Stand Your Ground Against the Enemy

Scripture Focus

• Ephesians 6:10-18 (armor of God, spiritual warfare)
• Ephesians 6:19-24 (Paul's closing)

Ephesians Postures

• Chapters 1-3: Seated in Christ (Eph 1:20; Eph 2:6)
• Chapters 4-5: Walk worthy (Eph 4:1; walk in love, light, wisdom)
• Chapter 6: Stand firm (Eph 6:10-14)

Spiritual Warfare Reality

• Unseen but real battle against Satan/demons (not flesh/blood; Eph 6:12)
• 56% of Americans believe Satan is real (Barna study)
• Targets believers to destroy marriages, families, faith, churches
• Satan: roaring lion (1 Pet 5:8), tempter (1 Thess 3:5), dragon/serpent/deceiver (Rev 12:9), murderer/liar (John 8:44)
• Origin: Satan's rebellion, 1/3 angels cast out (Rev 12:7-9; Isa 14:12; Luke 10:18); now demons on earth
• Angels minister to believers (Heb 1:14)
• Believers: oppressed (not possessed) from outside (1 John 4:4; Luke 13 spirit of infirmity)

Key Instructions (Eph 6)

• Know real enemy: Satan/demons (principalities, powers, rulers of darkness; Eph 6:12)
• Stand firm, no retreat ("stand" x3; Eph 6:11,13,14; James 4:7)
• Strength in Lord's power (Eph 6:10; Jude 9)
• Wear full armor of God (Eph 6:14-18)

Armor of God

Defensive

• Belt of truth: Know God's Word to discern lies
• Breastplate of righteousness: Guard heart (Prov 4:23)
• Feet with gospel of peace: Share gospel, advance kingdom
• Shield of faith: Quench fiery darts (fear; 2 Tim 1:7)
• Helmet of salvation: Protect mind, take thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5)

Offensive

• Sword of Spirit (Word of God): Quote Scripture (Luke 4)
• Prayer/supplication: Persistent intercession (Eph 6:18)

Closing

• Invitation for battle-weary to stand for prayer
• Prayer for strength, deliverance (Isa 59:19)

Verses Mentioned

• Ephesians 1:20
• Ephesians 2:6
• Ephesians 4:1
• Ephesians 6:10-24
• 1 Peter 5:8
• 1 Thessalonians 3:5
• Revelation 12:7-9
• John 8:44
• Isaiah 14:12
• Luke 10:18
• Hebrews 1:14
• 1 John 4:4
• James 4:7
• Jude 9
• Proverbs 4:23
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Luke 4
• Isaiah 59:19