Message Notes

(I) THE REQUIREMENT OF STRENGTH TO ENTER INTO SPIRITUAL WARFARE

1. The requirement of strength is already demonstrated in the Old Testament

a) God who arms with strength for battle

“It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Psalm 18:32-34

b) Given the strength to subdue

“For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” Psalm 18:39

2. Strength as a great concern in spiritual warfare

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

Paul recognized that we need strength to do battle.

a) Final topic

b) First emphasized

c) Full attention to be given

d) Following a command

(II) REASONS FOR HAVING STRENGTH

1. The powerful forces that we are up against

a) The devil

“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

b) His spiritual forces

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

c) A great battle

2. The panoply that we have to put on

a) The whole armor requires strength to carry

“Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

b) The different parts to be employed ( Ephesians 6:14-17 )

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:14-17

c) A daily affair that we have to undertake…require strength

3. The prayers that are constantly needed

“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

(III) THE RESPONSE OF BEING STRONG FOR BATTLE

1. Becoming strong in the Lord

a) Exceedingly great power

“And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…” Ephesians 1:19

b) Working power

“…according to the working of His mighty power” Ephesians 1:19

c) Grace power

“Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 3:7

d) Spirit’s power

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” Ephesians 3:16

e) Profound power

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” Ephesians 3:20

f) Being strong

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

2. Battle on

a) It is actual battle that we can develop greater strength

b) Each time we use the armor of God and fight, we would develop greater strength to fight