Fighting Satan: Chapter 3

You can’t outsmart Satan

So you must protect/defend yourself

How do we do that?

Strategic retreat

Unyielding defense

Attacking offense

Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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,

Belt of Truth

What does a belt do?

Girding loins (unhindered, unrestricted movement)

Soak truth deep into your mind and your heart

Our minds cannot hold a candle to Satan’s so we have to have something greater than us stored up

Satan has no affective weapon against truth.

He tries and it fails every time (i.e. Jesus in the wilderness)

Breastplate of Righteousness

What does a breastplate protect? (all vital organs!)

Not our righteousness, but Christ’s!

Heart is the seat of the emotions.

Guard with righteousness.

Don’t trust your feelings.

If your faith is built solely upon feeling God work, than I challenge you to take inventory of your heart and examine your faith to make sure that it is genuine.

Shoes of Peace

You can’t do battle effectively while barefoot.

You feet will slip

you’ll twist an ankle

you’ll be easily outmaneuvered and overrun.

Have a clear understanding of the gospel.

Be at peace with your Savior.

Be at peace with others

Shield of Faith

Use your faith as a shield.

Psalm 3:3 ESV

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

God steps between us and the attacker.

Psalm 7:10 ESV

My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.

Our faith, our shield is with God.

The Puritan, William Gurnall (The Christian in Complete Armor)

3 acts of faith that call to God for aid

The prayer of faith opens our case with God and ensures victory.

The initial show of trust.

Victory has to come from Him.

The faith of expectation opens our eyes to His working.

When you pray, expect something to happen.

“By praying, you depend on God, but by not expecting, you unravel your prayer.”

The faith of action sets your soul to work.

We can’t just pray and sit back.

Remember, when we trust God, we are responsible to act.

The Helmet of Salvation

Helmets save lives

We tell our kids all the time

How many stories do we hear of soldiers in WWII where a helmet redirected a bullet around the head?

If the breastplate guards our feelings, the helmet guards our thoughts against...

Discouragement

Unbelief

Despair

“… if hope is your helmet, you will be protected against blows to your head. You will withstand the crushing discouragement of the evil one.” (pg 50)