From Calvary Chapel of Roswell

Pastor Jim Suttle

Msg #506                       Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:11-13)

Today, we are on the frontlines of a spiritual war.  Are you aware of it?

Today, if you are not a Christian – then you are likely unaware of the spiritual battle raging around you.  Part of the reason is that satan and his forces are not fighting against you.  Whether you realize it or not…you are on his side. (Mat 12:30; 1Jn 3:10; Eph 2:2).   I plead with you to surrender this day to Christ and become a part of the Kingdom of God.  I admit to you that it is a daily battle – but I also tell you this – the outcome of this battle is not in doubt.  Satan and this rebellious world….will lose.  Jesus will reign.  I call you this day to the winning side J. 

Today, if you are a Christian – it is possible that you might be unaware of the Spiritual battle.  There are many reasons this could be true:

• maybe you just forgot
• maybe as a new Christian you have not fully become aware of this fact
• maybe you are living so poorly that satan’s forces are leaving you alone for in your present state – you are helping their side

Yet, try to imagine this spiritual scene in a physical way.  What it would be like – to be on the frontlines of a battle.  Bombs are going off – shots are being fired – people are being wounded.  Imagine walking in such a scene…unaware that you are actually on a battlefield!   How puzzling it would all be, as you tried to figure out why all these things are happening…without seeing the battle.   Today I want to open your eyes to the battle around you.

Today if you are a Christian and aware of this fact – then I simply want to take this opportunity to remind you and encourage in the battle.

For that purpose, would you note four quick observations from Eph 6

One – you are in a war!  It says “we do not wrestle against…but against” – there is no maybe in this.  It doesn’t say “you might wrestle” but “we wrestle.” This is definite, we are in a spiritual war!  

Two – this war is a personal war.  God pictures it for us as “wrestling”.  Simply put, wrestling is close contact battle, there is no lobbing grenades or missiles to keep this war back from you.  This battle is one you must and will face…personally…a hand to hand combat.

Three – this war is an organized war.  satan has and is making “wiles” against you.  The word refers to plans, strategies against your soul.   Just be aware, that satan studies how to “bring you down” – don’t be surprised at how accurate his temptations and troubles are.

Fourth – you can stand!  Perhaps this is the most important piece of information.  To see the war, to see our enemy…can almost sound like the odds against you are impossible…but that is not true – God is greater!  (1 Jn 4:4) You can stand against everything satan can throw against you…but simply, you must stand in Christ, you must stand in God’s provision. 

God pictures our defenses as armor.  Eph 6 is not a mantra or incantation that we have to repeat in order to be effective.  If you look through this list, it is all a description, put in picture form, of the wonderful provisions that God has for us in Christ.  

So can I say it simply, flee to Him, stand in Christ, in all that He is, in all that He is doing…and you will stand against satan’s attack in the spiritual war today! 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:13)

Jim

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