Overcoming the Wiles of the Devil

Ephesians 6:10-13 – Being Strong in the Lord Focus on Ephesians 6:10-13, particularly the “wiles of the devil,” defined as schemes, tricks, and lies. The devil attacks to prevent people from standing firm. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.” Personal experience of being tempted to stay silent before speaking. The devil tries to discourage and bring down. Weightlifting Analogy Relating scripture to weightlifting, using the example of his son’s weightlifting journey. Son initially struggled in football but persevered. Improved through hard work, nutrition, and weightlifting. Became a top performer in the weight room. The central nervous system’s role in lifting heavy weights. Body resists heavy weight, causing shaking, pain, and mental discouragement. Many quit at this point. Overcoming the “wiles of the devil” is like pushing through the pain and mental barriers in weightlifting. The devil uses lies and tricks to make challenges seem impossible. Example: “This person has hurt you too much.” Advice given to his son and nephew: Hold the weight to understand the feeling. Prayer and support from others are essential. Reference to Aaron needing help holding up his arms. Gradual progress is key. His son incrementally increased weight over time. Importance of standing firm after doing all one can. Relating weightlifting to spiritual battles and the attacks of the devil. “Arrows and darts are coming at them.” Emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. “We cannot do this alone.” Anticipating attacks from the devil, either now or in the future. Remembering that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” Wile E. Coyote Analogy Comparing the devil’s schemes to Wile E. Coyote’s tricks. The Roadrunner’s confidence and focus on his goal. Confidence in the Lord allows us to overcome the “things of darkness.” Personal testimony of being saved at a young age. Acknowledging ongoing struggles and reliance on faith. Recalling a time when his daughter was in the hospital with a heart condition. Despite the scary situation, faith remained strong. “Her little heart may be half a heart in there, but that little God is full.” David and Goliath Drawing a parallel between the Roadrunner’s confidence and David facing Goliath. David’s confidence in the Lord despite Goliath’s size and experience. The army was scared and tricked by the devil’s wiles. David’s declaration: “I come to Thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.” Emphasizing reliance on God’s power, not personal strength. David’s past experiences with the lion and the bear gave him confidence. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” Encouragement to face seemingly impossible giants with faith. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities.” Invitation to Accept Jesus The only way to stand is through the power of God’s might. Without Jesus, one can only rely on oneself. Offering an opportunity to: Accept Jesus as Savior. Seek help to stand in His might. Find confidence. Get rid of things. If lost, there is no hope without Jesus. Personal testimony of the blessings of following the Lord. When faced with the devil’s tricks, prayer brings help and strength. “I’m still standing in the power of His blood.”