YOU CANNOT WIN A BATTLE IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOU ARE IN A WAR. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

YOU CANNOT WIN A BATTLE IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOU ARE IN A WAR.

Ephesians 6:10-18

False Cults – Errorists “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” (II Peter 2:1).

Common Threads Of Cults 1. Christ Not Equal To God The Father 2. Reject Biblical Revelation Of Triune God 3. Add Their Book In Addition To The Bible 4. Reject Free Gift Of Salvation By Grace 5. Exclusive & Centered Upon Strong Leader

Warnings “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

Spirit Of Truth Vs. Spirit Of Error “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (II Timothy 4:1-2).

I. Our Resources (10-11a) A. Authority Of God B. Armor Of God We Are Not Fighting For Victory But From Victory!

II. Our Resistance (11b – 12) Satanic Foe A. I Thessalonians 2:18 & I John 5:19 Spiritual Forces B. II Timothy 4:18

III. Our Resolve (13-15) Two Times: “Put On” Two Times: “Full Armor” Four Times: “To Stand”

Satanic Attacks 1. Influencing Governments (Daniel 10:13) 2. Deceiving People (II Corinthians 4:4) 3. Destroying Lives (Hebrews 2:14) 4. Persecuting Saints (Revelation 2:10) 5. Accusing Believers (Revelation 12:10) 6. Blocking Service (I Thessalonians 2:18) 7. Planting Doubt (Genesis 3:1-5)

Satanic Attacks 8. Provoking Sin a. Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27) b. Pride (I Timothy 3:6) c. Worry (Matthew 13:22) d. Self-Reliance (I Chronicles 21:1) e. Discouragement (I Peter 5:6-8) f. Worldliness (I John 2:16) g. Lying (Acts 5:3) h. Immorality (I Corinthians 5:1-2)

Run 1. James 4:7 Fall 2. I Corinthians 10:12-13

A. Belt Of Truth B. Breastplate Of Righteousness C. Shoes Of Gospel Of Peace

Forrest Gump “My Momma always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. Where they are going. Where they have been. ”

“Roman infantrymen wore tough sandals studded with sharp, thick nails on the bottoms to increase traction” (Josephus).

Two Main Purposes 1. Firm Footing – Standing Ground 2. Forward Traction – Stepping Forth

Firm Footing “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15).

Forward Traction “I am under obligation both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:14-16).

Ambassadors For Christ “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15).

Strongholds “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (II Corinthians 10:3-4).

Shame & Guilt Sexual Abuse, Addiction, & Immorality “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (I Thessalonians 4:3, 7).

Shoes Of Gospel Of Peace The Christian soldier needs peace with God to enter His army and he needs the peace of God to be victorious in His army. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).