October 27, 2024
Series: Overcomer

Sermon: Conquering the Enemy

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

INTRODUCTION: If we are going to conquer the enemy we must Recognize and Resist the enemy.

Recognize the Enemy...

The World...

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

-1 John 2:15-16

World Def. - indifference and opposition to God’s design or anything in the world that is antichrist; empty passing values.

2. The Flesh...

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

-Ephesians 2:1-3

Flesh def. - Our corrupt inclinations, disordered desires and passions that pulls us away from God, the enemy within.

3. The Devil...

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

-1 Peter 5:8

Devil def. - a real, personal enemy, a fallen angel, Father of Lies.

Resist the Enemy...How?

We have three enemies and there are different ways to resist each of them.

The World...

1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Who overcomes the world? Only the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

-1 John 5:5

2. Renew Your Mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:2

The Flesh...

1. Refuse to attribute the acts (works) of the flesh to the Devil.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

-Galatians 5:19-21

2. Crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

-Galatians 5:24

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

-Galatians 5:16

The Devil...

1. Realize that Jesus disarmed the Devil and his demons.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

-Colossians 2:15

2. Jesus follower's have power over the Devil and his demons.

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

-Luke 10:18-19

3. Jesus follower's must resist the Devil and his demons.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith...

-1 Peter 5:9

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

-James 4:7

CONCLUSION: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can conquer the enemy and be victorious in life.

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