2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Superstitions///Skepticism
In America 89% believe in God but only 61% believe in the devil. (Gallup 2017)
Realities///Extremes
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.…..both hail w equal delight” -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV) 10 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.
The Devils Schemes….
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Devil: The one who throws slander and accusation.
1. As a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8)
2. The subtle serpent (Genesis 3:1)
3. As an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV) 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Standing Firm
“The only authority he has is in our life is the authority we lend him.”
1- Belt of Truth
“The relativist thinks that truth is subjective. Therefore truth becomes a lower value to virtues based on emotions and experience. If truth is subjective it is not a truth at all. What makes truth is that IT IS absolute.”
2. Breastplate of righteousness
“We do can’t produce righteousness but we can guard it.”
3- Feet covered with the Gospel of Peace
Romans 16:20 (NIV) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
4. Shield of Faith
“If we are functioning in fear then the enemy has influence in our life.”
Luke 10:19 (NIV) I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
5. Helmet of Salvation
We think FROM our Salvation.
“We can only renew and redeem what we take captive”
James 4:7-8 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.