Wrestling with God

and Satan

Ephesians 6:10-12OIF 2007 Sermon Series

Ephesians 2:4-7

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 6:10-12

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.

According to L. A. Times religion writer Russell Chandler, in his 1988 book Understanding the New Age, over 42% of Americans believe that they have been in touch with someone who has died. 67% of Americans said they have had some form of ESP and 14% endorsed the work of spirit mediums (by the end of the 1980s).

About 1 in 4 believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God which are often associated with New Age thinking:

– 11% believe that God is "a state of higher consciousness that a person may reach“

– 8% define God as "the total realization of personal, human potential"

– 3% believe that each person is God.

George Barna, "The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators", Word Publishing, Dallas TX, (1996)

Satan’s Lies

Lie #1: Satan is too powerful and we have no ability stand up against him

Ephesians 6:10-12

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.

Satan’s Lies

Lie #1: Satan is too powerful and we have no ability stand up against him

Lie #2: We can handle things and don’t need God

Ephesians 6:10-12

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.

Philip’s version of Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in Philip and in Philip’s mighty power. Make use of all the knowledge and intelligence of Philip so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Satan’s Lies

Lie #1: Satan is too powerful and we have no ability stand up against him

Lie #2: We can handle things and don’t need God

Lie #3: Since I am a Christian now, I will always be victorious no matter what

Ephesians 6:10-12

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.

Satan’s Lies

Lie #1: Satan is too powerful and we have no ability stand up against him

Lie #2: We can handle things and don’t need God

Lie #3: Since I am a Christian now, I will always be victorious no matter what

Lie #4: We can just sit back and let Satan do what he wants since the battle has been won

Judges 1:27-33

But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land. ... Nor did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer ... Neither did Zebulun drive out the Canaanites living in Kitron or Nahalol ... Nor did Asher drive out those living in Acco or Sidon or Ahlab or Aczib or Helbah or Aphek or Rehob ... Neither did Naphtali drive out those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath ...

Ephesians 6:10-12

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.

A recent survey of Discipleship Journal readers ranked areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them:

1. Materialism

2. Pride

3. Self-centeredness

4. Laziness

5. (Tie) Anger/Bitterness

5. (Tie) Sexual lust

7. Envy

8. Gluttony

9. Lying