Spiritual Warfare — Part Three
Are You Prepared?

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Title: Spiritual Warfare — Part Three: Are You Prepared? ------------------- Date: 3/16/2002
Keywords: "equip" "evil" "resist" "stand"
Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation.

Passage: Ephesians 6:12-13*

12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Questions

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressful do you consider you life right now?

 

2. Sometimes we fall into traps like pornography because it seems we have too much time on our hands. What are some better ways you might be using your time?

 

3. List at least three reasons why it is important to take advantage of peaceful times we might be enjoying now to equip ourselves for the future.

 

Practical help

Last time we studied our enemy’s line of opposition and saw that it is layered and complex. How can we stand against popular world opinions and the underlying evil that promotes them? In fact, beyond simply resisting evil, how can be we more than conquerors? (Romans 8:37-39)

In verse 12 above we are told that we are in a battle and in verse 13, Paul begins to advise us on what to do about it. He says we had better dress for battle. Now normally, dressing for battle comes before the bullets start flying. To relate it to the struggle with pornography, it is wise to prepare for temptation BEFORE you turn on your computer.

Finally, once you have equipped yourself, Paul says "stand firm." This means don’t weaken, don’t buckle under pressure, don’t give in just a little, don’t allow your appetites to move you from your post, don’t desert your stand for Jesus Christ.

So many people pray a little and read a little and then, like sheep, weakly go where the enemy directs. Paul says, "Put on the FULL armor." This takes some time and concentration. It’s not a passive thing. More about this tomorrow. Have a great day!

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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."