Fight, Week 3: The Spiritual Fight

Message Title:  “The Spiritual Fight” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)  There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors... – C.S. Lewis The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10 (NIV) …For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (NKJV) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.   After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) Know what is TRUTH You can’t detect a lie, if you don’t know the truth. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (NLT) Know the enemy’s STRATEGIES ...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) When it comes to the spiritual attacks in your life… you don’t need to be scared, but don’t be stupid. Know your AUTHORITY The SPIRTUAL FIGHT is not won through great effort, but through great resolve to STAY and STAND in SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.  “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV) “…whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV) You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting… John 15:16 (AMP) …so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. John 15:16 (AMP) “The story of your life is the story of a long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it.” – John Eldredge