Spiritual Warfare # 3

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (Part III)

To stand in what spiritual warfare

That we’re in

Is to DEVELOP US

In the warfare

The picture of a Roman Soldier full Armor

A. Helmet

B. Breastplate—for his chest

C. Belt—for his mid section or loin or groin

D. Shield (Big Shield)—duck under the fiery darts

E. Sword

F. Shoes—like cleats or nails in the bottom of shoes for support

G. The Belt of Truth

1st The belt of Truth

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

“Stand therefore”

Only truth can stand against the demonic activity

Now this is in the middle voice —- [ you must do this ]

“Stand therefore”—--- it’s what Paul says before “therefore” of why we stand with the Belt of Truth

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

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.

Note: This is why we need to stand with the belt of truth

Discernment

Ephesians 4:14 ESV

14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Note: Truth is so you can distinguish between Truth & Tricks

Note: when you don’t understand Truth you become vulnerable to the schemes of the Devil

Note: That’s why you have the belt around your loins or midsection because that’s one of the most vulnerable parts of the soldiers body.

Example: If they got stab in their mid section or loins they could die.

Note: Discern Truth from Error

Discern Right from what is almost right

Example: Most Preacher sound right but you have to discern what’s right from almost what’s right.

Discernment

Truthful with others

Note: Being truthful with others

Note: when we’re not being truthful with others, it will effect our witness.

1 Timothy 3:7 ESV

Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Note: your life have to be lived by Truth

Note: Don’t battle with people that don’t accept Truth [Now you know where they stand].

Discernment

Truthful with others

Truthful with Ourselves

Note: We have to be truthful with ourselves

Proverbs 16:18 ESV

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Note: The Devil wants you to think that you’re in a certain place spiritually.

2nd: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Note: The breastplate protected from your loins to your neck & most of all the soldiers HEART

Different types of Righteousness

Positional Righteousness

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

We have right stand with God

Even though we’re not always right

But God looks at us as being righteous

Because HE has imputed us

which means He has taken the righteousness of Christ

And He has placed it upon you & I

God sees you & I as Righteous

Romans 5:9 ESV

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Positional Righteousness

Practical Righteousness

1 John 3:7 ESV

Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.

Note: when we are living a righteous life it protect us from the schemes of the Devil

Positional Righteousness

Practical Righteousness

Self Righteousness

Romans 3:20 ESV

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Example: when you think you are living a more obedient life than others

Example: when you & I try to please God & earn HIs favor by doing something on our own or what we think God might like

Matthew 23:2-5 [Trying to make people think you’re perfect]

Matthew 23:2–5 (ESV)

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others.

Note: We’re not earning anything from God

3rd: The Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Note: 6:15. This verse does not speak of the spreading of the gospel, for Christians are pictured in vv. 10–16 as standing, not advancing. Instead this refers to a believer’s stability or surefootedness from the gospel which gives him peace so he can stand in the battle.

Peace with God Because of the Gospel

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace of God Because of the Gospel

Philippians 4:7 ESV

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace with Others Because of the Gospel

Romans 12:18 ESV

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.