Equipped to Stand Firm “The Hidden Battle”

Ephesians 6:10–17 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,

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul closed his letter to the Ephesians with a solemn reminder for all of us. The Christian lifestyle is not a resort for those seeking comfort, it’s a battlefield for the weak and weary. Friends everyday, whether we realize it or not, each of us step into a war zone. This battle field isn’t filled with bombs and bullets. It’s subtle hiding behind the everyday conflicts in life, things like demanding schedules, financial strains, balancing priorities, and managing relationships. For some those daily conflicts could be more evident such as managing health issues, broken marriages, and sometimes even the loss of loved ones. Whether these struggles are apparent the real battle rages under the surface. You see the battle I’m speaking of is spiritual. It’s one of the mind, of faith, and of the heart. This battle is deeper, darker, and far more dangerous than anything physical. This is why Paul reminds us that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Friends, the real battle that each of us face has eternal implications, and the sad truth is that against this enemy we are completely powerless on our own. We simply do not have the strength necessary to stand our ground let alone win. But there is good news. We have not been left hopeless in this battle — we have access to everything we need not only to stand and fight but to come out as victors.

As we dig into the text this morning the first thing I want you to see is “True Strength Has a Source”.

Read with me Ephesians 6 verses 10-11.

Point 1: True Strength Has a Source (v. 10–11)

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Context:

There are two things I want you to see in this passage.

First: Where true strength comes from.

Notice Paul doesn’t say that we should be strong for the Lord. Look closely. He says to be strong (( IN )) the Lord (( IN )) the strength of His might. That little word has a huge impact on the context. Whether you choose to follow a secular or the religious view on the source of strength both ideologies are centered on self reliance. They base a persons strength on the individuals own work. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, Paul makes it clear that we are incapable of achieving the strength needed for spiritual battles. This type of strength has to be received. It has a source.

Turn with me to:

John 15:4 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Why is this important? What we see in John is the need for connection. The branch relies on the vine to get what’s needed to survive and flourish. If the branch Is detached from the vine it withers and dies.

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We must have connection int order to receive what’s needed for the spiritual battles we face.

The second thing is that true strength is found in weakness.

Turn with me to:

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

“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. 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.”

Illustration:

Full disclosure. Relying on my own strength inevitably succumbing to temptations, fears, and doubts. Every single time I’ve been left broken in defeat, feeling hopeless. If you are being honest you’ve been there too. You may be there now.

Application:

Friends if you want true strength:

Trust in the word and promises God has given.

We admit our weakness so that His power can be perfected in us.

We choose to stand and fight, not leaning on our own abilities, but in God’s sufficiency.

Not only do we need Strength in spiritual warfare we also have to:

Point 2: Recognize the Real Enemy (v. 12)

Ephesians 6:11–12 ESV

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.

Context:

In any type of warfare knowing the enemy is crucial. Paul urges us to understand that this battle is not against flesh and blood.

In the text enemy and his forces fight using lies, deception, influence, and temptation to blind us from the truth.

2 Corinthians 11:14–15

“14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”

This enemy and his forces fight using lies, deception, influence, and temptation to blind us from the truth.

When we encounter not only the brokenness of the world but our own brokenness we approach it with grace. Understanding who the real enemy is.

Illustration:

When Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, they didn’t curse the guards or the magistrates. They sang praises: not because they enjoyed the abuse or being locked up. They praised because they knew the real battle was spiritual, not physical.

Application:

We are not necessarily fighting against individuals but the evil in this present age.

We pray for those that oppose us instead of retaliating.

We hold fast to the truth of God’s word and his promises to recognize the tactics of the enemy.

Point 3: Prepared for Battle (v. 13–17)

Ephesians 6:13–17 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. 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,

Context:

Paul lists six pieces of armor, each representing a spiritual truth:

Belt of Truth – God’s truth is meant to wrap around and ground us.

Breastplate of Righteousness – protects our hearts with the righteousness that comes from Christ.

Shoes of Peace – is the readiness to take and share the gospel of peace.

Shield of Faith – extinguishes the fiery arrows of doubt and fear that constantly assault us.

Helmet of Salvation – guards our minds with the assurance of salvation.

Sword of the Spirit – gives us the ability to strike back with the Word of God.

Illustration:

Jesus Himself used this armor in the wilderness. When tempted by Satan, He utilized the whole armor of God. Responding with Scripture to counter the enemies attacks.

Application:

The armor isn’t designed to be worn in individual pieces. We don’t pick and choose, we wear it all.

It must be put on daily; spiritual warfare is constant.

Stand firm in faith — not in fear.

Conclusion

Friends, spiritual warfare is real.

I’m not making promises that the battle will be easy and neither does scripture. The one thing that I can promise is that your not alone. When you stand in God’s strength, recognize the true enemy, and put on the armor He provides, victory is assured.

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God… and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

So as the praise band comes to I want to leave you with afew questions. Are you standing strong today? Are you fighting the true enemy? Are you utilizing the Armor God has provided? The Lord has equipped you, empowered you, and promised to give you victory!