Ephesians 6: 10 - 18Strong in the Lord and in HIS

mighty power

The reality of the struggle

• The devil’s schemes/wiles/craftiness• Struggle against .....the spiritual forces of evil in

the heavenly realms• Active but limited force. Masquerades as light.• Deliver us from evil.....Lord’s prayer• ...your minds may be led astray from your

sincere and pure devotion to Christ 2 Cor 11:3

Put on the full armour of God

Be imitators of God 5:1

Full armour

• Belt of truth• Breastplate of righteousness• Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of

peace ...reconciliation• Shield of faith• Helmet of salvation• Sword of the spirit

Full armour

Together

Offensive

• Small sword – Take up• Double - edged• Precise...sharp....• Word of God – living, active, powerful Heb 4:12

Enduring Is 40:2

• Dwell in you richly Col 3:16

• Facing the enemy. Obey it Lk 11:28

• Wrestling (1 to 1 combat...Jacob)

TemptationsMt 4

• Jesus......It is written...• Jesus .....It is also written• Jesus .....For it is written

• Away from me Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. V 10

(Resist the devil and he will flee from you)

Sword of the spirit

• I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you Ps 119:11

• Dwell in you richly• Not just hearers but doers• Useful for teaching, correcting, training in

righteousness...equipping for every good work 2 Tim 3:16

• Handle with care! (A workman who correctly handles the word of truth 2 Tim 2:15)

Word• God-breathed 2 Tim 3:16

• Fire.....Hammer Jer 23:29

• Living and active Heb 4:12

• Will not return empty Is 55:11

• Lamp to our feet and a light to our path• Enduring: The grass withers and the flowers

fall but the word of our God stands forever

Paul to Timothy

• “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction......” 2 Tim 4:2

Zambia

....battle weary? ..... get roots down deep?

Stand x 4

Prayer