The Growing Christian and His Enemy

A. If you are growing as a Christian, someone doesn't like it.

B. You have an enemy who frowns on your spiritual progress.

C. His purpose is to hinder you on your road to higher ground.

D. Today we’re going to talk about our spiritual enemy.

The Adversary (vv. 10-18)

Ephesians 6:10–18 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

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A. We have a determined enemy

Be strong (10)

Put on the whole armor of God (11)

We’re in a wrestling match (12)

B. Satan is real

The Bible speaks of him again and again

His purpose is your destruction ()

John 10:10 NKJV

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

He often operates as an angel of light ()

2 Corinthians 11:14 NKJV

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

He goes about the earth as a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8)

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

He will someday have a political representative ()

C. There is a spiritual battle raging constantly

D. Every follower of Jesus has enlisted to oppose the enemy

We Have Allies in This Battle (10)

Ephesians 6:10 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

A. “Finally, my brethren”

B. We are not alone in this battle

Others face the same foe

At salvation, you are born into this fighting fellowship (fighting against Satan)

Let’s be sure that we fight the real foe… not each other

C. Let’s learn to help one another in this battle with the enemy

Is another Christian struggling with temptation?

Is a brother or sister discouraged?

Is a fellow follower of Christ passing through difficulty?

D. You are a pilgrim… but not the only pilgrim

E. Let’s rush to the aid of those in the conflict

Quickly to our knees in prayer

And words of encouragement to those in need.

We Have Available Resources in This Battle (10, 14-18)

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Ephesians 6:10 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:14–18 NKJV

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

A. “Be Strong”

You may feel weak

But you can draw on God’s strength

B. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

We have the power of God and the weapons of warfare at our disposal

The power of the Holy Spirit within each believer

The power of prayer available to all

The power of the Word of God

The power of the blood of Christ

The power of a conquering Savior

Conclusion:

A. We are born to win

B. You do not have to be defeated

C. Make use of your resources and keep growing