Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: Standing Firm in Christ

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul calls us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle we face, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil's tactics are subtle and varied, often attacking us in our conduct, behavior, and even our understanding of Christian living. He can lead us to extremes, either into antinomianism, where we disregard the importance of holy living, or into legalism, where we become bound by rules and lose sight of the gospel's liberty.

Worldliness is another subtle danger, where legitimate things take too much of our time and attention, distracting us from our spiritual focus. This can manifest in the church as well as in individual lives, where worldly methods and distinctions infiltrate our spiritual communities. The devil uses these distractions to lower the quality of our spiritual life, making us lethargic and compromising our Christian witness.

To combat these attacks, we must remember that salvation's primary purpose is to deliver us from this present evil world. We are strangers and pilgrims here, with our citizenship in heaven. We must use the world but not abuse it, keeping our focus on our eternal hope and purifying ourselves as Christ is pure. The devil's ultimate goal is to lead us into sin, even while we are trying to do good. We must be vigilant, holding faith and a good conscience, and when we fall, we must repent and believe in God's forgiveness.

The key to victory lies in being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Christ has already defeated the devil through His life, death, and resurrection. We are not left to fight alone; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to stand firm. We must put on the whole armor of God, confident that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- The devil's schemes are subtle, often leading us to extremes in our Christian walk, either into antinomianism or legalism. We must remain balanced, understanding the liberty of the gospel while living a life of holiness. [02:57]

- Worldliness is a subtle danger where legitimate things take too much of our time and attention, distracting us from our spiritual focus. We must use the world but not abuse it, keeping our focus on our eternal hope. [17:10]

- As Christians, we are strangers and pilgrims in this world, with our citizenship in heaven. This perspective helps us to live with a focus on eternity, purifying ourselves as Christ is pure. [22:04]

- The devil's ultimate goal is to lead us into sin, even while we are trying to do good. We must be vigilant, holding faith and a good conscience, and when we fall, we must repent and believe in God's forgiveness. [31:06]

- Victory lies in being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Christ has already defeated the devil, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm, confident that nothing can separate us from God's love. [40:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [01:04] - The Importance of Spiritual Warfare
- [01:53] - The Devil's Schemes Against Believers
- [02:40] - Extremes in Christian Living
- [04:11] - Understanding Worldliness
- [05:32] - Biblical Warnings Against Worldliness
- [07:13] - The Subtlety of Worldliness
- [09:35] - The Danger of Loving the World
- [11:01] - Worldliness in the Church
- [13:02] - The Christian's Dual Nature
- [15:04] - The Call to Holistic Christian Living
- [17:10] - Using the World Without Abusing It
- [20:29] - The Purpose of Salvation
- [22:04] - Living as Strangers and Pilgrims
- [24:33] - The Balance of Using the World
- [27:02] - The Christian as a Pilgrim
- [30:06] - The Subtlety of Sin
- [32:12] - Scriptural Holiness Preaching
- [35:07] - Repentance and Forgiveness
- [39:23] - Triumph in Christ
- [42:19] - Christ's Victory Over the Devil
- [44:43] - Final Exhortation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- 1 John 2:15-17
- 1 Peter 2:11-12

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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? [00:09]

2. In the sermon, what are the two extremes in Christian living that the devil uses to confuse believers? [02:57]

3. How does the sermon describe worldliness, and what are some examples given of how it can manifest in a believer's life? [04:44]

4. According to the sermon, what is the primary purpose of salvation, and how does this perspective help Christians combat worldliness? [21:04]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "strangers and pilgrims" in 1 Peter 2:11-12 influence a Christian's daily life and decisions? What practical implications does this have for living in a world that often contradicts Christian values? [22:04]

2. The sermon mentions that the devil can lead believers into sin even while they are trying to do good. How can Christians remain vigilant and avoid falling into this trap? [30:06]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worldliness can infiltrate the church, and how can church communities guard against this? [11:35]

4. How does the assurance of Christ's victory over the devil, as mentioned in the sermon, empower believers to stand firm in their faith? [40:19]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be leaning towards antinomianism or legalism? How can you find a balance that honors the liberty of the gospel while living a life of holiness? [02:57]

2. Identify one "legitimate" thing in your life that might be taking too much of your time and attention. What steps can you take this week to ensure it doesn't distract you from your spiritual focus? [17:10]

3. Consider your perspective on being a "stranger and pilgrim" in this world. How does this view affect your priorities and decisions? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this perspective? [22:04]

4. Think about a recent situation where you were trying to do good but felt tempted to sin. How can you prepare yourself to handle similar situations in the future with wisdom and integrity? [30:06]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and believing in God's forgiveness when we fall. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and embrace His grace? [31:06]

6. How can you actively remind yourself of Christ's victory over the devil in your daily life? What practices or habits can you incorporate to strengthen your faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit? [40:19]

7. Reflect on your involvement in your church community. Are there ways you can help guard against worldliness within the church? How can you contribute to maintaining a focus on spiritual growth and integrity? [11:35]

Devotional

Day 1: Balance in Christian Living
In our Christian journey, we often face the subtle schemes of the devil, which can lead us to extremes. On one hand, we might fall into antinomianism, disregarding the importance of holy living and misusing the liberty of the gospel. On the other hand, we might become entangled in legalism, where we are bound by rules and lose sight of the freedom that Christ offers. It is crucial to maintain a balanced approach, understanding that the gospel calls us to live a life of holiness while embracing the liberty it provides. This balance helps us to stand firm against the devil's tactics and live a life that truly reflects our faith. [02:57]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself leaning towards either antinomianism or legalism? How can you seek a more balanced approach in your walk with Christ today?


Day 2: Guarding Against Worldliness
Worldliness is a subtle danger that can easily distract us from our spiritual focus. Legitimate things in life can consume too much of our time and attention, leading us away from our eternal hope. This distraction can infiltrate both our personal lives and our spiritual communities, lowering the quality of our spiritual life and compromising our Christian witness. It is essential to use the world without abusing it, keeping our focus on our eternal hope and living as citizens of heaven. By doing so, we can guard against the devil's attempts to make us lethargic in our faith. [17:10]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one legitimate thing in your life that might be taking too much of your time and attention? How can you adjust your focus to prioritize your spiritual growth?


Day 3: Living as Strangers and Pilgrims
As Christians, we are called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world, with our true citizenship in heaven. This perspective helps us to focus on eternity and purify ourselves as Christ is pure. By remembering that our salvation's primary purpose is to deliver us from this present evil world, we can live with a sense of purpose and direction. This mindset encourages us to use the world without becoming attached to it, keeping our eyes fixed on our eternal hope and the promises of God. [22:04]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does viewing yourself as a stranger and pilgrim in this world change your perspective on daily life? What practical steps can you take to live with a focus on eternity?


Day 4: Vigilance Against Sin
The devil's ultimate goal is to lead us into sin, even while we are trying to do good. We must be vigilant, holding faith and a good conscience, and when we fall, we must repent and believe in God's forgiveness. This vigilance requires us to be aware of the subtlety of sin and the ways it can creep into our lives. By staying alert and relying on God's strength, we can resist the devil's schemes and live a life that honors God. [31:06]

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more vigilant against sin? How can you actively hold onto faith and a good conscience today?


Day 5: Strength in the Lord
Victory in our spiritual battles lies in being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Christ has already defeated the devil through His life, death, and resurrection, and we are not left to fight alone. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to stand firm and confident that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. By putting on the whole armor of God, we can face the challenges of life with courage and assurance, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. [40:19]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you rely more on the strength of the Lord in your daily battles? What steps can you take to put on the whole armor of God 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 ye may be able to stand against the Wilds 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. [00:11:56]

The devil will drive us either to one extreme or right over to the other and so he succeeds in causing confusion we've also looked at it in terms of a general kind of slackness a failure to apply the truth to ourselves or again the other extreme a carnal Zeal a business an activism which is not born of the word or of the spirit at all but which is purely something natural but which masquerades a spiritual activity. [00:03:27]

Worldliness is that state in which our whole thinking is governed by the mind and the Outlook of the world now let me show you how subtle it is we are talking about Christians we're only talking about Christians nobody but a Christian can be guilty of worldliness you don't say that the man who's not a Christian is a worldling because well he can't be anything else worldliness is something that can only be true of God's people. [00:13:02]

The first object of Salvation is to deliver us out of this present evil world that is Central here everywhere in the New Testament Christ died on the cross what for oh not merely to save me from hell but that we might be delivered out of this present evil world that's the biblical view that the world in its mind and thought and Outlook is under the Dominion of the devil. [00:20:49]

The Christian is a man who belongs to a different realm his realm is the realm of God the kingdom of God he's been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear son he's a stranger here he's a journeyman he's a pilgrim he's a wayfer that's the Christian view of life well now then if we keep this in the Forefront of our minds we've gone 75% of the way already to defeat the Devil as he attacks us in this whole matter of worldliness. [00:22:56]

We are meant to use the world we're not meant to be monks we're not meant to be anchorites and Hermits that's the whole error of monasticism we don't go out of the world that's the grand thing of course that Luther discovered or rather was revealed to Luther that you can be a good Christian wherever you are and however humble your task that if you're but brushing the the floor or washing it you can do that to the glory of God every task is sacred. [00:23:32]

He that ha this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure now that's the thing we've always got to bear in mind if we are truly Christian we say that we are destined for that realm we know not yet what we shall be but we know that when he appears we shall see him as he is and we shall be like him very well if you believe that he that ha his hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure. [00:25:11]

The devil can make you sin even while you're trying to do good such is his subtlety I've known troubles and almost tragedies through one Christian trying to help another Christian your motives were very good the other Christian came to you in trouble you were naturally sympathetic and you wanted to do everything you could but it ended in sin the Wilds of the devil. [00:28:31]

If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness listen again my little children these things write I unto you that you sin not and or but if any man does fall into sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. [00:34:32]

Be strong in the Lord he is always the answer everything is in him the foe is mighty he subtle he's powerful he's ingenious oh yes but you see we belong to one who is much mightier he's already defeated him and all his horns you see our gospel is a gospel that teaches an Incarnation the god whom we adore in the sun came into this world and he lived as a man and he's met the devil and the principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and the spiritual wickedness in high places. [00:40:03]

Christ is in you the holy spirit is in you God takes up his a bird in you remember all all this we're not left to ourselves and then remember your relationship to him listen to John again in that first epistle we know that whosoever is born of God sinth not doesn't keep on doing it isn't constantly defeated but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that Wicked one toucheth him not and we know that we are of God and the whole world lith in in the wicked one. [00:42:54]

Finally therefore my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the vs of the devil amen. [00:44:32]

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Transcript
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