For We Wrestle

FOR WE WRESTLE

 

Eph. 6:11-13

EVERY SAINT OF GOD IS IN A BATTLE.  You stepped on the battlefield, when you knelt at Calvary.

 

I. RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF THE CONFLICT

 

A. We wrestle not against flesh and blood

 

1. Demons can be stirred up in people.

 

2. People’s actions can be influenced by spiritual bondage.

 

a. Personality traits

b. Strong temptations or desires

c. Demons can set people against men of God

 

3. Paul fought the messenger of satan

 

B. Many carry bondages of their youth

 

1. Sin in the home

 

a. Learned from parents

b. Doors opened very young

 

2. Abuse can cause:

a. Roots of bitterness

b. Hurts and scars

 

3. Some are not receiving full deliverance

 

a. A hindrance to full victory

b. Sin must be dealt with

c. Some unknowingly are giving place to   bondages

 

C. Sickness can be a spiritual attack

 

1. Jesus spoke to the spirits

 

a. Deaf and dumb spirit – Mark 9:25

b. The fever of Peter’s mother – Luke 4:38-39

 

2. God may allow you to be tested

 

a. To work something out of us

b. Get our attention

 

3. Caused by an open door

a. Bitterness

b. Unforgiveness

 

II. REALIZE THE SOURCE OF OUR VICTORY

 

A. Jesus is the victor

 

1. Every knee shall bow – Phil. 2: 10-11

2. Power in the Blood

3. Satan has been defeated

 

B. We have been given weapons to fight

 

 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (2Co 10:3)

 

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds ;)  (2Co 10:4)

 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2Co 10:5)

 

1. Take the whole armor of God

 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (Eph 6:11)

 

2. Prayer is a weapon

 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  (Eph 6:18)

 

C. The power of the Word

 

1. Speak the Word in faith

 

2. The Word is a Sword

 

D. The Necessity of being Holy Spirit filled

 

1. Power to live right

 

2. Recognize the source of conflict

 

III. UNDERSTAND THE REMEDY

 

A. Sin must be dealt with

 

1. Repentance is required

2. Cleansed by the blood

 

B. A Scriptural cure

 

1. Confession is part of God’s plan – James 5:14-16

 

2. Obedience to the Word

 

C. Close every door

 

1. Clean house

 

2. Yield to conviction

D. Strengthen the inner man

1. Lay aside the world

 

2. Prayer and the Word

 

3. Attend Church

 

 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  (2Ti 4:7)

 

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE – I Tim. 6:12