Ephesians 6:10-20

Introduction: There are definitely opposing forces we face every day as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you tell?
Principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world are the arch enemies of God; and yet these evil, demonic creatures are subject to His will and purpose. Bible Prophecy records the final overthrow of these hordes of hell. Satan and his emissaries will be cast into the lake of fire!

Paul understood from personal experience what he wrote about these unseen, disembodied spirits. Furthermore, writing to the Church of Ephesus, which was a seedbed for these fallen angels, all Churches are given instructions how to war against these evil creatures. Three (3) primary strategies are suggested that, which would do us good to practice today.

1. The first Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WEARING God’s ARMOR”! (Eph 6:10-17)

“10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

{Not only do they operate from the 1st heavens – Eph 2:2 – but evidently they have an orderly hierarchy in which to launch their attacks}

{When traveling on mission trips to remote areas in foreign countries, the manifestation of evil spirits seems to be more evident by entrenching communities, as well as binding people down with both possession and oppression like recorded in Mark’s gospel with the example of the Gadarene demoniac…..who was freed by the power of Jesus Christ}

** God’s Armor is to be kept on 24/7

2. The second Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WATCHING in PRAYER”! (Eph 6:18)

“18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”

**WATCHING in Intercessory prayer

Notice -“For All Saints”

a. Starts with Jesus (John 17; Heb 7:25)
b. Continues with the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:34)
c. Flows thru the saint to the saints (Eph 6:18)

3. The third Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WITNESSING in POWER”! (Eph 6:19, 20)

“19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

{The word “utterance” is the word lógos, which means word}
{The word “boldness” is parrhēsía, which means freedom in speaking}
{The word “mystery” is mystērion, which means hidden or concealed}
{The word “gospel” is euangélion, which means good news}

Conclusion: Aren’t you glad we can war against the invisible enemy with the “the whole armor of God”? This battle is not a “flesh and blood” confrontation. Honestly, it seems like there are very few CHRISTians who realize we have an enemy, and who know how to engage the enemy…..with the WORD of GOD! But Jesus did (Matt 4:1-11)!! Therefore, He has called us to fight in this lifelong skirmish. However, in this battle, we are not “FIGHTING FOR VICTORY, but rather “FROM VICTORY”!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese