I. Our Preparation for battle (vv.10-11a).

1. Through the strength and power of the Lord's might (v.10).

2. Through the putting on of all our armor (v.11a).

II. Our Enemy (vv.11b-12).

1. Its leader the Devil (v.11b).

A. Know by his many names.

                                                                                    Devil - slanderer (used 35 times)                                      Ruler of darkness (Eph.6:12)

Satan - adversary (used 52 times)                                    A liar (John 8:44; Gen.3:4-5)

Prince of the power of the air (Eph.2:2)                            god of this age (2Cor.4:4)

Apollyon - destroyer (Rev.9:11)                                      King of death (Heb.2:14)

Prince of this world (John 12:31)                                     The wicked one (Matt.13:38)

Angel of light (2Cor.11:14-15)                                        A roaring lion (1Pet.5:8)

The accuser of the brethren (Rev.12:10)                          The deceiver (Rev.20:10)

Lucifer - light bearer, shining one (Isa.14:12)                   A murderer (John 8:44)

                                                                                    Leviathan - dwells in the sea of humanity (Isa.27:1)         The dragon (Rev.12:7)

Beelzebub - prince of demons (Matt.12:24)                    The tempter (1Thes.3:5)

Belial - vileness, ruthlessness (2Cor.6:15)                        The enemy (Matt.13:39)

B. Known here for his craftiness (v.11b).

A. It's a spiritual army (v.12a, c).

1) Not composed of flesh and blood (v.12a).

2) It originates from the heavenly places (v.12c).

B. It's a well organized army (v.12b).

1) Principalities.

2) Powers.

3) Rulers.

4) Spiritual hosts.

C. It's a well focused and mighty army (v.12b).

1) Spiritual Wrestling

2) Its methods

A) Darkness of the age - hindering the gospel (2Cor.4:4; Matt.13:19).

B) Wickedness - aiding in the separation of man from God (1 Chron.21:1; Matt.4:1; 16:22-23; John 13:2; Acts 5:3; Eph.6:11; 1Tim.3:7; 2Tim.2:26).

1. Putting on ALL of God's armor (v.13a).

2. Standing firm in the midst of the battle (v.13b).

I. The Belt Of Truth (v.14a).

1. Its Purpose.

A. Roman soldiers girded themselves with a belt, from which hung strips of leather to protect the lower body

B. This belt also held his garments together and served as a place on which to hang his armor.

A. It is based upon the Word of Truth (2 Tim.2:15; John 17:17).

B. It is worn through our practice of truthfulness and honesty (Eph.4:14-32; 1Thess.5:22-23).

C. It gives us freedom of movement (2Tim.2:4; Gal.5:1; 2Pet.2:20).

1. Its Purpose.

A. The breastplate was made of metal plates, chains or hard leather, & covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back.

B. It gave protection to the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs.

A. It is obtained through Christ's righteousness (1Cor.1:30; 2Cor.5:21; Rom.3:22; Phil.1:11; 1Pet.2:24).

B. It is worn through our doing what is right (Rom.1:17; 6:13-14; 14:17; Eph.4:24; 1Tim.6:11-12; 2Tim.2:22; 3:16).

C. It protects the believer's spiritual heart from Satan (1Pet.3:14; 1 John 2:29; 3:7-10; 2Thess.3:3; Jude 1:24).

1. Its Purpose.

A. The Roman soldier wore sandals studded with sharp nails for better traction in battle.

B. They helped the soldier to hold his ground and make quick moves without slipping and falling.

A. It is the basis for a firm foundation to stand upon (Isa.28:16; 1 Cor.3:11; Eph.2:20; 1 Pet.2:6-8; Acts 4:12; 1Tim.2:5-6)

B. It is worn through our preparedness to proclaim the gospel (1Pet.3:15; Mark 13:11; Isa.52:7; Rom.10:15; Matt.28:19-20).

C. It provides for our firm footing during demonic attacks (James 4:7; Eph.4:27; 1Pet.5:8-9; Rom.8:31, 37-39).

I. The Shield Of Faith (v.16).

1. Its Purpose.

A. To protect the entire body of the soldier.

B. Used in the front lines of battle.

A. It is based upon our trust in God (2Cor.1:9-10; 3:4-6; Heb.11:1-3, 6; John 10:9, 29; 1Tim.6:17-19).

B. It is used by putting our faith into practice (Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11; Heb.10:38; 2Tim.4:7; James 1:23-25) .

C. It protects us against the fiery arrows of the Devil (1Jo.5:4, 10; Titus 1:2; Prov.8:34-35; 30:5-6; Psa.18:30).

1. Its Purpose.

A. To protect the soldier's head.

B. To give confidence to the soldier.

A. It is based upon our security and assurance in Christ (2Cor.4:17-18; Jude.1:1; Phil.4:13; 1Thes.5:8-9; Eph.2:8-13; John 10:9, 27-28).

B. It is worn when we are standing firm in the midst of the battle (Luke 18:1-8; Isa.40:29-31; Gal.6:9).

C. It protects us from the attacks of Satan (2Cor.3:14-17; 11:3-4; 2Tim.1:7-9).

1. Its Purpose.

A. It is an offensive weapon of the soldier.

B. It was designed for close-in fighting.

A. It is based upon the Word of God (John 14:26; 16:13; 2Pet.1:20-21; 2Tim.3:16-17).

B. It is used when we verbally share God's Word with others (Rom.10:8, 17; Isa.55:11; Heb.4:12; Eph. 5:26; 1Pet.1:25).

C. It enables us to ward-off the attaches of Satan (Matt.4:4, 7, 10).

I. Our Radio Of Prayer (v.18).

1. Is to be kept on at all times (v.18a; Josh.5:13-15; Heb.2:10; Mat.17:20-21; 1Tim.2:8; 1Thes.5:17).

2. Is to use all of its channels of communication (v.18b).

A. We are to pray with variety.

1) There is the prayer of THANKSGIVING (Phil.4:6; Psa.66:13-20; 105:1-4).

2) There is the prayer of PRAISE (Psa.104:1; 31:19; 1Pet.1:14-16; James 4:8a; Jer.31:3).

3) There is the prayer of CONFESSION (Psa.32:5; 66:18; Matt.6:12; John 9:31; 1 John 1:9-10).

4) There is the prayer of INTERCESSION (Dan.2:18; Rom.1:9; 1Pet.5:10-11).

5) There is the prayer of PETITION or SUPPLICATION (Gen.24:12; Matt.6:11; Luke 23:42).

B. We are to pray both in public and private, whether deliberate or spontaneous (Neh.1:4-11; Dan.6:1-11; Matt.6:9-13; Luke 18:9-14; John 17; Rom.1:9; Col.1:9; 1Tim.5:5; 2Tim.1:3; Eph.3:14-21).

A. Our prayers should be in according with the will of God (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15).

B. Our prayers should be guided by the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:26-27; Jude 1:20).

1. To keep alert and concentrate when communicating (v.18d).

A. We must be on guard against the enemy with our prayer (1Thes.5:1-6; Neh.4:7-9; Matt.5:44; Acts 7:59-60; 1Pet.5:8; 1Tim.3:7; 2Tim.2:26).

B. We must be always alert to watch for what we need to pray about (1Co.16:13; 2Co.6:5; 11:27; Mat.24:43; Luke 12:37-40; Act.20:31; Col.4:2-3; 1Pet.4:7; 2Tim.4:5; Rev.3:2;16:15).

A. For all believers and churches (v.18e; Phil.1:3-5; Eph.1:16; 2Thes.1:3-4)

B. For those involved in ministry (vv.19-20; Col.4:3; 2Tim.1:3-6; Acts13:3).

I. We Are To Have A New Mind Set (v.3).

1. Our old fleshly mind set.

A. Based upon our sin nature (v.3a; Rom.3:10-12, 23; 7:18; Gal.3:22a; 1Jo.1:8).

B. Demonstrated by our thoughts and actions (Rom.8:5a, 6a, 7-8; Gal.5:19-21).

A. We cannot fight the spiritual battle using fleshly strength, methods or motives (v.3b).

B. We have been given a new nature and way of thinking (2Cor.5:17; Rom.8:5b, 6b; Gal.5:22-25).

1. By being prepared for battle because we are surrounded by enemy forces (def. of embattled).

A. By not relying upon our own strength and abilities to fight the war (Matt.26:41; Mark 13:37).

B. Our own strengths and abilities are not suitable for the long spiritual campaign that we are facing (Eph.6:12).

A. We must put our trust in the weapons that God provides (Eph.6:11, 13-20).

B. We must put our trust in the strength and power that God provides (Eph.6:10; 1Jo.4:4; Rom.8:31; Psa.18:2-3; 20:7; 37:40; 147:5; Jam.4:10).

1. By overthrowing our worldly thoughts and desires that are opposed to the truth of God's Word (vv.4b-5a; 1Cor.1:20-25; Phil.4:8; Eph.4:21-25).

2. By bringing all our thoughts and desires into obedience with Christ (v.5b; 9:13; 1Cor.9:24-27; Col.3:1-2; James 4:8).
 
 

I. The Call To Wake Up (v.11).

1. Because our Captain is about to appear (v.11a).

A. Jesus Christ's return is imminent (Jam.5:8; 1Pet.4:7; Titus 2:13; 1Thes.4:13-5:11).

B. Inactive believers are called upon to wake up from their spiritual sleepiness (Mark 13:33-37; Rom.14:10-12; 1Cor.3:10-15; 4:5;2Cor.5:10; Col.3:23-25; Rev.3:21; 22:12).

A. When Christ returns believers will be glorified (salvation, future tense; 1Cor.15:51-54).

B. Since our time is growing short we should use it wisely (Psa.90:12; Eph.5:16; Col.4:5; 1Pet.1:17).

1. To prepare ourselves properly for battle (v.12).

A. The time for battle is now (v.12a).

B. The time to put on your battle gear is now (v.12b; Eph.6:11, 13).

A. We are to behave like disciplined soldiers who represent their commander well (v.13a; 1Thes.4:12; 2Cor.5:15-16, 20; 6:3; 2Tim2:15).

B. We are to no longer behave in undisciplined ways (v.13b; Luke 21:34-36; Rom.6:6, 12; 12:2; Gal.5:17-21, 26).

1. To be as committed as our Captain is to the task at hand (v.14a).

A. By putting on Jesus Christ through salvation (Gal.3:26-27; Eph.4:24).

B. By putting on Jesus Christ through our actions and attitudes (Phi.3:13-14; Col.2:7; 1Jo.3:2-3; 2Cor.3:18; Gal.2:20; 4:19; Rom.12:1).

A. We must exercise ceaseless vigilance so that our fleshly natures will not prevail (Gal.5:16; 1Pet.2:11).

B. We must not think about how we can fulfill the desires of our old nature (Psa.36:1, 4; Pro.24:8; Jam.1:14-15; 1Cor.10:12).