Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV) - 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Paul gives us 7 words that help you outlast the devil!
1. Stand in TRUTH
- If you know the truth, you can stand through anything!
- The TOP description of Satan is LIAR; he is the father of lies.
- He seeks to deceive.
- He wants you to build your life on a false idea!
- Right ORTHODOXY will produce right ORTHOPRAXY.
- Your belief shapes your behavior.
- If you have the wrong belief, you will have the wrong behavior.
- 2 John 8–11 (NLT) — 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. 9 Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. 11 Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.
- Walking in the truth means to SEEK IT, LEARN IT, CONFORM TO IT, LIVE IT.
2. Stand in RIGHTEOUSNESS.
- Stand in a conviction of right standing with God.
- Righteousness is LEGAL.
- When you have paid a ticket in full, you are righteous.
- When you get declared NOT GUILTY, you leave the courtroom in a conviction of innocence.
- Don’t let the devil convince you that you are unrighteous if you are in Christ!
- Stand in armor of right living.
- Romans 13:12 (NASB95) — 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
3. Stand in PREPARATION.
- Shod your feet…
- with preparation.
- with gospel.
- with peace.
- Live prepared.
- Live prepared with the gospel!
- Live prepared with the gospel of peace!
4. Stand in FAITH.
- Faith must be held TIGHTLY.
- Faith is the shield that quenches all the darts of the enemy.
5. Stand in SALVATION.
- We say we are saved. Salvation has come, but it is coming.
- The helmet guards the mind.
- Stress, worry, anxiety
- Despair, depression
- Let the thoughts of our salvation guard your mind!
- 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT) — 13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
6. Stand in the WORD.
- Jesus was being tempted by the enemy and used the Word of God!
- Jesus is seen in Revelation as having a sword coming out of His mouth; this is the Word of God.
- You should know:
- His PROMISES - What is yours in Christ?
- His PRINCIPLES - What wisdom is from above?
- His PRECEPTS - What has He required of you?
- The Word is in our MOUTHS.
7. Stand in PRAYER.
- Prayer is your direct communion with Heaven.
- One of the greatest ways Satan can come against you is to get you to STOP PRAYING!!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) — 17 Never stop praying.