The Helper
“Victory in Spiritual Battles”
Ephesians 6:10-20

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Fairhaven's spiritual gifts

The Helper 
Bringing God near
Hearing the voice of God 
Empowering us when we’re spiritually empty
Giving us purpose (spiritual gifts) 
Fighting our battles 

The life of a follower of Jesus is a spiritual battle:
A spiritual battle that we cannot win on our own.

Ephesians 6:10-20

The reality of the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12-13)
The battle is not merely a competition with adversity or human conflict
Spiritual attack isn’t really about the circumstances you can see with your eyes
We don’t want our lives to be explainable without the Holy Spirit
It is in friction that we experience formation 

Fight by …
1. Standing confidently (Ephesians 6:10-11; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7; 1 John 4:1; Hebrews 5:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; Romans 8:37; Zechariah 4:6; Luke 10:19; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Deuteronomy 3:22; Romans 8:31)

The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to Satan’s lies. 

The tactics of the enemy
Temptation – Disguises temptation as something good or something we “deserve” 
Accusation – “You’re worthless.” “God can’t use you.” “He is disappointed in you.”
Deception – Twisting truth, presenting half-truths, subtle distortion.
Intimidation – Busyness, anxiety, comparison, fear, distraction from worship.
Spiritual oppression – Attacks on your will, emotions, prayer life, closeness with God.
Identity assassination – Are you truly loved? Are you forgiven? Are you safe?

Fight by …
2. Living faithfully (Ephesians 6:14-17; John 10:10; Romans 12:21; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

The Holy Spirit is not only helping us resist sin but replacing it with Spirit-led character. 

Armor of God
Belt of Truth – holds everything together for a believer (Ephesians 6:14; John 14:6)
Breastplate of righteousness – from Jesus covers and guards our hearts (Ephesians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Shoes of the gospel of peace – gives us stability, peace, and enthusiasm to live (Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15)
Shield of faith – our defense against doubt, fear, discouragement, or accusation (Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:1)
Helmet of salvation – the freedom that provides us with identity (Ephesians 6:17; Romans 6:23)
Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word; the offensive weapon against lies and darkness (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4)

Fight by …
3. Claiming the promise of victory (Ephesians 6:18-20, Deuteronomy 28:7; 1 John 3:8; Romans 8:16, Romans 8:26-27)

Through prayer 
Prayer isn’t a separate piece of the armor; it’s the power source for the whole set.
Prayer is not background noise; it is the front lines.

Through community
We were never intended to follow Jesus by ourselves.

Victory by the Holy Spirit replaces …
Fear with faith
Despair with hope
Sin with holiness
Confusion with clarity
Anxiety with assurance 
The temporary with the eternal 

In your battle today
What truths do I need to declare? 
Which pieces of armor am I neglecting?
Exercise prayer.