Preparing for the Battle

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Ephesians 5:1Satan wages war against the family because the family is all we have left of the Garden of Eden. We are called to battle—to guard our hearts and protect our homes. We’re not wrestling against flesh and blood. We’re wrestling against principalities and powers of darkness.In preparing for the battle, we must first remember our adversary.Satan is a decided fact; never underestimate him or count him out. He would love nothing more than to convince you that he doesn’t exist. He is a destructive force; systematic, spiritual, strong, and sinister. Yet, he is our defeated foe. Adrian Rogers says, “Satan had his back crushed and broken at Calvary; soon his head is going to be crushed when Jesus comes again.”We must also remember our armor, which is specifically outlined in Ephesians 6:-The Belt of Truth-The Breastplate of Righteousness-Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, knowing nothing stands between our souls and the Savior-The Shield of Faith-The Helmet of SalvationGod wants us to enter the battlefield armed with integrity, purity, tranquility, certainty, and sanity. Don’t leave off any piece of the armor of God in this battle. Christian warriors must understand their point of attack. We have the victory. God has equipped us with three things:The first is our stance.We are called to be strong, to stand against these dark forces of evil with the blessed assurance of victory in Jesus.Second, recognize the power of your sword.Your sword is the sword of the Spirit and the Word of God.Third, remember the power in your prayer, when praying in the Spirit.Adrian Rogers says, “If you don’t pray, the devil will beat you. You can have all the authority in the world, but if you don’t appropriate it through prayer, you’re going down.”Finally, the Christian warrior must remember his allies.“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given to me” (Ephesians 6:18).We don’t fight alone; we need to pray for each other.Apply it to your lifeAs you prepare for this spiritual battle, remember your adversary, your armor, your attack, and your allies.