On The Battlefield.
Ephesians 6:11-13
In this last chapter of Ephesians, Paul is calling our attention to three matters.
The Family, 1-9 = The Conduct of the household is here
The Fight, 10-20 = The Character of the conflict is here
The Farewell, 21-24 = The Course of Paul's mind is here
The Christian life is often likened to a race, Heb. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 9:24-27. The Christian life in this chapter is likened to wrestling. Paul in this chapter turns from the “family life” to the "firing line." We, as Saints, are at peace with God and at war with Satan. We are involved in a mortal conflict. The Christian is on the battlefield. We live in a disaster area. Satan is the god of this age. When we were saved we were called to engage in conflict. We can't escape it.
I. THE BATTLE IS INEVITABLE
To try to avoid it is the same as being defeated. We must not hide in a corner while the Devil occupies the field. There can be no peaceful coexistence with the enemy. There is a moral and spiritual battle going on.
1. The SAINTS INHERIT IT, 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: You have taken sides against sin and the Devil. There are two things true of every Saint-You are reconciled to God and antagonized by the Devil.
2. The SPIRIT INITIATES IT The Lord was led by the Spirit into Combat
3. The SCRIPTURES INDICATE IT, Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Eph. 6:10-11
II. THE BATTLE IS INDIVIDUAL
No one can fight this battle for you. No one can eat your meals for you. No one can ride a bicycle for you.
1. IT IS YOUR PERSONAL BATTLE You stand alone in it. A wrestler is alone in the ring with his opponent. That is not to say God is not there, He never leaves us and it is only through Him that we can win. But each of us have our own personal battles to fight.
2. It is your PRIVATE BATTLE
You face a threefold enemy:
The World will “Attract You”
The Devil will “Attack You”
The Flesh with its “Appetites will seek to lure you”
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
You must face continuously:
The World with its “Entanglements”
The Devil with his “Enticements”
The Flesh with its “Enslavement”
3. It is your PERMANENT BATTLE
It will never cease this side the grave. There is no let up to Satan's activities.
III. THE BATTLE IS INTENSE
I want you-to know that this is no mere skirmish. The enemy comes in like a flood. Isaiah 59:19 b When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
There is a Hostility to be Met--"The enemy"
There is an Intensity to be Matched-"Comes in like a flood"
There is a Superiority to be Mastered-"By the Spirit's standard"
IV. THE BATTLE IS IMPORTANT
Think of the things related to this conflict. Is it essential that we wage a good warfare?
1. Think of your FITNESS for the Battle
Be prepared for the Pressures of life.
Under Pressure be Strong
Under Pressure be Sober
Under Pressure be Sincere
2. Think of your FUTURE Victories
"Each victory will help you some other to win"
Your triumphs today WILL help you in victory tomorrow.
Triumph is the joy of every Christian.
3. Think of your FINAL Rewards
There is a "Crown" out there waiting for you.
This honor is bestowed upon you for setting a good record.
To earn this it will call forth from you-
a. The Total Recognition of the Supernatural
Provision
b. The Total Reliance on the Spirit's Power
C. The Total Resources that come from the Scripture’s Protection
Morristown, TN
Ephesians 610-24
The Call to Action, 6:10-12
The Character of the Armour, 6:13-17
The Continual Attitude, 6:18-20
The Closing Assurance, 6:21-24
An Explanation, 21-22
A Benediction, 23-24