The reality of the struggle
• The devil’s schemes/wiles/craftiness• Struggle against .....the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms• Active but limited force. Masquerades as light.• Deliver us from evil.....Lord’s prayer• ...your minds may be led astray from your
sincere and pure devotion to Christ 2 Cor 11:3
Be imitators of God 5:1
Full armour
• Belt of truth• Breastplate of righteousness• Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of
peace ...reconciliation• Shield of faith• Helmet of salvation• Sword of the spirit
Offensive
• Small sword – Take up• Double - edged• Precise...sharp....• Word of God – living, active, powerful Heb 4:12
Enduring Is 40:2
• Dwell in you richly Col 3:16
• Facing the enemy. Obey it Lk 11:28
• Wrestling (1 to 1 combat...Jacob)
TemptationsMt 4
• Jesus......It is written...• Jesus .....It is also written• Jesus .....For it is written
• Away from me Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. V 10
(Resist the devil and he will flee from you)
Sword of the spirit
• I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you Ps 119:11
• Dwell in you richly• Not just hearers but doers• Useful for teaching, correcting, training in
righteousness...equipping for every good work 2 Tim 3:16
• Handle with care! (A workman who correctly handles the word of truth 2 Tim 2:15)
Word• God-breathed 2 Tim 3:16
• Fire.....Hammer Jer 23:29
• Living and active Heb 4:12
• Will not return empty Is 55:11
• Lamp to our feet and a light to our path• Enduring: The grass withers and the flowers
fall but the word of our God stands forever
Paul to Timothy
• “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction......” 2 Tim 4:2