Standing Firm: Spiritual Warfare and Assurance in Christ
Summary
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage highlights the spiritual battle Christians face, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil's tactics are varied, often attacking our minds, experiences, and conduct. One of his most insidious strategies is to rob us of the assurance and joy of our salvation, leaving many Christians in a state of sadness and doubt. However, the devil cannot take away our salvation; he can only attempt to make us doubt it.
A common source of confusion is the distinction between temptation and sin. Many believers mistakenly equate being tempted with sinning, leading to unnecessary guilt and despair. Evil thoughts and desires may arise, but they are not sin unless we embrace and enjoy them. The devil often tries to convince us that these temptations are proof of our unworthiness or lack of faith. Yet, even Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted in every way as we are. This shows that temptation itself is not a sign of spiritual failure.
To combat these attacks, we must recognize that as Christians, we are not yet perfect. Our bodies are not redeemed, and we will face temptations until Christ returns. The key to victory is knowing and applying the truth of Scripture. We must resist the devil by standing firm in our faith, refusing to engage with his lies, and reminding ourselves of our identity in Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, and our salvation is secure in Him. By focusing on our status and standing in Christ, we can overcome the devil's schemes and live in the joy and assurance of our salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nature of Spiritual Warfare: Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle against the devil's schemes, which aim to rob us of the assurance and joy of our salvation. Recognizing this battle is crucial to standing firm in faith. [00:30]
- Distinguishing Temptation from Sin: Temptation itself is not sin; it becomes sin only when we accept and enjoy it. Understanding this distinction helps prevent unnecessary guilt and despair. [21:14]
- The Example of Christ's Temptation: Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. His example shows that temptation is not a sign of spiritual failure but a common experience for believers. [19:15]
- The Importance of Scripture: Knowing and applying the truth of Scripture is essential in resisting the devil. The Word of God is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare, providing clarity and strength. [13:35]
- Our Identity in Christ: Our salvation is secure in Christ, and we must remind ourselves of our identity and standing in Him. This assurance enables us to resist the devil and live in the joy of our salvation. [38:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [00:30] - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare
- [01:09] - The Devil's Schemes
- [02:01] - Assurance of Salvation
- [04:00] - Temptation vs. Sin
- [06:00] - The Devil's Deceptions
- [08:35] - Imperfection of Christians
- [10:16] - Scriptural Insights on Temptation
- [13:35] - The Armor of God
- [17:07] - Christ's Temptation
- [21:14] - When Temptation Becomes Sin
- [28:02] - Exhortation and Practical Steps
- [33:33] - Resisting the Devil
- [38:43] - Our Identity in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- Romans 6:6
- Hebrews 4:14-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by "the whole armor of God" in Ephesians 6:10-13, and why is it necessary for believers? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the devil's tactics in attacking believers' assurance of salvation? [02:01]
3. According to the sermon, what is the distinction between temptation and sin, and why is it important for Christians to understand this difference? [04:00]
4. How does the example of Jesus' temptation, as mentioned in the sermon, help us understand the nature of temptation? [19:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does understanding the distinction between temptation and sin help believers maintain their spiritual health and assurance? [04:00]
2. How does the sermon suggest believers should use Scripture to resist the devil's schemes, and why is this approach effective? [13:35]
3. What role does recognizing our identity in Christ play in overcoming spiritual attacks, according to the sermon? [38:43]
4. How does the sermon explain the ongoing struggle with sin and temptation in the life of a believer, and what hope does it offer? [13:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked. How can the concept of the "whole armor of God" help you respond differently in the future? [00:10]
2. Have you ever confused temptation with sin in your own life? How did that affect your spiritual walk, and what steps can you take to prevent this confusion in the future? [04:00]
3. Think about a time when you doubted your salvation. How can the assurance of your identity in Christ help you overcome such doubts? [38:43]
4. How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine to better equip yourself against spiritual attacks? What specific passages might you focus on? [13:35]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the devil is trying to rob you of joy. What practical steps can you take to reclaim that joy and assurance? [02:01]
6. Consider the example of Jesus' temptation. How can His response to temptation guide you in dealing with your own temptations? [19:15]
7. What is one practical way you can remind yourself of your identity in Christ daily, especially during times of spiritual struggle? [38:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Spiritual Battle
In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare, urging believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God. This passage reminds Christians that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The devil's schemes are designed to undermine the assurance and joy of salvation, often by attacking the mind and spirit. Understanding this battle is crucial for standing firm in faith and resisting the devil's attempts to sow doubt and despair. By acknowledging the spiritual nature of these challenges, believers can better prepare themselves to face them with confidence. [00:30]
"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 ways you can remind yourself daily of the spiritual nature of the battles you face, and how can you prepare yourself to stand firm in faith?
Day 2: Understanding Temptation and Sin
A common source of confusion among believers is the distinction between temptation and sin. Temptation itself is not sin; it becomes sin only when one accepts and enjoys it. Evil thoughts and desires may arise, but they are not sinful unless embraced. The devil often uses these temptations to convince believers of their unworthiness or lack of faith. However, even Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted in every way as we are, demonstrating that temptation is not a sign of spiritual failure but a common experience for all believers. Understanding this distinction helps prevent unnecessary guilt and despair. [21:14]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a recent temptation you faced? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to handle future temptations more effectively?
Day 3: Following Christ's Example in Temptation
Jesus' experience with temptation serves as a powerful example for believers. He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. This shows that temptation itself is not a sign of spiritual failure but a part of the human experience. By looking to Christ's example, believers can find encouragement and strength to resist temptation. Jesus relied on the truth of Scripture to counter the devil's lies, demonstrating the importance of knowing and applying God's Word in times of trial. By following His example, believers can stand firm against the devil's schemes and remain faithful. [19:15]
"For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate Scripture into your daily routine to better equip yourself to resist temptation, following the example of Christ?
Day 4: The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Warfare
The Word of God is the primary weapon in spiritual warfare, providing clarity and strength to resist the devil. Knowing and applying the truth of Scripture is essential for standing firm in faith. The Bible offers guidance, encouragement, and wisdom to navigate the challenges of life and combat the devil's lies. By immersing oneself in Scripture, believers can fortify their minds and spirits, equipping themselves to face spiritual battles with confidence. The truth of God's Word is a powerful tool for overcoming doubt and despair, enabling believers to live in the joy and assurance of their salvation. [13:35]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of Scripture in your life, particularly in areas where you feel spiritually vulnerable?
Day 5: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Our salvation is secure in Christ, and believers must remind themselves of their identity and standing in Him. This assurance enables them to resist the devil and live in the joy of their salvation. By focusing on their status in Christ, believers can overcome the devil's schemes and find strength in their faith. Understanding and embracing one's identity in Christ is crucial for maintaining spiritual resilience and confidence. It is through this identity that believers can experience the fullness of joy and assurance that comes from a relationship with God. [38:43]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ daily, and what impact does this have on your ability to resist the devil's schemes and live in the joy of your salvation?
Quotes
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that he 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. [00:12:00]
One of the Devil's most frequently used is to try somehow or another to rub us of the Assurance of our Salvation or if you prefer it of the joy of our Salvation. He can't Rob us of Salvation, thank God for that. If he could, he would, but he cannot. That is something that is beyond the power of the devil. [00:21:52]
A Temptation only becomes sin when we accept it, when we fundle it, when we enjoy it, then it becomes sin. The suggestion itself is not sin. The Temptation is not sin. The feeling of Desire is not sin, but to accept it and to enjoy it and to fun it, that is sin. [00:21:04]
The Christian is not perfect in this life. He himself is saved, but his body is not yet saved. That's why the Apostle, you see, puts it again in Romans 8:23. He says, yes, and we ourselves also who have the first fruits of the spirit, even we ourselves grown within ourselves, waiting for the adoption to it, the Redemption of our body. [00:12:40]
The secret of victory in the Christian life is to know the scriptures, to be able to interpret them, and to be able to apply them. And you must always start with the truth, the doctrine, the teaching. Very well, there's our first answer, but then of course, having got rid of that and having seen that therefore the fact that we are tempted does not prove by any means that we are not Christians. [00:13:56]
Our Lord was tempted. The perfect can be tempted. Of course, it comes from the outside. His Temptations were entirely from the outside, from the devil. But the important point is to notice that though he was perfect, harmless, free from sin, he nevertheless was tempted in all points like as we are. [00:19:37]
The fact that one is tempted therefore does not presuppose any defect in the person. Still less does it presuppose any sinfulness. Our Lord was tempted. The perfect can be tempted. Of course, it comes from the outside. His Temptations were entirely from the outside, from the devil. [00:19:57]
The devil is being forgotten. It's all attributed to us. We've all become so psychological, and we're missing this great objective fact, the being, the existence of the devil, the adversary, the accuser, and his fiery darts. And of course, if we are not aware of this, we'll attribute it all to ourselves. [00:16:01]
Resisting means that you have nothing whatsoever to do with him. Tell him that he's a liar. Take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and do what I've been doing. Say you're a liar, you're the father of liars. That's what our Lord called you, that you are a liar from the beginning. [00:36:10]
Remind yourself now positively as to who you are and what you are. Remind yourself of your status and of your standing in Christ. Remind yourself of your prospects. This is the finest tonic for any weak Christian. This is positive. We've been dealing with him negatively. We've got to, but then never stop us. [00:38:29]
Remind yourself of the truth about yourself as a Christian. As I say that already, you are saved. You've already died with Christ. You are in Christ. You'll never be more saved spiritually than you are now if you're a Christian at all. You're in Christ. You have been crucified with him. [00:38:43]
You round upon the Devil, you attack him, you tell him that whatever he may say, your chiefest desire is to know God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Spirit, to be free from sin and to be a worthy disciple and a worthy Christian. Hold on to that and say, say what you like. [00:44:50]
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