Spiritual Battle

HOOK

What’s up UNITED?!

I’m glad to be back with you guys. It’s been way too long. For those of you who are new and don’t know me, my name is Chris Bates. The coolest campus pastor at Lakepointe!

laugh

I’m kidding! My name is Mauri and I’m part of the Firewheel campus team! Nate’s a good friend and occasionally lets me hangout on a Wednesday night. At least when I buy him wings!

I am glad to be here though, as we kick off a brand new series we’re calling Warrior!

Before we dive in. I want to get a pulse check on the room.

STORY: Stub my Toe / Pain in the Darkness Has anyone here ever stubbed their toe?!

Like in the middle of the night. You get up and start walking shoeless, sock-less and half asleep just to go pee. When all of a sudden… BAM!!! You stub your pinky toe!

You immediately wake up with a lightning strike of pain hitting your chest! You fall onto the floor with literal tears in your eyes crying, “not the pinky toe!”

What makes it worse is you can’t feel it afterwards. Not for a while. And when you finally start to ask, “what happened?” You realize its pitch black and cannot see anything! You have no idea what you ran into! You’re blind, powerless, and in too much pain to get up and turn on the lights.

So you slowly get up and start feeling around with your hands hoping you don’t hit your toe again. Until you finally get to the switch and see that your enemy was right there the whole time! A stinkin’ corner of the table you forgot you left out!

In the darkness you were helplessly a victim.

Have you ever experienced that? Pain in the darkness?

It wouldn’t take long for us to fill the night with experiences of pain. In fact, with a room of this size, I bet we could stay up all night sharing stories of pain. Some silly like mine. Others, more heavy and deeply painful.

Some recent studies have shown your generation to be the most anxious generation to ever live. In these studies we’ve seen:

61% of Gen Zs report feeling "nervous, anxious, or on edge"

42% report feeling “down, hopeless, or depressed” over the same time period.

Only 45% of Gen Zs describe their mental health as “excellent” or “very good”

Gen Z is the least likely out of all generations to report positive overall mental health. 18% of Gen Zs report having an anxiety disorder and 23% report being diagnosed with depression — all higher rates than other generations.

Gen Z is more likely to receive therapy or mental health treatment than any other generation

But why? What’s going on?

For many of you, who just clicked in with me… You might be thinking, “wow, I didn’t know tonight was going to be a heavy night.” Let me just level with you and warn you. We’re going to talk about some raw things tonight.

Because I know that many of you are part of the 61% that feel nervous, anxious, or on edge. You’ve tried various things to ease the tension, maybe even numb some pain. But for whatever reason it hasn’t worked.

What if I told you that the reason you may be stuck is because you’ve bought into some lie.

You have been convinced that the natural world is all there is. That your problems are physical in nature so you need physical means to fight them.

But if I told you there is a realm around you, an unseen world, with forces not of this world. What if I told you the reason you’re not free from “fill in the blank” is because you are using physical means against a spiritual reality?

Tonight, we’re getting real! You’re going to want to take notes because our plan is to equip you with a weapon you cannot see with your eyes. A tool that will protect you on the dark night of your soul!

So take out your Bibles and turn to Ephesians chapter 6!

THE CASE

(Background)

Ephesians is a letter written from a pastor named Paul to a small church in a city called Ephesus. The Xians in the city were small in number and Paul is writing to them to encourage them, remind them of who they are, and how they should live in a crazy cultural moment.

The Ephesians found themselves outnumbered to the greco-roman city that was the opposite of Jesus in every meaning of the word. In many ways it was discouraging to be a Xian.

It’s not crazy to think these early Xians were probably anxious, nervous and on edge. So, Paul prays for them to have Spiritual Strength, he reminds them to be united, to walk in love, and encourages them to have godly relationships.

Then, suddenly Paul explains WHY the Ephesians are experiencing so much turmoil.

“In your Bibles, begin with me in verse 10”

Ephesians 6:10–13 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.

YOU ARE A WARRIOR IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE, CONFIDENT THAT JESUS HAS ALREADY WON THE WAR.

v.10

Paul tells the Xians in Ephesus to “be strong” in the Lord. Why? Because natural strength is nothing compared to the supernatural POWER of the Almighty Lord.

But exactly is this “Lord?” What does Lord even mean? A Lord, back in the day, was simply a person who is in charge; someone who is in a position of authority; a King; a ruler.

Lord’s have power over others. Kings have authority over everything in their Kingdom. There is nothing that does not bend to the desires of the King.

There was a problem though! Ephesus was an important port city on the west coast of Asia, and it boasted the temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world). A massive cathedral like structure to the goddess of nature.

I have set eyes on the wall of lofty Babylon on which is a road for chariots, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, and the hanging gardens, and the colossus of the Sun, and the huge labour of the high pyramids, and the vast tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the house of Artemis that mounted to the clouds, those other marvels lost their brilliancy. - Antipater, (a macedonian general) Greek Anthology IX.58.

The city of Ephesus was fascinated with magic and the occult. For centuries, the Ephesians saw the the greek god’s as supreme in power and worshipped them for their control over the elements. Their pagan practices kept the city in a veil of darkness.

Ephesus was a dark city. Not in terms of sunshine. But rather spiritually, the Ephesians were lost and could not see. They trusted their god’s to protect them, but the problem was the greco-roman gods had no power because they didn’t exist.

So, when Paul says “be strong in the Lord,” he is telling this small group of Xians in the shadow of darkness to lean into the power of the One True God. He tells them to trust in the One One who actually has power and authority over all things.

A theologian once said,

Ephesus was, as we said, a centre of power: magic power, political power, religious power. And Paul’s ministry demonstrated that the power of the name of the Lord Jesus was stronger than all of them.

N. T. Wright

v.11

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Paul saw the Ephesians in the shadow of the darkness of Ephesus and he knows that the reason they were struggling with earthly authorities, tension between kids and parents, brokenness in marriages, absence of love, bitterness, wrath, anger, and disunity between believers, was all because of the “schemes of the devil.”

Who is the devil? Does he actually exist? The Devil who is also known in Scripture as Satan actually means the slanderous one; the adversarial one. He is a real person; a fallen angel. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness, leads his own legions of angels, and even incited Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:2). Jesus calls him a liar and the father of liars (John 8:44).

The enemy is real

(But) What does he look like?

2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV)

for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The Devil is real. He is a spiritual being that makes himself look good but in reality is looking for God’s people to swallow up and destroy.

Today, Satan is seen as a cartoon, a joke, a gothic myth from the medieval ages. We don’t really see the Devil as an actual threat or someone to fear. But this is what Paul likely consider one of the “Schemes of the devil.”

The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist.

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Satan’s strategy is clear

John 8:44 (ESV)

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 10:10 (ESV)

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

Satan is a murder and a liar. He wants to steal what God came to freely give you, he wants to kill you and destroy you.

The Devil is your enemy and he fighting to destroy you everyday.

BUT you cannot see him. He is a spiritual being and one of his strategies is to hide in plain sight; to convince you that He’s not there; to keep you occupied in a world that has no power over him.

Which is why Paul says, “Put on the Whole armor of God.”

You’re in a battle. You just didn’t know it. Your physical eyes only see the physical world around you. They deceive us into thinking that is is all there is. That our problems, our pain, our suffering have physical solutions. So we come up with physical strategies to fix our physical problems.

BUT Paul says,

v.12

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

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.

There is another realm we cannot see with our eyes. There is a whole other world that we cannot see. Almost like the Upside down in Stranger Things. Except it is very much real and in this world there are supernatural beings we call angels; angels of light and angels of darkness. These “dark cosmic powers” are under the authority of Satan and move to steal, kill and destroy.

Paul says this realm exists around you and you’re at war. You’re not battling with physical things (flesh and blood) you’re wrestling against these spiritual forces of evil.

The Battlefield is everywhere

The spiritual forces are active everywhere. The battlefield is at home with your siblings and your parents. When your brother or sister wounds you, maybe they’ve said something hurtful or even done something painful, you blame them. It damages our relationship. You see your sibling as our enemy. When a parent goes too far or says something that scars your heart. Or worse, when parent walks away; abandoning their family and kids the pain is unmeasurable. You can’t help but blame them, and maybe even hate them. Remember, there is a spiritual world all around you.

The battlefield is at school with your teachers and your friends. When a teacher communicates that she sees you as less than. Or when a friend decides to end a relationship selfishly. Or when a boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t stick to their word, you can become bitter, angry, and even vengeful toward them. BUT remember, there is a spiritual world all around you.

The battlefield is at work with your boss, coworkers, and customers. For those of you that work you know that the coffee shop, the pizza place, or the store you work has people and they can be rude, mean, hurtful, and even hateful. Sometimes you can’t help but whisper evil things under your breathe or even gossip and slander behind their backs. BUT even then remember, there is a spiritual world all around you.

The battlefield is at church with other believers. When you see someone from school attend church and “act” one way, but at school she’s completely different. Or when you hear of a story of a friend’s church where the pastor failed morally, you can be filled with anger, frustration, disgust and even deep rooted hate. BUT remember especially then, there is a spiritual world all around you.

Remember they are not the enemy. We are NOT wrestling with flesh and blood but with spiritual forces in heavenly places.

I am not saying that people are blameless, what I’m saying is that the reason people hurt people is because there is a whole other realm of cosmic powers that want to steal what you have, destroy what God has given you and literally want to kill you. They will do anything necessary to destroy relationships, to cause enmity and division, and will absolutely do anything to keep you from seeing that actual enemy.

Why? Because if Satan can keep you convinced that your enemy is in the physical then you’ll continue to fight in the physical. Hiding himself by convincing you that you can fight your enemy in the physical, knowing that physical arms are absolutely powerless against him.

Remember We are NOT wrestling with flesh and blood but with spiritual forces in heavenly places.

So, what can we do? Are we powerless to defend ourselves against these cosmic powers.

No.

Jesus has already won the war

Colossians 2:15 ESV

15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

The day Jesus climbed up on that tree and was put to death, the world and every cosmic power over this present darkness thought Satan had defeated God. BUT on the third day, the tomb was empty and Jesus was nowhere to be found.

Satan’s strategy was to steal Jesus from humanity by killing him and destroying any hope for a future.

But when Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit of God, the rulers and cosmic powers of this present darkness were defeated. The fullness of Satan’s power is death, but Jesus has resurrection power.

Jesus did not stay dead. He defeated death revealing Jesus’ authority and supremacy over Satan.

Who have you placed your trust in? Have you placed your trust in the one who has authority over the cosmic powers?

Jesus has REAL power and authority over “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Matthew 8:28–33 ESV

28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men.

This is the mighty power of Jesus that believers have access to. If you are a follower of Jesus, you have nothing to fear.

Colossians 1:16 ESV

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.

We can resist the enemy and stand firm in our faith

Remember v.10

be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

v.13

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

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.

God knows that we’re flesh and blood fighting a war in the spiritual. He knows our weapons are powerless to defend. He know that we’re being tossed around by the schemes of the Devil.

GET REAL

He sees you.

He sees your loneliness and pain. He sees your broken relationships with family. He sees your desperation for security. He sees your wounds from trauma. He sees the abandonment in your past. He sees the tears on your cheeks.

He sees you and wants to protect you from anymore.

Student, you can stand firm when the Devil comes to try and knock you down if you pick up the Armor of God! The very weapons Jesus used when Satan came to attack Him in the wilderness.

We can fight spiritual battles with spiritual armor

AND We want to teach you how. You can have victory over the enemy by standing your ground.

In the next 3 weeks we’re going to teach you how to pick up the breastplate of righteousness, how to put on the gospel of peace, how to grab the shield of faith, how to equip the helmet of salvation and use the sword of the Spirit. These are the weapons God provides you. These are the very Armor of Jesus and he makes it available to you.

Why? Because

YOU ARE A WARRIOR IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE, CONFIDENT THAT JESUS HAS ALREADY WON THE WAR.

breathe…

Personal Story: Fighting my Parents

Some of the loneliest years of my life were when I was 16 years old. As sad as that may sound I wasn’t actually alone. But I felt alone. Those closest to me felt the farthest. My anxiety levels were through the roof and my depression felt clinical. My parents and I fought almost daily over the smallest things. I felt my parents hated me, they didn’t get me, and I was convinced they were my enemy.

I couldn’t figure out how to fix things. Arguing didn’t help, it just made things worse. Running away didn’t help is just made everyone more angry. Venting with my girlfriend only frustrated her, increasing the tension. Burying myself in football only made my grades suffer which made my parents angrier.

Nothing seemed to work.

I didn’t realize I was fighting a spiritual battle with physical weapons and I was losing.

Then, Jesus found me. He lifted my eyes up off myself and I realized there was something missing in me. I was missing Him.

breathe…

NEXT STEP

Are you tired of losing the battle? Are you tired of the pain of this world?

Matthew 11:28 NLT

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Your burdens are a result of the schemes of the devil. But Jesus wants to give you rest.

So come to him and receive the Armor He wants to gift you.

(Believers)

To take up the Armor of God you need to first have a relationship with Him. You can’t take something from someone you don’t know.

So if you’re a believer, a follower of Jesus, and you’re ready to find rest. You’re eager to withstand the attacks of your enemy. You’re ready to finally stand up and regain ground you’ve lost in the battle.

Drop your physical weapons and pick up the Word.

Over the next 3 weeks, come ready with your Bible and notes. Walk into your small group confidently with questions. Lean on your small group leader and just be HONEST. Don’t waste the next few weeks, because starting tonight…

YOU ARE A WARRIOR IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

And we want to help equip you put on the Whole Armor of God so that you can withstand the evil day, when it comes.

(Non-Believers)

However, there are some of you here tonight that are not following Jesus. And you’ve realized maybe for the first time, that its no wonder why you are experiencing pain. You feel powerless, vulnerable, and maybe even helpless. If that’s you, you don’t have to be. If this is your story and you want victory over the schemes of the devil in your life, then tonight is the night you…

Drop your physical weapons and place trust in Jesus.

There is an open invitation. Place your trust not in yourself but in the One name who has power over all things seen and unseen.

Philippians 2:10 ESV

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

You’re in a spiritual battle and absolutely powerless apart from Jesus. The demons bow at the feet of Jesus.

Do you?

“Everyone bow your heads and close your eyes.”

God’s Spirit is here. You may not see Him but He is.

I’m not going to manipulate you or force you to do something you don’t want to do. I’m just here to guide you.

If you’re overwhelmed, tired of trying to overcome whatever in your own strength. You’ve realized it doesn’t work. You’re powerless, I want you to open your hands with your palms facing up and place them in front of you. No one is watching. This is between you and God. This is a a sign of surrender.

If you’re not following Jesus and you’ve you tried everything else to mend the pain; you’ve looked everywhere and filled yourself up with everything but Jesus and it hasn’t worked. You feel helpless, lonely, abandoned, broken.

Remember, before you can win the battle in the physical you’ve got to win it in the Spiritual.

So, I want you pray this. With a sincere heart. God in the heavenly place. I can’t do this alone. I’m tired and want rest. Will you speak to me in a way that I can understand tonight. Will you speak to me through one of my leaders. Speak to me through one of my friends. Free me from this ________.

In Jesus name. Amen.