THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT

Text: Ephesians 6:10-18
25 May 2008

(I) WE WILL NEED STRENGTH TO ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE SUCCESSFULLY

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against power s, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

1. Strength to battle invisible yet powerful spiritual enemies

2. Strength to battle well-organised enemies

a) The devil

b) Demonic rulers with great authority

c) World rulers of darkness of this age

d) Spiritual hosts of wickedness

3. Strength to battle the tactical attacks of the enemies

a) Attacks through wrong doctrines ( Ephesians 4:14 )

b) Attacks through the sins of people ( Ephesians 4:25-27 )

c) Attacks through the deception of empty words ( Ephesians 5:6 )

d) Attacks through people fellowshipping with works of darkness ( Ephesians 5:11 )

(II) WE MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO TAP INTO GOD’S PROMISE OF STRENGTH

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10

1. The imperative call to be strong

2. The source of strength is in the Lord and His word

3. The superiority of the Lord’s strength and power

a) To be strong enough to stand ( Ephesians 6:11 )

b) To be strong enough to resist the attacks of the demonic forces ( Ephesians 6:13 )

c) To be strong enough to be the last man standing ( Ephesians 6:13 )

(III) WE MUST APPLY GOD’S POWER IN OUR RESISTENCE AGAINST SATAN’S FORCES

1. Resisting false doctrines with truths

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” Ephesians 6:14

2. Resisting sins with our righteousness in Christ

“…having put on the breastplate of righteousness” Ephesians 6:14

a) Imputed righteousness

b) Personal righteousness

3. Resisting doubts with the shield of faith

“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16

4. Reaching others with gospel evangelism

“And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

(IV) WE NEED TO BE PRAYERFUL IN THE MIDST OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:18

1. Being led by the Spirit to pray

2. Being challenged to pray with greater effort

3. Being watchful as we pray

4. Being persistent in prayer