Winning Through God

Text: Ephesians 6:10-19

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (03/21/02)

Introduction:

The following are excerpts from the speech delivered by President George W. Bush on Sept. 20, 2001. days after the terrorist attack on NY City.

“On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.

“We have seen their kind before. They're the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions, by abandoning every value except the will to power, they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. Americans are asking, "How will we fight and win this war?"

We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the destruction and to the defeat of the global terror network.

“Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success.

“We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place until there is no refuge or no rest.

And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation in every region now has a decision to make: Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists.

“Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.”

We have a much more serious battle. We are involved in a spiritual war!!

Unlike the wars of this world, we can have ultimate victory!! In fact, it is already ours through Christ!!!

REFERENCE: Whole Armour of God (Comment Briefly)

Question: What does spiritual victory look like?

This morning we will attempt to answer that scripturally by describing the true nature of spiritual victory.

I. Spiritual Victory is for the believer vs.10

“Finally, my brethren”

A. It is for Believers Only

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Biblical Terms: Children of Wrath / Children of Disobedience

1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Many think, “I’m not that bad off”. “I’m a pretty good person, I enjoy a good life, therefore, I must be OK?”

ILLUS: Captivity (EGYPT – active and aggressive) (BABYLON – passive).

In Babylon Israel had it good even in captivity (EXPLAIN)

When were they no longer captive? Only when they returned to Jerusalem.

Captivity to Satan can be a fairly pleasant experience (In this life), but it is captivity nonetheless.

B. It is for every Believer

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

II. Spiritual Victory signifies a spiritual battle vs.11B & 12

A. It is not a physical battle

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood”

Not w/ governments / religious systems / people / not w/ believers who disagree with us.

B. We are battling Satan vs.11B

WILES – methodia - denotes "craft, deceit" "a cunning device” (meta, "after," hodos, "a way")

The archenemy of our souls is a master tactician in spiritual warfare.

1. Principalities & Powers

This refers to administrations or levels and ranks of power.

The devil has had 6,000 years to develop his administration.

2. The Rulers of the Darkness of this world

Speaks of Satan’s infiltration into worldly affairs of governments and nations.

3. Spiritual wickedness in high places

Satan’s infiltration of Ecclesiastical power, and religious systems.

LOOK UP & READ II Cor. 11:13-15

Even the local church is susceptible. In Matthew 13 he is seen sowing tares among the wheat.

The Bible says there is a doctrine of devils!!

III. Spiritual Victory is of ultimate importance vs.10

“Finally”

Paul does not use this term to speak of that which is final in sequence (EXPLAIN) Rather it refers to that which is of ultimate or final importance.

Why is Spiritual Victory of ultimate importance?

A. Because of the Gospel Message vs.19

B. Because of God’s Glory – Matt 5:16

C. Because of our Spiritual good.

2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

IV. Spiritual Victory comes only through God vs.10

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

A. Because of our Position in Him

“in the Lord”

SEE Ch. 1& 2 – We are in Christ (in heavenly places)

B. Because of our Comprehension of Him

“in the power of His might”

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C. Because of our Submission to Him

James 4:6-7 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

V. Spiritual Victory is not for the half-hearted.

“The whole armour of God” vs.11A

“Having done all” vs.13B

What does wholeheartedness in the spiritual battle look like?

A. Appropriate God’s provision

“Put on” vs.11

B. Anticipate the Battle

“The evil day” vs.13

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

C. Accept every Responsibility

“Having done all”

The “ALL” refers to everything Paul has previously taught in this letter.

Recognizing our position in Christ (CH. 1,2 & 3) Working for God (Ch. 4) Walking with God (Ch.5) and now, Winning through God!!!

VI. Spiritual Victory is an ongoing matter.

“Stand” Vs.11 – Vs.13 – Vs.14

STAND - note TENSE. - "continue safe and sound, stand unharmed": "to stand ready or prepared": a figure, of one who vanquishes his adversaries and holds the ground, Eph. 6:13; also of one who in the midst of the fight holds his position "to persist, continue, persevere"

This is a daily matter!!

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

A Place For You 6 - Winning Through God (Ephesians [6]10-19)