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“Victory Over The Darkness, Part 1”
Ephesians 6:10-24
Sermon Series: “Getting Acquainted With Jesus”
Introduction: In the
last message in this series, we saw in John 1:5 that there
is a battle going on between light and darkness. In other
words, there is really a spiritual war going on in this
world and in our lives. I believe that God wants us to
examine this topic and learn how to live in victory over the
darkness.
I would like to begin with
some introductory observations:
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The
Christian life is not a playground but a
battleground.
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Therefore, we are soldiers in God’s army who are to
live with a warrior mentality.
-
In this
war, we need to be careful to fight the real enemy.
-
An
integral component of a biblical worldview is the
realization that there is an unseen, spiritual world
that intersects with our physical universe. We are
not just material beings living in a closed
universe.
-
Satan
and demons are real beings. Satan is not a figment
of pre-scientific imaginations or simply a metaphor
for evil.
-
We need
to maintain a biblical balance in looking at this
issue. We must not go overboard in speculation or
take away from any of the clear teachings of
Scripture.
-
Satan is
stronger than us apart from the Lord, but we are
stronger than him in Christ (Jude 9, 1 John 4:4,
Philippians 4:13). He cannot make us do anything,
and we cannot use him as an excuse when we sin
(James 1:14).
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We will
be more of a target for Satan the more that we are
faithful and fruitful in serving God.
-
Satan
can only possess unbelievers, but he can entrap
believers (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
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We are
not fighting for victory but from victory because
Jesus won the victory on the cross (Colossians
2:13-15).
1. We can live in victory over
the darkness by understanding our Enemy in the battle (v.
11-12).
2. We can live in victory over the darkness by using God’s
Energy for the battle (v. 10-13, 18).
3. We can live in victory over the darkness by wearing
God’s Equipment for the battle (v. 14-18).
4. We can live in victory over the darkness by sharing
God’s Encouragement for the battle (v. 18-24).
1. Our Enemy: Satan and his
demons
- Satan’s Origin (Ezekiel 28:11-17,
Isaiah 14:12-15):>
- Satan’s Characteristics: The word, “devil,”
means “accuser.” The word, “Satan,” means “adversary.”
He is also called the tempter (Matthew 4:3), and a
murderer and liar (John 8:44).
-
Satan’s Abilities: He is very powerful, wicked,
crafty, and dangerous. However, he is not the opposite
of God in the sense of being all-knowing or
all-powerful.
-
Satan’s Henchmen: Organized ranks of demons
(fallen angels) [see verse 12]
-
Satan’s Strategy: Deception (“wiles of the
devil”)
-
Satan’s Goal: To destroy us (John 10:10, 1
Peter 5:8)
2. Our Energy: The Power of
God Through His Spirit
- Salvation-“My
brethren” means that Christians are being
referred to. Only believers can withstand the
devil.
- The Lord’s
Strength and Power [see Eph. 1:15-22]
-
The Holy Spirit (v. 18) [see 1 John 4:4]
Conclusion: Are you
living in victory over the darkness? Are you a Christian?
Are you overcoming in the power of Christ?
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