Ephesians 6:17-24
Spiritual Warfare Part 4
Intro: This is our 4th and final study dealing
with the subject of Spiritual warfare – tonight also finish Ephesians [Rd v.10-20]
A) In our look at the Armor of God we have seen a
division between the pieces of Armor – { Represented in the words Having & taking
B) Concerning the first three pieces of Armor – Paul
says V.14
Stand therefore, having girded
your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,15
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace
C) The word having speaks of that which is in the past tense
– All 3 of these pieces of Armor describe something that has already taking
place
1) They describe our position in Christ – Been Set
free by the truth / We are covered in the Righteousness of Christ / We are at
Peace w/ God
D) Paul is saying we need to Know that !!! If we are
to stand we need to be Sure about those things –
1) Those pieces of armor really deal with who we are In Christ !!!!!
But in v. 16 there is a shift – Paul moves from looking at
our Past Position to our Present practice: From who you are in Christ to who
Christ is in You – when he says 16 above
all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench
all the fiery Darts of the wicked one.17 And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
A) Now there
is a shift – Present daily activity – Starts with above all taking the shield
of Faith { Focused last time shield & Helmet
B) Above all
= Shield is important [It Covers the
whole man] – The Just shall live by Faith – Refers to that
basic trust in the Lord –
1) It takes faith to stand in the truth that I am
free / Righteous / at peace
That I have that hope and assurance of Heaven { Faith applies
truth
C) And it takes Faith to use the sword of God’s word –
believing that it is Powerful weapon / Tonight begin by discussing the SWORD
In the Days of King Arthur the Story is told of a Knight
who became known for his Expert Swordsmanship
A) And the Word Spread about this great SWORD
B) So the King sent for it -
observed it said I see nothing special about this sword !!!- Word came
to the Knight – who sent this note to the
KING
1) It simply read "You have seen
the sword but you haven't seen the arm that holds it"
C) That's
what made the difference! The skill & strength of the Knight!
But the
Opposite is true in our Christian experience /
A) There is a VAST difference between our Situation
& the Knights
B) In the Knights case success & victory had to do
more w/ the one holding the sword / But in our case – it has to do more w/ the sword
that is held!
1.)
Doesn't
matter size - strength or the age of person. All that
matters is the sword being used
C) We have been equipped w/ a powerful weapon and
all that matters is
that we believe in it’s power & learn how to put it to use!
The sword to
which Paul refers here is the machaira, which varied in
length from six to eighteen inches.
A) It was the common sword carried by Roman foot
soldiers and was the principal weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
B) Carried in a
sheath attached to their belts, it was always at hand and ready for use.
1) Paul says our sword is the WORD OF GOD – carry it
– pack the word
See the BIBLE is no ordinary Book
A) Comprised 1500 year period - 40 authors , 3 cont.
, 3 languages. Points to a person -
Jesus! "In volumes ... written of me"
B.) Not a
book of deals or principles - though they are there - not focus - (focus
- draw relationship w/ person - Jesus)
C) It is a
book in which every word and line is inspired by God – God breathed –
From an unknown source comes this tribute to
Scripture:
There are
words written by kings, by emperors, by princes, by poets, by sages, by
philosophers, by fishermen, by statesmen, by men learned in the wisdom of
Egypt, educated in the schools of Babylon, and trained at the feet of rabbis in
Jerusalem. It was written by men in exile, in the desert, in shepherd’s tents,
in green pastures, and beside still waters. Among its authors we find a
tax-gatherer, a herdsman, a gatherer of sycamore fruit. We find poor men, rich
men, statesmen, preachers, captains, legislators, judges, and exiles. The Bible
is a library full of history, genealogy;, law ethics, prophecy, poetry,
eloquence, medicine, science, political economy, and the perfect rules for
personal and social life. And behind every word is the
divine author, God Himself
D) It is a
book that is powerful – power to transform lives
1) Other books might move you
emotionally / stimulate your imagination – But
The Bible Changes your life !!!!
A
"Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't" -
Now The sword of
the Spirit is first of all
a defensive weapon, capable of deflecting the blows of an opponent.
A) It is the believer’s supreme weapon of defense
against the onslaughts of Satan.
Now it differs from the shield of faith which describes a broad
and general over all protection,
A) The sword can deflect an attack only if it is
handled precisely and skillfully.
B) It must parry the enemy weapon exactly where the
thrust is made.
1 Now most of us are familiar with
the fact that there are different Greek words that are translated “word.”
C) The most common Greek word, translated “word,” is
the word logos. 1) And most of are familiar with that word
because we know that Jesus is referred to in Jn 1 as the “Logos.” He’s the Word of God.
D) But There’s another word that’s translated word
in the New Testament, another Greek word.
And that’s the word, rhema.
1) that’s
the word that we have here. It refers
to a specific saying: A specific word – for a specific situation
So
what Paul is suggesting here is that there are specific words from God that
address specific situations.
A) And we have to go at
that situation with that specific Word of God, with that specific
verse. Paul told Tim . Study show …..
rightly dividing …..
B) That’s why it is really an important thing to
memorize Scripture.
Being able to use that sword – specific words for
specific situations
1) You don’t necessarily have to memorize the exact
verse,
C) We see an example of this in our Lord’s life –
Matt 4 turn there
1) After his baptism Jesus was led into the
wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the Devil
D) Satan tempted Jesus in 3 specific areas – Fathers
Provision / Protection and the Father’s Promise
1) Jesus going thru that is a good example for us –
How to be Victorious
After Fasting for 40 days out in the Desert – Satan shows up
to tempt him first thing he says in v. , if Son of
God - turn stones to bread!
A) There in the wilderness there were 10s of thousands of
limestone rocks - which appearance of little loaves of bread
B) Jesus was hungry - focus of Satan's first
attack! Hey, if Son of God - turn
stones to bread!
1) No big deal - Pizza, Big Mac - what Satan doing
here?
C) Questioning the Sonship of Jesus - If really God's Son …… questioning - the FATHER’S PROVISION
D) Now The
Father spoke at the baptism this is my
.... pleased.
1.) But here Satan is challenging the very words God had spoken: saying:
E) If
you are really God's Son - why still hungry? When is God going to
release you from this fast?
Maybe never?
1)
Trying to get Jesus to act independently from His Father in taking care
of his Provision
Satan does the same thing in your life - my life - says: If you are a child of God where's Father's
provision?
A) Why are bills piling up?
Why lacking? Maybe you should
take a second
job?
Why are you sick?
B) He comes whispering these things in our ears trying to get
us to do
something in our own power!
1.) Act in our own strength or ingenuity -
start thinking who needs God! Do all
right on my own!
Notice how Jesus responds: v.4 - But He answered and said,
"It is
written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
A.) So
great - Jesus was saying the issue is not the material realm not the -
physical realm
B.) No more important than the physical food
was spiritual food of God's Word
1.)And more important than the material realm was the spiritual realm!
Notice - How the enemies tactic changes - doesn't say look
at that cactus - no - whole new approach!
V.5,6 Then the devil took Him up
into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of
God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge
over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot
against a stone.'"
A) Satan is quoting from Ps
91:11-12 - now questions the FATHER’S
PROTECTION !!
B.) Do you believe your
Father will really protect you Jesus?
Prove it! Prove it to me - yourself -
all of Israel - jump!
1.)
Don't
the scriptures say "He will give His angels charge over
you to keep you from even stubbing your toe"
C)Now this is Interesting - Satan quotes scripture: Knows word –
but he always
omits phrases - cults , false teachings!
1.) Ps 91:11 - Lit. says - For He shall give His angels charge over
you to keep you in all your ways! (in God's ways)
D.) Jesus knew this! So He answered - thou shalt not tempt the Lord
your God!- out comes the sword again! ( Rightly Divide )
E.)Jesus knew God
was w/ Him - I don't have to do stupid things to prove it!
One more Satan says - changes tactic again - pulls out all
stops - big one! V.8-10 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an
exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and
their glory.
9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You
if You will fall down and worship me."
A.) What is
going on here? Questioning the FATHER’S PROMISE
B.) Satan
was saying the
world is mine to give away - It's all yours if you bow down and worship me!
1.)Note Jesus doesn't refute this - true - God gave world to man - forfeited to Satan - Jesus redeem back!
C.) Satan
was SAYING - Don't have to go to cross!
Short cut!
Satan does the same thing to us - question promise of God -
tries to offer us short cuts!
A.) Compromise
in your business! Tired of waiting?
Settle for second best - make it
happen now!
B.)Quit waiting for husband to get it together/ he never will -
look at this
guy!
1) Single Sister – Quit waiting for that
Christian Guy – Forever
C.) Once
again Jesus takes out His sword - v.10 10
Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him
only you shall serve.'"
D) Now After that the devil left!
How did He defeat enemy?
He Quoted scripture: each case provision,
protection, promise
1) Guys -
we can do that – if we know the word – but the Christian who does not know God’s Word well
cannot use it well.
E) HIDES GOD’S WORD IN
YOUR HEART – NOT SIN
Now The sword of
the Spirit is also an
offensive weapon, capable of inflicting blows as well as deflecting those of
the enemy.
A) Heb 4:12 we are told that God’s word is “living and Powerful
and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the
division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the
thoughts and intentions of the heart.
B) Every time the word is spoken there is power that
is put forth
1) Go on the offensive – Speak the word to your kids
– Have scripture up in your house –
C) My wife post scriptures in the house to remind
her of areas where she feels vulnerable as well as – areas she wants to work
on.
1) She is hiding the word in her heart – Satan gets
mad !!!!
D) Bible study in the home /at work -
A)Paul began this study in V.10 by telling us to be strong in the
Lord and
in the power of His might!
B.) That to
me is the most important phrase in this study
- realizing –
stand not in your strength but the Lord's
1.) Not in your power but thru the power of the
H.S. in your life!
C.) God has fully
equipped us to stand victorious in the battle
1.) Question: what good is the most sophisticated tank or Plane money can buy for
Battle today if you can't turn it on?
D.) Prayer is the key for the ignition that
gets the tank rolling to move out into
battle!
Jon Bunyan " You can do
more than pray, after you have prayed
but
can't do more than pray until you have prayed.
Prayer is a
vital part of our weaponry – notice 6 things that are pointed out about our
Prayer life
A.)
1st - v.18 -
Prayer is to be a lifestyle: (praying always)
1Thes 5:17 "pray w/out ceasing?” What does that mean?
So
what does it mean?
1.) It means to live in constant communion w/
the Lord! Keeping in touch /
always aware of His presence
#2 V.18 We are to
Pray w/ all prayer! "Pray w/ all prayer
supplication"
A.) Different
types of prayer mentioned in the Bible:
1.)
Pray = conversing w/ God
simply talking
2.) Supplication: coming to God w/ our needs
3.) PETITION make a request
4.) Praise and thanksgiving - express gratitude -
worship
5.) CONFESSION- confess sins
6.) Intercession - praying - making request for
others
#3 - Pray in the Spirit
A.) Common
interpretation of this - pray in tongues! Now I believe praying in the spirit can involve speaking in tongues
1.)But
don't believe that is primary interpretation here! Here is Why
B)
In 1 Cor 14:5 - "I wish you all spoke w/ tongues - implication: some didn't –
C)So
if this meant simply to pray in tongues – that would mean that some believers
would be under equipped for the Battle.
So what does it mean
to Pray in the Spirit ?
A)To Pray in the spirit is to pray according to the
Spirit - It is developing a
sensitivity to the spirit/ know how to Pray
B) Pray in line w/ the Spirit of God – What is
revealed in Scripture – Ex: I know I am praying in the Spirit when I pray for
someone to get saved
1)
Spirit’s
Job to convict the World of Sin – need of Savior
C) Also Learning & sensing the Spirit’s leading
in area’s that are not
revealed
– Suddenly feel impressed to pray in a certain way
#4 - Pray Being watchful
A.) Being
watchful speaks of being alert! Know
what is going on around you/ See what
is happening / Aware of the Battle
B.) Neh people were
victorious because they watched and prayed
1.) 2 Cor 2:11 - Not to be ignorant of devils devices! Be alert watch out - keep on guard!
C.) Bible is filled w/
exhortations to watch and pray!
Prayer is a
vital part of our weaponry over the enemy and is the key gets fuel rolling in
lives!
A.)
Satan
hates it when we pray! so intimate!
Hates when we worship and communion w/ God
B.) Why attacked the
most when you pray!
1.)
Why
it is so important to be alert - keep eyes open: prayer list/
take walks (cold) whatever necessary stay
focused
C.) Leads to
#5: - pray w/ persistence - w/ all
perseverance!
A.) Have you
ever prayed for something and felt like no one was listening
B) time and time again - you
bring your request before the Lord and yet nothing changes! What do you do then?
C.) If you are like
most people tempted to give up! Don't do that! Don't quit/ "I prayed for BOB last week and he is still bad."
D) Effective
prayer involves endurance - like running a marathon!
Matt &:7 - Jesus made a
wonderful promise: "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will
find; knock and the door will ..."
A)What most people fail to realize is this is a
conditional promise
B) Unfortunately the condition is missed in most our
English translations: The condition is perseverance
C) In the Greek - literal - rendering needs. Keep on asking -
keep on
seeking; keep on
knocking
Last one Pray for others! Paul says Pray for your fellow saints and
Pray for me - I love what he asks for
here :
A.) that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my
mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an
ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Finish : But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing,
Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all
things known to you;22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you
may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.24 Grace
be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.