Spiritual Warfare - Not Against Flesh and Blood
VBC Albuquerque · Apr 28, 2024
This sermon explores the true nature of believers' struggle, which is not against human beings or material things but against spiritual forces and demons. The pastor emphasizes that our warfare requires spiritual weapons from God rather than fleshly strength. The message calls believers to be strong in the Lord and to be fully equipped with God's armor to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
The sermon begins by identifying the true nature of the struggle that every believer must face. The author quotes Ephesians 6:10-12 to show that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers, the authorities, the cosmic forces of this present darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. This demonstrates that the real context of believers' struggle is in the spiritual realm, not the material one. The pastor emphasizes the importance of recognizing this truth so as not to go astray in their approach to problems.
The second section develops the spiritual strategy necessary to oppose the forces of darkness. Citing 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 shows that our weapons are not physical weapons, but the power of God to demolish strongholds and bring down arguments against the knowledge of God. The sermon illustrates God's power through biblical examples such as the story of Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-17) when horses and chariots of fire surrounded him for protection, and Daniel (Daniel 10:13) when spiritual rulers opposed him but Michael came to help. These examples demonstrate that spiritual warfare is real and God has the power to protect those who believe in Him.
The third section addresses Satan's deception and the importance of vigilance. The sermon quotes 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 to show that Satan masquerades as an angel of light, and his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. This is an important warning that believers must always be alert and correctly identify the nature of the forces they face. The sermon also reminds of the inestimable value of the soul, citing Matthew 16:25-26 and Matthew 10:28 to emphasize that one should fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell rather than fear those who kill the body.
The fourth section concludes by emphasizing the peace and reconciliation that Christ has brought. Citing Ephesians 2:14-16 shows that Christ is our peace, He has united the two groups into one and reconciled both to God in one body. This message provides hope that although spiritual warfare is real, through Christ believers can have peace and victory. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to be strong in the Lord and to be fully equipped with all of God's armor to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.