We’re At War

Introduction:

Ephesians 2:1-3 – Before coming to Christ, we were dead in our sin. In short, we were the property of Satan! Ephesians 2:4-7 – Christians are made alive through Christ. Those who have put on Jesus through obedience are alive spiritually & have hope of eternal life. Christians set out on a great spiritual journey – endeavoring to get to heaven! Now that Christ owns us – we are in the midst of a spiritual battle – a war! Devil not going to just slump away & sulk b/c you have come to Christ! 

I.  The Devil is Alive & Well Today!

A.     He thrives on persuading people to disobey & doubt God.

1.     Gen. 3:1; 4-5 – started with Eve in the garden. 

a)    John. 8:44 – Satan is the father of lies.

2.     1 Chronicles 21:1 – David.

3.     Acts 5:3-10 – Ananias and Sapphira

4.     Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 4:1-13 – Jesus

B.     He seeks out & attempts to destroy followers of God.

1.     Lk. 22:31 – went after Peter & the apostles. Goal?  Destroy Peter.  Could have succeeded – 22:54-62

2.     Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6 – demanded to go after Job.

3.     We all must be on guard – 2 Pet. 5:8 – warning to all Christians. 

4.     2 Cor. 2:11 – will scheme against all Christians!

C.     Prevents/holds back those outside of Christ needing to come to Jesus.

1.     2 Cor. 4:3-4 – blinds hearts of unbelievers so that they not able to see.

2.     2 Tim. 2:24-26 – Holds people captive to do his will.

II.  But Wait….There’s good news!

A.     Not all is lost – we can overcome all fiery trials thrown out at us!

B.     Told to resist (Eph. 6:13; Js. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:7).  How can we resist?

1.     Js. 4:7-8 – draw near to God!

2.     Trust in God to provide way of escape – 1 Cor. 10:13

3.     Js. 1:2-4 – trials can strengthen us!

4.     Heb. 12:1-3 – Look to Jesus.

III.  We Satan has knocked us down; we must set our mind to succeed!

A.     Apostles did just that – Eph. 6:11-13 – any doubt here?

B.     Not Paul’s words to Timothy – 2 Tim. 2:11-13.

C.     Note his attitude in 2 Tim. 4:18 – will rescue us from every evil deed.

1.     Eph. 3:20 – he is able to accomplish the impossible.

Conclusion

A.     Who owns your soul?  Have you asked Jesus to redeem you from your sins?

2.     Give up yourself to Christ today by obeying gospel (Acts 26:18)

B.     Christian?  Do not let the fires of life burn you out spiritually.