Fighting Spiritual Battles

Summer at Bay Chapel | July 28, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ✓ Stronghold: A prisoner locked by deception. Living life by something that is not true.John 8:44 (NIV) When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.Most of us think of such strongholds as bondages such as sexual trespasses, drug addictions, alcoholism, outward sins we put at the top of a “worst sins” list.  But it's something much worse than our human measuring of sins.A stronghold is an accusation planted firmly in your mind.  And Satan establishes strongholds in God’s people by implanting lies in their minds—falsehoods and misconceptions about God’s nature. - David Wilkerson✓ Stronghold: Anything that exalts itself in our minds, pretending to be bigger or more powerful than our God.✓ Strongholds:Cause us to feel controlled.Consume our emotional energy.Distract us from our purpose.Rob us of the life God intended for us. II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.Spiritual warfare is not an option; it's a necessity. If you're a child of God, you're in a battle for your faith. - Billy Graham FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES I. COMMIT MYSELF TO GOD.James 4:7-8 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.II. CLOSE THE OPEN DOORS.Ephesians 5:11 (NLT) Take no part in the worthless pleasures of evil and darkness, but instead, rebuke and expose them.I Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.III. CONFRONT THE ENEMY IN PRAYER. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.