians 6:19-20) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (KJV)
1. Even in bonds…
2. You have to be brave.
