Ephesians
“Stand Your Ground”
Ephesians 6:10-13
 
Paul has challenged us to be:
·      Cognizant of the changes in your heart - Ch. 1
·      Confident of the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ch. 2
·      Exercising faith by living in obedience - Ch. 3
·      Walking in a manner worthy - Ch. 4
·      Imitating God in love in our relationships - Ch. 5
 
The battle is real!
            Devil appears - Genesis 2
            Fell from heaven swiftly - Luke 10:17-18
            Jesus tells us he steals, kills and destroys - John 10:10
            Jesus was tempted by the devil - Matthew 4:1-11
            He will be crushed - Romans 16:20
            We can overcome the devil - 1 John 2:14; 2 Corinthians 2:11
 
Living to please God may be more difficult than we realize 
 
Ephesians 6:10-13
 
Stand your ground (v. 11, 13, 14)
 
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.“  - C. S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters
 
Be strong (2 Timothy 2:1; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9; Deuteronomy 31:6-7)
            Fatigue = strength from yourself
            Confidence = strength from an outside source
 
“ … He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4
 
Stand your ground 
            God is near and powerfully active 
            Devil is real and knows your weaknesses 
            The battle isn’t what we often think
 
Armor of God
Belt = Truth because of God
Breastplate = Being right with God 
Shoes = Peace that provides solid ground
Shield = Trust in God’s power 
Helmet = A way out 
Sword = Truth from God 
Prayer = Engaging God as you battle
             
Stand = Resist and Repent
 
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8
 
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” - James 4:7-8
 
Living to please God is not easy, but God makes His power available for His people to stand!