Devil Wars

Ephesians 6:10 - 12  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might,  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

From the Video:
In all places, locations, races, and times someone evil always emerges. What lies in back of the inclination of the heart? We always choose according to the greatest inclination of the heart at the moment of choice. The proposition "all have sinned " is as inductively verifiable as gravity. Ever .   Dr. Jeremiah's notes:

"I Never Thought I'd See the Day When Christians Wouldn't Know They Were in a War"

Selected Scripture
1 Timothy 4:1
Ephesians 6:12
I. Who Satan Is
A. Satan Is the Great Deceiver
John 8:44
Revelation 12:9
B. Satan Is the Great Divider
James 3:6, 8
C. Satan Is the Great Destroyer
II. What Satan Does
A. The Strategy of Indifference
2 Corinthians 11:14
1 John 5:19
Ephesians 6:12
B. The Strategy of Ignorance
C. The Strategy of Infiltration
Ephesians 4:27
Proverbs 6:27
D. The Strategy of Intervention
E. The Strategy of Intimidation
1 John 3:8

 

STAND FIRM - OVERCOME AND RESIST

As we stand firm in the Faith we must take up the full armor of God. Below is quoted from Charles Spurgeon. Here he instructs us with the verse from 1 Peter 5:9 : But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”   

HOW WE MAY OVERCOME THIS ADVERSARY

“Whom resist steadfast in the faith.” This is our first means of defense. When Satan attacks us as an angel of light, we need not so much resist by open antagonism as by flight. There are some temptations that are to be overcome only by running away from them, but when Satan roars, we must raise the shout and the war cry. To run then would be cowardice and must entail certain destruction.

 

Suppose now that Satan roars with persecution, or suppose you are slandered, vilified, abused---will you give way? Then are you undone. Will you say, “No, never. By Him who called me to this work, I will see this battle out.” You have done well: you have resisted, and you will win the day. Has he assailed you with some temptation obnoxious to your spirit? Yield an inch, and you are undone, but become more watchful and vigilant over yourself in that particular sin, and resistance must certainly bring victory. Or has he injected blasphemy? Resist. Be more prayerful every time he is more active. He will soon give it up if you find that his attacks drive you to Christ. Often has Satan been nothing but a big black dog to drive Christ’s sheep nearer to the Master. Match Satan by turning his temptations to good account, and he will soon give up that method of warfare.

Resist him. But how? “Steadfast in the faith” Seek to obtain a clear knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel and then get a good grip of them. Be ready to die rather than give up a particle of God’s revealed truth. This will make you strong. Then take hold of the promises of God which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. Know that to every doctrine there is some opposite promise. Have ready for every attack some strong word commencing with “It is written.”

All the water outside a ship cannot sink it. It is the water inside that perils the ship’s safety. So if your faith can keep its hold and you can say, “Though he slay me yet will I trust in him,” Satan may batter your shield, but he has not wounded your flesh. The conflict may be long, but the victory is absolutely sure. Keep near to the cross, and you are safe. Throw your arms around the dying Savior. Let the droppings of His blood fall on your sins, and even if you cannot see Him, still believe in Him. Then let Satan roar, he cannot hurt; let him rage, his fury is vain; he may only show his teeth, for he certainly cannot bite. “Whom resist, steadfast in the faith.”

 

 

THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD - Stand Firm in the Faith

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
EPHESIANS 6:10-17

See Video
Full Armor of God
http://youtu.be/hsRm8rnmdLw
 


 

Schemes of the devil

Believers must put on the full armor of God. Eph.6. Christians are to Stand Firm in the faith and heed to the word of God. As we persevere in the Faith, we must stand firm and not be duped or discouraged by the schemes of the devil and those who act as his agents in disguise.

But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven if I have forgiven anything, I did it for the sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11

1 Peter 5:8  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Satan opposes everything Christ does, including those who serve Him. Christ revealed the truth in John 1:17, but Satan conceals the truth.

Those who belong to Satan replicate his ways. In John 8:44, Jesus said; Satan, “ does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

True Believers imitate Christ and are obedient to His will and His ways. Christ produces spiritual fruit in our lives…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5: 22-23

But Satan loves the fleshly fruit of “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.”

Betrayal

Judas had been with Christ for 3 years, observing his works, and listening to his words. He was aware of Christ’s perfection and power, but Judas refused to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. God therefore turned him over to Satan. Luke 22:3-5 “Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money.

Judas sold out Christ

Satan made Judas his tool by filling his mind with traitorous thoughts and moving his will to act on them. This is mental possession, giving Satan control of the mind, heart, and will. “Satan entered into Judas” by no compulsion but as a welcome master who is received by a willing slave.

You know when someone belongs to the devil when their behavior is always attacking your faith in Christ and disrupting your fruitful work for the lord. The bible tells us to resist the devil.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Remembering what the scripture says in Romans 12:18,19 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.