Spiritual Warfare - Part III How to face the battle
Lance discusses the spiritual battle Christians face, emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord and to wear the full armor of God as outlined in Ephesians 6. He highlights that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Lance stresses the importance of prayer and supplication, urging believers to fight the good fight of faith and to endure hardships as soldiers of Christ. He reflects on the challenges within the church, using the Corinthian church as an example of a gifted community plagued by divisions and immorality. Despite these issues, he asserts that the church is called to declare and establish Christ's victory in their lives. Lance encourages believers to engage in spiritual warfare, which includes praying for God's purposes, for leaders, and for the growth and maturity of the church. He emphasizes the need for unity, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of corporate prayer. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual discipline and fellowship, urging believers to support one another in their journey of faith.
Outline of Main Points
- Spiritual battle and the armor of God
- Prayer and supplication as essential tools
- Challenges within the church community
- Importance of declaring Christ's victory
- Goals of spiritual warfare: God's purposes, leaders, and church growth
- Unity and the leadership of the Holy Spirit
- Commitment to spiritual discipline and fellowship
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
