|
VICTORY OVER SATANIC WARFARE
EPHESIANS 6:10 -18
(January 26, 2020 – SUN p.m. – MBC baesa)
Many believers don’t realize that life is a war that we are in a struggle and God wants us to know that reality. Christianity is not an easy life. The journey of a believer from our salvation until we get to heaven is not easy travel. The Christian road is full of trials, turns, twists, struggles and setbacks. Believers experience difficult and dangerous situation since we are in a much intensified spiritual warfare.
We can be morally and spiritually wounded by the enemy if we are not aware. Our adversary the Devil is much aware of our weaknesses and has a strategic weapon that is design to attack us personally.
We must learn to rely on the Lord every moment of our life daily and to be sure that we do not trip up or else our step will cause us to potentially fall.
Paul was full aware of this that is why he wanted the Ephesians to be aware likewise. Notice that Paul did not end his epistle to the Ephesians without addressing this very important topic of warfare survival. We can see that verse 10 begins with the adverb “Finally.” This is Paul’s final key point that believers must understand that they are facing the strategy of satanic war and must know the keys to victory.
To be victorious over satanic warfare does not come by running around talking to Satan or casting out Satan.
The three keys to spiritual victory:
I- STRENGTH OF POWER IS FOUND IN THE LORD –v. 10
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Our strength is in the Lord and not in us.
The word “be strong” is present tense which means our continual strength is not found in whatsoever we do, not in us, not in seminar, not in retreat but found only in the Lord.
Paul does not say we must be strong in human plans, neither be strong in human methods nor be strong in the latest ideas because if we do it would be an attack on the sufficiency of the Bible and of God Himself.
There are three different words used for strength in this verse:
1. The verb “Be strong”. In Greek (ενδυναμοω) endynamousthe. The emphasis is to fill with power, strengthen, make strong, and be empowered.
2. The noun Dative Neuter Singular “strength” of “in the strength” of NASB or “in the power” of KJV. In Greek (κρατεω) kratei means dominion, strength, power; a mighty deed. The emphasis is to be strong at a ruling, mastering and prevailing level.
3. The noun Genitive Feminine Singular “might” in “of his might.” The Greek ἰσχύος (ισχυος) ischyos means strength (absolutely), power, might, force, ability, forcefulness. The emphasis is to have powerful force and might.
Paul is emphasizing that in order for the believer to become strong, to stay strong, and to develop to the point where we are strong enough to be victorious, we must learn and be aware that our strength can only be found in the Lord and not in us.
We overlooked the truth that God is strong and we are not strong. Sometimes we assume that our strength is in ourselves, in a tablet, in a counsellor, in a baptism, or by raising of a hand or walking on an aisle. But Satan have us where he wants us once we have this way of thinking. Remember that we will not get strong by anything we do because our strength is found only in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
II- SURVIVAL BY PUTTING THE FULL ARMOR OF THE LORD – v.10-13
It is very essential to put on the full armor of God not wearing partial armor if we want to be victorious to survive the satanic warfare. It is God’s armor and not our armor.
Three reasons why we need to put on the full armor of God:
A. We are able to stand firm against the schemes of the Devil – v.11
Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The word translated “wiles” in KJV, ASV, ERV, YLT is translated “schemes” in NASB, ESV is in Greek word (μεθοδια) methodeias from which we get our English word “methodology.” It is a word that refers to systematic craftiness and deceit (Strong’s Greek 3180). The Devil used specific systematic strategy and tactical plan to attack every believers that is why we need the complete armor of God not partial to stand firmly against those schemes. Again the key is having the full armor of God.
B. We are wrestling against the dark, wicked, spiritual, satanic forces – v.12
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The word “wrestle” in KJV, ASV, ESV or “struggle” in NASB, is in Greek word πάλη (palē) which means wrestling, a wrestling bout; hence: a struggle, fight, conflict, contest, generally fight (Strong’s Greek 3823) This refers to a combat or fight or contest we are engage in.
When an individual believes on Jesus Christ as Savior the war begins. But we are not wrestling, in combat against physical forces that we can fight. But we are against powerful, dark, spiritual evil forces that war against us and it is hard fight because we are struggling something that is invisible.
C. We can withstand the evil and stand firm in the warfare – v.13
Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
When we are walking closely depending on the Lord Jesus Christ or if we are wearing the complete armor of God is we will be able to “resist” or fight back the evil when it comes to us. The word “withstand” in KJV or “resist” in NASB is in Greek word (ανθιστημι) antistēnai which means to set against, to withstand, resist, oppose (Strong’s Greek 436)
Notice the word “having done all, to stand.” In KJV or “having done everything, to stand firm.” In NASB. It says We need to stand firm after we have done everything. What is that “all” or “everything” we are supposed to do? That “everything” or “all” refers to the whole armor of God and we need to realize that our strength depends on the Lord and not in ourselves.
III- STAND FIRM IN THE FULL ARMOR OF THE LORD – v.14-20
There are times we need to run away from things and there are times when we need to stand. When we got saved, God does not intended to rapture us because God’s desire for us is to take a stand and fight a good fight of faith as a good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
There are full armor we need if we are to survive this world as a believer..
ILLUSTRATION: Roman soldier wears a helmet, breastplate, shield, sword and sandals. Since Paul was imprisoned and chained to a soldier day and night, therefore he has an idea what Roman soldier alike when penned this epistle to Ephesians. The listing of the armors is orderly given chronologically according when one would actually put the armor.
There are seven spiritual armor of God:
Five are defensive weapon and two are offensive weapon. It is our responsibility to defend ourselves against Satan’s attacks and his demons.
A. Gird Loins with Truth – v.14a
Ephesians 6:14a “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”
Soldier could not fight without a girdle because your clothes need to be tight. If the clothes are loose you don’t have a chance in the fight. The girding of your clothes takes two long strips of leather or cloth that would cinch up the piece around the stomach area. A person will be protected in the mid-section from being cut or sliced. Paul is teaching that truth is the first valuable key to protection.
The word “truth” in Greek (αληθεια) alētheia refers to that which is true as opposed to that which is false. We must therefore be people after truth if we are to have a good war for God. People in this world has full of gropes and guesses regarding various things but as a soldiers of God we need to know and can depend truth. Another valuable key for victorious living is to be a person of truth.
As a believer of we must willing to learn, to trust, to stick, to defend and to apply God’s truth to our daily lives. A truth-oriented and truth integrity is good characteristic of a good soldier.
A winning Strong soldiers life are governs by the truth. That good Christian soldier stands for God’s truth for the truth takes precedence over the reason, opinion, plans or methods of man and even over religious traditions and denominational decree.
Where can we find the truth? In the Holy Scriptures we find the truth. A good soldier of Christ stands to reason. God’s Word is truth. – John 17:17
B. Breastplate of righteousness – v.14b
Ephesians 6:14b “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”
The word “righteousness” in Greek (dikaiosunēs) means to conform to God standards of righteousness and His Word. Does it refers to justifying righteousness or sanctifying righteousness? In fact, to be a good soldier of Christ we must have both the imputed righteousness of justification and must have also the applied righteousness of sanctification. After salvation the believers have the sanctified righteousness with the Word of God.
The breastplate of righteousness protects believer’s heart from satanic attack to his chest through sanctified righteous living.
C. Shod feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace – v.15
Ephesians 6:15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
The word “gospel” means good news. The shod feet purposely protects feet that are in motion. Besides, shod feet also enable the believer to proclaim the gospel grace to the lost world.
A good soldier prepare himself by understanding the good news that makes him at peace with God and peace with himself. Paul emphasized here the preparation or readiness (in Greek is (ετοιμασια) etoimasia means foundation, firm footing; preparation, readiness. (Strong’s Greek 2091). Good soldiers go to church to learn the Bible truth about the good news how a believer both positionally and practically at peace with God. - Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:6-7. And whenever he prepares himself he is now in a position to know and share the truth wherever he goes.
D. Shield of faith – v.16
Ephesians 6:16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Satan is an expert doubt creator especially encountering God’s Word and God’s truth. As Bible believer we always need to believe the Bible because any moment doubts can hit the believer. When trials hit some believers their faith lapses but the good soldiers demonstrates his faith and overcome another enemy the world. – 1 John 5:4
Whenever the soldier of Christ doubts he will securely go to the place he can hear the Word of God to strengthen his faith. Truly, believers quench the fiery darts of doubts by the devil when we believe the Word of God.
E. Helmet of salvation – v.17a
Ephesians 6:17a “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
Salvation is when our sins are totally forgiven by trusting the finished redemptive work of Christ that He died for our sins, buried, and after three days risen from the dead according to the Scriptures.
The helmet protects the head and brain as the believer focuses his mind on salvation that his sins are completely forgiven by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
There are lot of religious groups and preachers around the world trying to convince people that salvation is by good works, obeying the commandments of God. And they say you will never be saved if you done wrong or if you are bad. Listen, the believers minds need to be locked on the salvation by grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Do not focus your mind on your works, laws or religion, instead focus your mind as believers on your salvation you have found totally and completely in Jesus Christ. This is a major key to victory against satanic deception.
F. Sword of the Spirit – v.17b
Ephesians 6:17b “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
As good soldiers of Christ, our power is in the Word of God so we must know it. Notice the noun “sword” in Greek is (μαχαιρα) machairan refers to a knife; a short sword or dagger as opposed to a large sword. Again see the noun “word” in Greek is (ραμα) rhēma means an utterance; by implication, a matter or topic (Strong’s Greek 4487) in other words it refers to the very words one uses or speaks.
As a good soldier of Christ we are to know and believe the Word of God in any given situation, and we must able to understand it to the point that we can walk around carrying the sword to communicate it to others.
When Satan and Jesus Christ faces each other, and as Satan attacks the Lord Jesus was so familiar with the book of Deuteronomy that He quote those references that made Satan fled. If we know more of the Word of God, the better and stronger fighter we will be.
G. Pray always – v.18
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Prayer is the greatest weapon of all.
The word “praying always” in KJV and “pray at all times” in NASB simply emphasizes at all times for we are to be people of prayer in tune with the Holy Spirit.
As we take up the Bible we need to pray. Regarding our topic putting the armor of God, to understand and apply the Word we must pray. We must pray for ourselves and for each other because we are all in the warfare.
We are able to survive this world and the satanic warfare through these given keys that lead us to victory.
|
