Introduction: 1. Paul has been giving the church at Ephesus instructions on how to live the Christian life. 2. The challenge of the life may seem impossible but it is not. 3. Paul now gives the Christian exactly what they are facing. 4. Eph. 6:10-13. I. An adversary A. Who is it? 1. It is not flesh and blood (2 Cor. 10:3, 4). 2. It is Satan and his army (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Pet. 5:8). B. Picture that is painted. (Know your opponent) 1. He is a master illusionist. He is deceptive and cunning (2 Cor. 11:3; 2:11; Heb. 3:13). He promises liberty but delivers bondage (2 Pet. 2:19). He makes sin appear beautiful when it is really ugly (Gen. 3:6, 16-21). He makes it appear inconsequential when it really has eternal consequences (Mt. 25:46; Rom. 6:3-4). He pledges happiness but brings misery (Prov. 13:15). C. His plan. He has a method/scheme of attack. (Lk. 8:12). He seeks our most vulnerable point (2 Cor. 2:11; 2 Tim. 2:26). II. Admonitions. A. Be strong. The battle is not for the weak or weak at heart (1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:1). B. Stand (2 Thes. 2:15; Phil. 4:1). You must stand even when it is not popular. There is a great need for religion and not personal feeling or opinion (Jude 3, Phil. 1:7, 17). Note: There is a difference between truth and error (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Pet. 2:1). We need to be like David (2 Sam. 23:11-12). III. The assistance. A. Victory is assured. Satan has been defeated (Rom. 5:18-21; Heb. 2:14). Victory is ours (Rom. 8:31, 37; Phil. 4:1>2 Chron 32:6-8). B. Promise of… 1. God’s power (Ps. 62:11; 68:35; Mt. 19:26; Eph. 3:20). 2. God’s armor. a. The whole armor. b. Be able and really can accomplish what is God’s will. 3. Conclusion (Jude 24). Conclusion: Continue to the end (2 Jn. 8).
Entered on 11/23/2008
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