Ephesians 6.10-18
There is a definite relationship between these two passages.
It was and is by the LORD, and only by the LORD, that victory is won.
God gave us His Word, in part, because He knew we would all need to be encouraged as we fight the good fight of the faith, contend for the faith,
There is no way I want to minimize the intensity of the battle we are in or in any way underestimate our foe, the enemy of our souls, Satan. I do believe we need to be aware of his schemes. Part of M.O. is to get us to put too much emphasis on his power and his work and not enough on the LORD's. We ought to talk more about heaven and less about how horrible the times are. They are challenging and evil but the LORD is great. How Great Is Our God!!!
We can become weary in doing good. In our struggle against sin we need to fix our eyes on Jesus and not on the roaring lion. Its when a person gets their eyes off Jesus that Satan can pounce on them. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12.3).
We all need to hear this message! God's Word to the Israelites tells us how to face the enemy. The LORD wants us to be encouraged in Him in this spiritual battle we are in. Let's learn from His Word today.
1. Do Not "Size Up" the Enemy. -v.1
Satan is a formidable foe. He has a well assembled army but by looking at its size can cause us to fear.
I love the account of Elisha in II Kings 6 when the Arameans had "surrounded" him and his servant in Dothan.
vs.15-16 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" "Don't be afraid, the prophet answered, "Those who are with us are more than hose with them."
Moses speaking of the Exodus:
"Do not be afraid of them, because the LORD, your God, Who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you."
For encouragement in this spiritual battle we are in:
Remember past the victories. They can stir our faith, fan into flame the gift of God within us. Reading my journals does that- just this past week I read about Open Hands, the ministry we had among the homeless and destitute of the downtown area of Bay Shore before the revitalization took place. I read how we began by faith, how Joe InFranco came to me in prayer meeting and offered us the building rent free, how Peter Pan gave us gallons of soup, how Bagel Boss donated bagels and we were up and running. It is amazing how this little church was used to help in a substantial way for that season. I read in my journal about the call from the pastor of the largest church (over 100 times larger than us) in the area and how he said, "I want to turn our soup kitchen over to your church. We just hand out food but you guys are caring for the people's souls." Remember the way God has worked in your life!
2. Listen to the Word Of God. -vs.2-3
God's Word speaks to our hearts as we face the enemy.
Psalm 20.7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the LORD, our God.
Psalm 33.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
God's Word tells us of His Presence with us, His Almighty Power and His Supreme Authority.
Remember Jesus' words, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." Matthew 28.18
Finally Be Encouraged in this spiritual battle you are in because
3. The LORD Owns the Battle- v.4
David's words to Goliath and the armies of Israel and the Philistines listening.
It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD's.
Psalm 33.16-19
The LORD, Our God, is with us.
He fights against Satan.
He gives us victory.
Faith is the Victory!
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