Spiritual Warfare-Pauline Epistles-sermon notes

I have broken this chapter into 6 categories of spiritual warfare

Some of these verse overlap but they fit within the category that has the main thrust of the passage.

I want to start at Ephesians 6:10-20 because it sort of highlights most all these categories.

Little caveot - in the second half of this book, we will look at this passage in much more detail as we look at applying God’s word and theology to spiritual warfare.

So for tonight Im simplying spring boarding off it to work through some of the material.

Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

6 Categories

The Devil (satan) - he is scheming against God’s people v11 sending spiritual darts (v16)

God - Who He is (strong) helps us fight. What he has done-provided everything we need to fight the devil-helps us fight (v10-11)

Demons-spiritual forces of evil (v12b)

People-We have to understand that we fight the forces driving the people, not people themselves. (v12a)

Powers of Darkness -The book examines the existence of darkness in addition to Satan and his minions (demons). We see this here too as cosmic powers. (v12b)

Present Age-really dont see it here, but its the last category in the chapter and we will look briefly at it.(maybe)

We are going to spend time looking at these categories, but before we leave Ephesians 6,

I want to highlight our weapons - truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, faith, our salvation, the word of God, but the glue is prayer.

We have talked a lot about the Devil and demons, and those types of things.

So, I want to tackle a few of the more indirect categories first tonight

Then toward the end, we finish up by looking at some direct Devilish things in Paul’s epistles.

and remember, many of the passages listed in the book can fit several categories, but I’ve grouped them to help for this huge list to not be so overwhelming to take in

(will probably have the passages printed out in their groups just for me)

1. Present Age

Go ahead and turn to Galatians in your bible.

Galatians 1:4, 4:3-9, and Colossians 2:8-10

With this category, we are talking about wordly thoughts and philosophies.

learned from section on book of John

EVERYTHING THAT ISN’T ON GOD’s SIDE IS AGAINST GOD

That doesn't mean we live isolated from the world. It doesn’t mean we cant watch tv or sports, or other things that really have nothing to do with the gospel.

But we need to be discerning.

All non-biblical ideas have a message.

They have been or can be corrupted by the present age.

Case in point is Galatia.

The ideas that Paul is facing in Galatia is not super “worldly” stuff, its actually quite religious in nature.

But

Its still not biblical so

Paul’s aim in Galatians is to take the gospel and shoot it straight into the heart of legalistic, ill earn my salvation, religion.

We see that legalism is not of the bible, its a worldly philosophy, ultimately finding its roots in the present age, which means - THE DEVIL.

Galatians 1:4 ESV

4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Galatians 4:3–9 ESV

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

Walking through the two Galatian verses.

So Jesus delivers us from this present age. (1:3)

Before Christ, we were enslaved to these principles. (4:3)

We have been rescued from that family and bondage and adopted into the family of God. (4:5)

The spirit is within us, helping us, crying out for us to keep our freedom. (4:6)

So then the battle of our minds and hearts does not stop at first of salvation.

The principles of this present age are very inticing. DONT GO BACK! (4:9b)

BUT TAKE HEART, because we now know God THE GOD, and even better, HE KNOWS US!!! (4:9a)

We are not going to go through the passage in Colossians. It echos much of the same, although Paul is facing different philosophies in Collosae than in Galatia.

But its more proof that you should know your bible and become better at discerning new ideas that are out there of whether they are of God or not.

Doesnt mean you dont listen to them and strike them down before understanding what’s being taught.

In fact, confidence in God’s word actually opens up the ability to listen and discern in confidence, rather than run or shutdown in fear.

You need to be studying God’s word and growing in discernment. Unfortunately, with the advancement of globalism and technology, ideas spread a lot faster than they used to.

Thankfully, its typically just old ideas repackaged into new.

But cant just say, im tired of this, i dont think i feel like dealing with this crazy stuff.

Its not going away, and its not backing down.

2. People

Our main thrust for this section is the power that evil finds within the relationships of people.

If there is a word of the night, it may be the word discern.

It seems like some Christians receive a very specific gift of discernment, but ALL christians must be growing in their ability to discern.

Being in the world but not of the world may be one of the most difficult things for a Christian to do.

This is why: Because there is a principle of living by convictions and freedom to follow your convictions.

(Romans 14)

We have to navigate a world where we are constantly having to stick our nose into things to test them and then pull back if its not right.

ILLUSTRATION - a baby uses its mouth to explore everything (USE A PICTURE)

BUT God is helping us in his word to discern!!!

Lets look a scripture

2 Corinthians 6:14–17 ESV

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

Unequally yoked.

This is usually where a parent or youth pastor goes when talking about romantic relationships with a young person. (thats not wrong)

But this verse is not talking about romance.

Its a general principle.

Yoked means to put two beast together in a harness and have them pull something.

Many of you know that bro david and i have horses at his house.

We could not yoke his and mine together if we wanted a good pair.

Besides that my horse is smart and his is...

Its because his horse has a big ole tail and is strong and walks slower-quarter horse, mine is prancy and skinny in the rear and walks faster -walking horse.

honestly, they may could pull together, I really dont know enough about the subject,

but I definitely could not match Smoke with a big beef cow or an ox, or an elephant.

At some point, he would be taken off course and even drug around by the other animals harness.

This is the idea here.

No chosen human relationship is off limits to this principle either.

Marriage, dating, business, coaching, close binding friendships

Its not that you cant get along with people, or be friends, or even work for a secular company or person,

But you must know that there is a point of commitment that you need to avoid that will drag you off course and sometimes off your feet spiritually.

And that evaluation needs to happen before you get into the yoke-harness equipment,

after you get in is too late.

Im not going to dig into anymore of these passages because I want to move on soon,

but you can look these up later.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Colossians 2:18; and 1 Timothy 2:12-14

They are all very similar and have to do with being deceived by other people and their ideas.

so

(may not use)

3 take-ways:

Know your bible

protect your mind

do not let the person (flashy, scary, etc) distract you from their message.

3. God

True or false?

Because of God, we have everything we need to make it out of this world alive.

But do you really believe that?

I mean really believe that?

If we do believe that, we are talking about something that has the possibility to effect everything we do?

This effects the way we go out on trips into the world (grocery store or the beach),

it effects the way we worry about things,

it effects the way we pray for things,

it effects the way we love others,

it effects the way we love ourselves,

it effects the decisions we make (financial, relational, and time, etc)

IT EFFECTS EVERYTHING ABOUT US

So what do we know about God?

What has he provided us?

Because of who He is and what He has done, He has provided us with:

He provides us with:

1. wisdom - its old, it doesn’t make sense to the world, and it tells us exactly how God saves his people.

1 Corinthians 2:6–8 ESV

6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2. Contentment - You are neither above your circumstances or below them. You are exactly where God is leading you. Be Content.

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 ESV

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Do you trust God more than yourself?

3. Assurance

If you struggle with whether you are saved, you need to put this verse somewhere seen.

(may go through the sin-guilt cycle)

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4. Perspective

When you are in the trenches fighting

(struggling to pay bills, or maybe a kid that doesnt believe like you, or maybe a fight just to go to work because you hate it)

or whatever life you have been called to lead, its easy to loose perspective.

It’s so important to stay plugged in to God’s word and his people because it helps bring godly perspective.

(read and reflect on these)

(maybe get feedback from the crowd - what sticks out to give us perspective?)

Romans 16:20 ESV

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Colossians 1:15–16 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Ephesians 1:20–23 ESV

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Last three categories together

4,5, and 6. Satan, Demons, and Powers of Darkness

There are active, personal attacks on God’s people

1 Thessalonians 2:17–18 ESV

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.

1 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV

5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

2 Corinthians 2:10–11 ESV

10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

The mind of the unbeliever is not off limits to the Devil

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Very similar to the story of the seeds and soil that Jesus told.

Satan and his army are behind all lies that contradict the truth of scripture

(Establish that I am a spiritual person that is working toward being more spiritual, but I also believe that the image of God present in every person means that there is truth and lie in the world.

This means medicine, psychology, science, history, etc. have things we can learn from.

I do not run to exorcism as the only method to deal with anything and everything in life.

Human nature is broken and sinful.

Even after we are saved, its still there, until we are glorified.

So I do not spend all my time looking for the boogie man behind every corner.

BUT

scripture is clear that at a foundational level, all non-truth is rooted in and concocted by Satan and his army.

Idolatry is demonic

1 Corinthians 10:18–22 ESV

18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

Legalism is demonic

Colossians 2:20–21 ESV

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”

Heretical teaching is demonic

1 Timothy 4:1–2 ESV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

Non-biblical ideas and philosophies are weapons of the demonic

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 ESV

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

God has used Satan to discipline his children

1 Corinthians 5:5 ESV

5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

1 Timothy 1:18–20 ESV

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

https://ebible.com/questions/12180-does-god-use-attacks-by-satan-as-a-method-of-disciplining-us

Thankfully this is extreme cases and not the norm, but this strikes down the idea that God just wants his children healthy and wealthy. No, he wants us obedient, faithful, and joyful-no matter what it takes.