OVERCOMING THE DEVIL - Clover Sites
OVERCOMING THE DEVIL
EPHESIANS 6: 10-20
Introduction:
We are in conflict with an unholy trinity of evil that is agreed on our spiritual destruction. The devil is the last of these.
The devil works much of his work through the world. The world is a willing and effective ally to the devil.
The devil also makes many of his temptations, if not all of them, to the flesh. He is most effective in appealing to the old residue of the fall that remains in us.
The objective in his attack will be the destruction of our faith. He wants to remove our confidence in God. He knows that without faith we are useless in the kingdom of God.
There are some important elements in our overcoming the devil.
I. WE NEED CLARITY IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEVIL.
1. He is a fallen spirit.
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
[1]
2. He is limited in power, knowledge, and movement.
3. He rules a spiritual kingdom.
4. He focuses attention on the mind.
Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[2]
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)
11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
[3]
[4]
II. WE NEED TO RELY ON DIVINE RESOURCES.
1. Rely on the Strength of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
[5]
2. Rely on the Victory of the Cross.
Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
[6]
III. WE NEED TO CLOTHE OURSELVES IN THE ARMOR OF GOD.
1. It is “of God” because it is provided by God.
2. It covers the person for defense.
The girdle of truth—personal integrity.
The breastplate of righteousness—personal and practical righteousness.
The preparation of the gospel for the feet.
The shield of faith—personal reliance upon God.
The helmet of salvation—the assurance of salvation.
3. It arms the person for offense.
“The sword of the Spirit” is for offense. It is the rhema, the utterance of God. Jesus is our example in the use of the sword.
IV. WE NEED TO TAKE A FIRM STAND FOR THE LORD AND AGAINST THE DEVIL.
V. WE NEED TO UTILIZE PRAYER UNCEASINGLY.
-----------------------
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.