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Warfare in the Spirit

Words of Faith Final

Warfare in the Spirit

Words of Faith 4-30-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Ephesians 6

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

 

        It’s a jungle out there.  At least in the realm of the Spirit, it is a battle out there.  The Apostle makes no secret of this.  After speaking about the power of praise, the peace of God that is won through the cross, the amazing nature of salvation by grace through faith, God’s plan for the Body of Christ to be in unity through leadership, and the practical instruction for church life, marriage, family, kids, and work... he penned the word "finally," and that was a signal that either least important or the most important topic was to come.  It is the most important.

      The truth is that even knowing all this amazing truth, we still struggle.  We still have hard times to deal with and fractured relationships.  We still have misunderstandings and tough work situations.  We still have difficult family and church relationships.  Why?  Because our struggle is not against flesh and blood.  That simple.  Our struggle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

         The word for struggle means to wrestle--to throw violently or intensely, strike, or throw down.  The Enemy in this world wants to throw you around violently.  The struggle in life is not against people.  It is not against your boss, your neighbor, your family, or your spouse.  It is the Enemy who schemes against you.  Until we realize this truth, we will lose at every turn.  If you do not believe you have an Enemy-- each battle is pretty much lost.

       Now that may sound bleak, but there is some really good news.  Jesus said: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  Jesus declared that in Him you have peace-- but in this world, you will have pressure, affliction, anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation, trouble.  But there is an answer--He has overcome the world. 

       We cannot receive a victory over an Enemy we do not believe exists.  We cannot claim a victory that we do not believe has been won.  How do we respond to that the truth Jesus declared?  We will be looking at that over the next few days, but it boils down to three things-- Be strong in His power.  Put on the Armor Provided.  Take your Stand.

 

        Father God, prepare me for battle.  Prepare me with Truth.  Armor me with the fortifications of Your Spirit.  Harden my resolve.  Confirm my place in Your plan and the strength of Your resolve in battling for me.  In Jesus’ Name.