Spiritual Warfare

We begin a new series on the “Whole Armour of God” this week. Take a few moments to read Ephesians 6:10-20. This passage is a crucial reminder of the spiritual battle we all face and the armour we need to equip ourselves with in order to stand against the schemes of the devil. To introduce our new series, here are a few things you can learn and put into practice right now: 

1.Understand the battle: 

Spiritual warfare is not a physical battle but a battle against spiritual powers seeking to oppose God's truth by deceiving people and robbing them of the knowledge of God. Paul specifically tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood.

Avoid the mistake of seeing other people as the enemy. The real enemy is found in principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. The battle begins in our hearts and minds and is ultimately for the hearts and minds of humankind.

Knowing the real enemy is Satan and that the battle occurs in our hearts and minds helps us better prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.

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THE BATTLE BEGINS IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS AND IS ULTIMATELY FOR THE HEARTS & MINDS OF HUMANKIND.

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2.Put on the whole armour of God: 

We will cover each piece of armour individually over the coming weeks. We will do what Paul says and put on the whole armour of God. A partial suit of armour is only partially effective.

Paul tells us to stand strong in the Lord in the power of his might.  Each piece of the armour points us to the Lord and His strength, and putting on the whole armour requires submission to Him. The armour consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

By putting on the whole armour of God, we can stand firm against the devil's attempts to build strongholds against the knowledge of God.

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A PARTIAL SUIT OF ARMOUR IS ONLY PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE.

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3.Practice gratitude and reflection: 

Start your day by reflecting on three things you are grateful for and thanking God for each.

After you have taken the time to practice gratitude, focus on taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and tearing down any strongholds in your heart and mind that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Focus on living in obedience to Christ and representing Him well. 

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FOCUS ON LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST.

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Remember that the battle is fought and won through prayer, loving God and your neighbour, and living in complete obedience to Christ. The enemy wants to drag as many people as possible down with him, but we can stand against his schemes by standing firm in the Lord and equipping ourselves with the whole armour of God. 

Pastor Chris Miller

This message is available in its entirety at PCspeaking.com  Episode #88