Bible Study -Temptation (6) - The Strength to Stand Against Temptation - Ephesians 6 - May 21, 2023

 

Bible Study – Temptation (6) – The Strength to Stand Against Temptation – May 21, 2023

This is our sixth and final lesson in our series entitled, “Dealing with Temptation.”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 6:10-18.

GOD equips us to stand our ground against temptation.

This lesson is the most important of all our lessons. It is where the rubber hits the road of life.

Ephesians 1: ¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

As born-again Christians, what does verse 14 tell us? The Holy Spirit will always be with us until the day of redemption, which will be the day we are secure in the arms of JESUS in Heaven.

Scripture reveals to us in 1 Peter 5:8:

⁸ Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

When JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life upon the cross to pay, in full, for all sin, JESUS defeated Satan and all of his followers. Satan was defeated but GOD in HIS wisdom chose to leave Satan upon earth. Why? One possibility is that earth is not our final destination. Earth represents decay, whereas Heaven represents eternal life restored.

Earth is GOD’S proving ground and perfection of all who place their faith in JESUS. GOD desires to teach all HIS Children how to live the victorious life upon earth and then transition to Heaven upon their physical death.

GOD equips all who accept JESUS as their Savior to live the victorious life upon earth. Every Spirit-born person has the Holy Spirit permanently within him or her to be his or her Spiritual strength. But each Spirit-born person needs to know the Scripture and have faith in GOD, through faith in JESUS, to do battle with life’s issues Satan brings our way. 

In the military the recruits have to go to boot camp for basic training. Basic training is knowing the rules of combat, which can include hand to hand combat.

The Apostle Paul knew the basics of combat. Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul after his conversion to JESUS.

Why is this important? Once a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior, he/she becomes an enemy of Satan.

There are key verses that all Spirit-born people need to be equipped, such as:

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not confess Jesus^[a] is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore, what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

It is clear that all Christians are living in a Spiritual war zone every day. Satan delights in tempting, enslaving and defeating Spirit-born people. As a Christian you can be led astray by the lust of the flesh.

What is a Spirit-born person’s response to this?

What do we read in 1 John 4, verse 4 - ⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

WHO is greater that is in you than the one who is in the world (Satan and his followers)? JESUS as evidenced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. JESUS is our KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS.

Why does GOD allow Christians to be tempted?

Proverbs 27:27 - Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.^[a]

Simply the more Spirit-born people rely upon GOD through faith in JESUS, the greater our faith in GOD grows.

JESUS said it best in Matthew 17:20: ²⁰ “Because of your little faith,” he^[a] told them. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of ^[b] a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”^[c]

It is a Spirit-born person’s faith in GOD. It is unwavering faith.

What does that mean for Spirit-born people? We must trust and obey as we walk through life seeking to do the will of GOD.

Satan is still alive upon earth seeking whom he can devour. But WHO is greater? GOD, JESUS and the Holy Spirit.

So, how do we prepare for life living according the leadership of the Holy Spirit? Let’s read on -----

As Spirit-born people what is our mind-set? Is it upon the things of earth or the things of Heaven? How do we set our minds upon the things of Heaven? Read, study and apply GOD’s Word to our lives. Suit up for battle each day by putting on our new clothes which have been washed by the shed blood of JESUS. We read and study GOD’S word, which washes our minds like we wash our earthly clothes to clean them. GOD’S Word washes/cleanses our minds from the thoughts that flow in from living in the world. We read in Ephesians 5:- ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[f] her with the washing of water by the word. “Cleansing her” refers to the church. By the same power studying GOD’S Word can wash the false notions we might embrace, as Spirit-born Christians, that may entangle us as we walk with CHRIST. The study and application of GOD’S Word is vital to our walk and when we are engaged in spiritual battle.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-13:

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 

CHRIST in us is our strength. Notice that the Apostle Paul admonishes Spirit-born people to “put on the full armor of GOD.” Why? “So that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” This is a key and a powerful statement for living each moment as led by the Holy Spirit. And for the Spirit born to know how to stand against the schemes of the devil. Paul tells us why Spirit-born people need to “put on the full armor of GOD”, “¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”

Notice, “our struggle is NOT with flesh and blood” but notice Christian’s struggle with those in the heavenly realm who are in the spirit world and influence the real world. That is why we need to suit up every day.

Who do we struggle with? Struggle depicts wrestling but a Christian’s struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, evil and spiritual forces in the heavens. Therefore, Christians must do battle different from fighting against flesh and blood.

-         The Apostle Paul is teaching Spirit-born people how they are to fight in the spiritual realm. These spiritual forces can and do influence people in authority upon earth. That is why as Christians we must suit up and pray daily because these forces love to wreak havoc upon earth and especially wreak havoc upon the people of earth and most especially upon GOD’S chosen. So, brothers and sisters in CHRIST suit up every day and be ready for battle. These forces are seeking an opportunity to invade your life and render you helpless against their schemes. So, suit up because JESUS has won the victory. Claim the blood of JESUS as you engage each day GOD gives us because JESUS has defeated Satan. Earth is the proving ground for every Spirit-born person. It is upon earth we learn to live as victors with JESUS.

Now battle in the spirit world can be a learning experience. And you will likely be led into focusing upon the spirit realm and neglecting that which is vital to the Spirit-born person. Greater is HE that is in us (JESUS) who are Spirit-born or young Christians than he (Satan) that is in the world. Important for all Christians to know, when you start seeing victories do not get too big for your britches. Pay attention to what is recorded in Luke 10:20: ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (The basis for JESUS instructions is recorded in Luke 10.)

You do not want to approach the spirit world flippantly but always covered by the shed blood of JESUS and in the name of JESUS. It is always good to have other Christians praying with you when you encounter those you think are under the influence of demon spirits.

This is a good segway to our next scripture ----

Let’s read Ephesians 6:14-16:

¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

Spirit-born Christians are those who know they have been anointed with the indwelling Holy Spirit, with various evidences by the Holy Spirit and still seeking the fulness of JESUS in his/her life.

Then there is the Christian who is hanging onto CHRIST with one hand and the things of the world with the other hand. The Apostle Paul referred to these Christians as carnal. Carnal Christians have accepted JESUS as their Savior but they do not experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They cling to their flesh side.  They may have, for various reasons, made an emotional decision to follow JESUS as their Savior.

Both the Spirit-born Christians must dress for battle each and every day. We are still growing Spiritually, building the right relationship with GOD and serving our LORD JESUS. If the carnal Christian seeks the fulness of CHRIST, The Holy Spirit will lead them to discover truth and reveal the fulness of serving JESUS in the power of the Holy Spirit. Living the Christian life is a journey of discovery. The Bible is clear, “Seek and you will find, knock and the door will open.”

Discovering GOD through faith in JESUS is an awesome journey.

So, what does a Spirit-filled Christian need to wear to prepare to face the enemy each day? Let’s read on ----

¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

Satan and his followers can spot a phony in a heartbeat. And the spirit world will take advantage of you. This is no game. Living as Spirit led Christians is serious and joyful. The Holy Spirit is your guide and teacher. Will you stump your toes? Likely, but GOD uses it as a training tool to help you avoid pitfalls in the future.

Gird yourself with the belt of truth. The belt of truth for a warrior is a vital part of their dress. The belt of truth holds everything together and makes the tools for fighting available to the warrior. It holds their clothes together so the warrior does not trip over their clothes.

Notice in our scripture that every Spirit-filled person needs to take a stand. He nor she will stand in his/her own strength but in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you stand in your own strength, Satan or his followers will attack you.

When you suit up do not leave off any garment or equipment.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:17-18:

¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 

The main question is, have you truly been saved by placing your faith in JESUS? Have you asked JESUS to come into your heart and forgive you for your sins, by faith believing that HE willingly gave HIS sinless life to be your Savior? Has your step of faith been confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

The helmet of salvation protects your head from the thoughts the evil world will send to you like flaming arrows. Notice the “sword of the Spirit,” which is the word of GOD, scripture, is a vital part of a Spirit-born persons offence and defense equipment. Just know that Satan’s desire is to defeat you and render you useless to GOD’S Kingdom work. But know this, “greater is HE that is in you that he that is in the world.” (1 John 4)  

Notice that prayer keeps all Christians connected to GOD, WHO is our Commander-in-Chief. GOD knows where HIS troops are needed to reenforce those who need strengthening. Pray at all times in the Spirit and do not limit your prayers, “stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”

Stay alert and pray as the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray.

As a Spirit-born person, you are a vital soldier in GOD’S army in HIS vineyard. Stay flexible and stay in excellent Spiritual shape to go into battle when prompted by GOD our Commander-in-Chief.

Your tour of duty is exciting and your Heavenly rewards will be kept in the Heavenly Treasure where thieves will not steal or moth will not eat away.

Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in JESUS than to trust an obey. Soldiers respond to orders from their Commander.

Are you ready to be Spiritually fit for Spiritual battle? Be wise and memorize scripture.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-         Against Rulers – authorities – cosmic forces of darkness – against evil – against spiritual forces in the heavens.

-         Pay attention – these evil forces are in the heavens. They are NOT in the sky that we as humans see nor where GOD and HIS angles reside nor where we who are Spirit-born will go when we depart earth.

-         So, if these evil forces are in a separate heaven or place made to coral them, why do we have to be concerned with them? Excellent question. When they see us, humans, opening ourselves up to the things GOD tells us to stay away from, it is their invitation to break out of their confined area and come to earth. It is like humans issuing an invitation to the evil world to come and join them in their evil activity. People who open themselves to evil, in essence issue an invitation to these evil forces to come from their assigned space and come to earth. We are ignorant of this, But I ask you is evil growing worse upon earth or less? Who will go to battle against these evil forces? You may say, I am scared to fight. You would be right to fight in your own strength but when you put on the proper uniform and have the Holy Spirit within you. You are ready. But know are in a spiritual battle and CHRIST in you as manifested by the Holy Spirit is your strength.

-         Most pastors stay away from preaching messages on this subject. Why? Simply most congregants think the spirit world has been defeated and empowering the Spirit-born believers is a waist of time and is old school. Believe this is a subject that MUST be taught and preached today. Our world is already in Spiritual battle and most do not know how to fight.

-         Why do we have to fight? I thought the victory has already been won by JESUS? You are correct. However, ignorant people are opening themselves up to unknowingly inviting the spirit world to come to earth. So, how do we fight effectively?