INTRODUCTION: The first two major parts of this epistle have already been covered - dealing with the Christian's WEALTH and WALK in Christ. Our position IN HIM is an exalted and glorious one. And the WALK to which we have been called is one of blessed fellowship and spiritual beauty. But, we must never imagine that this is ALL that is involved in our Christian experience!

        All who would "walk with the Lord, in the light of His word" must face an inevitable WARFARE. We have not been called to a playground, but to a battlefield. Isaac Watts has made a very pertinent inquiry in his great hymn: "Am I a 'Soldier Of The Cross?".

Am I a soldier of the cross,         A follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause,     Or blush to speak His name?     Must I be carried to the skies         On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize,     And sailed thro' bloody seas?     Are there no foes for me to face?         Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend of grace,         To help me on to God? Sure I must fight, if I would reign;     Increase my courage, Lord; I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,         Supported by Thy Word.

        In this letter Paul issues a call to alertness that we may be prepared to join the battle and see it through to victory. This warfare is not designed to win our deliverance from hell-fire; by the "good fight of faith" we POSSESS (appropriate) OUR INHERITANCE for the coming Kingdom of God!

        It might be most surprising to know how much is written in the Scriptures likening our Christian experience to warfare, (Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17; I Tim. 1:18-20; 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7; Jas. 4:1; I Pet. 2:11). It is imperative that we join this battle and fight to the finish. For the weak, there is Christ's sufficient grace and strength, (2 Cor. 12:9). For the faithless, cowardly, compromising, carnally-minded, spineless, spiritual pacifist, there awaits a certain defeat and terrible loss, (Jas. 1:6-8).

        The rallying cry of the fearless apostle must be taken seriously; it deserves, yes, REQUIRES our earnest heed. "Finally, my brethren, BE STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the power of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand .... STAND THEREFORE!"

    10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For 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. 13 Wherefore 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.

I. THE NATURE OF OUR WARFARE (wrestling) IS EXPLAINED, (vs. 12).

1. THIS SUGGESTS INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY; in this matter there is no such thing as "group protection".


1. The fellowship of brethren is necessary to spiritual maturity.


2. In the assembly of brethren who "fearing the Lord, speak often one to another", we are strengthened, morally and spiritually, for the conflict, (Mal. 3:16).


3. But the battle is largely fought by lone individuals - away from the cheering crowd; Satan has learned to attack at our weakest point.


2. THE LONELINESS OF SUCH WARFARE INVOLVES DANGER; IT OFTEN LEADS TO DISASTER.


1. It is not so difficult to stand for Christ when surrounded by loving and sympathizing brethren.


2. But, are we prepared to STAND ALONE - when others are turning back and there is no human arm on which to lean?


3. HERE is the real test; many, in isolation and loneliness will turn back, who would never have considered such a thing when surrounded by the love and encouragement of faithful brethren.


3. The PICTURE IS ONE OF HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT; each man for himself.


1. There actually is no reason EVER to be alone; the Lord will be with us as we trust in Him, (Jas. 4:7-8; Heb. 13:5-6; Psa. 27:10-14).


2. There is an invisible hand (even a host) that works with and for us as our hearts and lives are dedicated to the service and glory of our faithful Lord, (Psa. 34:7; Dan. 6:22; Heb. 1:14).


4. IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF A LIFE-AND-DEATH STRUGGLE!


1. The enemy will be pleased with nothing short of destroying our lives.


2. This is why we dare not trust in ourselves, but to stand "in the power of his might", (1:19; Col. 1:11).


3. The only way to SAVE our lives is to LOSE THEM in Christ's service, (Matt. 16:24-27).
1. We do this only when we cease to live FOR self and dedicate our all to Him - laying ourselves completely on the altar of sacrificial service, to be used at His disposal.
2. True discipleship is a necessity; denying self, we must take up our cross DAILY to follow Jesus as LORD.
3. This means a TOTAL SURRENDER of our wills to His perfect will.

II. NEXT, THE APOSTLE UNVEILS THE CHARACTER OF THE ENEMY THAT WE MUST FACE, (vs. 11b-12).

1. OUR OPPONENTS IN THIS WARFARE ARE NOT MERE MEN (flesh and blood); THEY ARE SINISTER, SUPERNATURAL FORCES OF DARKNE55 (including demons).


1. Paul does not mean to imply that "the flesh" is not an enemy, as is clearly taught in Romans 7; he minimizes the importance of human enemies as compared with those that are supernatural.


2. It is in the spiritual realm that this war is to be fought.


3. In this warfare only spiritual resources can avail, (2 Cor. 10:3-5).
1. Though sometimes physically overwhelmed, we may still be victorious, (Zech. 4:6; Isa. 59:17-19).
2. But, to triumph, it is necessary that we have a constant supply of vital spiritual resources, (2 Cor. 4:6; Rom. 12:2; Isa. 40:29-31).


4. Christ is the inexhaustible source of strength for ALL who will continue trusting in Him, (Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9).



"Jesus is all the world to me,         My life, my joy, my all; He is my strength, from day to day,     Without Him I would fall."                    --W.L. Thompson



2. IT IS AGAINST THE WILES (Gk. "methodia", methods, stratagem) OF THE DEVIL THAT WE MUST STAND, (vs. 11).


1. No Christian has made such spiritual progress as to be immune to the assaults and seductions of the wicked one.
1. Warning is given against such self-confidence, (I Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12-14; 2 Pet. 3:17; Lk. 8:13).
2. Peter's fall is an illustration of the terrible possibility, (Matt. 14:27-32; 16:21-23; 26:31-35; Lk. 22:31-34; Matt. 26:56-58, 69-75).


2. The weaknesses and lusts of the flesh are often deadly, (Jas. 1:15; Tit. 2:12; I Pet. 2:11; Psa. 81:10-16; I Cor. 10:6, 13).


3. The challenge is much more serious when we consider that it is the master deceiver who leads, inspires and commands the forces that oppose us.


4. His determination to destroy mankind, (thwarting God's purpose to exalt man above the angels, and to rule the earth through him) has not changed since it first led to his rebellion against the Most High.
1. As a beautiful serpent, he subtly awaited man's appearance in the Garden of Eden.
2. As an "angel of light", he deceives the unsuspecting, the gullible and the self-confident.
3. As a "roaring lion", he seeks someone to devour.
4. As "the god of this age", he exercises a fearful influence over the hearts and minds of men - accepting their worship through various objects.


5. Incarnate as "the man of sin", it will one day appear that he has defeated God's purpose - when the whole world wanders after the beast!


3. SEVERAL DESCRIPTIVE TERMS ARE USED BY THE APOSTLE TO IDENTIFY OUR ENEMIES IN THIS BATTLE OF LIFE.


1. "Principalities and powers" appear to be the highest angel-princes in the hierarchy of the heavenlies - now ruled over by Satan, (1:21; 3:10).
1. Jesus Christ created these beings, and they must ultimately bow to His authority, (Col. 1:16; 2:10).
2. Through the cross, He "spoiled principalities and powers" - disarming and driving them before Him in His triumphal procession, (Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14). This may explain His leading "captivity captive" in Ephesians 4:8.
3. Actually, we face vanquished powers; yet it is only through union with the victorious Christ that we make this triumph our own.


2. "World-rulers of this darkness".
1. Ancient philosophers regarded and worshipped the "lords of the planets" - as watching over the fortunes of men and nations.
2. Daniel (10:13, 20) pictures them as "princes" who control world-empires in opposition to the true God.


3. (Hosts of) "Spiritual wickedness in heavenly places".
1. So, there ARE creatures in outer-space!
2. These terms suggest their nature, number and power, rather than different orders of beings.


4. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT NO MAN CAN STAND ALONE!

        How desperately do we need the mighty strength that God has placed at our disposal "in Christ!" Such power as was evidence in His resurrection. Though the whole world "lieth in wickedness", "we are of God", (I John 5:19).

        Paul urges all saints to recognize their privileges in this position - laying hold of this spiritual dynamic whereby they may be victorious. It is necessary for the warfare from which we cannot escape. And, without it we will not be able to stand.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

1. What is the purpose of our spiritual warfare?
2. Do we have any choice as to whether we will get involved in this conflict?
3. What is necessary if we are to gain the victory?
4. What is the nature of this warfare?
5. Are our opponents "real", or imaginary?
6. What sort of enemies do we face?
7. Can anyone afford to be self-confident in facing this enemy?
8. Why must the flesh be crucified?
9. What is the purpose of the enemy in this conflict?
10. How does Paul identify our enemies in this battle of life?
11. Is it possible for any man to stand alone against this terrible foe?
12. Where may we find sufficient strength to stand?
13. Are YOU alert and watchful? or will the enemy find you an easy target?