Be Strong in the Lord

We are in a Spiritual War

We have a Spiritual Enemy

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

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 devil is an adversary, accuser, liar, deceiver, devourer, oppressor, persecutor, schemer, spoiler, and destroyer.

He fashions destructive weapons against the saints. (Isaiah 54:17) He studies them, stalks them, baits them, and overwhelms them in the “evil day”.

Like Goliath, the devil is a strongman, dressed in spiritual armor.

Luke 11:21–22 NKJV

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

We are Vulnerable without God

Pride makes us vulnerable to the devil.

He is the king over the children of pride (Jb 41:34)

Pride imagines that we can overcome in our wisdom and strength.

Pride causes God to resist us.

James 4:6–7 NKJV

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

c. Pride prevents access to the overcoming grace that we need.

Essentials to Spiritual Victory

The Clothing of Humility

1 Peter 5:5–6 NKJV

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Unlike pride, humility enables us to receive the grace we need.

Humility is the undergarment of the Christian life.

We are to be strong IN THE LORD and the POWER OF HIS MIGHT.

The Armor of God

We are to “put on” the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), i.e., to clothe ourselves with God’s armor. Each piece of the armor is important to fulfill the mandate to resist and withstand the devil’s schemes and weaponry.

Belt of Truth: The truth preserves and delivers the saint from the lies and deception of the devil.

Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate of righteousness protects the believer’s heart from the devil’s accusations and condemnation. The accusations and condemnation of the devil against the believer for past sins are answered and overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14; 12:11).

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The gospel shoes enables believers to maintain their spiritual footing. They stand confidently assured of their salvation and victory through the gospel. (Romans 5:1)

Shield of Faith: The shield of faith quenches the devil’s fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and fear.

Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects the mind from overwhelming thoughts of loss, defeat, and destruction. The helmet helps maintain thoughts of hope, victory, blessing, and peace.

Sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the word of God by which we execute a counter-assault against the devil’s lies in the day of temptation and testing, i.e., “it is written”.

We are to “take up” the armor of God, i.e., “to raise so as to use it”.

It is not enough to acknowledge our need for the armor of God; we must put it on.

Neither is it enough to put on the armor of God; we must use it to resist the enemy.

Watching in Prayer

1 Peter 5:8–9 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Obtaining Victory in Prayer

Victories are won or lost in the spiritual realm before they are won in the natural realm.

Spiritual victories are won or lost in the place of prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Response to the Word

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

Humble yourself before God.

Submit yourself under the mighty hand of God.

Take up the full armor of God.

Resist the devil and he will flee.