May 13, 2002

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for May 26

There is no cease fire in spiritual warfare
___ Ephesians 6:10-20
___By Roy Cotton
___BGCT DFW/Metroplex Church Starting Center Consultant
___Many remember the expression "The devil made me do it," by the comedian Flip Wilson in the '70s comedy. People still blame the devil for shortcomings.
___This week's lesson wraps up a journey through Ephesians. The journey began with a declaration of praise for the salvific work of Christ that made it possible for us to be adopted into the family of God. Our salvation is an unmerited gift from God through faith. We found the source of mutual submission in marriage, families and work relationships--being filled with the Spirit.
___Paul, writing from the Roman prison, perhaps paused as if the light came on in his soul when he realized he was chained next to a Roman soldier. In search for a "show and tell" visual, he chose to describe the various components outfitting Roman soldiers.
___Be strong
___The Bible teaches we are in spiritual warfare with the enemy. Satan wants to prevent us from doing the will and work of God in the world. He wants to keep believers fighting each other in the church so we do not have the strength to car ry out the Lord's mission.
___Paul states that in the final analysis we are to "be strong," that is "be strengthened." This is a word of encouragement and a command. One of the requirements for a soldier is to be strong.
___Moses commissioned Joshua with these words: "Be strong" (Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23). Later, as Joshua was about to lead the people to take possession of the Promised Land, the Lord told him to "be strong" (Joshua 1:6,7).
___It has been said that a pivotal point in our history occurred on Sept. 11. The most destructive and heinous act of terrorism in our nation changed the world for us. As terrible as that day was, it has given believers the opportunity to respond with boldness and strength. Not in aggression but "in the Lord and in the power of his might" (v. 10). This is not the time to retreat, but it is the perfect time for us to (as the hymn states) "Stand up for Jesus."
___Stand your ground___
___In the book, "Breaking the Huddle," George McCalep Jr., pastor of the Atlanta suburban church Greenforest Community, suggests most of our churches have become places of refuge where we gather two or three times a week to huddle. The huddle is important for communicating the strategies that will make it possible for us to win the game; but games are not won in the huddle. If the team wants to win, it must break the huddle. We have to break the huddle, stand our ground, take weapons, (defense and offense), dressed in the full armor of the Lord.
___Since the battle is not ours, it's the Lord's (2 Chronicles 20:15), we need to remember the Lord "has our back" as we "stand against the schemes of the devil" (v. 11). We must not underestimate these schemes, because we are not in struggle "against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (v. 12).
___These words are all descriptions of schemes the devil uses against us. These schemes are overwhelming for us in the flesh. God provides our defense. "Put on the full armor of God" (v. 13). Donnie McClurkin, a contemporary gospel singer, says, "After you've done all you can, you just stand."
___Check your equipment
___Kenneth Osbeck gives the following brief descriptions of the six pieces of equipment the Lord has provided believers for spiritual warfare: The belt of truth is the warriors' absolute integrity. The breastplate of righteousness is important because people must see our good works. Sandals of peace remind us that though we are soldiers, we are called to be peacemakers. Shield of faith is for extinguishing all of Satan's doubts and fears. Helmet of salvation must be worn because one of Satan's chief attacks is the mind. The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is our only offensive weapon.
___ William Barclay says, "We can never win God's battles without God's book." Our Lord used the word of God for each of Satan's temptations. He said, "It is written." Therefore, our greatest weapons are the word of God and prayer. Prayer must be consistent and persistent. We need prayers that are marinated rather than microwaveable. R. Earl Allen suggests, "Too many times we pray like little boys who ring doorbells and then run away."
___Pray for others
___Paul closes the epistle by requesting prayer for himself (v. 19). Every servant of the Lord Jesus needs the support of prayer warriors. Pastors, associates, staff, leaders, missionaries, teachers, denominational servants, leaders of institutions and administrators are all supported by the generous giving of local church members.
___But the greatest need is prayer support. We sing "Sweet Hour of Prayer," but too often we only spend a few moments in prayer for leaders. Pray we may "fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (v. 19). William Wiersbe comments, "A Christian must pray always because he is always subject to temptations and attacks of the devil."

___Questions for discussion
___ Should we be concerned about spiritual warfare today?
___ What are some schemes of the devil?
___ How is prayer a weapon against the wiles of the devil?

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