Empowered for Spiritual Battle: Victory in Christ
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we face, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil and his principalities have been active since the fall of man, causing chaos and confusion in the world. However, God has initiated a plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, who came to destroy the works of the devil. Christ's victory over the devil is evident in His life, death, and resurrection, and it assures us of the final victory when He returns.
Despite this victory, Christians still face struggles and temptations. The world lies in the wicked one, but believers are called to live differently, having been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. This transformation is not just about forgiveness but a complete change in our spiritual position. We are no longer in the devil's clutches, though he can still harass and tempt us. The devil cannot touch us in the sense of reclaiming us; we are secure in Christ.
The Christian life involves wrestling and fighting against these spiritual forces, but we do so with the assurance that we are of God. Our life is hidden with Christ in God, and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. This new relationship with God empowers us to resist the devil, who will flee from us. Our security in Christ is absolute, and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The spiritual battle is real, and we must be aware of the devil's schemes. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Understanding the nature of this battle helps us to rely on God's strength and armor. [00:32]
- Christ's victory over the devil is complete, yet we still face temptations. The devil can no longer claim us, but he can still harass us. Our security in Christ is assured, and we must live in the light of this truth. [04:38]
- The transformation in a believer's life is profound. We have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. This new position in Christ changes everything about our spiritual reality. [16:38]
- Our relationship with God is our strength. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. This truth empowers us to resist the devil and stand firm in our faith. [36:17]
- The assurance of our salvation is absolute. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and we are secure in Christ. This assurance gives us confidence to face the spiritual battles of life. [41:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [01:11] - Understanding the Enemy
- [02:23] - God's Response to Evil
- [03:48] - Christ's Victory Over the Devil
- [05:12] - Practical Application of Spiritual Truths
- [06:43] - The Present Position of Believers
- [07:32] - The World in the Wicked One
- [12:52] - The Position of Christians
- [14:18] - Transformation Through Christ
- [20:20] - The Ongoing Struggle
- [23:25] - The Devil's Limited Power
- [30:00] - The Christian's Secure Position
- [36:17] - Greater is He That is in You
- [41:17] - Assurance of Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- Colossians 1:13
- 1 John 5:18-19
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "put on the whole armor of God" in Ephesians 6:10-13? How does this relate to standing against the devil's schemes? [00:32]
2. According to the sermon, how does the devil continue to influence the world despite Christ's victory? [08:54]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "the whole world lies in the wicked one" as mentioned in 1 John 5:19? [07:32]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when a person becomes a Christian, according to Colossians 1:13? [16:38]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the ongoing struggle Christians face despite being delivered from the power of darkness? [21:06]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our security in Christ empowers us to resist the devil? [36:17]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "that wicked one toucheth him not" from 1 John 5:18 in the context of a Christian's life? [23:52]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers stand firm against spiritual forces? [36:32]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked or tempted. How can the concept of putting on the "armor of God" help you in similar future situations? [00:32]
2. The sermon emphasizes that the devil can no longer claim us, but he can still harass us. How do you recognize when this is happening in your life, and what steps can you take to resist? [04:38]
3. Consider the transformation described in Colossians 1:13. How has your spiritual position changed since becoming a believer, and how does this impact your daily life? [16:38]
4. The sermon mentions that our life is hidden with Christ in God. How does this assurance affect your confidence in facing spiritual battles? [33:29]
5. Think of a time when you felt separated from God's love. How does the assurance that "nothing can separate us from the love of God" change your perspective on that experience? [41:17]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to stand firm in your faith. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your resolve? [43:15]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the truth that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"? What specific actions can you take to live out this truth? [36:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Awareness of the Spiritual Battle
The spiritual battle is a reality that believers must face with vigilance. Ephesians 6:10-13 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This awareness is crucial as it helps us rely on God's strength and armor to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Understanding the nature of this battle allows us to be prepared and proactive in our spiritual lives, recognizing that the enemy's tactics are subtle and deceptive. We are called to be strong in the Lord, knowing that He equips us with everything we need to resist the devil and his plans. [00:32]
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can be more vigilant in recognizing and resisting the spiritual battles in your life today?
Day 2: Living in the Light of Christ's Victory
Christ's victory over the devil is complete, yet believers still face temptations and struggles. The devil can no longer claim us, but he can still harass us. Our security in Christ is assured, and we must live in the light of this truth. This means embracing the reality that we are no longer in the devil's clutches and that our position in Christ is secure. We are called to live differently, having been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. This transformation is not just about forgiveness but a complete change in our spiritual position. [04:38]
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the truth of Christ's victory and your secure position in Him?
Day 3: Transformation Through Christ
The transformation in a believer's life is profound. We have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. This new position in Christ changes everything about our spiritual reality. It is not just a change in status but a complete renewal of our identity and purpose. As believers, we are called to live out this transformation daily, allowing the truth of our new identity in Christ to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. This transformation empowers us to resist the devil and stand firm in our faith. [16:38]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally live out your new identity in Christ today, allowing His transformation to impact your daily life?
Day 4: Empowered by Our Relationship with God
Our relationship with God is our strength. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. This truth empowers us to resist the devil and stand firm in our faith. As believers, we are not left to fight the spiritual battle alone. God is with us, and His presence in our lives gives us the power and confidence to overcome the enemy's schemes. This relationship with God is not just a source of strength but also a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. [36:17]
"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and rely on His strength in your daily battles?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
The assurance of our salvation is absolute. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and we are secure in Christ. This assurance gives us confidence to face the spiritual battles of life, knowing that our ultimate victory is already won. As believers, we can rest in the certainty of our salvation, allowing this truth to anchor our faith and guide our actions. This assurance is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes how we live and respond to the challenges we face. [41:17]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation influence your perspective on the challenges and battles you face today?
Quotes
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the Ws of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against Powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [00:18:07]
The devil entered into God's perfect creation, tempted men, men in his folly fell, and the result is the trouble and the confusion and the chaos that one reads of in the whole history of the human race up until this moment and all that we see in the world this morning. [00:28:00]
The primary object in a sense of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ was that he might destroy the works of the devil. We again took a general view of that and we saw how in every way our Lord defeated the devil in every respect. [00:38:36]
The world means mankind apart from God, men living according to his own understanding, according to his own will, according to his own desires. The world is just the opposite of the church if you like. The world is the opposite of the Christian. [00:49:54]
The position has entirely changed for Christian people, not for anybody else. The world is still there lying in the wicked one as if Christ had never been at all. And isn't that obvious? Think of the millions of people today who are living exactly as if the Son of God had never been in this world. [00:58:35]
He says that the world was like this: the strong man armed, that's the devil, keepeth his Goods in peace. That's the devil controlling others. That's the world lying in the wicked one. But he says when a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted. [01:02:40]
He is taken out of the clutches of the strongman armed and set in a new position. Now the Bible is full of this. That is of course what our Lord himself said to Saul of Tarsus when he met him on the road to Damascus. [01:09:20]
You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people that he may show forth the Praises of him who has called you out of Darkness Into His Marvelous Light who were not a people but are now the people of God who had not obtained Mercy but now have obtained mercy. [01:16:01]
The Christian is no longer in the clutches of the devil and he never can be. He is taken out of the kingdom of Satan altogether and has been translated into the kingdom of God's dear son. But you see that doesn't mean that the devil can't worry the Christian. [01:25:05]
Whatever the devil may do, he cannot change the position of the Christian. That's the act of God and it's a final Act. It's an absolute act. There is no such thing as falling from grace. That would mean the defeat of God again. It's impossible. [01:29:22]
Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. There is the same statement again put in a slightly different form. You are of God and because of that you have overcome these antichrists and evil forces and Powers. [01:47:18]
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Did you ever hear such a thing? The devil, the devil who is so clever and so subtle and so powerful that he could even come to man absolutely perfect and innocent in the Garden of Eden and get him down. [01:59:14]
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