Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:10–24 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

The United States Coast Guard has an official motto and an unofficial motto. The official motto is “semper paratus,” which means “always ready.” The Coast Guard is always ready to serve whether to aid in battle, security or rescue. They have an unofficial motto. It is “You have to go, but you don’t have to come back.” This speaks of the commitment of the Coast Guard to go out regardless of the storm or personal risk. It is one thing to say glibly “always ready.” Can we say that when we know we may not come back? It was this kind of commitment that energized our missionary heroes. It should energize all who serve the Lord.

I. The Combatants

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

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

A. The enemies scheme

B. The enemies soldiers

C. The enemies strength

II. The Conflict

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 NKJV

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

A. Relationships

Conflict in marriage not the conflict of marriage

1. Marriage

2. Children

3. Employment

B. Church

1. Worship

2. Walk

3. Witness

C. Internal

1. Faith

Mark 9:23–24 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

2. Sin

Galatians 5:17 NKJV

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

III. The Certainty

A. Armor

Belt of truth

Breastplate of righteousness

Shoes of the gospel

Shield of faith

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

B. Almighty

1. His Strength

2. His Steadfastness

3. His Salvation

Matthew 24:4–14 NKJV

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

The Gospel of Matthew 2. Persecution and Preaching Prepare for the End (24:9–14)

What is implied is that while the disturbances of v. 6 do not signal the end, the difficulties of vv. 9–12 are not to be thought of as temporary, but will persist until relieved by the end.