IN CHRIST: Walking Into Battle

Ephesians 6:10 CSB

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.

INTRO—

In total, just over two years…so let’s begin in 1942…things took an accelerated turn in late 1943, thanks to a man named Dwight. Soon, a definite plan was coming together—OPERATION OVERLORD—the battle plan of the Allied forces to get into the continent of Europe and pursue the end of Hitler’s Nazi reign of terror…at the heart of the Second World War. [[After about 2 months, end of July 1944…the goals of the Normandy Invasion were accomplished…]]

Thousands of troops…tons of equipment, resources…hours of meetings, plans (& re-drawn plans)… THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. No one goes into battle without some serious planning happening.

Our life as Christ-followers…is a battle (each and every day). Our success hinges upon learning and following our “Lord’s battle plaaaaaann!” [STRYPER, Soldiers Under Command]

An important question for us:

**What do we need as we enter into battle?

STRENGTH [Ephesians 6.10]

Ephesians 1:19 “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.”

[[Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”]]

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”

PROTECTION [Ephesians 6.11]

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 “since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

[More detail on the Armor of God in our focus next week.]

INTELLIGENCE [Ephesians 6.12]

2 Corinthians 11:13–14 “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

[[1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”]]

TRAINING [Ephesians 6.13a]

1 Timothy 4:7–8 “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

COMMITMENT [Ephesians 6.13b]

Philippians 1:27 “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel,”

ALERTNESS [Ephesians 6.18-20]

[[BE AWAKE, WATCHFUL!!! … (dare we say, ‘Be, stay woke.’ ?)]]

Be in an always ready posture as you live the Christian life.

Ephesians 5:13–14 “Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Romans 8:26–27 “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

CONCL—

WE are in the fight (whether we recognize it or not; whether we want to be or not).

We must know what we need as we walk into/IN the battle (each and every day)… STRENGTH, PROTECTION, INTELLIGENCE, TRAINING, COMMITMENT, & ALERTNESS.

Next week, we will focus in greater detail on how we are to dress for battle as we look at the components of the Armor of God for us as believers...

INVITATION:

Salvation

Intelligence

Alertness

Ephesians 6:20 CSB

For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.