Ephesians 6:12-13

A Force Behind the Scene

Introduction:  As we look at “The War is On, Part 2” we must be reminded that we are literally in a war.  This is real.  This is not some fairy tale.  This not some movie that is going off after while.  It is real.  The purpose of the sermon is to look at the force behind the scene.  It is easy to get sidetracked in thinking that it is not that serious.  It is very serious. 

I.  It is a Battle (v.12)

·         We are on a battleground, not a playground.

·         Wrestle (struggle) – in Paul’s day wrestling was a hand to hand combat between soldiers requiring speed; victory was achieved when one is able to press down on the neck of the antagonist and then often gouge out eyes.  It was a life or death situation.  Warfare is serious.

·         This battle is continuous…until Jesus returns…not a playground where you go sit down when you get tired.

II.  The Battle is not Physical, but Spiritual (v.12) “…not flesh and blood”

·         Not people

·         Not each other

·         Paul is saying, "We war not against flesh and blood." Behind every person who harms and injures us and deceives us is a spiritual enemy. Now I think that is the confusing part to me. Though we don’t war against flesh and blood, flesh and blood are the pawns that he uses to come against us. That is what bothers me. Because you see, I can see flesh and blood. I can’t see what is behind them when somebody writes a letter, when somebody says something to you, when somebody tears you apart, when somebody disappoints you. That hurts you and you want to go after them. But you have to remember he is using them. Love them but hate what is using them.

·         The Devil is Real (rulers, darkness)

III.  Directives for the Battle (v.13)

·         "Therefore" in view of the fact that our enemy is not flesh and blood but consists of supernatural forces, we need God's supernatural empowerment. Paul says that because we face such a formidable foe, we must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry.

·         Take up (Analambano) was a military technical term describing the last preparation and final step before the actual battle begins! It pictures taking up one's armor and putting it on in anticipation of the coming battle.

·         Take up is aorist tense which calls for an immediate action and often conveys a sense of urgency. The idea is "Do this now" and "do it effectively".

·         Whole armor - never leave your home spiritually "undressed" and never underestimate the strategy, schemes and strength of our enemy.

·         There is an interesting illustration of the "full armor" from Greek mythology. It is reported by the Greek poets that the mother of Achilles the Grecian captain was warned by the oracle and dipped her son, as a child, into the River Lethe, thus providing an impenetrable armor for protection during the Trojan War. Paris, Achilles’ archenemy, knowing of this fact, realized the only place he could attack his foe would be the heel, that by which his mother held him while immersing her son in the river. Ultimately, Paris attacked and shot Achilles in the heel and killed him. For the believer, there is "full armor" to protect us from Satan’s attacks. We must put on each piece with prayer and God has promised to protect us, even down to our Achilles’ heel. We are assailable in every part of our nature. It is useless to be only half-armed, for the subtle tempter is sure to aim his dart at the most vulnerable spot. Where we think ourselves most secure we are likely to be most open to attack. It will not be sufficient to be sound on all points but one.

·         Withstand, Stand Against (Anthistemi) means literally to stand or set against.

Conclusion:

In an article for Youth Ministries magazine, a 14-year veteran of the Navy SEALS describes the color-code system they use to indicate levels of combat readiness. Each stage has a parallel in spiritual warfare.

Condition White

The soldier is relaxed and daydreaming, unaware of his surroundings. A Christian in this condition is easy prey for Satan.

Condition Yellow

The soldier is relaxed physically but alert mentally. A believer at this level may sense trouble coming, but he's not ready to confront it.

Condition Orange

The soldier is physically prepared, mentally alert, and ready to fight. A believer at this stage has on the full armor of God.

Condition Red

As in condition orange, the soldier is ready to fight. The difference is experience. A battle-seasoned Christian knows quickly what to do because of his experience and familiarity with Scripture.

Which color code describes your spiritual condition?

 

·         There is a stronger force behind the scene…behind the stone, there was an all powerful Jesus.

(“Stand” by Donnie McClurkin)

[Verse]
What do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say
when your friends turn away,
and you're all alone?
Tell me, what do you give
When you've given your all,
and it seems like
you can't make it through?

[Hook 1]
Well you just stand
when there's nothing left to do
you just stand
Watch the lord see you through
Yes after you done all you can,
You just stand

 

[Verse 2]
Tell me,
how do you handle the guilt of your past?
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile
while your heart has been broken
and filled with pain?
Tell me what do you give
when you've given your all
Seems like you can't make it through?

[Hook 2]
Child you just stand,
when there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand.

[Hook 3]
Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again
You just stand, and endure.
God has a purpose.
Yes, God has a plan.

[Verse 3]
Tell me what do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like you can't make it through
Child you just stand
You just stand
Stand ( 2x's)
Don't you dare give up (You Just)
Through the storm (Stand), Stand through the rain (Stand)
Through the hurt (Stand), jet through the pain (You just)
Don't you bow (stand), and don't bend (Stand)
Don't give up (Stand) , no, don't give in (You just)
Hold on, (Stand) just be strong (Stand)
God will step in (Stand), and it won't be long (You just)

[Last Hook]
After you done all you can (After you done all you can)
After you done all you can (After you done all you can)
After you gone through the hurt (After you done all you can)
After you gone through the pain (After the you done all you can)
After you gone through the storm (After you done all you can)
After you gone through the rain (After you done all you can)

 

Prayed and cried (2x's) (After you done all you can) Prayed and you've cry (After you done all you can) Prayed and cry

After you done all you can you just stand